Born and raised in the slums of Khar, Mumbai, Atharva Minath Karanjkar’s journey is one of resilience, hard work, and unshakeable determination. Growing up in a cramped house that often flooded during the monsoons, Atharva faced many hardships. A major turning point came when his mother underwent a serious operation, placing immense financial strain on the family. Despite these challenges, his parents always stood by him, encouraging him to keep striving for a better future.
Atharva consistently excelled in academics, topping his class throughout school and scoring an impressive 93.6% in his 10th board exams, making him the school topper. From an early age, he honed his confidence and communication skills through elocution competitions and school dramas. While many expected him to pursue medicine or engineering, Atharva found his calling in the field of law. He was inspired by the power of arguments, historic judgments, and the role of the judiciary in bringing justice.
Though pursuing law seemed like a distant dream due to financial limitations, fate took a turn when Atharva’s father, working as a peon at a law firm, met Ayushi Ma’am—a former IDIA scholar. She introduced Atharva to IDIA, and he soon appeared for the INAT in October 2023.
From that point, IDIA became a cornerstone of his journey, providing him with coaching, mentorship, and emotional support.
Balancing science studies in college with CLAT preparation was incredibly challenging. The grueling schedule left Atharva drained, but he remained focused on his ambition to become a top lawyer. His efforts paid off when he secured an All India Rank of 4273 in CLAT 2024, and ranked 8th in Maharashtra under the OBC category.
Atharva’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the strength of community support, and the belief that no dream is too big if one is willing to work for it. With the unwavering support of his family and IDIA, he is now ready to embark on his journey to become a changemaker through the law.
