Story:

My name is Prashant Bhaware, and I am writing to share a significant milestone in my academic journey and to seek your support. I am delighted to inform you that I have secured admission to the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru. I have been accepted into the post-graduate course for the Masters of Laws (LL.M – 1 year). I am reaching out to you through this fundraiser to seek assistance for my higher education.

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Academic Background and Journey

I am a queer non-binary person with disabilities belonging to the Scheduled Caste. After facing financial challenges and having to drop out of my Masters (M.Sc. Zoology) in 2014, I worked in a contractual position with Zilla Parishad (ZP) for five years, contributing to Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural). Concurrently, I enrolled for LLB at a law college in Yavatmal.

In 2022, I graduated with distinction (LLB) while working full-time. Subsequently, I worked as a legal intern with the Criminal Justice and Police Accountability (CPA) project where I assisted in research and co-authored a report on Wildlife Policing in Madhya Pradesh. I also worked as a legal intern with Dr. Oishik Sircar through Community for the Eradication of Discrimination in Education and Employment (CEDE). Post LLB, I joined the Laws of Social Reproduction project hosted by King’s College London as a consultant lawyer, focusing on qualitative legal research in the paid domestic work sector. Conducting interviews with over 60 women engaged in paid domestic work and labour union activists helped me gain a robust understanding of the law and the complex social realities of women in the unorganized sector.

I have also been contributing to the public discourses on caste, disability, mental health, queer and trans rights, and other socio-political issues from an Ambedkarite perspective. My work has been featured in prominent publications such as Hindustan Times, EPW, The Telegraph, The News Minute, The Wire, Velivada, The Indian Express to name a few.

I have now obtained a second opportunity to pursue my master’s at NLSIU, a dream come true for a first-generation learner like me. However, my family and I lack the financial resources to cover the tuition fee, my living expenses, and my family’s living expenses during the academic year. Hence, I am reaching out to you for support.

Financial Breakdown (June 2024 – May 2025):

1. Tuition fees – INR 281,000
2. Living and medical expenses in Bangalore – INR 480,000
3. Family’s living and medical expenses in Yavatmal – INR 460,000

Total: INR 1,221,000

The fee payment deadline is May 14, 2024. While I am actively pursuing scholarships, they may cover only the tuition fee.

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Social Background and Family

I come from rural Yavatmal, in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, where my parents were farmers. My father suffered from Schizophrenia which resulted in his tragic death by suicide in 2003. My mother, despite her health challenges, worked as an agricultural laborer and a tailor to support my education and that of my two siblings and I was able to graduate in Science (B.Sc.).

My sister is married and my brother inherited schizophrenia from my father. He and my mother have substantial medical needs due to their health-related ailments. My salary from jobs held over the last decade has been utilized towards my family’s expenses leaving us with barely any savings. My family and I also don’t own any assets to support the above-mentioned expenses.

Long-term Goals:

My long-term aim is to deeply engage in Constitutional law, Anti-discrimination law, Human Rights law, and Criminal law. I plan to contribute to legal research and teach students at some point. I also aim to get into litigation and provide legal representation to people from marginalized communities. My aspiration includes pursuing a Ph.D. and actively participating in knowledge production, particularly in accessible English, for queer rights, anti-caste movement, and other social causes.

How You Can Help:

1. Financial Contribution: Your support, no matter the amount, will significantly contribute to covering the tuition and living expenses.
2. Spread the Word: Share this campaign within your network and on social media to broaden its reach.
3. Resource Connections: If you have information on potential scholarships or resources, please share them with me.

Your support will play a pivotal role in my educational journey and future contributions to society. I sincerely thank you for considering my request. If you are unable to contribute financially, I appreciate any assistance in spreading the word about this campaign.

Thank you for your time and consideration. If you need any further clarifications, please get in touch with me at bhawareprashant@gmail.com.

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