Devanshu Sajlan is a distinguished Judge who began his legal career after graduating from National Law University (NLU) Delhi, in 2014. Initially, he joined AZB & Partners, one of India’s premier corporate law firms, where he worked under the mentorship of Mr Gautam Saha. During his time there, he gained valuable experience in high-profile transactions involving international entities like the International Finance Corporation, American Tower Corporation, and the Asian Development Bank. He later transitioned to litigation, joining the chambers of Senior Advocate Mr Neeraj Kishan Kaul, where he honed his advocacy skills under Mr Kaul’s mentorship. In 2019, he made a significant career move by joining the Delhi Judicial Services. Since then, he has passed over 200 judgments across various areas of law (including criminal defamation, cheating, forgery, white collar crimes, extortion, abduction, bonded labour, robbery, grievous hurt, theft, criminal trespass, sexual offenses) showcasing his commitment to justice and the rule of law. His diverse experience in both corporate law and litigation enriches his role as a Judge, allowing him to approach cases with a well-rounded perspective.
Praavita Kashyap is a practicing advocate in New Delhi, specialising in criminal law. She has worked with senior advocate Rebecca John and Advocate Bhavook Chauhaan in New Delhi. With Ms John, Praavita has worked on several trials of public significance. She has represented defendants and complainants across various subject areas including criminal defamation, homicidal crimes along with sexual and gender-based violence. For the last decade, Praavita has been associated with several social movements and campaigns including the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (‘MKSS’). She is also the founder of the ‘Article 21 Trust’, a public-spirited organisation that raises awareness about issues of public interest and importance relating to welfare and technology. Praavita completed her LLB from Delhi University, BA (Hons.) in Philosophy from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, and MA in Human Rights from Sciences Po, Paris.
Amartya Kanjilal graduated from the Faculty of Law, Delhi University in 2013. Since then, he has been engaged in human rights, criminal law litigation, and research. He has worked as a judicial clerk in the Delhi High Court and practiced as a criminal defence lawyer in various courts in Delhi. He also worked at Project 39A, whereby he provided legal representation to death-sentenced prisoners in the Supreme Court of India and various High Courts. He has researched and written extensively on the issues of criminal and constitutional law, with a special focus on capital punishment jurisprudence and gender law reform.
Earlier in August this year, all three of them were granted the prestigious Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship whereby Devanshu Sajlan and Praavita Kashyap were given the opportunity to pursue their master’s degree at the Columbia University and Amartya Kanjilal was given the opportunity to pursue his master’s at the University of Michigan.
1. Kindly introduce yourself to the readers. How would you describe your journey to a successful career in law so far?
Devanshu: I think the introduction to the article aptly captures my journey.
Praavita: I am a first-generation lawyer working in the field of criminal litigation. My journey as a lawyer has been grounded in my work with MKSS, an organisation that works to empower those who are impoverished or marginalised by challenging the balance of power between the state and the citizen. The work of MKSS was seminal to the conception and passage of the Right to Information Act which gives people the power to access information from the Government and public bodies, and fight for all other rights. MKSS was a part of the movements for the Right to Food and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and had challenged the constitutionality of the ‘Aadhaar’ programme.
MKSS’ focus on changing the relationship of power between the State and people made me interested in studying law. I was drawn to criminal law, where the carceral power of the State is visible. When I completed my degree in law, I joined the office of Advocate Bhavook Chauhaan with whom I learned the intricacies of trial court practice. I then, had the incredible opportunity of working with Senior Advocate Rebecca John. In assisting Ms John, I worked on several high stakes criminal trials.
I am not sure how success is measured in terms of a legal career, but I feel fortunate to have learned from the best by defending and working on cases that have honed my abilities as a lawyer.
Amartya: I am a graduate of the University of Delhi, Campus Law Centre. I have primarily been interested in criminal law and human rights so far, and I have worked in Delhi as a lawyer in various courts and tribunals. I do not think I pursued a linear path on my journey, but I ended up trying a bunch of different things — clerkship, research, litigation, etc.
2. What inspired you to pursue a master’s after so many years of your graduation? Were there any other scholarships you considered/applied for?
