Can you share with us your journey and what inspired you to pursue a career in law?
I come from a family of lawyers, which cemented my interest in the legal profession. From a very young age I was sure that I wanted to pursue law as a career. The more I learned about the law, the more I realized its potential to bring about meaningful change.
Right after law school I took the conscious decision of not joining my family’s corporate firm and ventured into litigation, which I have found to be my true calling and passion.
I have been fortunate enough to have been mentored by the brightest legal minds in the fraternity who have shaped me into a confident young litigator. I look forward to reaching the pinnacle of success and mentoring the next generation of lawyers as I have been mentored by my seniors.
With 15 years of extensive experience, you’ve established a stellar reputation in the legal field. Could you tell us about the most challenging case you’ve worked on and the outcome you achieved?
I have been extremely fortunate to have worked on a wide range of matters in my career, and the experience I have gained while doing this is invaluable. While every case one argues is close to the heart, but one case that stands out is the Delhi University photocopy matter.
I was representing the photocopier in the matter against the might of international publishers. It was truly a David and Goliath story. Justice Endlaw ruled in our favour holding that the right to photocopy was ‘fair use’ under the Copyright Act. The impact that the judgment had on the students throughout the country and the education system in India has been immeasurable.
I vividly remember the day the judgment was pronounced. There were scenes of jubilation outside the court room. It was a very emotional and proud moment for me. The impact that the judgment had on the education system is immense.
You have a comprehensive understanding of various areas of law, including civil, commercial, arbitration, and white-collar crimes. How do you manage to maintain such a diverse legal practice effectively?
In today’s day and age, there is a huge focus on specialization. No doubt specialisation is extremely important, but as a general practitioner developing a diverse multi-disciplinary practice is very important in my view. In my opinion, you cannot limit yourself to one area of law, in view of the complexity of disputes these days.
As counsels were are exposed to a wide variety of matters, which hone your skills in different areas of law. One needs to constantly learn and adapt to different matters. This is very challenging, but is equally rewarding as well. I personally feel that once your fundamentals are clear, combined with knowledge of procedural aspects, you can easily adapt to any area of law, be it civil or on the criminal side.
You’ve been appointed as an arbitrator in numerous cases. What are the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with this role, and how do you ensure fair and efficient dispute resolution?
Being appointed as an arbitrator carries distinct challenges and responsibilities. One key challenge is maintaining impartiality and neutrality throughout the arbitration process. This involves avoiding any conflicts of interest and ensuring that both parties have an equal opportunity to present their case.
To ensure fair and efficient dispute resolution, I stay well-versed in the relevant laws and regulations, enabling me to interpret contracts, assess evidence, and make informed, legally sound decisions. Additionally, I actively encourage settlement discussions when appropriate.
In addition to your legal practice, you’ve also written several articles and publications. How does your commitment to sharing legal knowledge benefit the legal community as a whole?
I have a passion for writing, and I strongly feel that sharing knowledge and research through articles benefits the legal community greatly. In my view, it fosters a culture of continuous learning within the legal community. Sharing insights and expertise through articles and publications allows fellow legal professionals and clients to access valuable information, stay updated on legal developments, and explore innovative approaches to legal issues. This exchange of knowledge contributes to the growth and improvement of the legal profession as a whole.
Furthermore, it helps build trust and credibility. Clients and peers often view lawyers who actively contribute to legal literature as authorities in their field. This trust enhances one’s professional reputation and encourages clients to seek my counsel and representation, knowing that I am committed to staying at the forefront of legal knowledge.
Lastly, what advice would you like to give to fresh law graduates who are just starting their careers in the legal field?
My advice to fresh law graduates can be summed up in two key points. Firstly, never stop learning. The legal field is dynamic, so continuously update your knowledge through courses, seminars, and reading. Secondly, seek mentorship from experienced lawyers, as their guidance can significantly accelerate your growth. These principles will help you build a successful and fulfilling legal career.
Can you tell us about your educational background and how you ended up pursuing law after completing your CA and BCom degrees?
