Arshnuma Anjum, a young and determined individual from Bihar, carries a name as unique as her story. Her name, Arshnuma, means divine light or divine radiance, which perfectly reflects her personality and aspirations.
Despite facing significant challenges, including leaving school after Class 8 due to the lockdown, Arshnuma’s resilience and thirst for knowledge led her to self-educate through YouTube channels such as Physics Wallah and Magnet Brains. She scored an impressive 89.4% in her Class 10 board exams and 91% in Class 12, both of which she completed through non-attending schooling. Her journey of self-learning and discipline is truly inspiring.
Arshnuma’s interest in law was sparked in Class 8 during a political science lesson about Public Interest Litigation (PIL) cases, such as Olga Tellis vs. BMC. These cases revealed to her the power of the Constitution to bring justice to the exploited. A personal experience in her village, where she confronted police misconduct by recording their actions, further solidified her resolve to pursue a career in law. She dreams of empowering others by ensuring justice for those unaware of their rights or unable to access legal assistance, particularly undertrial prisoners who remain in jail due to systemic neglect.
Beyond academics, Arshnuma is a passionate individual with a variety of interests, including reading, writing poetry, gardening, social work, and exploring food and places. She finds inspiration in the lives and works of luminaries like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Malala Yousafzai, and Jawaharlal Nehru.
Arshnuma’s journey exemplifies perseverance, self-belief, and a commitment to making a difference in society. With her dedication and vision, she aspires to harness the power of law to create a more just and equitable world.
