HPNLU Marks 80th Independence Day with Patriotic Celebrations and Plantation Drive in Presence of Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia

Shimla, August 15, 2026: Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, celebrated the 80th Independence Day on August 15 with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm, combining a formal Independence Day function with a plantation drive focused on environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

The Independence Day programme was organised by the Student Enrichment Cell, HPNLU, while the plantation drive was jointly conducted by the NCC Unit and Youth Red Cross Society of HPNLU in collaboration with the Forest Department, Government of Himachal Pradesh.

The plantation programme was held in the august presence of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh and Chancellor, HPNLU, Shimla. Several Hon’ble Judges of the High Court, senior Forest Department officials, faculty members, officers, staff and students participated in the initiative.

The celebrations commenced with a welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) Alok Kumar, Registrar, HPNLU. Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, Vice-Chancellor, delivered the Independence Day address, highlighting the significance of constitutional values, national unity, responsible citizenship and the role of young people in nation-building.

The Flag Hoisting Ceremony was followed by the National Anthem. The patriotic spirit was further strengthened through a collective rendition of “Vande Mataram” and vibrant patriotic and cultural presentations by students. The programme concluded with the distribution of sweets among faculty members, officers, staff and students, reinforcing the spirit of unity and togetherness.

The plantation drive witnessed the participation of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vivek Singh Thakur, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sushil Kukreja, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Virender Singh, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ranjan Sharma, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Bipin Chander Negi, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rakesh Kainthla, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Romesh Verma.

Representing the Forest Department, Dr. Sanjay Sood, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF), Government of Himachal Pradesh, participated in the plantation initiative and encouraged the HPNLU community to promote environmental conservation and sustainable practices.

The celebrations provided an opportunity for the university community to honour the sacrifices of freedom fighters and reaffirm its commitment to the ideals of democracy, constitutionalism, environmental responsibility and nation-building. The plantation initiative further reflected HPNLU’s commitment to creating a greener and more sustainable future.