Dr. Mandeep Verma has been strengthening law education through a balanced focus on teaching, research, and administration, while emphasizing experiential learning and bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical legal application to prepare students for real-world challenges.

Dr. Mandeep Verma serves as the Head of the Department in the School of Law at Bahra University, Waknaghat, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. He has been associated with the university in a teaching capacity since 2016 and was entrusted with the leadership role of Head of Department in 2022.

In this position, Dr. Verma undertakes a wide range of responsibilities that extend across both academic and administrative domains. His role involves overseeing the overall functioning of the department, ensuring the smooth execution of academic activities, and contributing to institutional development through effective leadership.

Alongside his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Verma is actively engaged in teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He teaches in the five-year integrated BA LL.B. program as well as the three-year LL.B. course, providing students with a strong foundation in legal education. Additionally, he is involved in teaching in the one-year LL.M. program, contributing to advanced legal studies within the department.

The School of Law at Bahra University has also expanded its academic offerings under his tenure, including the introduction of a PhD program in Law in 2022. Dr. Verma plays a significant role in research supervision, serving as a guide for both LL.M. and doctoral scholars. Through his combined focus on teaching, administration, and research mentorship, he contributes significantly to strengthening the academic and professional framework of the department while supporting students at various stages of their legal education.

When addressing students and parents who are considering legal education, Dr. Verma elaborates extensively on the academic ecosystem of the institution. He underscores that the most critical requirement for any student is a conducive academic environment. In his view, no matter how capable a student may be, meaningful progress cannot be achieved without an environment that supports learning, discipline, and personal well-being.

The university provides such a setting where students can focus on their studies, maintain a structured daily routine, and engage in intellectual growth. He explains that during the student phase of life, the primary responsibilities revolve around acquiring knowledge, maintaining physical and mental well-being, and developing clarity of thought. The institution ensures that these essential aspects are well supported through its infrastructure and academic culture.

HoD Dr. Verma further highlights that the School of Law is committed to delivering comprehensive legal education that integrates both theoretical understanding and practical exposure. The faculty plays a central role in this process, and the department is supported by a team of competent, experienced, and academically driven educators. Their role extends beyond classroom teaching, as they actively mentor students, guide them in their academic pursuits, and help them develop critical thinking abilities required in the legal profession. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to align with contemporary legal developments and societal needs, ensuring that students are prepared to meet real-world challenges.

A significant emphasis is placed on experiential learning, which is considered essential for bridging the gap between academic knowledge and professional practice. Students are regularly involved in legal aid programs and awareness campaigns within local communities. These initiatives not only enhance their understanding of legal principles but also instill a sense of social responsibility. By engaging with real societal issues, students begin to understand the practical relevance of law and their role in promoting justice.

In addition to community engagement, the department ensures that students receive direct exposure to the functioning of the legal system. Court visits are organized to familiarize them with actual judicial proceedings, allowing them to observe how legal arguments are presented and how cases are handled in real environments. Participation in events such as the National Lok Adalat provides further insight into alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and the practical implementation of justice delivery systems.

Moot court activities form another crucial component of the academic framework. These simulated court proceedings provide students with an opportunity to develop advocacy skills, enhance their ability to construct legal arguments, and build confidence in presenting cases. Through such activities, students are encouraged to think analytically, respond to challenges, and refine their communication skills. These exercises play a vital role in shaping their professional competence and preparing them for future legal practice.

Furthermore, the department regularly organizes expert lectures and interactive sessions in collaboration with members of the bar and the bench. Experienced legal professionals, judges, and practitioners are invited to share their knowledge and real-life experiences with students. This interaction helps bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, offering students valuable insights into the expectations and realities of the legal profession. It also enables them to understand emerging trends and challenges within the field.

Elaborating further on his professional background and academic vision, Dr. Verma highlights his initial experience in legal practice. Before entering the field of higher education, he practiced law at the District and Sessions Court, Shimla, for more than a year. This exposure provided him with a practical understanding of the legal system, courtroom procedures, and the real-world application of legal principles, which later shaped his approach toward teaching and academic leadership.

Drawing from his experience as both a student and a practitioner, Dr. Verma identifies a significant gap between theoretical legal education and practical implementation. He says he observed that traditional academic frameworks often do not fully prepare students for the realities of legal practice. Addressing this gap has become a central objective of his academic philosophy. The School of Law, under his leadership, focuses on delivering socially relevant legal education that bridges the divide between classroom learning and professional application.

To achieve this objective, emphasis is placed on experiential learning, where students are encouraged to engage with legal concepts beyond textbooks. The curriculum is continuously reviewed and modified in accordance with evolving societal needs, recognizing that law is a dynamic discipline that adapts to changes in society. This approach ensures that students are not only academically competent but also socially aware and professionally prepared.

