Dr. Reddy served as a Professor of International Law and also held various leadership positions at NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, including the Directorship of the Centre for Aerospace and Defence Laws (CADL) and the Centre for Tribal and Land Rights (CTLR). He was also the LL.M. Course Coordinator for International Trade and Business Law (ITBL) at NALSAR. Notably, he was the Registrar of NALSAR University of Law for an impressive eight years. With over 30 years of teaching and research experience, Dr. Reddy’s expertise in International Law earned him several prestigious accolades, including the Meritorious State Teachers Award from the Higher Education Department, Government of Telangana, and NALSAR’s Excellence in Research Award for outstanding publications.

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You held key positions at various prestigious institutions throughout your career. What is that one thing that made you excited and walk with Mahindra University on the journey?

What greatly enthused me about joining Mahindra University and embarking on this new chapter was the institution's steadfast dedication to innovation, comprehensive education, and relentless pursuit of creating a dynamic and forward-thinking academic atmosphere. Having dedicated over two decades to NALSAR University of Law, I had the privilege of serving in various pivotal roles, from Professor of Law to contributing to the General Council (GC), Executive Council (EC), and Academic Council (AC). 

Receiving NALSAR's Excellence in Research Award for the Academic Year 2020-2021 was a notable acknowledgment of my dedication to producing outstanding publications and advancing legal scholarship. Similarly, the Meritorious Teachers Award in 2017 by the Higher Education Department of the Government of Telangana underscored my unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching and education. A pivotal moment in my career was when NALSAR received acclaim from the Nobel Peace Prize Award-Winning Institute, Institut De Droit International (IDI), for hosting its 78th Session in 2017. This recognition not only spotlighted the global standing of NALSAR but also showcased India's capacity to host prestigious international events.

Therefore, what truly attracted me to Mahindra University was its shared commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary learning, global perspectives, and the cultivation of a spirit of research and entrepreneurship. This aligns seamlessly with my vision of education, and I am eagerly anticipating contributing to Mahindra University's journey to shape the future of education and empower students to excel in an ever-evolving world.

How do you balance the needs of faculty, students, and administration as a dean of a School of Law?

As the Dean of a School of Law, my role is a delicate balancing act that requires careful consideration of the needs and expectations of three critical stakeholders: faculty, students, and administration. My approach centers on open communication, empowerment, a student-centric ethos, administrative efficiency, conflict resolution, and strategic planning.

Effective communication serves as the foundation of my approach. I believe in fostering open and transparent channels of communication. Regular meetings and forums provide a platform for faculty, students, and administrative staff to express their concerns and ideas. This inclusivity ensures that all voices are heard and considered. Empowering faculty members is paramount to academic excellence. Recognizing them as the intellectual backbone of the institution, I prioritize their professional development and well-being. This includes support for ongoing training and research, creating an environment where innovation in teaching is encouraged, and providing resources for scholarly pursuits.

A student-centered approach is at the heart of my philosophy. I strive to create an environment that nurtures students' growth and holistic development. I actively listen to their concerns, involve them in decision-making processes, and ensure their academic needs are met. Accessible advising services, mentorship programs, and extracurricular opportunities further enhance their experience. Efficient administration is crucial for seamless operations. I collaborate closely with the administrative team to streamline processes, allocate resources judiciously, and enhance overall efficiency. Conflict resolution and mediation are essential in any institution. I am committed to addressing conflicts fairly and impartially through established grievance mechanisms. 

Strategic planning is the linchpin that ties all these elements together. A comprehensive strategic plan, developed with input from faculty and students and addressing administrative concerns, aligns with the institution's goals and aspirations. This shared vision guides our actions and decisions, providing a roadmap for the institution's future. Through these efforts, I aim to create an inclusive and collaborative academic community where excellence, innovation, and integrity thrive, benefiting not only the institution but also society at large.

As a Dean of the School of Law, what is the USP or what are the differentiating factors that make Mahindra University stand out from other colleges?

The School of Law at Mahindra University stands out as a unique institution in the realm of legal education, offering several differentiating factors that set it apart from other colleges. Mahindra University's School of Law is founded on the philosophy of securing justice, equality, and service to all sections of society. This foundational belief underscores the institution's commitment to the principles of fairness, equity, and social responsibility. The School of Law recognizes the ever-changing needs of society. Mahindra University is known for its innovative educational systems. It leverages modern teaching and learning methods to develop well-rounded and highly-trained legal professionals. 

