Gandhinagar Nat’l l Law University
Vaibhavi, our IDIA Scholar from the batch of 2024 at GNLU has begun her retainership at Tata Sons, Group Legal as a Legal Counsel.
Her journey, like that of every IDIA Scholar, is one of quiet perseverance and unshakable belief, showing us how dedication, right mentorship and a sense of purpose can turn even the most distant dreams into reality.
Our Scholar, Vaibhavi comes from Nandaipada, a small village nestled in the serene coastal town of Alibaug. Her father is a farmer and her mother is a homemaker. Growing up in a close-knit tribal community, she witnessed both the strength and struggles of people around her. A childhood incident, when her uncle lost his life in a fishing boat accident during heavy rains left a deep impact on her, planting in her the desire to make justice accessible to those who need it most.
She completed her schooling at Shri S.M. Vadake Mahavidyalaya and later moved to Pune to pursue her higher education at the renowned Fergusson College. A bright student since school, Vaibhavi was always drawn towards language, literature, and music. She secured the first rank in Marathi language at the state level in her 10th Board examinations and also was later awarded the R.B.Kelkar Prize at Fergusson College for securing the highest marks in Marathi. It was during her time at Fergusson college that she came across IDIA through our Pune Chapter, led by the ILS Law College team. Under the guidance of Liji Shamilin and her team, Vaibhavi prepared for the CLAT exam and earned a seat at Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar.
Throughout her five years at GNLU, she remained sincere, hardworking and grounded- qualities that truly define her. She interned with leading law firms and in-house legal teams, including Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, Panag & Babu, Trilegal, Tata Sons, and Mahindra & Mahindra. Alongside her internships, she also contributed research articles and papers to reputed legal platforms and journals. She not only did well academically but became a mentor and anchor for others. When I met her in Ahmedabad, other IDIA scholars spoke of how she had taken them under her wing. How she made life a little easier for those far from home. Hearing it made me so happy.
During her third year, Vaibhavi interned with the Legal Team at Tata Sons and left a lasting impression with her sincerity and work ethic. A few months ago, when I received a message from Mr. Ravi Mahto, AVP at Tata Sons, sharing that they were extending a retainership to Vaibhavi, I was over the moon. I could not think of a more deserving person for this opportunity. Good things do happen to good people, especially to those who work hard, stay kind, and persevere through uncertainty.
Vaibhavi’s journey from a small village in coastal Maharashtra to the legal team of Tata Sons is more than personal success. It’s a reminder of what happens when opportunity meets effort, and when organisations like Tata Sons, believe in inclusive growth.
At IDIA, we’re proud to play a small role in journeys like hers, helping transform potential into purpose, and dreams into directions.
