Vidhan: The Policy Triathlon 2026 Concludes At IIM Ranchi; Over 200 Students Participate Nationwide
The second edition of Vidhan: The Policy Triathlon 2026 was successfully held on February 22, 2026, at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ranchi campus. This national-level public policy competition was jointly organized by the National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi, and IIM Ranchi.
About Vidhan
Vidhan is a student-led interdisciplinary initiative aimed at promoting informed, evidence-based public policy discourse and democratic engagement among students. The competition was conceptualized and executed by student bodies, with the Kautilya Society of NUSRL Ranchi collaborating with Polytrics and Paradox, the public policy clubs of IIM Ranchi.
Nationwide Participation and Evaluation
The 2026 edition of Vidhan received an overwhelming response, with over 200 registrations from students across the country. Participants hailed from various prestigious institutions, including:
- Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
- National Law Universities (NLUs)
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
- National Institutes of Technology (NITs)
- Private universities
Following a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process, 11 teams were shortlisted as finalists. These teams presented their policy proposals before an expert jury in the final round.
Valedictory Session
The valedictory session featured notable guests, including Shri Deepak Prakash, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha. In his address, he emphasized that the success of public policy should be evaluated not only by its formulation but also by its implementation and tangible impact, particularly on marginalized communities. Other dignitaries, including Prof. Deepak Srivastava, Director of IIM Ranchi, and Dr. Utkarsh Verma, Assistant Professor at NUSRL Ranchi, also addressed the gathering.
Winners and Awards
The competition concluded with an award ceremony where the winners were announced:
- First Prize: Indian Institute of Management Shillong – ₹20,000 and a Manupatra course subscription.
- Second Prize: NUSRL Ranchi – ₹15,000 and a Manupatra course subscription.
- Third Prize: Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNLU), Patiala – ₹10,000 and a Manupatra course subscription.
Institutional Support and Partnerships
Vidhan 2026 received substantial support from several institutional partners. Key partnerships included:
- Knowledge Partners: Think India and Manupatra
- Academic Partners: Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy and the Association for Democratic Reforms
- Media Partner: LiveLaw
Student Leadership and Coordination
The initiative was originally conceptualized by Gaurav Kumar Mandal, the founding convenor of the Kautilya Society at NUSRL Ranchi, in collaboration with Ashish Ranjan and Soham Mondal from IIM Ranchi, under faculty mentorship. The execution of Vidhan 2026 was coordinated by student teams from both institutions. Key contributors included:
- NUSRL Ranchi: Sumit Kumar Singh and Divyansh Singh, along with the Kautilya Society and Think India NUSRL teams.
- IIM Ranchi: Jiya Bhatiya and members of the Polytrics and Paradox Clubs.
Conclusion
With growing participation and institutional support, Vidhan continues to serve as a student-driven platform for policy deliberation, fostering engagement at the intersection of law, governance, and public policy. The event not only showcases the talents of students but also emphasizes the importance of informed public discourse in shaping effective policies for the future.
Note: The success of events like Vidhan reflects the increasing interest among students in public policy and governance, highlighting the role of educational institutions in nurturing future leaders.
