National Law Univeristy, Odisha
Ayushman Khadanga, from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, is a shining example of resilience and determination. Despite facing immense challenges, including his father’s debilitating stroke in 2015, Ayushman excelled academically, topping his 12th board exams with 96.4%. Inspired by his political science teacher, he pursued law to contribute to society and fight against prevailing injustices.
Ayushman’s interest in law was sparked by his political science teacher, who adeptly connected the principles of law with political science, inspiring him to pursue a career as a lawyer. He was driven by a deep desire to contribute to society and address the evils and prejudices that persist.
In his quest to realize this ambition, Ayushman reached out to Jitendra Majhi, the Team Leader of the IDIA Odisha Chapter, through Instagram. His visit to NLU Odisha to take the IDIA National Aptitude Test (INAT) was a surreal experience for him, and he was inducted as a trainee in September 2023.
With CLAT approaching quickly, Ayushman adopted a marathon mindset for his preparation, dedicating long hours and unwavering focus to his studies. Despite his background in Humanities, which made the Quantitative Aptitude section challenging, he persisted, practicing diligently to improve his scores. The support and guidance he received from IDIA mentors were invaluable, helping him navigate through moments of distress and ensuring that he stayed on track toward his goal.
Ayushman’s hard work and determination paid off when he cleared CLAT and secured admission to NLU Odisha, fulfilling a dream that had once seemed distant. With his eyes set on a career in the judiciary, Ayushman aspires to safeguard the rights of the underprivileged and ensure the fair administration of justice, contributing to a society that is just and equitable.
Outside of his academic pursuits, Ayushman is a man of many talents and interests. He practices Pattachitra, a traditional art form of Odisha where intricate paintings are drawn on canvases made of cloth. He is also an avid reader, with a keen interest in mythology, as well as ancient and medieval history.
Ayushman is dedicated to his studies in law school and has actively participated in several moot court competitions. His excellence in mooting during the Intra-University Moot Court Competition earned him the opportunity to compete at the national level in the prestigious Henry Dunant Memorial Moot Court Competition. Additionally, he reached the semi-finals in the Intra-University Mooting Championship.
During his first-semester break, he gained practical legal experience by interning with a lawyer practicing in the High Court. Reflecting on his first semester, he found it to be an insightful and transformative experience—nothing short of a rollercoaster ride.
Ayushman Khadanga’s story is one of overcoming adversity, driven by a desire to make a difference in the world. With his passion for justice, dedication to his studies, and the support of IDIA, Ayushman is well on his way to becoming a beacon of hope for those who seek fairness and equality in society.
