Sankalp 51A @ Mahakumbh: A Pioneering Initiative by RPNLU, Prayagraj to Integrate Law, Humanity, and Social Service

Prayagraj, 01st Feb 2025 — Under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Sr. Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon, RPNLU Prayagraj has launched the significant initiative ‘Sankalp 51A’ at Mahakumbh 2025.

Bridging Legal Aid and Humanitarian Assistance at Mahakumbh 2025

The Mahakumbh Mela, the world's largest religious gathering, attracts millions of devotees from across India and beyond. While the event is a beacon of spiritual significance, it also presents substantial logistical and humanitarian challenges. In response, Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University (RPNLU), Prayagraj, under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Sr. Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon, launched ‘Sankalp 51A @ Mahakumbh’, an initiative that seamlessly integrates legal aid with civic assistance to support pilgrims and those in distress.

Rooted in the constitutional ethos of Article 51A, which emphasizes fundamental duties, the initiative is committed to justice, community service, and humanitarian intervention. The project has been operating a Legal Aid Camp at Sector 24 of Mahakumbh since January 13, 2025, and will continue its service until February 26, 2025.

Rescuing a Pilgrim: The Case of Atul Chandra Das

One of the most heart-wrenching cases encountered by the Sankalp Team was that of Atul Chandra Das, a 70-year-old pilgrim from Gossaigaon, Kokrajhar, Assam, who became a victim of the stampede on Mauni Amavasya (January 29, 2025).

Atul Chandra Das had traveled to Prayagraj with his wife to take a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam but was tragically separated from her during the stampede. He sustained severe leg injuries and was left stranded at SRN Medical College, Prayagraj, where he lay shivering in the cold, pleading for food and warmth.

Recognizing the urgency of his situation, the Sankalp Team immediately provided him with food and legal aid. However, a significant challenge arose due to the language barrier, as he spoke only Assamese and had no identification documents. The team swiftly coordinated with a local Assamese speaker to facilitate communication, reported the matter to the local police, and sought assistance from the District Collector of Kokrajhar.

Despite initial bureaucratic delays, persistent efforts led to a breakthrough when the SDO (Civil) of Gossaigaon directed a Police Station Officer (PSO) to trace his family. Eventually, his son, Amit Das, was contacted, and a video call was arranged, offering Atul Chandra Das a moment of relief as he saw his family again. With further assistance, his medical care was ensured until his son could arrive to take him home. “This case exemplifies the comprehensive approach adopted by Sankalp 51A @ Mahakumbh, combining legal intervention, civic assistance, and humanitarian aid,” remarked Dr. Prakash Tripathi, Project Convener.

Extending Assistance: Other Notable Cases

The Sankalp 51A Team has addressed numerous distressing cases, providing legal and logistical support to several pilgrims in need. Some notable instances include:

• Usha Devi (45, Deoria) suffered a severe head injury in the stampede. After stabilization at the hospital, she sought assistance in returning home. The team facilitated contact with her acquaintances and assured logistical support post-discharge.
• Kailasha Devi (65, Sitapur) suffered a fractured leg and was unable to return home. The Sankalp Team ensured her safe repatriation, reflecting their commitment to comprehensive civic and legal aid.
• Santosh Kumar Yadav and Keshav Kumar Yadav, pilgrims from Madhepura, Bihar, desperately searched for their missing mothers—Savitri Devi and Amrika Devi—who had been separated from their group. With limited literacy, they struggled to navigate hospital and police records. The Sankalp Team intervened, helping locate Savitri Devi, who was later found safe at home. However, the search for Amrika Devi continues.

The Transformative Impact of Sankalp 51A @ Mahakumbh

The Mahakumbh Mela 2025 presents a unique intersection of religious devotion, mass mobilization, and governance challenges, necessitating a structured legal aid framework. ‘Sankalp 51A @ Mahakumbh’ serves as a pioneering model that merges legal expertise with civic engagement. Through its Legal Aid Camp, the initiative is not only providing immediate relief but also raising awareness about legal rights, civic responsibilities, and humanitarian solidarity.

“By integrating legal assistance with social service, RPNLU, Prayagraj, has demonstrated the profound impact of legally integrated civic support. This initiative is a testament to the power of law in upholding human dignity, especially in large-scale congregations like Mahakumbh,” stated Sr. Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon, Vice Chancellor and Project Director.

With the camp operating until February 26, 2025, the Sankalp 51A Team continues to extend its aid to countless pilgrims in need, making a meaningful difference in their lives.

Through this initiative, Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj, is setting a remarkable precedent, reinforcing the interplay between law, community service, and human rights in real-world crises.