Entrepreneurship has always been a journey of evolution for me—moving between roles as an attorney, a business leader, an investor, and an advisor. But one hat I never thought I would wear? Professor of Law.
When I graduated from Harvard Law School, after years of studying law in Delhi, the UK, and the U.S., I was certain of one thing: I belonged in private practice. My world was fast-paced, built around helping startups and companies navigate intellectual property law. I had no desire to be in a classroom.
Yet, life had other plans.
This week, I conclude another teaching semester as Chair Professor of Law at Manipal University Jaipur School of Law. What I expected to be an academic exercise became a deeply fulfilling experience of mentorship, discovery, and impact.
What I’ve Learned from My Students
- The Next Generation is Hungry for Knowledge – Today’s students are not just here to earn degrees; they are driven, critical thinkers who want to shape the future of law. One of my students shared that she will be focusing her dissertation on Green Technology and IP—a reminder that innovation begins with education.
- Teaching and Learning Go Hand in Hand – Engaging with students and faculty has challenged my own perspectives on the evolution of intellectual property law across jurisdictions like the U.S. and India.
- True Impact Happens When We Give Back – Meeting Prof. Ravinder Rena from the Dublin Institute of Technology reinforced the concept of academic social responsibility—that as professionals, we have a duty to shape the next generation, elevate institutions, and leave a legacy of knowledge.
- Growth Never Stops – I spent years building businesses across two countries, yet stepping back into academia made me realize how much I still love learning, questioning, and exploring new ideas.
Resilience and Reinvention
This experience reminded me of something I wrote about in my first personal blog on resilience—that our careers and identities are never static. Reinvention is part of growth. I never imagined returning to an academic setting, but embracing unexpected opportunities is often where the most growth happens.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To Manipal University Jaipur’s Faculty of Law, my students, my fellow faculty members, and the MUJ leadership—thank you for this incredible journey. And to the MUJ Guest House staff, your hospitality and kindness made my time here effortless and enjoyable.
Life has a way of bringing us full circle. I didn’t think I was an academic, but maybe I always was.
What’s one career move you never expected to make but turned out to be one of your best?