Ashok Kumar hails from Haliwav, Jalore, a remote village in Rajasthan. His father is a farmer who also runs a small shop in the village, and his stepmother is a homemaker. Despite the family’s modest annual income of around INR 40,000, Ashok overcame numerous hardships and successfully completed his schooling from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Jaswantpura, Jalore, Rajasthan, where he excelled academically.
Ashok was introduced to IDIA through a sensitization session conducted by the IDIA Rajasthan Chapter. Focused and determined, he trained for a year with the Chapter, often cycling nearly 40 kilometers daily to save money while preparing for entrance exams. His resilience and dedication paid off when he secured admission to the Institute of Law, Nirma University, Ahmedabad.
During his time at Nirma University, Ashok actively engaged in a range of extracurricular activities. He participated in various intra-moot court competitions, ADR tournaments, conferences, and workshops, notably representing his institute at the 8th NLIU-INADR International Law School Mediation Tournament in 2019. A passionate theatre enthusiast, Ashok was also an active member of the University’s Theatre Club, performing in award-winning one-act plays and street performances.
Ashok completed prestigious internships with leading legal institutions, including the Dispute Resolution Team at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co., New Delhi; Khaitan & Co., Mumbai; Hon’ble Justice Ravi Krishan Kapoor, Judge, High Court at Calcutta; Tree of Life Associates, Bangalore; and Advocate Amit Agrawal at the Supreme Court of India.
At IDIA, Ashok served as the Deputy Team Leader for the Gujarat (Nirma) Chapter, contributing significantly to the movement’s mission of empowering underprivileged students through legal education. His diverse interests — theatre, movies, reading, volleyball, badminton, and table tennis — reflect a well-rounded and dynamic personality.
Ashok’s journey took a remarkable leap when he became the first IDIA scholar to receive the prestigious Remala Family Scholarship, securing admission to the Master of Laws (LL.M.) program in Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at Seattle University School of Law. He completed his LL.M. with flying colors, adding another milestone to his inspiring journey.
Further cementing his achievements, Ashok passed the Uniform Bar Examination and was sworn into the Washington State Bar Association. His success is even more commendable considering that the average pass rate for LL.M. graduates in Washington was around 15 percent — with only six candidates passing on their first attempt. Ashok achieved this feat while balancing the demands of full-time work, showcasing extraordinary perseverance and commitment.
Currently, Ashok works at a global holistic wellbeing company dedicated to helping people live better lives through holistic wellness. Staying true to his roots and values, Ashok has set up a book library in his village and mentors local students to support them in completing their education.
Ashok expresses deep gratitude to Late Prof. (Dr.) Shamnad Basheer, whose mentorship and vision have been guiding lights in his journey. Ashok continues to embody Dr. Basheer’s values by paying it forward, empowering others just as he was empowered.
Ashok lives by a belief that guides his every step:
“You work hard, you make money, you do it for yourself. That’s not life. You go out, you seek for people who need your help, you make their lives better. When you realise that you have changed someone’s life, that is the day when you truly live.”
