Gujarat Law Society (GLS) Marks the Commencement of its 100th Year

Guj CM Bhupendrabhai Patel Inaugurates GLS Centenary Year Celebrations in Ahmedabad

A Century of Knowledge, Legacy & Nation-Building

GLS – A Century of Shaping Minds, Building Nation

                                   

 

• Bilkul online | By Rafat Quadri
• Ahmedabad, 23 February 2026

Gujarat Law Society (GLS), one of Gujarat’s most respected educational institutions, formally commenced the celebrations of its 100th year with the grand inaugural event titled “GLS Centenary Celebration – Unlocking a Century of Legacy” at the GLS Campus, Ellisbridge. Established in 1927, GLS will complete 100 glorious years in 2027, and the centenary year has begun with renewed commitment and pride.

Education is the foundation upon which societies progress and nations are built. Strong educational institutions do more than impart degrees — they shape character, nurture leadership, cultivate integrity, and prepare generations to contribute meaningfully to society. For nearly a century, GLS has embodied this very spirit, standing as a pillar of knowledge, discipline, and nation-building in the heart of Ahmedabad.

The celebration began with the ceremonial welcome of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel at the GLS University New Building. A defining highlight of the evening was the inauguration of the GLS Archives — a dedicated museum space preserving rare documents, photographs, memorabilia, and historical narratives chronicling GLS’s remarkable journey over the past century.

In his keynote address, Bhupendrabhai Patel congratulated Gujarat Law Society on entering its centenary year and praised its visionary leadership and enduring contribution to the educational landscape of Gujarat. “It is a matter of great happiness that GLS has entered its 100th year at a time when the country is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. For a century, GLS has stood as a symbol of knowledge, discipline, and excellence.”

Emphasizing holistic, value-based education aligned with NEP 2020 and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, he further stated, “GLS is contributing substantially to the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by educating the youth and preparing them for nation-building. Completing 100 years means GLS has earned the trust of generations. During this centenary year, the university should also take the initiative to include programmes under the theme ‘Catch the Rain’.”

Emphasizing environmental responsibility alongside value-based education, the Chief Minister also called upon students and citizens to actively adopt sustainable practices. Along with tree plantation drives, he urged educational institutions and the wider community to explore effective ways and means for rainwater harvesting and proper storage of rainwater. He opined that Gujarat Law Society should include structured initiatives on rainwater conservation as part of its centenary year celebrations, thereby setting an example in environmental stewardship while celebrating a century of academic excellence.

Executive Vice President Sudhir Nanavati delivered a reflective address tracing GLS’s journey from a modest academic trust founded by visionaries like Vallabhbhai Patel and Ganesh Vasudev Mavlankar into a thriving multidisciplinary institution.

He shared a rare and emotional legacy — four generations of the Nanavati family, including his father, himself, his son, and his granddaughter, have studied at GLS while also contributing to its management and growth. “GLS is not merely an institution — it is a living legacy built on trust, integrity, and commitment to excellence. Four generations of my family have walked through these corridors as students and custodians. That continuity reflects the faith people have placed in GLS for nearly a century.”

He proudly noted that GLS alumni include distinguished legal luminaries such as A. M. Ahmadi and J C Shah, along with leading public solicitors and office bearers who have shaped India’s judicial and institutional framework.

“When GLS alumni serve as judges, legal experts, and public leaders, it reflects the strength of value-based education. Our responsibility now is to prepare future generations to carry this legacy forward with innovation and integrity.”

Executive Director Chandni Kapadia delivered the Welcome Address, reflecting on GLS’s evolution from a visionary idea in 1927 into a dynamic educational ecosystem. “Today marks the beginning of a historic centenary year celebrating 100 years of excellence, resilience, and relentless service. GLS has always blended strong foundational values with progressive vision.”

She outlined a comprehensive year-long calendar of academic conferences, research initiatives, sports celebrations, nation- and character-building programmes, cultural festivals, alumni engagement activities, and community outreach efforts.

“GLS is the pulse and heart of a vast family — management, faculty, alumni, students, and well-wishers. As we honour our past, we are equally committed to shaping a future defined by innovation, inclusivity, and global relevance.”

The ceremony concluded with reflections, a vote of thanks, and the National Anthem — marking not just the start of a centenary celebration but the confident march toward completing 100 years in 2027. The programme was seamlessly conducted by Roshni Tijoriwala, whose poised anchoring, engaging presence, and articulate narration added warmth and vibrancy to the evening, making the celebration both memorable and inspiring.

As GLS steps into its centenary year, it reaffirms the timeless truth that educational institutions are the architects of national destiny. They nurture ideas, inspire leadership, and create responsible citizens who shape the future. With nearly a century of excellence behind it, Gujarat Law Society continues its journey as a trusted guardian of knowledge and a catalyst for nation-building.

Over a hundred faculty members, administrative staff, and several important office bearers were present to witness this historic milestone in the journey of GLS. As the institution steps into its centenary year, thousands of students currently pursuing diverse streams of study across various GLS institutions, along with lakhs of alumni spread across India and around the world, are eagerly looking forward to a series of commemorative programmes and celebrations planned throughout the centenary year.

(Rafat Quadri can be contacted at editorbilkul@gmail.com)

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