‘This achievement inspires us to continue exploring critical topics and contributing meaningful insights’

Apeejayites are simply multi-talented. Recently, Harsh Sah of School of Biosciences and Archita Ranjan of School of Legal Studies from Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Gurugram secured a 1st position in an international poster presentation competition, conducted by the Directorate of Biological Sciences, Goldsmith Institute of Advanced Research (GIAR). Speaking to one of the co-authors, Harsh explains how they prepared for the competition and shares his delight at winning the position.  

How do you both feel about this achievement?

Winning this competition is a truly fulfilling moment for both of us. It’s a recognition of our hard work and dedication to an issue that holds deep ethical and social relevance. We feel proud and grateful, especially knowing our efforts resonated with the judges. This achievement inspires us to continue exploring critical topics and contributing meaningful insights.

Share with us details of you and Archita, and how you decided to participate.

I come from the School of Biosciences, and Archita is from the School of Legal Studies at Apeejay Stya University. Our interdisciplinary backgrounds—mine in bioethics and hers in law—created a perfect synergy for this competition. When we learned about the opportunity, we immediately recognised it as a platform to combine our expertise. After brainstorming various topics, we felt the issue of euthanasia was not only thought-provoking but also relevant for both bioethics and law.

What poster did you present? What was the theme?

Our poster was titled “Euthanasia and Fundamental Rights: A Bioethical Perspective on the Right to Die with Dignity.” The theme explored the ethical, legal, and social implications of euthanasia at both national and international levels. We proposed its recognition as a fundamental right, supported by a well-regulated code of conduct to ensure its ethical practice.

How did you prepare?

Our preparation involved extensive research and collaboration. We began by reviewing literature on euthanasia to understand its ethical, historical, and legal dimensions. We then identified gaps in existing discussions and built our argument around the necessity of framing euthanasia as a fundamental right. Drafting, designing, and revising the poster was a meticulous process, and we practiced presenting our ideas concisely yet powerfully.

What has been your learning through this competition?

This competition taught us the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the value of presenting complex ideas in a simplified yet impactful way. It also enhanced our research and analytical skills, and we learned to address critical questions from multiple perspectives. Above all, it reinforced the importance of advocacy for social and ethical issues.

How does Apeejay prepare you for such competitions?

Apeejay Stya University fosters an environment that encourages innovation, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The guidance from our faculty has been instrumental in shaping our research skills and confidence. The emphasis on hands-on learning, coupled with the freedom to explore diverse topics, has prepared us to excel in such platforms. The support and encouragement we received from the university played a significant role in this achievement.