I have always been interested in law and used to look up to my seniors/mentors in the family circle who are in this field. As I was pursuing CA, I simultaneously started my law course post my graduation. I believe that my educational background has given me a unique perspective and a competitive edge in the legal field.
You have an impressive range of experience in various sectors, from Fintech to Energy and Infrastructure. What drew you to work in such diverse industries in the field of taxation?
I have always been interested in taxation as a way of understanding how different sectors of the economy operate and interact. I enjoy learning about the specific challenges and opportunities that each industry faces, and how tax policies can affect them. These are dynamic and innovative sectors that have a significant impact on changing the way economy functions and society. I mean we can see the kind of fintech’s getting registered in GIFT City (IFSC) and huge impact that they have in breaking stereotypes, changing the way people understand personal financing or personal investing. It is fast capturing the huge market potential and I think would continue doing that for the time to come.
You’ve handled M&A transactions and tax due diligence for several clients. Could you share a memorable experience where your tax expertise played a critical role in the success of a deal?
It was the most challenging and a steep learning curve of my career when we helped a client acquire a company that had significant tax liabilities. Client wanted to buy the company, but they did not want to inherit the tax problems.
We conducted a thorough tax due diligence on target and identified main areas of exposure and potential solutions. We also assisted in obtaining a clearance certificate that would protect the client from any future claims. We also advised on optimal tax structuring alternatives for the acquisition, taking into account the tax implications thereof.
As a result of our months of hard work, client was able to close the deal with confidence, and saved millions in taxes and penalties. I was very proud of my contribution to this deal, and I received positive feedback from my partners.
I also cherish receiving a commendation from our partner for conducting an internal training on new joinees on several aspects of M&A.
As a Partner at MVKINI Law Firm, you lead the tax department and manage a team of lawyers and CA’s across multiple offices. How do you ensure effective collaboration and coordination among team members?
It is challenging when team is spread across multiple offices and has different areas of expertise. I try to set clear goals and role profiles of team members, setting the priorities right and most importantly leveraging technology tools, such as video conferencing and cloud platforms, to facilitate effective communication and real time collaboration among team members. It is also important to continuously develop their skill sets through regular trainings particularly in our dynamic and evolving field of taxation.
During your time at Ernst & Young, you worked on advising prospective resolution applicants on acquisitions under the IBC regime. What were some of the most challenging aspects of dealing with distressed undertakings in terms of taxation?
One of the most challenging aspects of dealing with distressed undertakings in terms of taxation was the uncertainty and complexity of the tax implications arising from the resolution process. For instance, we had to assess the tax impact of various structures to implement target acquisition, such as debt restructuring, asset sale, merger or demerger etc. We also had to consider the tax implications of any write-off or waiver of debt, as well as the tax treatment of any losses or unabsorbed depreciation carried forward by the corporate debtor. Furthermore, we had to keep abreast of the evolving regulatory and judicial developments in this area, as there were many unresolved issues and conflicting interpretations regarding the taxation of distressed undertakings under the IBC regime.
From your experience in handling tax litigation and representation before various authorities, what are some key strategies you employ to achieve favorable outcomes for your clients?
It is already well emphasized and there are no two views about it. What is of paramount importance is thoroughly digging and understanding facts of the case. It is also an art to get complete set of facts out from a client and once a lawyer is aware of facts, I would say half the battle is won. Certainly researching and preparing legal arguments and presenting effectively is other part of the coin.
I also prepare clear and persuasive arguments and evidence to support my client’s position and challenge the opposing party’s claims. Also, I believe litigation is not all about fighting only for the sake of it. What I have learnt from my seniors is to not force clients into prolonged litigation and wherever possible seek to resolve the dispute through negotiation or settlement.
You’ve also been involved in assisting FPI clients with Indian tax compliances. Can you share some insights into the specific challenges and considerations that foreign investors face while navigating the Indian tax landscape?