Devanshu: I have always been deeply interested in the challenges facing the criminal justice system in India, including the area of white-collar crimes and bail law. However, I wanted to gain relevant professional experience before pursuing further studies in this field of law. Therefore, I worked for a sufficient number of years before deciding to apply for an LLM. My experiences, both as a Judge and a litigator, have allowed me to witness firsthand the shortcomings of the criminal justice system. With a commitment to addressing these issues, I aim to learn about the best global practices in criminal jurisprudence and explore ways to implement them within the Indian legal framework. Pursuing a master’s program at Columbia Law School presents a unique opportunity to engage with some of the brightest legal minds in the United States. By combining the insights that I gain from this program with my practical experience, I hope to work towards implementing the best global practices in India’s criminal justice system.
Apart from Fulbright, people can also consider applying to Chevening, Commonwealth, and Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship to fund their studies.
Praavita: I wanted a year to reflect on the last ten years of my working life and to consider how litigation, law and policy can work together. In the last few years, I have also begun to see how technology impacts criminal law and society. I wanted to deepen my understanding of how the law works by engaging with critical legal studies and learn how other jurisdictions approach issues related technology and the law.
I did not apply to any other scholarships.
Amartya: For me, it was just that the time was right. Due to personal and professional circumstances, I was unable to pursue the plan earlier. I had applied for the Chevening scholarship to study in the United Kingdom, but I did not get that.
3. We are aware that the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships require a minimum of three years of professional work experience. In your opinion, what is the right time to pursue a master’s abroad? Based on your experience, is it preferable to go for an LLM straight after one’s graduation, or is having prior work experience more advantageous?
Devanshu: I believe it is challenging to provide a one-size-fits-all answer, as each individual has unique goals and aspirations. However, from my perspective, having a minimum of 3-5 years of work experience is invaluable. This period allows one to gain insights into the specific areas of law that interest them, which in turn helps in tailoring an LLM program to better meet those objectives. After several years in the field, I have a clearer understanding of what I hope to achieve from this course. Additionally, this experience can enhance eligibility for various scholarships, such as Fulbright and Chevening, further expanding opportunities for academic and professional growth.
Praavita: I completed my first master’s right after I had finished my undergraduate degree in Philosophy. I hold an MA in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action from Sciences Po, Paris. I learned a great deal in time at Sciences Po and became certain that I needed to work with grassroots movements and organisations to truly understand everything that we had learned and discussed in class. My time at Sciences Po helped shape my commitment to social movements.
When I decided to study law, I was convinced it would be the last degree I obtained, and the end of my studies. Now, a decade after my first master’s, I feel I am better equipped to focus on exactly what I need to study to develop specific skills that will make me a better advocate, thinker, and lawyer. I know that my goals are narrow and explicit in ways I could not have known without having worked.
For anyone considering a master’s I would say that working before you study helps inform the way in which you approach your studies. Having professional experience helps you identify the things that you need to study that will build towards your professional and personal goals.
Amartya: There is no one “right time” in my opinion. It wholly depends on your objectives, and how you see the study aiding you in achieving them. For some, it might make sense to do it straight after college if they know what they want to focus on and where they want to study. For others, that clarity might come after a few years of working. For someone, it might be a mid-career break that might allow them to explore something new. Generally, universities in the US give weight to work experience, and it makes your application stronger.
4. The Fulbright application requires an applicant to submit their study objectives, personal statement, writing sample and their resume (among other things). What was your approach while preparing for the same? Kindly share some tips on preparing a successful application.
Devanshu: Thoroughly exploring the Fulbright website is essential for understanding the qualities they seek in applicants. After going through the website, I personally felt that the Fulbright journey focuses on affording us a chance to serve as a cultural ambassador for our country. Therefore, the statement of purpose (SOP) must focus on how one perceives themselves to be a cultural ambassador. I understood this role to mean not only sharing insights about my legal system in the US but also engaging in an enriching exchange of ideas to learn about the American legal landscape. My goal is to foster mutual growth and understanding through exchanging ideas about the best practices in the criminal justice system in both countries, a central theme in my SOP. Additionally, reviewing the profiles of past grantees provided valuable insights into the characteristics of an ideal Fulbright candidate. Further, I believe a strong application and SOP should clearly convey the motivations for pursuing any chosen course and outline the vision for becoming a future leader in that field, with the aim of benefiting your country.
