‘I have a box full of college memories to be cherished forever’

He is not your regular boy next door, but soon to become a well-qualified legal eagle. Meet Saksham Arora, who is pursuing law and is in his final year at Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Gurugram. In a candid interview, Arora shares how he went through a positive metamorphosis during college which prepared him well to take on the world ahead. Read edited excerpts:

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Saksham Arora. I am pursuing B.A L.L.B (Hons.) from School of Legal Studies at Apeejay Stya University (ASU) and I am currently in my 5th year (final year). I hail from Charkhi Dadri, Haryana.

Where are you recently placed?

I am currently placed in an organisation named- Save Money Financial Services Pvt. Ltd., located in Gurgaon, Haryana.

Tell us about your college life.

My college started in August 2019. Soon after a few months Covid-19 hit, the world and the university was shifted to online mode completely till November 2022. My life has been very good in the university. I was elected as the sports captain of the university from 2021-2023. I led the sports club for 2 years, and during that time we organised many events in the university and also participated in numerous inter university sports tournaments.

Share a few nostalgic memories from ASU.

There are many things I’ll miss about ASU. The most important part of my college was the hostel. Due to the smaller number of students in my class, I was initially worried about how I would survive in this college. But then my hostel life happened. However all of my friends are graduates now because they were in the 4 year course, but yes living in ASU hostel was the best decision ever. The second most important part of my college was the basketball court. Everyday my friends and I went to the basketball court and played for 2 hours straight. Fights happened, injuries happened, but what matters the most are the memories we created.

How are the teachers at ASU?

Support from my teachers is extremely appreciative. From the beginning of college till the end, every teacher supported me. Not only had the teachers of legal studies but faculty of other departments also helped me in some difficult situations that I’ve faced in the college.

Your comments on the brain drain trend.

The brain drain trend poses challenges for countries losing skilled professionals. Also, brain drain can deepen social inequalities and exacerbate dependency on foreign expertise.

How did Apeejay help you hone your skills?

ASU helped me a lot in gaining leadership skills and communication skills. After I was elected as sports captain I had to organise an intra university sports tournament every month. This required many skills like leadership, communication, time management, team management and the most importantly discipline. Initially I was lacking these skills. But with time these skills improved which eventually helped me to get the job of my liking.

Any message for the students of the university.

My message to juniors is that- not just focus on academics, join any club in the college whether cultural or sports. It will help them in boosting their skills and also upgrade their CV.

What’s the best part of law as a profession?

Best part of being in the profession of law is the respect this profession holds in the society which is immense. Whosoever is involved with this profession, he/she attains so much respect from the society.