Shailendra grew up in Makarbhai, a remote village in Bundelkhand. Once surrounded by green hills and forests, the village changed drastically due to mining. Trees were cut down and land was cleared, making dust a part of everyday life. Many families left in search of a better life, but his family stayed.

Part of a farming household, Shailendra recalls his mother as strong and hardworking, managing the farm and a small dairy business. His father helped occasionally but struggled with alcohol. His mother faced a lot, including domestic violence, but persevered for her three children. She became the backbone of the family, raising him and his two siblings, giving them hope and reassurance of a brighter future.

A childhood of chores and difficult choices

At the age of seven, Shailendra was sent to an ashram, hoping he would grow up to be a preacher. Life there was strict. Waking up at 3 a.m., doing chores, and studying all day was not easy for a young child. After about a year and a half, his uncle noticed his distress, took him out, and enrolled him in a local school.

Shailendra remembers being curious but mischievous in school. After switching schools and failing an entrance test in sixth grade, he faked a report card to show better marks. His mother found out, and while she didn’t scold him, she cried. That moment stayed with him. It made him realise the value of his family’s sacrifices. From then on, he took his studies seriously. He scored a perfect 10 CGPA in tenth grade and hoped to become a doctor. Shailendra faced a number of challenges, both financial and emotional, while preparing for the entrance exams in Kota, Rajasthan. The stressful circumstances limited his chances and he returned to Gwalior.

Shailendra worked in different places including a hotel, a beer bar, and then as a school teacher. Slowly, he found his footing. He started tutoring and earning more. With encouragement from his mother, he resumed his education at ITM University in Gwalior. Initially enrolled in food technology, he later switched to law, realising it offered better scope.

Building purpose, one case at a time

In law school, he met Swapnil from Zenith’s team, who introduced him to people working in social and legal fields. Shailendra recalls doing multiple internships, improving his skills, and building a strong local network. After graduation, he got a job in Mumbai at an intellectual property rights (IPR) law firm. It was a big opportunity, but he didn’t feel at home. The city was expensive, the work schedule was hectic, and he missed his community. He decided to come back to Gwalior.

Back in Gwalior, he found his way back to Zenith SSLE as a legal consultant. He started working on land rights cases, handling over 60 cases without paying bribes, a rare feat in the region.

Alongside this, Shailendra is very enthusiastic about developing his own platform with friends, called Kanooni Dost (Legal Friend). It aims to address two issues via Vyapar Sathi (Friend to Businesses), which helps small businesses with legal needs, and Kisan Sathi (Friend to Farmers), which supports farmers with free legal advice.

He still works long days but finds far more satisfaction in charting his own path. For him, success isn’t just about a high-paying job. It’s about staying true to where he comes from and doing meaningful work.