Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala
Meet Santosh Kumar, hailing from the tranquil town of Manda in Bihar, situated near the
mountains. Santosh’s journey to pursuing his dream of law was filled with determination and
unwavering support from organizations like IDIA.
Santosh’s father is a farmer, and his mother serves as a community mobilizer in the self-help
group called Jivika Gram Sangathan. With his passion for reading, Santosh found inspiration
in autobiographies like “The Story of My Experiments with Truth” by Gandhi and “Wings of
Fire” by Abdul Kalam. His desire to pursue law intensified after discovering CLAT through an
alumnus of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya.
Supported by IDIA, Santosh qualified for training scholarship at Legal Edge, Bhopal,
alleviating the financial burden that had worried him. IDIA became his home and guardian,
providing guidance and support throughout the preparation journey, especially since his
parents were unfamiliar with law colleges.
With a strong sense of responsibility towards his community, Santosh aims to uplift and
support others from his village by creating awareness about opportunities like Navodaya
schools and organizations like IDIA.
His aspiration to work in international organizations such as the UN and international courts
showcases his dedication to making a global impact through the field of law.
Beyond law, Santosh’s interests encompass various passions, including sports, particularly
cricket, music, as he plays tabla and congo, and writing. His journey from Manda to law
school exemplifies the power of perseverance and support, with IDIA playing a pivotal role in
empowering dreams and fostering a sense of social responsibility. Santosh Kumar stands as
an inspiration to his community and beyond, showcasing the transformative impact of
education and determination in shaping a brighter future.
In college, Santosh is one of the most diligent members of IDIA Punjab Chapter and has
trained many school students who qualified to be IDIA Trainees. He has also interned at the
National Foundation of India and the Center of Social Justice, showcasing his passion for
making a difference.