One of the main aspects of my work was to help FPIs comply with the Indian tax laws and regulations be it advisory, compliances or litigation. Some of the challenges and considerations that FPIs face while investing in India are:
– The classification of FPIs into different categories given their unique structures in their home jurisdiction and navigating the same into Indian jurisprudence based on tax treaties
– The withholding tax obligations on various types of income, such as dividends, interest, capital gains, and royalties, and the availability of tax treaties and lower rates for certain jurisdictions.
– The reporting and documentation requirements for FPIs, such as filing of tax returns, furnishing of certificates, and maintaining of books of accounts and records. I witnessed how EY was a flagbearer in implementing automated processes for doing these tasks and the amount of effort and investment that went into doing so.
– The risk of tax audits, assessments, and disputes by the Indian tax authorities, and the options for resolution and appeal.
With a substantial background in IBC litigation and commercial arbitration, what advice would you give to businesses or individuals who may find themselves in insolvency situations?
Insolvency situations are complex and challenging for any business or individual, and they require careful planning and professional guidance. My advice would be to seek legal assistance as soon as possible, and to explore all the available options for resolving the insolvency, such as restructuring, settlement, liquidation, or bankruptcy. I would also advise them to cooperate with the creditors and the insolvency resolution professionals, and to comply with the relevant laws and regulations. Additionally, I would suggest them to consider the benefits of alternative dispute resolution methods, such as arbitration or mediation, which can help them avoid lengthy and costly litigation, and achieve a more satisfactory and amicable outcome.
Having worked in both corporate law and tax advisory roles, how do you strike a balance between legal compliance and tax efficiency when structuring deals for clients?
As a legal and tax advisor, I always aim to provide solutions that are both compliant with the relevant laws and regulations and efficient in terms of tax implications for the clients. I believe that legal compliance and tax efficiency are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary aspects of deal structuring. To achieve this balance, I follow a few principles:
– First, I always start with a thorough analysis of the client’s objectives, needs and preferences, as well as the specific facts and circumstances of the deal. This helps me to understand the scope and complexity of the issues involved and to identify the potential risks and opportunities.
– Second, I research and evaluate the applicable legal and tax frameworks, both domestic and international, that govern the deal. I also keep abreast of the latest developments and trends in the relevant fields, such as new legislation, case law, guidance and best practices.
– Third, I design and propose solutions that are tailored to the client’s situation and goals, taking into account the legal and tax implications of each option. I also communicate clearly and effectively with the client, explaining the pros and cons of each solution, as well as the assumptions, limitations and caveats involved.
– Fourth, I collaborate and coordinate with other professionals, such as lawyers, accountants, bankers and consultants, who may have different perspectives and expertise on the deal.
– Fifth, I monitor and review the implementation and execution of the deal and provide ongoing support and advice to the client, in case of any changes or issues that may arise after the deal is closed.
Throughout your career, you’ve worked with clients from various sectors and industries. How do you stay updated with the ever-changing tax laws and regulations to provide the best possible advice to your clients?
That’s a great question but I am afraid my answer not any different. It is 3R’s – READ, READ and READ
I think it’s very important to keep up with the latest tax rules and trends, especially in this dynamic and complex environment. You need to subscribe to knowledge databases, newsletters and podcasts from reputable sources that cover tax news and analysis, follow some influential tax experts on social media and blogs, attend regular webinars and workshops that offer updates and insights on various tax topics and issues. What is also understated is consulting with fellow colleagues or mentors if you have any doubts or questions who are always welcoming and provide different perspectives which you might have just not thought about. In fact, I also sometime try to find time to share my knowledge with extended family on LinkedIn by sharing my analysis on latest tax controversies and new legislations.
As someone who has achieved considerable success in your field, what advice would you like to give to fresh law graduates who are just starting their careers in the legal profession, especially those interested in taxation?
Don’t stop asking questions and learning new stuff. Tax law is tricky and always changing, so you gotta keep your curiosity and your brain sharp. Look for ways to learn more, like taking courses, going to events, and reading a lot. Get your hands dirty, try to get as much real-world experience as you can, through internships, jobs, or whatever. This will help you improve your skills and meet people who can help you out.
