Prof. Ananya Sharma, Faculty at Army Law College Pune on Encouraging Students to Balance Academic Pressure and Personal Well-being

Interview conducted by Shivendra singh as a part of his Campus Leaders Program.

Professor Ananya, thank you for joining us. Could you please introduce yourself to our readers and share a glimpse of your journey so far?

Thank you so much for having me. My name is Prof. Ananya Sharmaand I currently teach at Army Law College, Puneas part of the core law faculty. I completed my B.A. LL.B. from National Law University, Odishaand pursued my LL.M. in Constitutional and Administrative Law from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad. I’ve also cleared the UGC-NET and have worked briefly as a legal researcher at the High Court of Bombay before joining academia full-time.

Teaching was always a calling, and I firmly believe that law students are the future torchbearers of justice in our country. It gives me immense pride to contribute to their growth in any small way I can.

What motivated you to pursue law and eventually enter the field of academia?

Interestingly, I didn’t always know I’d end up in law. But during my school years, I was drawn to debates and public speaking. A school visit to a courtroom and a conversation with a senior advocate sealed the deal—I was fascinated by how the law shapes society.

Academia, however, happened naturally. While working as a research assistant, I realized that I loved the intellectual challenge of legal interpretation and equally enjoyed simplifying complex legal ideas. That balance of analysis and communication pushed me towards teaching.

Could you share your experience of teaching at Army Law College? How does it stand apart from other institutions?

Teaching at Army Law College is a unique experience. The students, most of whom come from Army backgrounds, bring discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of community to the classroom. There’s also a deep respect for teachers here, which fosters a very positive academic environment.

What sets ALC apart is its holistic approach—it’s not just about academic excellence but also physical discipline, values, and character-building. The early morning PT, the structured schedule, and a blend of academic and co-curricular engagement make it a truly transformative space.

Many students admire your classes for being both intellectually stimulating and interactive. How do you approach your teaching style?

That’s kind to hear! I believe learning law isn’t just about reading Bare Acts or memorizing judgments—it’s about understanding context, questioning assumptionsand building your own voice in legal reasoning.

I use a mix of case-based discussions, real-life simulations, role-playsand group analysis in my classroom. The aim is to encourage participation and to develop critical thinkingnot just content retention. I often tell my students—“Ask the ‘why’ before the ‘what.’ That’s what makes you a lawyer.”

Legal education is known to be intense. How do you encourage students to balance academic pressure and personal well-being?

Absolutely, the workload can sometimes feel overwhelming. I encourage my students to follow a structured scheduleseek support from peers, and not shy away from approaching faculty if they’re struggling.

We also have a strong culture of student mentoring and open-door policies in the faculty wing. I make it a point to check in with students informally as well. Mental health is just as important as intellectual rigor, and I often remind them that success is a marathon, not a sprint.

How do you incorporate current legal developments into classroom teaching?

Law is constantly evolving, so I make it a priority to bring in recent Supreme Court decisions, emerging global legal trends, and legal developments into class discussions. We regularly hold “Law and Society Fridays”where we analyze ongoing legal controversies or read judgments in groups.

It helps students connect theory with practiceand they also get comfortable with legal research and analytical reading—skills that are vital for internships and real-world practice.

How do you see the role of Army Law College in shaping the next generation of legal professionals?

Army Law College is still young, but it’s evolving rapidly. With the kind of discipline, training, and diverse student backgrounds we have, the college is producing well-rounded professionals.

We’re not just focusing on corporate placements or litigation. Many students here are also exploring judiciary, public policy, research, and social advocacywhich makes me very optimistic about our contribution to the legal fraternity.

What advice would you give to students who aspire to excel in legal research, writing, and mooting?

Start early and stay consistent. Research is not about quoting judgments; it’s about asking the right questions. Writing is a skill that comes with practice—so write your assignments yourself, take feedback seriously, and read beyond your textbooks.

For mooting, pick one moot and give it your all—quality always trumps quantity. And remember, these experiences are not just for your CV, but to shape your thinking as a future lawyer.

Finally, if you could tell every law student one thing that could help them in the long run, what would it be?

Never stop being curious. Law is vast, and you’ll always feel there’s more to know—and that’s the beauty of it. Whether you’re in court, writing a policy, or sitting in an academic panel, it’s your willingness to learn, adapt, and listen that will set you apart.

Also, build genuine relationships—with your peers, mentors, and even your opponents in a moot court. This profession is as much about people as it is about principles.

With that, thank you, Professor Ananya, for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences. It was truly enriching.

Thank you. I’m happy to be part of this initiative, and I wish all the readers the very best for their law school journey.

Disclaimer: Interviews published on Lawctopus are not edited thoroughly so as to retain the voice of the interviewee.

This interview is a part of our Star Interview series, conducted by the Campus Leaders at Lawctopus. Stay tuned for more!