The School of Law distinguishes itself by offering a diverse and flexible curriculum. It covers a wide range of legal topics, both domestic and international, ensuring that students are exposed to the latest trends in academia and legal practice. To facilitate a seamless learning experience, the School of Law provides students with access to state-of-the-art resources. These factors collectively contribute to creating a unique and enriching educational experience that prepares students to excel in the legal field while fostering a sense of social responsibility and justice.

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How do you stay current with the latest trends and developments in the field of Law and incorporate them into the curriculum and programs offered by Mahindra University?

Staying current with the latest trends and developments in the field of law and incorporating them into the curriculum and programs offered by Mahindra University is essential to providing students with a relevant and forward-thinking legal education. I actively engage with legal scholars, practitioners, and experts within various specialized areas of law through conferences, seminars, and legal symposiums, and networking with professionals who are at the forefront of legal innovation. As Dean, I prioritize ongoing legal research, encouraging faculty members to engage in research projects that explore contemporary legal topics. This research not only contributes to the advancement of legal knowledge but also informs curriculum development.

Faculty members play a crucial role in curriculum design and delivery. I ensure that our faculty members are encouraged and supported to stay current with the latest legal developments through regular training and professional development opportunities. Establishing partnerships and collaborations with other law schools, legal research institutions, and legal think tanks is vital. My plans for the school include forging strategic partnerships with international and national institutions to facilitate student exchange programs. 

Law is increasingly global in nature. I am working towards incorporating global perspectives in our programs, exposing students to international legal trends and issues. Establishing feedback mechanisms involving students, faculty, and legal professionals allows us to gather input on the curriculum's strengths and weaknesses. This feedback is invaluable in making informed decisions about curriculum updates. We continuously engage with legal experts, research, faculty development, partnerships, interdisciplinary approaches, regular reviews, feedback, and adaptability. 

How well is Mahindra University focusing on maintaining industry relationships with companies to leverage them for live projects, training, and placements for the students?

The thing truly sets Mahindra apart is its unwavering dedication to cultivating strong industry relationships, and creating a dynamic educational ecosystem that enriches students and prepares them for the ever-evolving legal landscape. Sponsored by Mahindra Educational Institutions (MEI), a subsidiary of Tech Mahindra, the Mahindra Group's flagship IT company, the School of Law benefits from a powerful corporate affiliation. This affiliation grants access to an extensive industry network, positioning the institution to leverage these connections for the students' benefit.

The university's overarching vision revolves around educating future citizens for a better world. To achieve this vision, the School of Law prioritizes several key principles. The institution recognizes the significance of interdisciplinary education, integrating science and technology with liberal arts, ethics, philosophy, and design thinking which equips students with the ability to tackle multifaceted legal challenges. Mahindra University emphasizes the balance between education and hands-on experience. Through entrepreneurial projects, students are encouraged to address complex societal issues, bridging the gap between theory and practice. The School of Law boasts an international faculty roster with rich industry-academic backgrounds and global exposure. This diverse faculty brings a strong research focus to the curriculum.

Mahindra University's School of Law offers integrated undergraduate programs, blending core law and economics courses with liberal arts subjects. This unique approach provides students with a comprehensive legal education that prepares them for various aspects of the legal profession. The 3-year LL.B. (Hons.) The program, initiated in 2022, emphasizes industry-based learning. It goes beyond the Bar Council of India's requirements, incorporating industry-specific specializations as elective honors. A flexible credit structure enables students to gain industry-relevant skills through internships and clinical electives. Student exchange programs with leading foreign universities enhance global career prospects.

What is something a law course aspirant can expect from joining Mahindra University?

Aspiring law students joining Mahindra University can anticipate a transformative educational journey that goes beyond the conventional boundaries of legal education. At Mahindra University's School of Law, they can expect holistic legal education, alongside core legal subjects, students engage with liberal arts, humanities, ethics, and design thinking, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the legal profession's complexities. The curriculum is designed to align with industry needs. It incorporates interdisciplinary elements and industry-specific specializations, ensuring that graduates are equipped with skills and knowledge that are directly applicable in the real world.