Money should be secondary as your career just starts and I strongly discourage this tendency nowadays to switch jobs in name of ‘climbing the ladder’ or taking a ‘steep curve’.
A good mentor can help you navigate the tough times (which very often comes in this field), so find one and discuss whenever in doubt. Also, I do believe, everyone has their own set of challenges and pace, so relax and avoid self-comparing tendencies. There is this poem which was introduced to me by our CA-IDT class professor, Mr Ajay Jain – DON’T QUIT
Dr. Aparrajitha Ariyadasa, what was the motivating factor in your life that pushed you to pursue law?
I have a family reason because my role model the father was an interdisciplinary person who was a lawyer as well as a lecturer. He inspired me to be an interdisciplinary personalty if I wanted to be socially and financially stable. I saw the luxuries of my father and from the childhood, I wanted to become a law scientist. Therefore after my Advanced Level, I joined the science faculty and simultaneously, I joined law college and became a lawyer and a science graduate at the same time. Now I enjoy all the luxuries what my father wanted me to have because of my profession.
What aspect of your profession makes you beam with pride on a day-to-day basis?
By doing my profession I feel a sense of happiness and boost my ego because when you win a case to make a good argument you are highly appreciated by the judge the client and sometimes by the opposing counsel. Due to that appreciation, you get a lot of motivation about the profession. As a woman specifically in a male dominated society when you become, he spotlight, it will generate you confident and sometimes over confident., appreciation, motivation, and productivity. On top of that, when you walk in a society, a lady lawyer is highly recognised socially and politically. Being a reputed lawyer will lead you to get social invitations of different societies, social events and gain lot of respect from the society as a credible and a n honourable person.
You have touched on various areas of law in your practice, Intellectual Property, Immigration Law, Competition Law, Criminal Justice etc. Which area of practice is the most preferred by you?
I adore Intellectual Property Law and cyber law due to the very reason that both of them are inter disciplinary law subjects which involves together with Science and IT which are my other specialized subjects in my other degrees.
Can you tell us your experience of getting through your obstacles and setting up ATD legal Associates?
I TOOK MY OATHS AS A LAWYER IB 2000 AND THEN I JOINED TWO MULTI NATIONAL COMPANIES AND a government organization. I ended up as a Director legal in 2008, due to the very reason my husband was pressurizing me to resign as my daughter needs to be taken to school. With this conventional attitude, I had to find my way making everyone happy. I WANTED TO BALANCE MY FAMILY and the work. I had a decent amount of capital with me and therefore, I did not want to waste my time as a housewife. No sooner had I resigned, I planned to start a law firm and rented an apartment and collected the equipment needed. I was lucky that I had only one apprentice and I took the first step to my firm. I could manage my work and the family because I was my own boss. I expanded the employees and my legal services as I had exposure to multinational companies. At last, during the covid, I could link my firm to a number of countries. My main obstacle was my conventional husband and his grumbling about a working wife who gets late home which I could manage due to my patience. Second obstacle was that the anti-feminist discourses in the country. Men did not want to retain a lady lawyer for their cases. To prevent that, I partnered a male attorney for marketing and networking, and I was in the operation. Once the first consultation was done, male clients were highly impressed and with the time, the anti-feminist attitude in males were eliminated. By now its been 21 years of my practice by now and I do not face any problem of discrimination.
How important do you think, protecting data privacy and taking appropriate actions pertaining to cyber security are for start-up companies?
Data privacy of startups safeguards information from loss through backup and recovery. Data security needs specifically to measures taken to protect the integrity of the data itself against manipulation and malware. It provides defence from internal and external threats. Data privacy refers to controlling access to the data in startups.
How in your opinion have IPR laws developed and transitioned over the years in Asia?
Yes. But the management should be streamlined. Training should be given to Patent agents. Patent drafting and registrations need more experts.
Being a full-time lawyer and also giving your valuable time as a visiting lecturer, how do you manage to achieve a perfect equilibrium when it comes to work-life balance?
