Gujarat Law Society Centenary Inspires the Future of Gujarat
Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel Leads Grand Centenary Year Inauguration at GLS Campus
Gujarat Law Society (GLS), a beacon of academic excellence, discipline, and nation-building since 1927, formally commenced the celebrations of its 100th year on 23 February 2026 with the grand event titled “GLS Centenary Celebration – Unlocking a Century of Legacy”, held at the GLS Campus, Ellisbridge. Established in 1927, GLS will complete 100 glorious years in 2027, and the centenary year celebrations have begun with this historic inauguration.
Gujarat Law Society was founded during India’s freedom struggle. At that time, many leaders believed education was the key to building a strong and free nation. GLS was created with the same dream. Over the years, it has grown from a small law college into a large group of colleges and a university. Today, GLS runs many institutes in law, commerce, management, computer studies, and more. Thousands of students study here every year. Many of its former students have become judges, lawyers, business leaders, and public servants.
The historic celebration began with the ceremonial welcome of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, at the GLS University New Building. The evening’s defining moment was the inauguration of the GLS Archives — a dedicated museum space preserving rare documents, photographs, memorabilia, and historical narratives that chronicle GLS’s remarkable journey over the past century.
Such archives are very important for educational institutions. They help protect history and teach students about the past. Many famous universities around the world, including Oxford and Cambridge, maintain archives to keep their legacy alive. GLS has also taken this step to show students how the institution grew and what role it played in society. These archives will help future generations understand their roots and feel proud of their institution.
Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel delivered the keynote address, congratulating Gujarat Law Society on the commencement of its 100th year. He praised the visionary leadership and tireless efforts of Gujarat Law Society and its management in shaping generations of students and contributing significantly to Gujarat’s educational landscape. Highlighting the importance of holistic, value-based education aligned with NEP 2020 and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, he commended GLS for standing as a beacon of knowledge, discipline, and excellence for nearly a century.
The National Education Policy 2020 is a major reform in India’s education system. It focuses on skill development, critical thinking, and the overall growth of students. It also encourages flexible learning and modern subjects. Institutions like GLS are important in bringing these changes into action. By offering new courses and better training, they help students prepare for modern careers and national development.
“It is a matter of great happiness that GLS has entered its 100 years at a time when the country is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel,’’ said the CM.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is one of India’s greatest leaders. He is known as the “Iron Man of India”. He played a key role in uniting more than 500 princely states after independence. He was also closely linked with the Gujarat Law Society in its early years. His vision was to create strong institutions that would serve the nation. His connection makes GLS’s centenary even more meaningful.
Congratulating the GLS on its sustained endeavour in educating the youth, the CM said: “GLS is contributing substantially to the PM’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by educating the youth and thereby preparing them for the role of nation building.” Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel added, “The 100 years of GLS’s existence in education means it has won the trust of people. The university should now take the initiative to include programmes under the theme ‘Catch the Rain’ during its year-long centenary celebration.”
The ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign is a national water conservation effort launched in India. It aims to encourage people to save rainwater and use it wisely. Educational institutions play a big role in spreading such awareness. When students learn about water conservation, they help protect the environment and support the country’s future.
The formal commencement of the centenary year ceremony began with Vande Mataram, followed by the National Anthem, setting a tone of pride and reverence. Dr Chandni Kapadia, Executive Director of Gujarat Law Society, delivered the Welcome Address, reflecting on the institution’s extraordinary evolution from a visionary idea in 1927 to one of Gujarat’s most respected educational institutions today.
Over the decades, GLS has continued to expand with modern buildings, updated courses, and new facilities. GLS University itself was established to offer advanced education and research opportunities. This growth shows how the institution has adapted to changing times while keeping its core values strong.
Describing the occasion as “the beginning of a historic centenary year celebrating 100 years of excellence, resilience, and relentless service,” Dr Kapadia emphasised how GLS has consistently blended heritage values with progressive thinking. She detailed the year-long calendar of centenary initiatives, including academic conferences, sports celebrations, nation and character-building programmes, cultural festivals, publications, and community engagement events designed to honour the legacy while inspiring future generations.
Such activities are important for student development. Conferences help students learn from experts. Sports build teamwork and discipline. Cultural events help preserve traditions. Community programmes teach students social responsibility. These experiences help students grow not just in studies but also as responsible citizens.
Shri Sudhir Nanavati, Executive Vice President of Gujarat Law Society, then addressed the gathering. With pride and gratitude, he traced the evolution of GLS from a modest academic trust founded by visionaries like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Shri Ganesh Mavlankar into a thriving multidisciplinary university. He acknowledged the dedication of faculty members, students, alumni, trustees, and stakeholders who have strengthened GLS across generations. Emphasising GLS’s commitment to nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and upholding integrity and excellence, he reaffirmed the institution’s resolve to shape responsible citizens prepared to contribute meaningfully to society and the nation.
Ganesh Vasudev Mavlankar was also an important national leader. He later became the first Speaker of the Lok Sabha. His involvement with GLS shows how deeply national leaders believed in the power of education. Their efforts helped build an institution that continues to serve society even today.
The celebration concluded with Reflections, Vote of Thanks, and the National Anthem, marking not merely the beginning of a centenary year but the confident step toward completing 100 glorious years in 2027.
With nearly a century of excellence behind it and its centenary milestone approaching in 2027, Gujarat Law Society remains committed to honouring its storied past while inspiring the future — continuing its journey as a pillar of knowledge, innovation, and nation-building for generations to come.
As GLS enters its 100th year, it stands not only as an educational institution but also as a symbol of trust, progress, and service. Its journey reflects the story of modern Gujarat and India, where education continues to shape the future of the nation.