Dr. Manpreet Kaur Rajpal | Indore Institute of Law
Ever feel like your student loan or tuition fee was a small fortune? Well, you’re not wrong! Globally, the amount spent on education each year could probably fund a trip to Mars and back for everyone on Earth… multiple times! It’s a huge, ever-changing arena where institutions are vying to be the best launchpad for the next generation. Just like choosing the right course or university felt like a pivotal life decision for you, the forces at play within the education industry are shaping futures on a grand scale.
In this vibrant environment, the Indore Institute of Law comes up as a noteworthy institution, guided by the visionary leadership of Dr. Manpreet Kaur Rajpal, its Director & Dean-Academics. Dr. Rajpal’s journey into education was serendipitous, a path she has taken after being encouraged by her principal and a pivotal meeting with Dr. Akshay Kanti Bam, Founder & Chairman, Indore Institute of Law. Her dedication and leadership have contributed in the institute’s transformation, marked by key milestones such as building its academic and cultural foundations, organizing national-level events, and getting the prestigious “Best Legal Institute of India” recognition in 2016, followed by the recent NAAC A+ accreditation and the launch of the Global Law Programme.
In the spotlight of our esteemed “The 10 Most Inspiring Women Transforming Education in 2025” edition is Dr. Manpreet Kaur Rajpal, Director & Dean-Academics of the Indore Institute of Law. Join us as we dive into her inspiring journey and extract valuable lessons as an educationist aiming for excellence in the education sector. Stay tuned.
Prime Insights: What inspired you to pursue a career in education and make a difference?
Well, it’s quite a story. A career in education wasn’t my initial ambition at all. Twenty-five years ago, as an LL.M. merit holder who had cleared the Civil Judge exam, academia wasn’t on my radar. It was my principal, Ms. Nisha Dubey, who saw potential in my LL.M. performance and gave me a Ph.D. admission. Around the same time, a chance meeting with Dr. Akshay Kanti Bam led to a job offer. Despite being eligible for the judiciary, complexities with reservation policies led me to consider academics. Encouraged by my family, I accepted Dr. Bam’s invitation to join the institute at its new Rau campus. That decision, after three months of contemplation, made me the very first employee at our now 7-acre campus—a journey I never initially envisioned.
Prime Insights: Can you share your journey and key milestones in transforming education?
My journey at the Indore Institute of Law started unexpectedly, guided by my parents’ advice. What started as a chance blossomed into a lifelong dedication within this institution. In the early days, I single-handedly managed our initial students, later joined by Rishi Sir and Awdhesh Sir. Under Dr. Bam’s guidance, we built our academic and cultural foundation, organizing events like Supreme Court visits. I directed award-winning plays and led our first major celebration. Dr. Bam’s trust helped me to build the institute, turning it into the National Law Fest 2012 and our recognition as the “Best Legal Institute of India” in 2016. Even amidst the pandemic, we launched the Global Law Programme and achieved NAAC A+ Accreditation, marking our growth from humble beginnings to a leading autonomous institution.
Prime Insights: What challenges have you faced as a woman in the education sector, and how did you overcome them?
In my experience, women leaders often require extra patience, even today. While progress has been made, the underlying mindset hasn’t fully shifted, and we often need to prove our competence more than men do. For women to truly lead, patience and decisive action are crucial. We must balance perceived emotionality with practical, firm decisions, taking accountability for both successes and failures. True leadership means working diligently, regardless of gender. I believe women don’t need to become “pukka professionals” in the stereotypical sense — cold or overly rigid. Instead, I believe in being “personally professional”—bringing authenticity and passion to our work. As you rise, responsibilities increase; continuous effort and dedication are key to shining in any leadership role.
Prime Insights: How do you innovate and bring change to modern education practices?
I’ve observed that while students enter with impressive academic skills, translating that to legal practice is challenging. At our institute, we bridge this gap through experiential learning. We focus on skills like moot court, negotiation, oratory skills, and legal drafting. Our unique role-play competitions and “learning through fun” approaches, such as Crime Scene Investigation, prepare students practically. Recognizing the evolving legal landscape with AI and technology, we ensure our curriculum is future-ready. We transform students into not just law graduates, but capable lawyers for tomorrow’s complexities.
Prime Insights: What role does technology play in your approach to education?
I believe technology is fundamental to modern legal practice in our interconnected world. At our institute, we’ve built a tech-integrated ecosystem, complementing our traditional library with digital access to premier legal databases. Complementing this, we provide digital access to premier legal databases such as Manupatra, LexisNexis, SCC Online, and e-books, ensuring students can research and reference material at the click of a button. Recognizing the prevalence of online hearings and digital filing, our curriculum provides practical exposure to these platforms and global legal literature. We encourage students to explore international legal frameworks, essential for cross-border practice. Our commitment is to produce tech-savvy, globally aware legal professionals ready to represent clients across continents with confidence.
Prime Insights: How do you ensure inclusivity and accessibility in education?
Our pursuit of excellence led us to pioneer a hybrid education model, leveraging technology to bring global legal education to our students. We proudly have a Harvard professor teaching online, offering invaluable international perspectives. We’ve also conducted credit programs with NLIU, GNLU, Russian universities, and the International Court of Justice. Recognizing the rise of AI in law, we collaborate with nine international universities in specialized programs. This approach ensures our students receive a world-class, future-ready legal education right here in Indore.
Prime Insights: What initiatives or projects have you led to create a meaningful impact?