I am my own boss. I manage my flexible times without disturbing kids and the family I play by the ear.
Having extensive work experience across several countries in Asia, how do you think budding law graduates can pursue an international career in Law?
They have massive opportunities if they specialize several areas such as IP, Cyber Law and data privacy.
As the Senior Partner of ATD Legal Associates can you tell our curious readers how an average work day would be at your firm?
8 hours
What are the qualities you would look for in interns and new job applicants if they should apply to work at ATD Legal Associates?
Preciseness, self-motivated, research oriented and punctuality
What would be your words of advice for young lawyers who aim to set a career in corporate law?
Know your law. Learn your law, further learn it until you die.
Sir, can you briefly tell us, what predominantly led you to choose law as your career?
I have always enjoyed the solving of problems. Law presented challenges which required solutions which is why I decided to pursue the career.
As a student of law, what were the subjects that deeply intrigued you?
I was always interested in international human rights law and international law as I had a background in international politics.
How and why did you choose criminal defense as your primary practice area? What do you think are the primary challenging areas in this field of law?
I chose this area as I felt I could make a significant different for disenfranchised people. The constitution plays heavily in litigation which is fascinating
You have witnessed a wholesome experience as a prosecutor in Newfoundland and Labrador while acting as the sole prosecutor on the Burin Peninsula. Can you share with us your key learnings that would guide budding lawyers who expect to launch their careers in criminal prosecution?
Always over prepare. Early on your career you may lack the natural gifts of more senior lawyers but you can make up for this by spending time preparing as best you can for every eventuality.
Sir, you have had an extensive experience in defence proceedings for offences ranging from common assault to attempted murder. Would you like to share some interesting strategies you employed to win a particular case?
Applied pressure to a specific Prosecutor which had my attempt murder client released.
As the managing partner at MD LAW GROUP, can you give us a glimpse of an average day at work?
Often times they are long days. I interview clients, review documents that come from the prosecution and often spend days in court in trial,
From your experience sir, what are your strategies and policies when it comes to negotiating with prosecution offices and how do you handle it when the negotiations don’t turn up in your favour?
Always be respectful of your fellow lawyers. You may be diametrically opposed in position but always show kindness and remember this is not personal but business. When things go wrong I usually summarize our impasse in writing and urge them to accept my position.
Sir, with the infinite growth in opportunities, what are the areas you would suggest where upcoming law graduates can focus and elevate themselves?
Based on my experience family law and employment law are excellent opportunities where the business can be marketed successfully.
How important do you think are internships for law graduates in order for them to bag prestigious careers? What are the qualities that you look out for in your prospective interns or employees?
It is always important to seek internships to successfully start your career but there are many unconventional choices and I would not be discouraged if an internship was not obtained immediately. In regards to qualities of internets or employees I think it is important that they come with an approach of willing to lean and are willing to roll up their sleeves and work.
What would be your words of advice for new graduates? What is your take sir, when it comes to choosing a specialization in law in early years of one’s career?
Take your time the right opportunity will appear. I myself didn’t want to do criminal law but grown to love the work. Be careful on specializing early you should really that first year to attempt course offerings before you make a decision.
Aditya is founder and chairman of the Alexis group. He has completed his Master of Science in International Management with Merit from the Department of Strategy and Organisation, and Gold Level Certificate in Entrepreneurship from the Hunter Centre of Enterprise, Strathclyde Business School, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. He also served as the President of Bharat Sansthan (India Society) at the university in the year 2014-15.
He is a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) majoring in Finance and Marketing from the University of Delhi. He has also served as a Teach for India Fellow to eliminate education inequity in India.
Aditya has also been recognised as a Global Shaper by the World Economic Forum and as a Changemaker by the Global Action on Poverty. He was selected as a Hesselbein Fellow by the University of Pittsburgh, USA in recognition of his exemplary leadership and civic engagement skills and as a Prerna Fellow by the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow, one of India’s top b-school in recognition of his exemplary leadership and entrepreneurial skills. He was also conferred the Fellow of CMS Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and community service.
