My Professor and Mentor Ved Prakash Nanda was a Titan in the World of Law and Beyond
- His teachings, principles, and the path he charted in the legal domain will continue to inspire and guide future generations.
The legal fraternity has lost a guiding star with the passing of Professor Ved Prakash Nanda on January 1, 2024. An eminent figure in international law and a cherished member of the Indian American community, his demise leaves an irreplaceable void.
Born in 1936, Professor Nanda’s journey from Gujranwala, present-day Pakistan, to the apex of legal academia is a story of determination and brilliance. His tenure at the University of Denver was not just about his role as a distinguished faculty member but also about his vision in establishing and leading the International Legal Studies Program in 1972 and the Ved Nanda Center for International and Comparative Law.
His influence, however, stretched far beyond the confines of academia. He was an influential figure in several leading international legal organizations, including the World Jurist Association, American Society of International Law, and the International Law Association. His commitment to human rights and international law was evident in his active involvement with numerous NGOs and as a U.S. delegate to the World Federation of the United Nations Associations.
Professor Nanda’s scholarly prowess was remarkable. He authored or co-authored 24 books and over 225 chapters and law review articles, contributing significantly to the field of international and comparative law. His role as a columnist for the Denver Post and a media commentator further showcased his expertise and willingness to share his knowledge.
The accolades he received are a testament to his exceptional contributions. Honorary Doctorates of Law from Soka University and Bundelkhand University, the Padma Bhushan from the Government of India, and the prestigious Louis B. Sohn Award from the American Bar Association are just a few highlights of his illustrious career.
Professor Nanda’s teachings went beyond mere legal theories. He was a mentor who seamlessly integrated law, business, and international trade in his courses. His class on “The Law of Transnationals” was a testament to his avant-garde approach, keeping him and his students at the forefront of legal developments.
What set Professor Nanda apart was his profound human touch. I recall a personal experience that speaks volumes about his character. As a student in his packed class, I found myself without a seat in the front row, where he encouraged us to sit. Noticing this, Professor Nanda, then 75 years old, personally brought a chair from the back of the room for me. This act of kindness and humility was a hallmark of his teaching style.
Another poignant memory was when he corrected my pronunciation of my own last name, “Ahmad.” In a world where anglicizing names is common, Professor Nanda urged me to embrace my identity, teaching me a valuable lesson in self-respect and cultural pride. One of my professional accomplishments was to serve with my mentor on the American Bar Association’s Center for Human Rights’ Dignity Rights Initiative.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi summed up his contributions, noting his dedication to legal education and his role in fostering India-USA relations. Professor Nanda was an educator, mentor, visionary, and bridge between cultures and communities.
“Deeply saddened by the passing away of Professor Ved Prakash Nanda Ji, a distinguished academic whose contributions to the legal field are invaluable. His work highlights his strong commitment to legal education. He was also a prominent member of the Indian diaspora in the USA and was passionate about strong India-U.S. relations. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti,” he said in a post on X.
The loss of Professor Nanda is deeply felt by his family, friends, students, and colleagues. Yet, his teachings, principles, and the path he charted in the legal domain will continue to inspire and guide future generations. Professor Nanda’s life and legacy stand as a testament to the power of education, the importance of cultural identity, and the impact one individual can have on the world. His memory will continue to be a beacon of inspiration and excellence in the field of law.
Nadia B. Ahmad is an Associate Professor of Law at Barry University School of Law and Ph.D. Student at the Yale School of the Environment. She is also a Fellow at the Center for Security, Race, and Rights at Rutgers University and affiliated faculty at Harvard Law School’s Institute for Global Law & Policy.