On 18th September 2013 at Hyatt Regency, New Delhi, leading legal luminaries of the nation gathered together not to deliberate on any legal matter but to raise a toast to their long admired and respected colleague Dr. Lalit Bhasin for completing 50 years in the service of the legal profession. You must be wondering as to why such an event has been given a quaint title as ‘Dil Deke Dekho Ji’ as they say.

As they say certain things must be seen to be believed. The significance of the song- “Dil Deke Dekho, Dil Deke Dekho, Dil Deke Dekho ji; Dil lene walo Dil Dena Seekho Ji”, lip synced by legendary Shammi Kapoor almost 50 years ago, was relived on stage by Dr. Bhasin on the request of the crème de la crème of the legal profession at the event. The effervescent mood, the sublime beauty and the joyous rendition of this song carries a message of monumental importance for an all-round success not just materially but spiritually as well. One can inspire instant endearment toward oneself from others if one simply submits his self (the ability to trust and entrust) to the person he is interacting with and that is the message of this song. That, if you really want to just not only be accepted but trusted with things you must have the courage to live the message of the song i.e. “learn to surrender/trust before seeking it from others”. But, mind you, it is no easy thing to make the first move as one runs the risk of burning his fingers in the process.

All the legends who came on the stage spoke highly about Dr. Bhasin’s organisational skills and legal acumen. The legal fraternity and other guests present on the occasion shared with each other their fond moments and experiences that they had with Dr. Bhasin. The gathering of the elite learned was for the man who believes in nurturing relations with trust. Dr. Bhasin, President of the Society of the Indian Law Firms(SIFL), is also the President and Chairman of numerous national and international professional bodies. The prominent speakers who cheered and congratulated Dr. Bhasin included Justice Deepak Verma (Judge, Supreme Court of India (Retd.)), Fali Nariman (Chairman-Emeritus, Bar Association of India), Sidhartha Luthra (Additional Solicitor General of India), N. R. Madhava Menon (Chairman, Menon Institute of Legal Advocacy Training), senior counsels P. H. Parekh, Anil Dewan, Ashok Desai, R. K. P. Shankardas & P. P. Rao, The organising committee of the felicitation ceremony comprised of convenor Bhitika Anand, Legal League Consulting; Rajiv K Luthra, Luthra & Luthra Law Offices; Ajay Bahl, AZB & Partners; Anand Prasad, Trilegal; Diljeet Titus, Titus & Co.; Hemant Sahai, HSA Advocates; Jyoti Sagar, J Sagar Associates; Manjula Chawla, Phoenix Legal; Manoj Kumar, Hammurabi & Solomon; Rajan Karanjawala, Karanjawala & Co.; Ravi Nath, RNC Legal; Rohit Kochhar, Kochhar & Co.; Shardul S Shroff, Amarchand & Mangaldas; Zia Mody, AZB & Partners. Speakers congratulated Dr. Bhasin on his contribution to the legal profession, particularly to the law firms, law teachers and law schools as the President of SILF by bringing together lawyers across the country to give back to the society by way of pro-bono work under an understanding with A4ID towards achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (UNMDGs). The entire legal fraternity presented a plaque on the occasion to Dr. Lalit Bhasin with a citation. The citation was read out to a full house gathering of the legal community and well-wishers by Fali Nariman along with Dr. Menon and Mr. Ashok Desai. All the luminaries hailing from across the country greeted Dr. Bhasin and wished him to ever continue to remain a 24 year old full of energy and commitment – with an experience of 50 years, and wished him many more going forward. The gathering was regaled by standup comedian Papa CJ as he made the audience laugh with his exquisite craft. The event was brilliantly hosted by Shivani Wazir Pasrich. That is how the celebration continued for this great man for the entire evening who was surrounded in this moment not just by friends, colleagues admirers but also by his beloved family.