When I joined, the institute was young, focused on our 5-year integrated law program, nurturing fresh minds. Under Dr. Bam’s visionary leadership, we involved students from the start, initiating moot courts and debates to build engagement. By 2013, we had formed democratic student bodies, now a vibrant ecosystem of 13 units guided by our Skill Development Cell. Our Research & Publication Cell fostered academic output through journals like Nyay Disha. Our commitment led to national recognition as the No. 1 private law college. The Career Development Cell supports their professional growth, and our innovative B.A.LL.B.(H) & B.B.A.LL.B.(H) with Global & Transnational Studies prepares them for the global legal arena.
Prime Insights: How do you mentor and inspire the next generation of educators and students?
I believe in preserving the revered Guru-Shishya parampara in our modern setting, as in GURUKUL. While education has become transactional, we at Indore Institute of Law consciously cultivate respect, humility, and mentorship. We strive to develop not just skilled professionals, but responsible individuals. Our educators are mentors, leading with competence and compassion. Job stability for teachers is crucial for students’ growth, as educators play a vital role in nation-building. We also emphasize the diverse career paths in law today, equipping students to be ethical leaders in a complex world, bridging ancient values with contemporary vision.
Prime Insights: What qualities do you believe are essential for women leaders in education?
As a woman director, I’ve experienced that leadership requires extra navigation through biases, even today. Even today, accepting a woman boss is not easy — neither for men nor, at times, for other women. Despite possessing the qualifications, skills, and experience, a woman leader often has to prove her competency repeatedly, something her male counterparts may not encounter to the same extent.
To overcome this, I’ve found patience and prompt, practical decision-making crucial. While valuing emotional intelligence, leadership demands firm, justifiable choices.
True leadership involves owning both successes and setbacks, without gender-based excuses. I believe in being “personally professional,” leveraging our unique strengths like empathy. Ultimately, loving your work, staying committed, and continuous effort define true leadership, regardless of gender.
Prime Insights: What advice would you give to young women aspiring to make a mark in education?
Since we’re talking specifically about the education domain, my first and most important piece of advice is this: be content-rich. In today’s world, everything is just a click away — Google has become the biggest competitor in the knowledge space, and “WhatsApp University” is not far behind. So if you want to stand out, your content — whether in English, Hindi, or any language — must be strong and meaningful.
Respect in education is earned through knowledge, not just personality or degrees. Degrees alone don’t differentiate anymore. Degree holders are mushrooming everywhere — LLMs, NET-qualified, even PhDs. What truly sets you apart is how much meaningful content you bring into your classroom and what impact you make there.
Be innovative—go beyond textbooks with interactive sessions, role-play, and real-world examples. Connect your lessons to current affairs to keep students engaged and attendance high. In essence, be content-rich, creative, and connected to both your subject and your students to make a real impact.
“Education isn’t just about degrees—it’s about dignity, direction, and transformation. Dr. Manpreet Kaur Rajpal exemplifies this truth, leading with wisdom, authenticity, and a relentless vision to shape global-ready legal professionals from the heart of Indore.”
Prime Insights: How do you see the future of education evolving, and what role do you hope to play?
My vision for the future of education, particularly at our institute, is to transcend national borders. I dream of Indore Institute of Law becoming a globally recognized hub, hosting international delegates and students. We must implement joint and dual degree programs, along with student exchange initiatives, to prepare our students for global legal complexities. Offering specialized programs like marine and space law, as well as interdisciplinary studies combining law with fields like forensic and medical science, is crucial. My commitment is to spearhead these innovations, creating competent global leaders in law.
Prime Insights: Can you share any notable achievements or recognitions in your career?
My 16-year journey with Indore Institute of Law is a deeply rewarding achievement, thanks to my family and, especially, my mentor, Dr. Akshay Kanti Bam. His trust and investment in my ideas have shaped me. Despite my local background, I’m now exploring global collaborations due to his forward-thinking vision, exemplified by the legal-tech start-up LedX.
Another achievement that is very close to my heart is our institution’s NAAC A+ accreditation. This is a historic milestone —we’re the first and only private law institute in India to be accredited with NAAC A+ in the first cycle, scoring 3.45 out of 4. No other law college in the country holds that distinction. What makes it even more special is that we’re also the first private law college in India to be granted autonomy. While I don’t usually like to boast, when UGC and NAAC — the highest academic authorities in India — certify us as A+, that’s not just an institutional win; it’s a personal validation of years of dedication, teamwork, and vision.
Prime Insights: How do you balance personal growth and professional responsibilities as an educator?
Honestly, I don’t have a perfect work-life balance formula. I feel incredibly lucky to be “pampered from all sides”—by” God, my family, and my supportive management at Indore Institute of Law. My parents, sister Ritu, and niece Pari are my biggest strength. Professionally, mentors like Dr. Bam and Kanti Sir give me freedom and also encourage me to slow down when needed. I go with my instincts. “Jitna time mujhe lagta hai, I give it. Jahan lagta hai, nahi ho raha, I take a pause.” That’s my rhythm. There’s no strict structure — just support, freedom, and love from every direction. I follow my instincts, giving time where it’s needed and pausing when necessary. In that sense, I truly feel like the queen of my journey.
Prime Insights: Lastly, what message would you like to share with our readers about the power of education and transformation?
My message to students and young minds is that education transcends mere earning. Throughout history, many without formal education have thrived financially. Education’s true value lies in shaping how you live, expanding your perspective, and empowering you to dream big and pursue those dreams with strength. For me, it’s about dignified living, refining character, and enriching life beyond just a paycheck. Pursue education not just to make a living, but to create a life of vision, values, and purpose.
