A New Start: Cultivating Writing Culture at Khwopa College of Law 

Jeewita and Sujata are BALLB 3rd-year students at Khwopa College of Law. They are also members of the Research Committee, which operates the Khwopa College of Law Blog (KCL Blog). Both are delighted to be bestowed with the opportunity to take responsibility for KCL Blog this year.

In this article, they share a heartfelt conversation on the establishment of KCL Blog, how they hope it will grow, and their thoughts on the significant role of writing culture. Their discussion reflects their personal experiences with writing and their aspirations for building a stronger writing culture at the college.

Jeewita: I was wondering, why is writing culture important, especially for us ? Isn’t it enough to just read theories and understand scholars' perspectives? What is so significant about combining words and forming sentences?

Sujata: Reading gives us perspectives, but writing is how we express our own ideas and thoughts. From my own experience, I often had an idea in my head but struggled to find the right words or sentences to express it. So reading alone is not enough, writing is also important. And I feel that in order to write well, we must read first.

Jeewita: Absolutely! Hearing your experience made me remember my own. I occasionally journal. It has made me realize that if we do not write, we may never know our own perspectives. As law students, what values do we advocate for? What issues affect us? Our own voice can only be constructed and amplified if we write.

When I journalled, my inner monologues were reflected in visible words. Only then I realized that I have my own opinions. So, I believe that you will never know your ideas until you pick up a pen and start writing.

Sujata: I believe writing is a skill that develops with practice. The more we write, the more comfortable we become expressing our thoughts, organizing our ideas, and finding better words. That is why I am so excited that KCL Blog has finally been established. I cannot wait to write and explore my own ideas.

Jeewita: I am so glad that we pushed forward with KCL Blog initiative.

Sujata: Me too. In our day-to-day lives, we are constantly engaging with socio-legal issues, but we do not have a platform where we can share our ideas, research, and engage in discussion beyond the classroom.

I wished for a space where students and faculty could publish their writings. I truly believe that KCL Blog can be the start of the habit of writing, research, and critical thinking about contemporary socio-legal issues.

Jeewita: I have the same opinion as yours. In the realm of social media, we are consuming more content than creating it. I think KCL Blog can be a reminder for students and faculty to pause, reflect, and write on topics that are nationally and internationally important.

In the same way, it serves as an accessible and safe platform to discuss and share various perspectives. I personally feel like it can be a place where one can experience a deep feeling of satisfaction, after creating and sharing something in the form of writing.

Sujata: Well, there is a question I'm curious about. What do you feel, can writing create change?

Jeewita: Hmm… I think, if we write an article, even a short one, people read that. Reading eventually makes them grasp some ideas and knowledge. When people have ideas to share, they start conversing with each other, eventually leading to discussions with peers, and this can act as a catalyst for reforms.

Sujata: KCL Blog platform also holds the same objectives, doesn’t it? Reading, writing, discussion, and reform. Topics such as contemporary national and international legal issues, human rights and the rule of law, international relations and diplomacy, social justice, book reviews, reflections on classroom discussions, and many more are just like seeds for spreading ideas and starting dialogue.

Jeewita: For students, KCL Blog can be a platform for developing research, analytical, and writing skills. It can also provide space for the expression of diverse and contrasting opinions for self and institutional reflection. But for faculty, how can this platform serve?

Sujata: For faculty members, it can be a platform for them to share their academic knowledge, professional experience, and different perspectives that can enrich the discussions on the blog. Their contributions can also help students understand how legal issues are approached beyond textbooks and classrooms. I think their participation would give the blog greater depth while making it a more inclusive academic platform for KCL.

Jeewita: I agree. Discussions and sharing of ideas between students and faculty can lead to diverse perspectives. Students can read articles from faculty about their professional experience, equipping them for real-world practice. The auto-ethnographical legal writing can actually help students observe how their teachers face daily challenges and rewards in their professional journey.

Sujata: Finally, it is more of a predictive question, but I really wanted to ask you this: How do you envision KCL Blog in the future?

Jeewita: What a great question! Thinking about the future always makes me feel positive. I see KCL Blog as a platform where many students' journeys towards research and writing begin. I hope they remember that this space made them realize that their opinions matter. What about you?

Sujata: I envision KCL Blog as a student-driven platform where students regularly write and discuss legal and contemporary issues in the future too. I hope this platform feels like it belongs to the students and faculty and contributes to building a stronger research and writing culture at the college.

I hope it grows as a safe and academic space for students of Khwopa College of Law and runs for years and years.

Jeewita: I wish the same. We built the foundation this year; I hope every student of Khwopa College of Law now adds their contribution to this foundation.

KCL Blog is a new start: an academic platform dedicated to developing writing culture and skills, to find one's own voice, share perspectives and start discussions.