NAARI: Women of Substance (June Issue)

By: Aastha Grover | 9810131337 | The 15A Chronicles' Desk

Advocate Anjali Sharma

“They are the chosen ones.. who have surrendered ...

Once they were particles of light... now they are the radiant sun!”

Was reminded of this quote by Rumi when we spoke to Advocate & insolvency professional Anjali Sharma. They are few who get to do what they love doing, fewer are those who make a living out of it, and even rare are those who continue to excel & grow in this journey.

With an analytical bend of mind – Anjali found her calling when she went to the Law faculty to explore law as a career option after schooling. At the start of her career, she worked on a diverse set of activities around civil and company law. Soon after she also became an animal rights activist alongside working for the court. Even though the work she was doing for the welfare of animals could get her compensation –she chose to not take any remuneration or reimbursement – and considered it as ‘seva’ – fighting for creatures who cannot speak or fight for themselves.

In 2016, She was recognized by the President of India for the Nari Shakti Puruskar Award on International Women’s Day. The award is given to eminent women and institutions for their distinguished service to the cause of women and was bestowed upon only 15 women during that year from all over the country. She makes us all proud.

She has been in independent practice since 1994 as a Senior Partner in the law firm, Integral Law Offices, and has extensive commercial and corporate litigation experience at the Supreme Court, several High Courts in the country, and tribunals.

What keeps her going strong is her love for work, reading & studying the law. She’s quite fond of corporate and commercial law – which she finds quite engrossing - how often two equally placed parties are placed & how they get to interpret the law. When you love doing what you do – it’s like a “workcation”.

Born & brought up in a family with three daughters – she’s grateful to her family, parents and sisters who always encouraged her to do well. There was never a glass ceiling that she felt, or a thing was encouraged not to do. After marriage – she’s been fortunate to find the same support in her husband who has been her biggest cheerleader and supporter and out an out feminist.

When She’s Not Working: She unwinds by mostly reading & binging quick series on Netflix.

Re-reading: P. G. Wodehouse – like reading humour

Favourite Song/Band: Top of the World, Carpenters

Message for Readers: Don’t look at people around you, avoid insecurity by comparing yourself with others, instead of looking at competition, how you can get even better at what you do - be a better version of yourself.