He has represented India at various International events including prestigious International Youth Forum Seliger organised by Federal Agency on Youth Affairs, Russian Federation and International Youth Forum Mauritius by Konectenu.
In this interview we speak to him about:
Success of Alexis Group
His experience representing India at various International Forums
His experience as a TEDx speaker
Being a recipient of various Fellowships
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO OUR READERS?
I am an intuitive and inquisitive person with a blend of entrepreneurial mindset. I love to interact with people, discuss ideas, build institutions, and get things done. On professional front, I am a qualified management consultant with specialisation in strategy, marketing, and policy.
Furthermore, I adore public speaking and speak on wide range of subjects such as Education, Leadership, Civic Engagement, Development, Entrepreneurship, Excellence, Ethics & Values, Right to Information, Research Methodology, Public Accountability, Cross Cultural Communication, Youth Empowerment, Public Policy, Law, and Politics.
PLEASE TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD AND COLLEGE LIFE?
I grew up in campuses of NDUAT Kumarganj, Faizabad and IIM Lucknow as my parents are Professors. I studied at DAV Public School in Faizabad and City Montessori School, Aliganj in Lucknow. Both the schools provided me a very strong foundation of ethics and values and emphasised on the importance of human and divine education along with material education. Overall, I had a very eventful childhood filled with wonderful peers and teachers. I participated in various games, sports, activities and events both in school and campus.
I pursued Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Ramanujan College, University of Delhi. My undergraduate academic experience was very enriching and I have enjoyed every part of it. It enabled me to become an independent person, interact with diverse set of people, understand multiple perspectives, think out of box and widen my horizon. Alongside with my studies, I was also involved with the National Service Scheme throughout the three years of college.
Later, I pursued MSc in International Management from University of Strathclyde, UK. My postgraduate learning experience was more about reflective learning, learning from peers and putting critical thinking into action in different projects taken by me. Studying with peers from 25 nationalities was indeed a great learning experience. International Management also taught me a lot about people, culture, leadership and diversity apart from different functional areas of management such as Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Entrepreneurship, and Strategy with the International component in all of them.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO START THE ALEXIS GROUP? WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES YOU FACED AND WHAT IS YET TO BE ACHIEVED?
I wanted to create a global youth empowerment platform and develop a pool of young leaders who are passionate about inclusive development, sustainability, and giving back to the society by creating new opportunities and disrupting vicious cycle of poverty.
I believe envisioning and incorporating an organisation was an easy task (though it seemed very difficult at seventeen). However, aligning my personal and organisational goals, recruiting and managing people, sustaining the organisation, staying true to the vision and creating sustainable positive impact are some challenges faced by me in past and present times too.
Our motto is Passion for Excellence and remaining true to it, our nine year journey has been a roller-coaster ride. I feel that we have made significant progress in various work areas and empowered several young leaders. However, we still have a long way to go in fulfilling our vision. The journey has just started and I look forward to collaborate with young people from around the world to fulfil this shared vision.
WHAT ARE THE WORK AREAS THAT ALEXIS GROUP FOCUSED ON?
Broadly, our work can be divided into Advocacy, Awareness, Consultancy, Education, Events, and Research.
Our focus areas include Agriculture, Economics, Education, Governance, Healthcare, Human Rights, Technology, Law, Management, Public Policy, Rural Development, Strategy, Women and Youth Empowerment.
PLEASE SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE REPRESENTING INDIA AT VARIOUS INTERNATIONAL FORUMS.
I have represented India at International Youth Forum Seliger Russia, International Youth Forum Mauritius, Global Business Studies Programme at School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Hesselbein Global Leadership Academy, University of Pittsburgh, USA and Shape South Asia Conference in Dhaka.
It has truly been an incredible experience. I have always tried to be an energetic ambassador of India by showcasing our rich Culture and Heritage around the world. Travel and experiencing diversity have really widened my thought process and horizon. This has also enabled me to become more conscious about my choices and decisions.
