NLSIU Announces the Rajiv K. Luthra Foundation Grant

The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru is excited to introduce the Rajiv K. Luthra Foundation Grant! This grant will back three important projects at the University: (i) refurbishing the Academic Wing of the Old Academic Block, (ii) establishing two Rajiv K Luthra Gold Medals, and (iii) launching an Annual Lecture Series.

Renovation of the Academic Wing: The Old Academic Block (OAB) holds a special place in our university's history, having been under construction since 1988. It's been the heart of academic and administrative life on campus. Now, we're embarking on a journey to revitalize and enhance the OAB, focusing on both the Faculty Wing and the Academic Wing. With the support of the RKL Foundation grant, we'll be able to transform the Academic Wing, creating modern classrooms and seminar rooms. This renovated space will be known as the 'Rajiv K. Luthra Academic Wing,' honoring the generosity of the foundation.

Rajiv K Luthra Gold Medals: This grant will endow two gold medals in perpetuity in the memory of Shri. Rajiv K Luthra. These gold medals will be awarded to two deserving students - one from the graduating class of the 5-Year BA LLB (Hons), and another from the graduating class of the 3-Year LLB (Hons) programme.

Annual Lecture Series: The grant will support an Annual Lecture in memory of Shri. Rajiv Luthra for a period of five years.

Remarking on this collaboration, Gayatri Luthra, Chairperson, Rajiv K. Luthra Foundation said: "We are immensely proud to announce our partnership with NLS, Bengaluru as we embark on a transformative journey together to expand educational opportunities and foster academic excellence. NLS always held a uniquely special role in Rajiv's heart and we are very happy to be participating in the next phase of the University's journey as it expands its infrastructural facilities. The Rajiv K. Luthra memorial medals will inspire students to reach greater heights of academic excellence even in the face of adversity.

The annual lecture series will invite renowned subject matter experts to brainstorm and debate pressing legal issues of the day. Together with the University, we aspire to create a brighter future for generations to come, driven by the power of education and equal opportunity."

NLSIU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sudhir Krishnaswamy said: "Shri. Rajiv K Luthra was a friend and supporter of the National Law School of India University, Bengaluru. At its founding, he was among the early enthusiastic members of the Bar who supported this innovative experiment.

Subsequently, Mr. Luthra became one of the largest recruiters from NLSIU as he created one of India's best law firms. Today, we extend his legacy at NLSIU by redeveloping the academic wing of the Old Academic Block, endowing two gold medals, and institutionalising a new annual lecture series, in his name. We are grateful to Ms. Gayathri Luthra and the Rajiv K Luthra Foundation for this grant. We are confident that with their support, we will develop more enduring ways to celebrate his legacy, and encourage the education of future leaders of the legal profession."

About Rajiv K. Luthra Foundation

The Rajiv K. Luthra Foundation stands as a beacon of social development in education, driven by the memory of its founder, Rajiv K. Luthra. Rajiv, a visionary lawyer and the founder of Luthra & Luthra Law Offices India, transformed a humble one-room operation in 1989 into one of India's largest law firms. His legacy lives on through the foundation's mission to support deserving law students with scholarships and financial aid.

Rajiv Krishan Luthra's pioneering spirit and dedication to excellence propelled Luthra & Luthra Law Offices to global recognition. Under his leadership, the firm expanded to over 350 members and 65 Partners across New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. His groundbreaking work in areas like taxation, competition, capital markets, and project finance earned the firm top rankings globally.

Rajiv's contributions to the legal profession were celebrated with numerous awards and accolades, including recognition by former Chief Justice of India, KG Balakrishnan, and former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh. His legacy of excellence and commitment to legal education continue to inspire through the Rajiv K. Luthra Foundation's initiatives.

Rajiv Luthra's legacy as a visionary, philanthropist, and compassionate individual lives on through the Rajiv K. Luthra Foundation, established by the Luthra family in his honor. In its initial phase, the foundation is dedicated to advancing his altruistic vision through three key initiatives. Firstly, it aims to support deserving students by providing grants and scholarships for legal education, covering everything from entrance exam coaching to college tuition fees and living expenses. Secondly, it seeks to promote legal education and enhance legal literacy within society. Thirdly, it plans to organize panel discussions, colloquiums, and moots across colleges, focusing on areas of law that were close to Rajiv Luthra's heart.

About NLSIU

NLSIU, India's pioneering National Law University established in 1987, embarked on a mission to transform legal education and reshape the Indian legal system. Over the past three decades, it has led the way in legal education and research, consistently topping rankings like the National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) for six consecutive years.
In 2021, we launched the 'NLSIU Inclusion and Expansion Plan 2021-25', focusing on three key areas: Student Inclusion & Expansion, Faculty & Research, and Finance & Infrastructure. Through this plan, we increased student intake from 190 to 560 per annum, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds nationwide. We also recruited top-notch faculty from leading universities and boosted our research efforts. Our infrastructure has expanded too, with new classrooms, upgraded hostels, and a state-of-the-art academic library. Additionally, we've embraced digital transformation to streamline academic, administrative, and residential processes.