Journey of Growth at SIPS: From Corporate Lawyer to Social Justice Advocate

Falgooni Mehta is one of the SIPS 3rd batch students from Mumbai, India. She holds a BA in History & Economics, a law degree, and an L.L.M. in International Law and Comparative Constitutional Studies, all from Mumbai University. She worked as a corporate lawyer for over 28 years—12 years in law firms and 16 years in Indian multinational corporations. In 2020, Falgooni decided to leave her corporate job and joined the third batch of the SIPS program. Her motivation to pursue SIPS also stemmed from the traumatic experiences she had during the 1992-1993 riots in Mumbai, where she witnessed the impact of violence and conflict. She wanted to understand peace and global citizenship more deeply.

Returning to study after 30 years was both exciting and daunting for Falgooni. At 56, her last formal degree was completed in 1989. Despite being technologically challenged, she enjoyed online classes and learned new skills, including creating her own presentations. The time zone difference with Japan posed a challenge, but she managed. With support from professors, the international department, senpai, and classmates, she completed her course. This journey helped her realize her potential, and she now believes that nothing is impossible.

SIPS empowered Falgooni to make a bold career move. From being a commercial lawyer, she now runs her own practice, focusing not just on commercial clients but also on social justice. She helps people who need support in asserting their legal rights. Additionally, Falgooni joined CMCA (Children’s Movement for Civic Awareness), which raises awareness about gender rights, environmental issues, and more in schools and colleges. She is also creating a mini Miyawaki forest on her land to contribute to environmental sustainability.

To our current and future students, Falgooni said, “Peace is inevitable and it begins and resides in our heart. I realised that as a SIPS student if I'm not at peace with myself, my words will ring hollow.” Falgooni feels so proud of being SIPS Alumni and she wishes all the very best to our SIPS community.

To our current and future SIPS students, Jay Yong shared, “In light of the ongoing challenges worldwide, it’s easy to feel upset and hopeless. However, each of us has the power to effect change. Our individual efforts and contributions are like pieces of a larger puzzle. To complete this puzzle, we must continue to strive forward and never lose hope in our ability to create a better environment. First, focus on deepening your friendships with those around you. Strengthening these bonds will help create a more harmonious community. Second, believe that we all have the potential to make the world a better place. While one person’s actions may seem small, together we can create ripples of change and spread peace far and wide.”