Praavita: It was very difficult to write the application. It required a great deal of thought and reflection. It seems obvious, but one of the first things to do is to closely read the instructions for every section very closely.
I began by writing about the cases which I felt were my biggest victories and about why I began studying law. I then cut everything and completely edited the essays. I think I revised and edited the essays at least eight times. The advice I find most useful is that the essays are a place for every candidate to show who they are and how they think, and to demonstrate what we have learned from the things that we have done. I also kept thinking about why I wanted to study and how this study would fit into the future plans that I have. Thinking like this helped shape everything I wrote.
The writing sample and the curriculum vitae (CV) are the easiest parts and can be completed first. For the writing sample I used something I had written that had been published a year or so before I applied. Everything takes time and will be revised so the best thing to do is just to begin.
Amartya: The most important thing is to be clear about why you want to do an LLM. That should reflect in both your personal statement and your research objective. It need not be something unique or ingenious, but it has to be coherent and well thought out. Extra points if it relates to what you have already worked on or written about. Also, reach out to your three recommenders well in advance, giving them sufficient time for writing the letter of recommendation. Finally, get your research objectives and statements reviewed by friends and mentors.
5. The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship is given only to exceptionally talented students, academicians, and professionals. How do you think one can come to be ‘exceptionally talented’? Also, what according to you made your application stand out from that of other applicants?
Devanshu: I believe that a genuine passion for one’s field of work and study is of paramount importance. We tend to excel when we are motivated by our pursuits, and I sense that Fulbright seeks candidates who are deeply invested in their disciplines and aspire to effect positive change within them. In relation to my application, I feel that my diverse experiences as both a lawyer and a Judge, combined with my close proximity to the criminal justice system, may have strengthened my candidacy. Having worked in this field for a substantial period, I feel that my understanding of the critical issues facing the criminal justice system may have been an asset in my application.
Amartya: I do not think there was anything exceptionally talented about me or my application. Almost everyone who applies has done great work — professionally and academically. What makes an application stand out is the ability to clearly convey a coherent plan that ties with your personal and professional journey so far, and what you want to do going ahead. I think I was lucky enough to be guided by the right people during the process, so that definitely helped a lot.
6. The reviewing of applications is followed by interviews of short-listed candidates. In your opinion, what are the do’s and don’ts for prospective applicants?
Devanshu: The most important thing is not to put too much pressure on yourself. Treat the interview like a casual conversation. Remember, the interviewers are not there to intimidate you; they are simply interested in learning about your unique professional journey.
My advice is to get a good night’s sleep before the interview. Take some time to review your application and think about what changes you would like to implement in your field if you were in a leadership position. Also, think about what your ultimate career aspirations are. Focusing on these aspects will help you feel more prepared and confident. Just relax and be yourself. Also, speak with a couple of previous Fulbright awardees since that would help you understand different perspectives as to why people choose to apply for Fulbright.
Praavita: Personally, I am always incredibly nervous in interviews. For this interview it really helped to prepare. I asked friends and colleagues of various backgrounds and ages to do mock interviews with me and that helped me feel confident and prepared in the interview.
Amartya: Be prepared with every aspect of your application. They just want to know that you truly have thought through whatever you have written. At the same time, do not treat it as a formal job interview, be relaxed and treat it like a friendly conversation about your area of interest/passion with people who are curious about it.
7. What are the opportunities available after this fellowship and what are your future plans?
Praavita: The Fulbright Fellowship requires that grantees return to their home countries after the period of the fellowship ends. I look forward to returning to practice, and to thinking of new ways to deal with criminal law, technology, and rights with grassroots movements. The wide range of people we meet through the Fulbright scholarship and the new perspectives I have gained here at Columbia University will shape the way in which I approach my work.
Amartya: I have not availed any opportunities yet, since I have just started my LLM now. However, the fellowship exposes you to different networks and opportunities that you might not have otherwise. It allows you to interact with a range of people from different disciplines which also helps broaden your perspectives.
8. There seems to be a significant difference/gap in the education systems followed in India and the US. What major differences do you feel exist in this respect? In your estimation, what can be done to improve the education system in India in order to better equip our graduates to compete and excel at a global scale?
