In Conversation With Shweta Bansal, Under Secretary DPA IV Division, Ministry Of External Affairs

Shweta, would you please tell us where did this illustrious journey begin and at what age did you decide to study law. Please walk us through the early years of your education and the decision of becoming a lawyer.

I wanted to be a chef but my father found it demeaning owing to his very archaic ways of looking at that wonderful profession but because I was good in studies, my sister Ekta introduced me to the idea of law. I took the NUJS entrance exam in the middle of my pre-board exams. 

A friend Pooja Gautam called me and informed me that I'd made it thorugh NUJS. I was so shocked. I was both happy and sad as I had done exceedingly well in the Board Exams to be able to pursue Economic Hons. at the revered SRCC but fortunately my sister pointed me towards the benefit of a professional degree of Law. 

My schooling if from La Martiniere Girls Lucknow that has given me the right nurturing and varied exposure shaping me into who I am. I'd like to especially give the credit to my physics teacher Ms Bhavna Kalra who guided me so well.

Who have been your guiding North Stars and the biggest inspiration in this journey?

Undoubtedly, my grandmother, Ratnesh Kumari, Anuradha RV, Gunjan Shah, Purva Chadha, Pallavi Shroff. My sister Aprajita bansal and my friend Mansi Dhiman are my sounding boards. Ruchika Sharma is the best friend one could ask for.  But I cannot take any life decision without the absolutely necessary counsel of Mr Shardul Shroff and Mrs Sharmila Tagore. I have  learnt a lot from them and in the true sense of the word they have mentored me for the ways of this world. Also watching them in person and spending time with them has been an education in itself. Sharmila Tagore has groomed me on so many facets that she’s brought a new form of civility to my being.

Would you please tell us more about the array of work you handle at your organization?

We deal in areas of soft cultural diplomacy. 

Would you please summarily tell us the current status of the sectors of the economy your work in, the roadblocks in our path, and the way forward?

I think, we need to have better FDI policies and the government is trying to give it a push with sectoral expansions in erstwhile traditional sectors. 

Would you please share with our readers your views on ‘Embracing chaos and creating opportunity in adversity’. 

I believe that every time your expected outcome takes an unexpected turn, it paves the way to bring a new outcome. When I cleared the civil services exam, I was denied service allocation on grounds of my disability but I used that time to develop policies for SAM & Co and also wrote a book on lawyers in politics. By the time I was done doing that, I had won the case in the Delhi High Court and was duly awarded the prestigious Indian Foreign Service. So what I am trying to say is embrace chaos. Make something out of it while you await your desired outcome. The pandemic gave me time to conceive and develop a plan for the rehabilitation and skill development of widows in Vrindavan, and I am extremely excited to see it to fruition. 

What in your opinion has been the biggest change or challenge looming over the legal landscape of India amid COVID-19? 

I think like the 2008 recession, the Indian legal system has been fairly insulated and has demonstrated uncanny resilience. Every time I spoke to a lawyer friend, they still had work to do. Also because their work involved paperwork! Unlike other professions where physical presence is imperative like for— actors, performers— the legal profession has managed to save itself from a complete downturn. Obviously being physically present in court to argue your case has a different vibe. Every human interaction helps the law but I think the effect has been contained. 

Other than work, what else keeps you busy? Would you please share your other interests and hobbies with our readers.

Sharmila has introduced me to a world of Alfred Hitchcock and Billy Wilder so I’m really taking that in well. Or else I like playing scrabble or badminton. I absolutely love running around a TT table. Sadly the plantar fasciitis in my feet doesn’t allow that to happen too often. 

Many Congratulations on joining the BW Legal World Elite 40 Under 40 Club of Achievers 2020. What to your mind has helped you get to where you are and what advice would you have for others who want to set off in a similar direction?

There are no shortcuts to hard work. To me, work integrity is critical. And one must have other interests alongside your primary work. You never know which interest can give you an additional edge. Also, it’s very important to have a clear mind. You must filter the plan Bs and Cs and just focus on plan A.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our lawyers of the future, any golden piece of advice from the treasure trove of your experiences in the industry?

Please do not undermine the significance of loyalty and patience. If you have both, there’s no stopping you. Also read, read and read so that your drafting improves. Brevity is the soul of wit and please drop the arrogance for God’s sake. It is a big turn-off for clients. 

As a final note, would you please recommend to our readers your favourite book or movie/series that left a lasting impression on you.

So many. I recently read The Forest of Enchantments that altered my view of Sita.  I loved the Hitchcock films I’m watching. He says so much with so little. An entire story is told within a room. Also, some of Satyajit Ray’s films really haunt you for days, Apur Sansar, Aranyer Din Ratri and Seemabaddha are my favorites.  There is so much brilliance out there that one must stay grounded and absorb as much as one can. 

Nominations for the second edition of BW Legal World's 40Under40 are now open.

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