NLU Delhi launches student-run magazine Prof Madhava Menon releases first edition of Audi Alteram Partem

On September 5, 2012, on the occasion of Teacher’s Day, Prof. NR Madhava Menon released the first edition of ‘Audi Alteram Partem’, the quarterly student magazine of National Law University, Delhi. ‘AAP’, as it is informally called, is a student-run initiative led by a group of second-year students. Bar & Bench spoke to two of the editors, Akansha Seth and Bhargavi Vadeyar, to find out more about the magazine..Bar & Bench: How did the idea of Audi Alteram Partem come about?.Akansha Seth & Bhargavi Vadeyar: In law school, as we are sure you all know, it is difficult to find the time to step back from the mad rush of moots, exams and internships and just pick up a pen and write something because you feel like it. It is very important for students to have an outlet for their creativity, and we believe that this venture is just that. So, we decided to ‘Audi Alteram Partem’ and play the press..B&B: What is the basic objective of AAP and how did you decide on the name ‘Audi Alteram Partem’? .AS & BV: One of the main objectives of this is to chronicle the various activities taking place at NLUD and to allow for the exchange of views on contemporary issues in various spheres such as politics, sports, etc..For the name, we wanted something which reflects the intent behind the magazine. Since this is the first time something like this is being done in NLUD, we wanted to give everyone an opportunity to express whatever they wanted, and to express it truly. We also wanted it to relate to law, and be fun..B&B: Can you give a brief insight into the contents of AAP? .AS & BV: In the final print, the magazine consists of various sections, including The Legal Watchdog (legal affairs), From the Reporter’s Desk (commentary on the recent headlines), Round the Clock (campus events), TLC (travel, living and culture) and Open Space (the place where we shove all the stuff that doesn’t fit into any other category)..B&B: What has been the response from the student fraternity? .AS & BV: The response from the students of the University has been tremendous. Many students expressed their excitement at having a student magazine at NLUD and have appreciated the initiative. We’ve also been lucky in the response we’ve received from students in terms of contributions..B&B: How do you see AAP shaping up in the coming years? .AS & BV: It is too early to predict what the outcome of our venture will be. We hope that it continues to receive the support and enthusiastic response that the first edition did, and we hope that we will never be short of articles to include. But most of all, we hope that it will remain the mouthpiece of an institution and that of every soul dwelling within its boundaries. We believe that future editors of AAP will find new ways to develop it in terms of content and format..B&B: What role has the administration and your other colleagues played in the successful launch of this endeavour? .AS & BV: The support given to us by the university and all the students, and specifically the support given to us by our beloved Vice Chancellor and our faculty advisor Mr. Nawneet Vibhaw, has been a great motivating factor. The administration is providing all the finances for printing the magazine and is guaranteeing absolute autonomy to the editorial board..Also, such an endeavour would not have been possible without the work put in by all the editors, namely Akshat Srivastava, Divyam Nandajag, Harshit Kohli, Rangashree TK, Sanya Kumar, Sanya Sud and Tania Singla. Lastly, Anuja Agarwal and Dhruv Garg, thank you for putting up with our repeated phone calls, texts and emails asking you to do ‘just one more thing, please’..This interview was conducted by NLU Delhi student Sarvjeet Singh on behalf of Bar & Bench