In Conversation with Prof. Shakeel Samdani, Aligarh Muslim University

Professor Shakeel Samdani is the Dean at the Faculty of Law, Aligarh Muslim University. In this interview conducted by our Campus Ambassador Mallika Kapoor, Prof. Samdani discusses how AMU has adapted to the Covid pandemic, his own love for teaching law, and a lot more.

How has AMU's Faculty of Law adapted to the Covid pandemic?

The Faculty of Law, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) was closed when the nation wide lock down was announced by the Hon'ble Prime Minister. Various meetings were held between the Vice Chancellor, AMU and Deans of respective faculties regarding the continuation of teaching irrespective of the lock down.

It was decided that online classes would be conducted by the teachers of the faculty.

Within a short span of time all the teachers learnt to take classes online and the teaching started functioning smoothly. Some students faced technical problems but by and large this online teaching program was a great success and the students of AMU continued their studies during the pandemic.

What do you enjoy most about teaching law?

From my childhood I am having a lot of interest in public speaking. I used to participate in many debates and speech competitions during my college life.

As a teacher, the best thing I have is that I g to speak for 50 minutes in front of 100 upcoming legal minds of the country. So, I enjoy giving lectures to my students.

Who was the one law teacher who has had the greatest influence on you?

There were many teachers who had a great influence on me. But the most important law teacher is Prof. Zakariya Siddiqui, Former Chairman and Dean, Faculty of Law, AMU and Former Professor, International Islamic University, Malaysia. He was my teacher who helped me a lot in developing my teaching skills.

Why do you think one should study law?

Law is among the top five professions around the world. Studying law offers the opportunity to develop a range of skills and explore many aspects of human life.

It gives you the chance to sharpen your mind, strengthen your understanding and deepen your experience across the full range of humanities and social sciences.

You acquire both breadth of understanding and depth in the areas that interest you most. Also, now the legal field in India is developing day by day. I still recall my time when I was a student, then only had 3 choices, litigation, judiciary or academics. But now, career options have increased a lot.