Inaugural Ceremony of the 17th ESDR School on “ESDR and Digital Technology” along with KSL Law Review Volume 14 Release
The 17th Economic, Social, and Development Rights (ESDR) School, themed “ESDR and Digital Technology,” the longest-running flagship residential program of Kathmandu School of Law (KSL), formally commenced on 15 December and will continue till 5 January 2026.
The inaugural program was attended by KSL faculty members and 24 participants representing 10 universities across four countries—Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
During the opening ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Bhishma Sangroula, Campus Chief of Kathmandu School of Law, welcomed the participants, faculty members, and organizers, and expressed his best wishes for a meaningful and transformative academic journey.
In his keynote address, Program Chair Prof. Dr. Yubaraj Sangroula reflected on the legacy of the ESDR School as KSL’s flagship academic initiative. He stated artificial intelligence as a contemporary form of colonization, highlighting how it mostly impose Western-centric knowledge. He emphasized that the fundamental objective of ESDR is emancipation from colonial mindset.
The occasion also marked the release of Kathmandu School of Law Review (KSLR), Volume 14 (2025). Dr. Amritha V. Shenoy, Managing Director of KSLR, expressed her gratitude to the authors, advisors, and editorial team for their valuable contributions to the publication.
Vice-Campus Chief Ms. Laxmi Sapkota wished participants a productive and pleasant stay, hoping for a stay that would be both intellectually benefitting and personally rewarding.
Assoc. Prof. Swechhya Sangroula, Head of the International Relations Department, thanked the participants for placing their trust in KSL.
Concluding the program, Prof. Dr. Geeta Pathak, Executive Director, reflected on how language itself is a product of colonization, drawing from her professional experience. She expressed her appreciation to all participants, faculty members, and everyone who contributed directly or indirectly to the successful commencement of the 21 days program.