MARG Marks 40 Years of Advancing Legal Empowerment

The Multiple Action Research Group (MARG) marked a significant milestone as it celebrated 40 years of advancing legal literacy, research, and citizen empowerment at the India International Centre in Delhi. The occasion brought together legal scholars, human rights advocates, former colleagues, and members of the wider MARG community to reflect on the organization’s journey. 

Founded in 1985 by Dr. Vasudha Vasanti Dhagamwar, MARG emerged from a deep commitment to addressing the legal challenges faced by marginalized communities. Dr. Dhagamwar’s work among tribal communities in Akkalkuva, particularly during the displacement caused by the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, highlighted the urgent need for accessible legal knowledge and stronger advocacy for rehabilitation and rights. From its inception, MARG focused on three key areas—displacement and rehabilitation, legal literacy, and the rights of women and children.

Over the years, the organization has combined research with action, producing accessible legal materials, undertaking policy-oriented research, and working directly with communities to strengthen awareness of rights and entitlements. Initiatives such as Bol Basanto and Hamare Kanoon exemplify MARG’s commitment to making the law understandable and accessible to ordinary citizens.

The anniversary event celebrated this legacy while also reflecting on the ideas and values that shaped the organization. A documentary film tracing MARG’s journey highlighted the organization’s sustained efforts to promote legal awareness and expand access to justice.

Sharing her reflections, human rights advocate Maja Daruwala spoke about the vision and character of Dr. Dhagamwar, emphasizing how her academic brilliance was accompanied by a conscious decision to work with the most vulnerable communities. She noted that in many ways MARG reflects the values and commitments that defined Dr. Dhagamwar’s life and work.

A central highlight of the evening was a dialogue between eminent legal thinkers Upendra Baxi and Justice S. Muralidhar, who reflected on the continuing importance of legal literacy and access to justice.

 

 

Professor Baxi emphasized that legal awareness must reach both marginalized communities and educated citizens. While disadvantaged groups often lack access to legal knowledge, he observed that the indifference or ignorance of the educated can be equally damaging, making legal literacy an essential democratic responsibility. He also highlighted the importance of grassroots movements and community engagement in advancing rights and accountability.

 

 

 

 

Justice Muralidhar focused on the crucial role of language in making law accessible. He recalled how MARG’s early legal manuals helped simplify complex legislation for practitioners and citizens alike. Emphasizing the need to demystify legal language, he stressed that translating laws into regional languages is essential for meaningful access to justice and praised initiatives such as Hamare Kanoon for bridging this gap.

 

 

 

 

The discussions during the event also reflected on emerging challenges and future directions. Participants highlighted the need to expand legal awareness initiatives using new mediums such as short films, visual content, and vernacular resources, while addressing contemporary issues including cybercrime, digital rights, and alternative dispute resolution. There was also strong emphasis on strengthening research and connecting community experiences with policy advocacy.

For the MARG team, the anniversary was also an opportunity to reflect internally on the organization’s journey. Members recognized the deep sense of commitment that has sustained MARG over the years and reaffirmed the importance of compassionate engagement, research-driven action, and grassroots legal empowerment.

As MARG looks ahead, the focus remains on revitalizing its founding spirit while responding to new social and legal challenges. Strengthening research, expanding legal literacy initiatives, and nurturing new leadership will be central to continuing the organization’s mission of making law a meaningful tool for justice.

After four decades, MARG’s journey continues to be guided by a simple but powerful belief: that informed citizens are essential to building a more just and accountable society.