‘I have fond memories of the teachers at this school’

He is a civil lawyer with his practice with Birla Law Office. He was also the president of the alumni back in 1998-2000 at Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park (formerly Sheikh Sarai) but then he decided to give up the post when he lost interest. But during his tenure as the president, the alumni body organied a few get-togethers which he said were great since many of them got to meet their batch mates after decades, says Subrat Birla.

“I passed out from the school in 1984. I was, if I am not mistaken, the third-fourth batch of the school. The school had started in 1975. When I became the president, I think it was 1998, we formed the alumni group once I was able to connect with a few students of batches 1981-82. We were also able to make a connection with some of the teachers who had taught us at that time. But with time, things change and here I am 39 years later still in touch with teachers and classmates,” Birla said.

Excerpts from the interview

What made you choose law?

One main factor was that my father is a lawyer as well. It was easy to pursue a profession that I was familiar with. Second, I did Science and then Social Science. When it was time to choose a career path, I preferred to go with Social Science since it interests me. I also keep myself updated with the latest Science happening around the globe because the subject interests me. I did my honours in Physics before taking up law.

Was it tough to make a shift from Science to law?

When you shift your line there is always a lot of de-learning first before the learning can start. Social Science is a different ballgame and involves organic thinking. Science on the other hand works on linear thinking with a set mindset. There are no ifs and buts in Science.

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I joined the school in class VIII back in 1979. I am still in touch with some of my batch mates and even teachers who taught us. Because of social media, it has become easy to remain connected

–Subrat Birla, Alumnus Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park

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Tell us about your school days.

I joined the school in class VIII back in 1979. I am still in touch with some of my batch mates and even teachers who taught us. Because of social media, it has become easy to remain in touch. I am also in touch with some classmates and even my seniors who are abroad. We have a group and remain in touch via that.

How challenging is law as a subject?

Extremely so. Social Science is not easy to study. The present scenario that exists, the challenges are even more. Law is coming into play more and more. Judiciary in India plays a huge role. It interprets the law, settles disputes, and administers justice to all citizens. It is also called the watchdog of democracy and guardian of the Constitution of India. Law gives shape to the mindset of the people.

How important is it for the common man to know laws?

It is very important to know one’s rights and what the law has to say regarding the same. There is a maxim: Ignorantia juris non-excusat (ignorance of the law is no excuse). Therefore, everybody should know what the law has to say. What the common man needs today is an effective form for redressal.

Teachers who mentored you.

There are so many of them whom I remember fondly. JP Singh sir who taught Physics; Then there was Krishnan sir. I was in touch with them even after I left the school. Java ma’am who taught Hindi; English teacher Subramaniyam ma’am; Ajit Singh sir who taught Physical Education. I was in touch with other teachers as well like the music teacher and Math teachers like Mrs Kumar ma’am and even Social Science teachers.

Advice to students who want to pursue law.

It is a very satisfying and lucrative career. And if a student wants to study law, he/she should certainly do so. There are several opportunities in this field. It is a place for people of different kinds of mindset – those who want to earn money, those who want to do social service, and those who want to help others get justice. It is a challenging area that requires a lot of hard work.

Are there any traits that make for a good lawyer?

There are a few of them. But the most important one is that the person should have an excellent grasp of Political Science, History and Social Science. If you don’t have a background in this, you have to create one to excel in law.