Studies apart, as a Chevening scholar she got a chance to explore UK and interact with some of brightest and committed minds from all across the globe. A unique feature of the Chevening that marks it apart from other scholarships is its focus on ensuring that scholars completely immerse themselves into the British culture. No other scholarship ensures that. Talking about the UK education system, though the system leaves you on your own for major part of the course, at the same time it inculcates critical thinking, which is a major addition to academic experience and learning. You are open to exchange diverse and conflicting opinions and beliefs without fear of being ostracized or judged.
When asked about her future plans as a Chevening scholar, Galib replied that as part of my dissertation at University College London I worked on juvenile justice system in Jammu and Kashmir, analysing the law, its loopholes and a need for change, keeping in view ground reality. The research will soon be published in a law journal. Since my area of interest also includes woman and child rights, I would like to take the work forward which I think is very important in the present times, considering the attention it has been generating. I also have a few independent research projects in hand that I’ll soon start working on. As a law graduate while most of the people expect me to end up litigating/ pleading cases I would like to urge law students to think beyond that and allow themselves to explore other opportunities available in the field of law. To be a lawyer is surely one of the option but isn’t the only one. My future plans include teaching the law and research.
What helped you to bag prestigious Chevening scholarship?
It is one of the prestigious scholarships, like Fulbright in the US. It is offered by British Foreign and Commonwealth office to pursue a fully funded Masters degree in any University across UK, for any course of your liking. The scholarship covers the entire study , and other expenses; and a scholar is paid monthly stipend throughout the course of study. The scholarship is not only available for India but covers around 140 countries. The process for applying for the scholarship starts in August and runs through November. There are certain essential areas of focus in the application process, including your work experience, leadership qualities, networking skills, career plans, reasons for choosing UK and your choice of three universities. The scholarship requires two years of work experience from an applicant but this does not have to be full time work experience but includes voluntary work and part time as well. For me, academic performance worked in my favor. I was topper of my batch at University and I think that helped me for getting both scholarships – YIF and Chevening, and definitely in admissions to the university. I would thus urge students to focus on academic excellence but explore your real talent to make an impact.
Tell us about your academic career
I’m an avid reader, dreamer and an ardent supporter of human rights. After my schooling from Presentation Convent I completed my law degree from Kashmir University. I was then selected for Young India Fellowship at Ashoka University on HD Parekh scholarship. Then I went on for Masters in Law (LLM) at University College London. While studying in UK I was one of the 50 selected scholars from all across the world to attend Emerging International Leaders Program for Freedom of Religion or Belief, offered by Cumberland Lodge, a charitable trust in the UK.
What will be your message to those applying for Chevening scholarship?
We as a community have great potential and youth in the valley, despite all odds and lack of opportunities, have made a mark in their areas of interest. I would strongly urge applicants to go ahead and apply for the scholarship without letting the thought occupy your mind whether you will make it or not. Do not underestimate any of your experience while filling up the application.
