Never Lose Hope: Rahul Agarwal Interacts With Students At Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University

Welcoming the speaker, Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon highlighted Agarwal's academic and professional accomplishments, including his three gold medals at NLSIU Bengaluru, recognition as the Best Student Advocate, his association with Harvard University and the World Bank, and his legal practice before the Allahabad High Court.

During the interaction, Agarwal spoke about the changing nature of the legal profession, ethics in advocacy, and the future of legal education in the era of technology. Reflecting on his professional journey, he stated that success in the legal field depends upon perseverance, discipline and credibility earned through consistent effort rather than privilege or background. Sharing an anecdote from his early years in litigation, he recalled that despite belonging to a family of lawyers, he had to wait nearly six months to secure his first client, emphasising the importance of patience and resilience in the profession.

Speaking on the social role of lawyers, Agarwal remarked that legal practice should not merely be viewed as a means of financial success but as an opportunity to contribute to society and public welfare. Referring to his international experiences, including his association with global institutions and visits abroad, he observed that such experiences strengthened his commitment towards serving within the Indian legal system.

A significant part of the discussion focused on technology and Artificial Intelligence in legal education and practice. Comparing earlier methods of legal learning with today's digital ecosystem, Agarwal acknowledged the advantages of technology in legal research and accessibility. At the same time, he cautioned students against excessive dependence on AI tools and encouraged them to cultivate analytical skills, reading habits and critical thinking. According to him, advocacy ultimately remains rooted in clarity of thought, human understanding and intellectual depth.

The session witnessed active participation from students, who raised questions on contemporary issues including challenges faced by first-generation lawyers, ethical dilemmas in legal practice, women's participation in law, same-sex marriage and the impact of digital culture on society. Responding to the queries, Agarwal urged students to remain intellectually curious, ethically grounded and professionally disciplined.

The programme also included a rapid-fire round in which Agarwal responded to questions relating to the judiciary, professional life and personal interests. He shared that One L is among his favourite books and said that gardening helps him maintain balance amid professional responsibilities.

Concluding the interaction, Agarwal encouraged students to embrace continuous learning and remain resilient in the face of challenges, leaving the audience with the message: “Never lose hope.” The session concluded with the felicitation of Shri Rahul Agarwal.