The promoters of Project M for Mediation are delighted to announce the results of the Video Podcast Contest for law students across India. 

The objective of the Contest was to encourage law students to understand the Mediation Act 2023 better and share their thoughts on it with the broader public while having some fun with the video-audio production. 

The Contest witnessed an overwhelming response from creative minds across India, showcasing exceptional talent. 

The Jury 

The Jury consisted of Mr Syam Kumar VM (Advocate, High Court of Kerala), Ms Smera Sebastian (Managing Associate, Krishna & Saurastri Associates LLP, Mumbai) and Mr Rajith Davis (Advocate, Jimson Associates, Thrissur). 

The Jury Decision  

After careful consideration, the Jury decided to depart from the traditional first, second, and third prizes. Instead, they have chosen to recognise the efforts of five participants with consolation prizes - the decision to award consolation prizes was made because while each of the winners came up with an effective storytelling mode, their treatment of the allocated topic could be more analytical. 

Jury Statements 

Syam Kumar VM: "We were particularly impressed by the research and storytelling skills displayed by the entrants. It was evident that much thought and effort went into crafting each podcast, making our selection process both challenging and rewarding."

Smera Sebastian: "Recognizing the comparable talent displayed by numerous participants, we felt compelled to expand the list of awardees. The decision to award five consolation prizes is a testament to that."

Rajith Davis: "The submissions were of good quality, making it arduous to choose just a few winners. Each participant brought a unique perspective."

Prizes

Every winner takes away a cash prize, a Framed Certificate of Merit, and Admission to the Mediation Masterclass (subject to terms and conditions mentioned in the original announcement). 

All participants will be sent a Certificate of Participation within two weeks of this release at the e-mail address given to us. 

Prize Distribution 

The prize distribution will be held at 12.15 pm on 2 March 2024 at Govt Law College, Ernakulam, during a one-day conference on mediation titled Conversations on The Practice of Mediation. The event's chief guest will be Justice Viju Abraham (Judge, High Court of Kerala). 

Congratulations! 

The promoters of Project M for Mediation extend their heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and express gratitude to the participants for contributing to the success of the Contest.

Project M for Mediation is underway with effect from 1 January 2024. 

Video Podcasting is a simple yet powerful way to communicate ideas. It helps individuals develop their ideas in audio-visual mode and share them with others to inform, educate, and/ or entertain. 

As part of the Project, therefore, the promoters are organising the M for Mediation Video Podcast Contest (the Contest) for law students. 

The objective of the Contest is to encourage law students to understand the Mediation Act 2023 better and share their thoughts on it with the broader public while having some fun with the video-audio production.

The Contest is open to all students pursuing an LLB (or an equivalent undergraduate course) in any recognised university or affiliated college in India. 

• Submission of the Video Podcast: 10 pm IST, 24 January 2024. 

• Selection of the Finalists: 31 January 2024.

• Announcement of the Results: 15 February 2024.
  
  

NOTES: Key Dates were amended on 25 January 2024, after receiving all the submissions.

01: Produce a Video Podcast:

• the Video Podcast shall be an analysis of one or more features of the Mediation Act 2023;

• the Video Podcast shall consist of a video and an accompanying audio;

• the duration of the Video Podcast must be between 4 and 7 minutes;

• the Video Podcast may feature any appropriate activity - you may make a video presentation, engage in a dialogue or multilogue, or even perform a role-play (you may seek the assistance of one or more individuals for this exercise).

You may use some of these videos/ articles as references: https://www.muttath.com/adr-india. 

02: Insert the Contest Poster (download it from the top of this page) at the beginning of your Video Podcast. 

03: Upload the Video Podcast to your Instagram, X or Facebook page (any one of them) - you must allow us access to your profile during the Contest.

04: Complete this Google Form. 

Please note that the shortlisted participants/ Finalists will be required to produce a letter from the head of their educational institution to prove that they are genuine students.

The Video Podcasts duly submitted by qualified participants will be evaluated by a team of in-house experts appointed by the promoters of Project M for Mediation. The review team will shortlist the Finalists from among the participants after considering the overall quality of the Video Podcast (with specific weightage to its contents). 

[The Finalists will then be individually notified via WhatsApp and asked to promote their respective Video Podcasts (uploaded on Instagram, X or Facebook pages). As noted below, garnering "likes" is a criterion of evaluation.]  

The Video Podcasts of the Finalists will then be evaluated by a three-member Jury based on the following criteria: 

• Video Presentation (15%)

• Audio Presentation (15%)

• Content (50%)

• [Popular Support (20%)]

The final result will be announced on this webpage on 15 February 2024.

* The organisers have, on 25 January 2024, decided to dispense with the popular support requirement. The evaluation, carried out by the team of in-house experts or the jury, will be final, and no appeal shall lie against it.

First Prize: A Cash Prize of ₹10,000, a Framed Certificate of Merit, and Admission to the Mediation Masterclass. 

Second Prize: A Cash Prize of ₹5,000, a Framed Certificate of Merit, and Admission to the Mediation Masterclass. 

Third Prize: A Cash Prize of ₹2,000, a Framed Certificate of Merit, and Admission to the Mediation Masterclass. 

All Finalists: A Certificate of Merit and Admission to the Mediation Masterclass. 

All Genuine Participants: A Certificate of Participation.

* While admission to the Mediation Masterclass is guaranteed to all Finalists, they must fulfil the course requirements to obtain appropriate certificates. Finalists from outside Kerala may be exempted (at the Director's sole discretion) from attending in-person sessions.

If you need more information on the Contest, WhatsApp (do not call) us at +91 89219 22121. You may expect a response within 24 hours.