The Seed of Independence
I grew up in Koraput, Odisha—a small town cradled by nature’s beauty and simplicity. In this serene environment, I was an introverted child, often lost in my thoughts, yet my eyes brimmed with dreams of independence. While my family, especially my father, supported me wholeheartedly, my yearning to stand on my own feet came from within—a burning desire to build a life of purpose.
Struggles That Shaped Me
Adolescence wasn’t kind. My innate curiosity was a double-edged sword—it made me question the world around me but also left me feeling isolated. I struggled to find my place among my peers and often felt like an outsider. Self-doubt and self-hatred crept in, convincing me I was just a “weird kid” with no direction.
Amid these internal battles, two extraordinary individuals anchored me: my father, G. Arun Kumar, and my mentor, Jagatjit Sahu Sir.
My father, though he never burdened me with expectations, believed in me in a way that words cannot capture. His simple, reassuring phrases like, “Oh wow, you improved!” became my fuel to keep trying, even when I failed repeatedly.
Then there was Jagatjit Sir, who entered my life when I was at my lowest. He saw potential in me that I hadn’t yet recognized. We often disagreed—my stubbornness clashed with his relentless faith—but he never gave up on me. He helped me reconnect with my curious self and reignited the ambition that had dimmed within me.
The Turning Point
Everything changed in 2019. It was the year I decided to face my weaknesses head-on. I failed—a lot. But each failure became a stepping stone. My father’s unwavering faith and mentor’s guidance reminded me that growth often lies on the other side of discomfort.
That year, I chose law as my career. Inspired by the ancient Mahabharata quote, “धर्मो रक्षति रतक्षिः” (“Dharma protects those who protect it”), resonated deeply with me. I aspired to be a custodian of dharma, making even the smallest contributions to uphold it.
I wanted to be a small light in a world often overshadowed by darkness.
The Birth of Juris Spectra
Before even stepping into law school, I had completed five internships and authored four publications. It was as though life had given me the nudge I needed, and I let gravity take care of the rest. This relentless pursuit of excellence earned me a Global Recognition Award.
During this exploratory phase, I crossed paths with Anuj Gupta, a like-minded individual with ambitions as lofty as mine. Together, we founded Juris Spectra—a venture that embodies independence while uplifting others.
We noticed a gap: law students often struggled to connect theoretical knowledge with real[1]world practice. Juris Spectra became the bridge, offering workshops on mooting skills, internships, and legal drafting. Feedback poured in, affirming our mission. One message still brings a lump to my throat: “Your workshop made me realize my potential—I finally feel ready to start my legal journey.” Moments like these make every struggle worthwhile.
Balancing Dreams and Reality
Building Juris Spectra while juggling academic commitments wasn’t easy. I remember sleepless nights spent drafting workshop content after long hours of studying case laws. Doubts crept in, especially when peers questioned whether a second-year law student could create something impactful. Yet, every obstacle strengthened my resolve.
One particularly challenging time was during the launch of a webinar. Coordinating logistics, handling registrations, and promoting the event—all while keeping up with academics—felt overwhelming. But seeing over 200 participants engage enthusiastically made the struggle worth it.
Lessons That Anchor Me
Through this journey, I’ve embraced guiding principles that keep me grounded:
- Clarity of Purpose: Knowing why I’m doing something keeps me focused during tough times.
- Gratitude for Support: My success is rooted in the faith of my father, my mentor, and my co-founder Anuj Gupta.
- Collaboration: True progress happens when we lift others as we climb.
- Integrity: No matter how tempting shortcuts may seem, I’ve stayed true to earning success the right way
Whatever I am today, and whoever I am today, it is because of the contributions of two people: my mentor and my father. They have become my strength, my pillars of support that keep me moving forward. Their belief in me reminds me that success is never an individual pursuit. It is the result of contributions, support, and the shared efforts of those who believe in your potential, even when you cannot see it yourself.
Looking Ahead
Juris Spectra has grown beyond my imagination. From national quiz competitions to skill-building workshops, we’ve impacted countless lives. One of my proudest moments was hearing how our platform helped a student secure an internship at a top-tier law firm.
Despite everything, I remain unsatisfied. There’s a fire within me—a hunger to achieve more, to be better.
I want to make my father proud, to hear my mentor speak of me with pride. Most importantly, I want to continue being a light, no matter how small, in the lives of those who need it.
Closing Thoughts
This journey has been far from easy, but every challenge has been a lesson, and every setback has been a stepping stone. My story isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about the power of belief—both in oneself and in others. As I move forward, I carry with me the values that my mentor and my father instilled in me, the support of my family, and the vision of Juris Spectra to create a lasting impact.
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