A man of substance

Shehzad Poonawalla Speaks About Merging Power With Purpose

Aditi Pandey, XI A & Aarnavi Singh, XII B AIS VYC Lucknow

Meet Shehzad Poonawalla, an Indian political spokesperson, lawyer by education, and prominent television debater, known for his articulate arguments and commanding public presence. In this exclusive interview, he shares insights on life lessons rooted in character, humility, and purpose.

The three Cs
I believe assertiveness and communication skills are not innate, they are cultivated over time. To build confidence in communication, I follow the three Cs: clarity, content, and consistency. Clarity means knowing exactly what I want to convey. Content means being equipped with solid research and substance so that I am not speaking merely for the sake of speaking. Consistency comes from constant practice. Every interview and debate helps me improve and learn from mistakes. If anyone follows these three Cs, they can build confidence in any form of communication.

Purpose in politics
I see politics as a powerful platform for socio-national transformation. Several great leaders of our country have shaped public life through politics. Every field, be it education, journalism, or business, has both admirable and undesirable individuals. I believe we should judge a platform by its finest examples, not its worst. If capable youth stay away from politics out of fear or cynicism, the vacuum will inevitably be filled by the wrong people. That is why I chose to step forward and contribute positively rather than be drawn solely toward corporate opportunities.

Media discipline
Today’s media landscape is extremely fast paced. News-cycles used to move slowly. Now, with hundreds of channels, news-breaks every minute, I ensure that my reaction time always remains sharp. Remaining alert, informed, and prepared at all times is the greatest challenge, and I manage it through discipline and constant engagement. In both my professional and personal life, I rely heavily on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Its message, “Karm karo, phal ki chinta mat karo,” i.e., performing one’s duty without attachment to the results, guides me during stressful times.

EQ over IQ
I studied law for knowledge, not necessarily to practice professionally. However, my legal training has shaped me importantly. As a lawyer, I learned to rely on facts and precedents. I developed the habit of studying details and historical context before forming opinions. It also taught me how to structure arguments logically. I avoid personal attacks and focus instead on factual reasoning. For me, emotional intelligence and character matter more than mere intellect. IQ and resources are important, but without character, what we often refer to as EQ, nothing truly matters. If I were not in politics, I would probably have become a teacher. Teaching allows one to instil the right values in young minds and contribute meaningfully to society and the nation.

Principles for success
No matter which field you choose, be it politics, academics, IT, or the creative arts, always remember the three Ps: patience, persistence, and punctuality. Nothing meaningful happens without patience, because growth takes time. Persistence helps build excellence step by step. Punctuality instils discipline. If you follow these principles sincerely in life, you can achieve success and make a meaningful difference in society.

Fostering Indo-Japanese collaborations

Third Step Towards Global Academic And Industry Integration

ATPC | AUUP

The Amity Technical Placement Centre hosted a Japanese Job Fair with esteemed delegates from various Japanese companies from January 29-31, 2026, at AUUP. The three-day strategic campus placement drive was facilitated by Dr Anjani Kumar Bhatnagar, head & additional director, ATPC, with Anupam Singh, SGM, ATPC as the programme convenor.
On the first day, industry leaders, like Kawano Yoko, Sakuna Isao, Tang Hap-Xiang, and Hakai from Ibaraki Prefecture, commended the students’ technical expertise, underlining the potential of young professionals in cross-cultural partnerships. On the second day, representatives from AoiSystems Corporation, COSDAC Co Ltd, Heart Corporation, Kiuchifarm Inc, Okwi Inc, Sekisho Corporation, and the Suigo Tsukuba Agricultural Cooperative delivered presentations, offering insights into their industries’ professional landscapes and values. The programme also featured icebreakers including traditional Japanese games, a musical performance of the song ‘Country Road’ by students, and a lunch of Japanese-style bento boxes.
This fair continues a tradition of collaboration as firms like Sekisho Corporation, Kurakawa Co Ltd, Nittocorp regularly visit for placements. During this session, industry representatives, including Oyama Yutaka and Matsuzaki Kouki, expressed strong interest in future joint recruitment initiatives. To further demonstrate student capabilities, Dr DK Choudhary, professor, Organic Sciences department, Dr Richa Nagar, asst professor, Environmental Sciences, and Dr Jitendra Jadon, asst professor, AI Department showcased research in sustainable farming and Generative AI, aligning academic achievements with industry needs.
The Japanese Job Fair concluded with a consensus aimed at fostering future collaboration, including focused discussions on internship opportunities. The three-day event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Bhatnagar, honouring Japanese delegates and the Indo-Japanese collaboration.