Devanshu: I do not claim to be an expert on this issue, and I think academic professionals would be better placed to answer this. However, in my limited experience, I believe that effective lawyers are those who master the facts of their cases. During my legal studies in India, there was a strong emphasis on learning legal principles, but less focus on analysing the facts which led to the enunciation of those legal principles. While understanding the law is essential, I think that analysing case facts is crucial for developing critical thinking and analytical skills. Engaging with the facts allows us to explore why a particular legal principle was applied in a specific scenario rather than another. This deeper examination fosters a more nuanced understanding of the law and its application.
In my experience, the classroom discussions here differ from those in India on this aspect; they often involve robust critical analysis of the factual background. This emphasis on dissecting facts and principles encourages a more holistic approach to legal education.
Praavita: The most glaring difference I have seen that I believe we could benefit from incorporating into our system, is the emphasis on critical thinking in the US. I think we are indirectly taught this when we study humanities but there could be ways in which this could be taught more explicitly or differently.
Amartya: There is a lot to be written here, and I do not want to get into all of it, but I think one of the problems ailing legal education in India is that it does not prepare you enough to hit the ground running as a litigating lawyer. Another problem is that you are not trained to understand the law critically. Instead, you see it as a trade to master and then get a plush corporate job. There is nothing wrong with that, especially since the fees are so exorbitant at most premier law schools in India. But at the level of education policy, the priorities need to be shifted. In my opinion, US law schools are even more corporatised. They are unreasonably expensive, even by US standards, and the primary focus is on churning out a workforce for Big Law. There is also an artificially created aura around brand names (Ivy League, T-14, etc.) where the university’s tag defines your worth, and that kind of props up the entire hallowed corporate structure of legal education here. But at the same time, you also get opportunities to meet and learn from professors who have generated exceptional scholarships and who force you to think in ways you have not before. That is something at least I did not experience in my legal education in India.
9. The application process for the Fellowship is quite rigorous. How did you manage to balance it with your professional commitments? How did you deal with the stress that came with it?
Devanshu: With plenty of motivating music and the unwavering support of my wife Shruti, friends, and colleagues. While there were stressful moments, I truly believe that my support system was instrumental in helping me persevere. Having trusted individuals to share my fears and uncertainties with, made a significant difference. It is crucial to surround yourself with people who uplift you and provide a safe space for open discussion.
Praavita: I was lucky enough to have a supportive professional environment where I could take time to work on the application. I also began working on the application much in advance of the deadline. I dealt with the stress with support from my friends and family without whom I could not have even submitted an application.
Amartya: Start well in advance, do not keep it for the last few weeks. Reserve at least one hour every day for reading, researching and writing your applications, and you should be fine.
10. What part of the journey did you enjoy the most; what would be your biggest takeaway?
Devanshu: I truly appreciate everything about this journey. At first, I was uncertain about applying, but I am incredibly grateful to the individuals who encouraged me to apply. I owe a special thanks to my mentors — Mr Gautam Saha, Mr Neeraj Kishan Kaul, and Bharti ma’am, who stepped in at the eleventh hour to write recommendation letters for me. They have also played a crucial role in shaping me into a more capable student of law. Their guidance and support (both on a personal and professional front) have significantly enhanced my understanding and analytical skills, allowing me to excel in my field.
I thoroughly enjoyed the interview process; it was an enriching experience to discuss my journey and goals with such accomplished individuals. The Fulbright programme empowers you to pursue your dreams without the burden of financial worries, providing a platform to share ideas with a talented cohort. Also, the Indian Programme Manager at Fulbright, Ms Gayatri Singhal tirelessly helped me and all Fulbright awardees at every step of the journey (from organising a pre-departure orientation for us to helping us with the VISA process). Overall, I feel extremely fortunate to have this incredible opportunity.
Praavita: Writing a personal statement and a study objective forces you to examine your life and makes you articulate your future plans in a very real way. I enjoyed that process deeply and I feel more focussed and grounded because I went through it.
Amartya: I think I enjoyed the whole process, it helped me learn more about myself, and I made some good friends along the way, including fellow Fulbrighters. My biggest takeaway is to first think of the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of your plan and then see how Fulbright (or an LLM) fits into that plan, instead of the other way around. Secondly, even if you do not get the Fulbright most US universities will still give you substantial scholarships so do not let a rejection derail your plans.
