Lieutenant Colonel Pankaja A. Kugaji, commissioned officer of the Indian Army, presented various medals and awards to meritorious students of KLS Raja Lakhamgouda Law College in Belagavi on Tuesday.

She presented the M.K. Nambyar Gold Medal to Nagashree Nandgavi for getting the highest marks in Constitutional Law in the examination conducted by the Karnataka State Law University.

The medal is sponsored by the former Attorney General of India K.K. Venugopal in memory of his father. Mr. Venugopal is a past student of the college. The college has been awarding this medal for the last 33 years now.

Ms. Kugaji and other guests presented various awards and certificates during the Gymkhana valedictory ceremony for the academic year 2025-26. Achievers in the fields of academics, culture and sports were felicitated on the occasion.

She said that law students play an important role in nation building apart from achieving success in their chosen careers. She spoke about the career opportunities for young law graduates in the defence forces. She introduced the workings of the legal wing of the Indian Army.

“This department, which functions under the leadership of a Major General, performs important responsibilities such as providing legal advice to army officers, conducting court martial proceedings, interpreting military laws and representing the armed forces in tribunals and civil courts,” she said.

Chairman of the College Governing Body and advocate R.S. Muthalik presided over the event. He recalled the legacy of Raja Lakhamgouda Law College which was established in 1939. He said that the college has thousands of alumni who have contributed to the fields of law, judiciary, politics and public service.

Gymkhana Federation president D. Prasannakumar welcomed the gathering. General secretary Tanmayi Saraf presented the annual activities report.

Ladies representative Chandralekha Patil presented the vote of thanks. Principal A.H. Havaladar, Physical Education director Amit Jadhav, teaching and non-teaching staff and students were present.