HoD Dr. Verma also underscores the importance of perspective-based learning, where both students and faculty are encouraged to analyze legal issues from multiple viewpoints. Faculty members are guided to integrate practical insights into their teaching methodologies, thereby enhancing the depth and applicability of legal education.

The strength of the department is further reflected in its faculty composition. The School of Law comprises a team of eighteen faculty members, out of which ten hold doctoral qualifications, while the remaining members are actively pursuing their PhDs. This academically strong and experienced faculty base contributes significantly to maintaining high educational standards and fostering a research-oriented environment within the department.

Dr. Verma reflects on his professional philosophy by describing the field of legal education as a domain rooted in service. He views his profession not merely as a career but as a meaningful contribution to society.

According to his perspective, the essence of life lies in giving back, and this belief became the primary motivation behind his decision to enter the academic field. He emphasizes that unlike industrial or commercial sectors, which are driven by capital and multiple stakeholders, the field of education—particularly legal education—is fundamentally service-oriented. In this domain, the principle is to contribute more to society while expecting comparatively less in return, thereby creating a lasting impact through knowledge and guidance.

His educational background reflects a journey shaped by determination and consistent academic progression. Dr. Verma completed his early education in a rural area of Shimla district, specifically in Shimla Gramin. He pursued his schooling up to the fifth standard in a government school within his native region. Later, he moved to Shimla city for further studies, where he continued his education in schools affiliated with the Himachal Pradesh Board.

For his higher education, he enrolled in institutions under Himachal Pradesh University, where he completed his LL.B. and LL.M. degrees. He further advanced his academic pursuits by earning a doctoral degree from the same university. His educational trajectory, from rural schooling to advanced legal research, reflects a strong foundation built through perseverance and commitment to academic excellence.

Dr. Verma considers himself fortunate in terms of the professional exposure he has received throughout his career. He acknowledges that his foundation in the legal field was significantly influenced by his family background, as his father has been a practicing legal professional in the Honorable High Court and has served in various capacities. This early exposure to the legal environment contributed to shaping his understanding and interest in the field.

He began his teaching career in 2009, where he had the opportunity to work under the guidance of a highly respected retired Sessions Judge, who had also served as Registrar (Vigilance) at the Honorable High Court of Himachal Pradesh. During this period of approximately three years, he gained valuable insights into both academic and judicial perspectives, strengthening his understanding of the legal system.

Following this, he served in an institution in Solan district, where he worked under the mentorship of one of the most distinguished educators in the field. This mentor was not only his teacher but also his father’s teacher and had the distinction of being one of the longest-serving chairpersons in the state university system. This experience further enriched his academic orientation and deepened his engagement with legal education.

In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Verma also gained practical experience by working with one of the leading criminal law experts in Himachal Pradesh. This phase of his career provided him with firsthand exposure to legal practice, particularly in the field of criminal law.

Through these diverse experiences—ranging from judicial mentorship to academic leadership and legal practice—he developed a comprehensive understanding of the field. He describes this combination as a significant advantage, as it allowed him to integrate practical, academic, and institutional perspectives into his professional journey, ultimately strengthening his role as an educator and academic leader in the field of law.

Dr. Verma further reflects upon the guiding principles that shape his personal and professional outlook, emphasizing that hope remains one of the most fundamental forces sustaining human life. According to him, it is hope that allows individuals to persist through challenges, remain focused on their goals, and continue striving despite uncertainties.

Alongside this, he strongly believes in the value of consistent hard work, while also recognizing that in the contemporary world, smart work has become equally important. The ability to adapt, think strategically, and utilize available resources effectively enhances the outcomes of one’s efforts. At the same time, he maintains a balanced philosophy toward life, suggesting that while dedication is essential, one must also avoid unnecessary stress and cultivate a positive mindset, as inner stability contributes significantly to long-term success.

Head of the Department in the School of Law at Bahra University, Dr. Verma emphasizes that all the efforts undertaken by the institution collectively contribute to building a strong academic and professional foundation for students. The aim is not only to produce graduates with legal knowledge but to develop well-rounded individuals who possess analytical abilities, ethical awareness, and practical skills. The School of Law strives to create professionals who can actively contribute to the justice delivery system and address the evolving needs of society.

Through a combination of a supportive environment, structured curriculum, practical exposure, and continuous mentorship, the institution provides students with the necessary tools to excel in the field of law. Dr. Verma presents the department as a place where students can grow intellectually, develop professionally, and prepare themselves to take on meaningful roles within the legal and social framework.