WHAT IS THE SCOPE OF WORK FOR A LAW STUDENT AT ALEXIS GROUP?
Historically, our leadership team has had 80% people from law background. However, now we have a diverse mix of people from management, technology and law in our leadership team.
Throughout the year, we advertise various leadership and internship opportunities in the following work areas: awareness, research, education, and events. Furthermore, around 60% of our interns come from Law schools. Over 1000+ law students have interned with us in past nine years.
HOW CAN A LAW STUDENT APPLY FOR INTERNSHIP AT ALEXIS GROUP?
A law student can fill our Common Application Form available on the Careers page of Alexis Group website: www.alexis.in
If they have already done some preliminary research and wish to work with a particular member organisation, they can mail their CV directly to the respective member organisation on its official email ID.
PLEASE TELL US ABOUT THE INDIAN LAW CONCLAVE. HOW CAN LAW STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN THIS?
Indian Law Conclave is a three day National Conference organised by Adhrit Foundation, INY Foundation and Model Governance Foundation at International Youth Hostel, New Delhi from 29th June – 1st July 2018.
The Conclave will have delegates from all over India who will engage in three days of rigorous learning, reflection and sharing of knowledge, skills, experiences, and perspectives. Focus areas of the Conclave would be Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism, Constitutional Law, Corporate Law, Cyber Law, Intellectual Property Law, International Law, and Maritime Law.
The Conclave will have both Formal and Informal events. Formal events include Keynote Presentations, Paper Presentation Competition, and Group Discussions. Informal events include Open Forum, Cultural Night and Ethnic Fashion Show, Life Mapping Exercise, Dance and Music performances. Workshops and Mini Bootcamps on Entrepreneurship, Governance, Leadership, Public Policy, Research Methodology, Self-Management, and Social Media will be also conducted during the Conclave.
YOU HAVE ALSO FOUNDED INDIA LAW FORUM. PLEASE SHARE YOUR VISION FOR THIS FORUM.
India Law Forum is a community for lawyers and law students committed to empower people through legal aid, legal awareness, and legal education. A concept mind map is available on www.indialawforum.com
The forum will be formally launched on 29th June, 2018 at Indian Law Conclave in New Delhi. As of now, I am interviewing the potential candidates for leadership positions at the Forum.
YOU ARE THE RECIPIENT OF VARIOUS FELLOWSHIPS. COULD YOU SHARE SOME DETAILS FOR OUR READERS?
I have received four fellowships:
Hesselbein Fellowship (2013) – This fellowship is awarded by Hesselbein Global Academy for Student Leadership and Civic Engagement at University of Pittsburgh, USA. Every year, it selects 50 top student leaders from across the world and mentors them to be effective, ethical, and innovative leaders at its Annual Summit.
Prerna Fellowship (2013) – This fellowship is offered by IIM Lucknow to Top 20 Entrepreneurs every year. It includes an award and 3 day mentorship programme by IIML Faculty and Industry experts.
Fellow of CMS (2013) – This fellowship is awarded to distinguished alumni of City Montessori School Lucknow who have excelled in their respective fields.
GAP Changemaker (2017) – This fellowship is awarded by Global Action on Poverty to Changemakers for their ideas and initiatives to eradicate poverty.
RECENTLY YOU SPOKE AT A TEDX EVENT. WHAT WAS YOUR TALK ABOUT?
My talk was about Demystifying Collaboration. I shared my learning and experiences of working in the development sector for last ten years. Furthermore, I suggested tools and approaches for making the process of collaboration easy and impactful.
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR MESSAGE TO OUR READERS INTERESTED IN PURSUING A CAREER IN DEVELOPMENT SECTOR?
A career in the development sector is both challenging and fulfilling. It provides you an opportunity to bring social and cultural shifts, create positive impact in lives of large number of people and work for sustainable and inclusive development.
You must be both mentally and physically prepared before you take the plunge, but once you start your journey, there should be no looking back. On the journey, be comfortable with uncertainties because you will have to improvise and reinvent yourself again and again.
