Adjudged the Best Leader of Opposition, Mohona, a first year student at Garden City College of Law (GCCL) combined magnificently with her team members – Yamini Singh (President), Anshuman Jyoti Prakash (Prime Minister), Arvind.K. (Speaker), Sayujya (Home Minister),
Arpitha (HRD), Akhilesh Tripathi (Finance Minister), Meenal Arora (Sports Minister), Prasantha Bhowmick (Member of Parliament)Bhanu Partap Singh, Vridhika Mayar and Tadimalla Bhaskar Gowtham (Members of Opposition) and Rahul Singh (Marshal) - to give the audience a taste of things to come. The team was led by Mr. Binu Sam.

Interestingly, this was the first ever event for GCCL and pitted the young team against eight other colleges drawn from the city. The two bills they presented - one on prohibition on using gold and the other on compulsory military training for the youth - won acclaim from the judges. It was great to see each of them making their contribution to the success of the team despite the fact that the majority of them were taking part for the first time. Model Parliament contests test the knowledge of the participants on parliamentary proceedings and details of government plans, which is a not so easy task to work around since it calls for a lot of background work, oratory as well as persuasive skills. But how did they manage to pull it off within a short span of time? “Sustained support from the faculty,” insists Mohona. “We
allotted ourselves the tasks as we sourced for various materials”.

On their experience, Mohona insists, quite often, we find fault in politicians but fail to understand the important role they play in our democracy. “They must be well read, knowledgeable and be a repository of information if they are in the government,” she explains. As students of law, it was imperative for them to understand working of the law making body, although they do not plan to plunge into politics now or in the near future.

Overall, the contest proved to be the ideal opportunity for the budding lawyers to sharpen their research and presentation skills with a focus on parliamentary debates and such related issues. For the young achievers, activities at GCCL have served to ignite their passion
for their chosen discipline of study and Mohana’s wonderful show is commendable.

Hailing from Kolkata, Mohana has always had an eye for the legal practice. “As a child, I always knew this was my calling,” she reminisces. The break for her came when she joined GCC. Interestingly, the only link to the legal profession in Mohana’s family is an uncle. To this end, she owes it all to her parents whom she insists instilled in her the values that have stood her in good stead. The decision to pursue law is one that was not forced on her and the support from her mother, who has always made it known to her that she is the
sweetest thing in the world, is something she treasures.

Mohona did her schooling in Kolkata at the Rajasthan Vidya Mandir and Central Modern
Schools where she still recalls with fond memories the support from her teachers especially Ms. Nandana Mukherjee. Encouraged by her public speaking and oratory skills, she always pushed her to strive for nothing but the best in life. The fact that Mohona has always been
inclined to do social service and the legal profession accords her the chance to make a difference. She has been part of several intriguing contests during her schooling and took part in debates as well. Even then, she understands that she still has long path to walk. “I guess this is just a platform to make a career and I hope that whatever I do, I would not like to go against the values my parents have instilled in me,” she reflects. On the wonderful show, she believes it is a stepping stone to greater things. “We have just set out on a journey. The greatest gain is that we have learnt so early in our academic pursuits that hard work will always be rewarded.”

Outgoing and sociable, Mohona loves making friends and in her hour of joy does not fail to acknowledge the support from the faculty and students at the college – the large family in her adopted home, and her siblings Joydeep, Neil and Kaushiki. The quest is certainly on track!

Quick Takes
Free time.... “Spends time reading novels.”
Favorite read... “Fredrick Forsyth and Satyajit Ray’s books.”
Hobbies... “Fond of pets.” Proud owner.... “5 aquariums at
home.” Loves.... The “Dogs.”