THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024
A Goan student from Sharada Mandir School has been accepted for the Bachelor of Laws LLB (Hons) at the London School of Economics, University of London. Shaunak Siddarth Samant a student of standard 12 will become the first Goan student to pursue law at the LSE, and one of the very few ISC/CBSE students to ever secure admission to read Law at LSE.
Asked what prompted him to apply for the course at the LSE he pointed out to the rich history of producing luminaries, revolutionaries and world leaders. From B.R. Ambedkar, John F. Kennedy, K.R. Narayanan to Mick Jagger and Sir David Attenborough, this prestigious institution has produced many of the world’s movers and shakers. The LSE, he said provides an intellectually stimulating environment that is cosmopolitan and global in its outlook on social sciences, with an unparalleled reputation as a specialist university, often ranked at No. 2 in the world for Social Sciences. It also stood at the crossroads of international debate, with the identity of an outward-looking institution and active involvement in the UK and world affairs. He said “An opportunity to immerse myself in and around this institution that emanates success and academic excellence is something I have always strived for. I believe that it serves as an excellent opportunity to explore my curiosity, and strengthen my knowledge, giving me the right medium and network to engage in the conquest of my dreams.”
Speaking about the attraction towards studying law he said “Law in the form of the LLB has been thought for over 125 years at the LSE, by world-leading experts. The school has always played a big role in producing the leading barristers, solicitors and professors of the world. Our very own constitution has been meticulously crafted by an LSE Graduate, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. LSE’s approach to challenge and critically analyse the current system of ideas, conducting a theoretical appraisal of legal systems, and providing pragmatic solutions is dynamic and purposeful.”
He went on to say law’s catalytic appeal in advancing movements and transpiring institutional fallacies make it incremental in social evolution. Its ability to set precedents in progressive transformation - transmuting social dogmas and overseeing social change, kindles his interest in the interaction of state and society. Shaunak said” Pursuing Law at the LSE, which is ranked at No.3 in the UK and the world for the LLB, utilises my skillset of argumentation and articulation and my ardency and determination to comprehend our legal system and its implications in viewing the determination of our sense of justice through a philosophical lens and explore the ethical elements dictating social adherence. The time factor was quite a paramount determinate in pursuing the LLB Hons. in the UK, as it is a three-year degree which gives you the eligibility to enroll at the Bar Council of UK, unlike its Indian counterpart, where law is a postgraduate course and takes 5-6 years and the US where it takes 7 years”.
He said his motivation came primarily from his parents. He said their values motivated him. He said “My father’s intellectualism, innovativeness and eloquence, and my mother’s laborious outlook, dedication, and perfectionism are ideals that I have always strived to achieve. My parents have always gone beyond their means in educating me and thought me valuable life skills; encouraging me to aim for the best and to work hard towards the vision or dreams that I believe in. The constant support of my parents, school teachers, peers and friends has allowed me to move past failure into embracing positivity and success”.
He also talked about his time as an intern at the Chambers of Fmr. Add. Solicitor General of India, Adv. Atmaram Nadkarni, where under his guidance and the personal mentorship of Adv. Ashish Kuncolienkar, found a challenging yet constructive opportunity, to further his skills and intellect, formulate his manner of articulation, enabling him to express convincingly by using a scientific approach in supplementing his inferences with factual evidence. Working in this environment, he said served as a great motivation in hoping to achieve a successful life in the law, for my future.
Asked if he intended to return to India and practise, he said nothing took precedence over the love and commitment he had for India. He said “I find the Indian legal ecosystem, extremely lively and evolutionary, and I believe that India is at crossroads when it comes to conventional and cosmopolitan judicial thought. I desire to engage in this fathoming of the exegesis of justice, especially when it comes to constitutional theory and criminology. Following the completion of the LLB, I intend to pursue Master’s level qualifications at an elite UK/US University. After which I intend on completing the Bar Vocational Course and my pupillagein enrolling as a Barrister in the UK, and return to New Delhi to litigate at the Supreme Court and High Courts”.
His parents he said were extremely proud of this achievement and thankful for all the support and blessings he had received from people. They had always encouraged him to pursue education at the best institutes and to consistently learn from people and experiences. His parents he said understood the commitment and determination an application to an elite university required and they had supported him throughout. Shaunak said “They have been very gracious in agreeing to fund my education in the UK which is quite an expensive affair, although I am currently attempting all the methods possible to secure scholarships or financial aid. Unfortunately, no organisation or government offers scholarships to student from India pursuing undergraduate degrees abroad. Given their background in the legal field, I’m sure they are extremely happy to have another generation of the family in the legal field too”.
One can only hope his dreams come true and he makes career for himself defending the law in the courts of the country.