Students can look forward to hands-on experience through entrepreneurial projects and industry internships. This practical approach bridges the gap between theory and practice, honing their problem-solving abilities. The presence of an international faculty roster and student exchange programs with leading foreign universities offer global perspectives and open doors to international career opportunities. Mahindra University's philosophy revolves around justice, equality, and service to society. Students can expect to be instilled with a strong sense of social responsibility and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. 

Sponsored by Tech Mahindra, the institution enjoys strong industry connections, offering students opportunities for networking, internships, and placements with leading organizations. Students can anticipate innovative teaching methods that incorporate the latest in educational technology and pedagogy, enhancing their learning experience. Mahindra University's School of Law promises a dynamic and forward-thinking legal education that prepares students not just for the legal profession but also for contributing meaningfully to society, embracing global perspectives, and navigating the complexities of the ever-changing legal landscape.

What are the biggest challenges currently facing Law colleges, and how do you plan to address them as the dean?

Law colleges are currently facing several significant challenges, and addressing them effectively is crucial for maintaining the quality and relevance of legal education. As the Dean of Mahindra University's School of Law, I am committed to tackling these challenges proactively. The legal profession is undergoing rapid digitization and automation. To address this challenge, I plan to integrate technology into the curriculum, offering courses on legal technology, data analysis, and cybersecurity. 

Developing cutting-edge course curriculum through industry–academia connect. This is imperative to ensure that students receive an education that aligns with the latest industry trends and demands. The legal field intersects with various other disciplines. To equip students with holistic knowledge, interdisciplinary courses will be introduced, encouraging them to explore connections between law, technology, ethics, business, and more. Strong research and writing skills are essential for legal professionals. I plan to establish a legal research center and provide comprehensive training in legal research methods, writing, and analysis.

Hands-on experience is vital for legal education. We will expand our clinical legal education programs, offering students opportunities to work on real cases, provide legal aid to marginalized communities, and gain practical skills. Preparing students for the job market is crucial. We will enhance career services, facilitate internships and placements, and provide skills development workshops to ensure students are job-ready.

How would you promote experiential learning and practical application of knowledge within the School of Law?

Promoting experiential learning and practical knowledge application is paramount at the School of Law. To achieve this, we are dedicated to two essential strategies: clinical legal education and an industry-academia connection. We will expand our clinical programs, enabling students to actively engage with real legal cases. Under faculty supervision, students will provide legal counsel, conduct research, and represent clients, gaining invaluable hands-on experience.

Collaborating with legal industry leaders, law firms, and organizations, we will offer internships and externships that immerse students in real legal environments. These experiences expose students to practical challenges, refine their skills, and provide networking opportunities. We will also organize workshops, seminars, and guest lectures featuring legal practitioners, enhancing students' exposure to contemporary legal issues and trends. These initiatives will not only foster practical skills but also instill a strong sense of social responsibility, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared, ethically conscious legal professionals.

What kind of steps Mahindra University is taking to bridge the gap between academia and the real industry world?

Mahindra University employs a multifaceted approach to foster a seamless connection between academia and the dynamic industry landscape. Our institution actively forges robust partnerships with industry stalwarts, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, research synergies, and the crafting of a curriculum that remains aligned with current industry requisites. We champion the cause of experiential learning through internships and placements with esteemed industry players empowering our students with hands-on experience while enabling them to build invaluable networks.

Our academic calendar is enriched with enlightening sessions featuring accomplished industry professionals for our students to gain profound insights into contemporary industry challenges and burgeoning trends. We foster a culture of collaborative research endeavors that unite our erudite faculty with industry experts which drives innovation, encourages analytical thinking, and engenders pragmatic solutions to real-world industry conundrums. Nurturing entrepreneurship is embedded in our ethos. Through state-of-the-art incubation centers, we empower students to transform nascent ideas into flourishing startups, effectively closing the chasm between academic theory and industry practice.

Incorporating these refined strategies ensures that our graduates emerge as well-rounded professionals, not just proficient academicians, well-equipped to thrive in the dynamic and fiercely competitive industry panorama.