New Delhi, 3 May 2025 – President Droupadi Murmu graced the launch of the Mediation Association of India and addressed the First National Mediation Conference, marking a significant moment in India’s journey towards strengthening alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Speaking with thoughtful conviction, the President emphasized the urgent need to bring the benefits of the Mediation Act, 2023 to the grassroots level, particularly empowering Panchayats to mediate and resolve conflicts in rural areas.
She highlighted that social harmony in villages is not just desirable but essential for building a strong and united nation. Mediation, she noted, must become a key pillar of justice delivery—an approach rooted in India’s ancient traditions but now revitalized through a modern legal framework.
The President reflected on how mediation can ease the burden on courts, thereby speeding up the overall justice process. More than just a tool to resolve disputes, she viewed mediation as a catalyst for national development, enhancing both ease of doing business and ease of living. Seen in this light, it becomes an important instrument in realizing the vision of a developed India—Viksit Bharat—by 2047.
President Murmu also drew attention to India’s historic reliance on community-led justice, particularly through Panchayats, which often prioritized reconciliation and mutual understanding. While colonial systems diminished this tradition, the Mediation Act of 2023 seeks to restore and institutionalize it, creating a robust framework that promotes peaceful and efficient resolution of disputes.
Calling the conference more than a ceremonial occasion, the President described it as a collective mission to shape the future of mediation in the country. The formation of the Mediation Association of India is a key milestone in this effort, providing structure and professional support to a system built on trust, dialogue, and accessibility.
She concluded by reminding the audience that conflict resolution is not just a legal function—it is a social duty. In fostering mutual respect, compassion, and understanding, mediation holds the power to build a more inclusive, resilient, and harmonious India.
