Prayagraj: Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has extended financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to two law students from Allahabad University, enabling them to participate in the prestigious 18th Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Financial Aid Handed Over
The financial aid was handed over to the students by former Allahabad University Students’ Union vice-president Adil Hamza on Thursday. The beneficiaries, Ananya Mishra and Abhishek Maurya, are BA LLB (Hons) students who brought laurels to the institution by securing a place among the top 24 teams globally in the competition.
Path to Geneva
Dean of the faculty of law, Prof Adesh Kumar, stated that the team first earned a spot among the world’s top 50 teams based on its memorial submissions. Only 13 teams from Asia featured on this list. The duo further strengthened their position through four virtual oral rounds, ultimately advancing to the in-person advanced world rounds scheduled from July 13 to 17 at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva.
Financial Hurdles Overcome
However, financial constraints cast uncertainty over their participation in the event. Despite efforts to secure support from various sources, adequate funding remained unavailable. Hamza subsequently approached Akhilesh Yadav and apprised him of the students’ achievement and financial difficulties. Responding positively, Yadav sanctioned Rs 2 lakh to support their travel and participation.
Stay updated with the latest Prayagraj news. Download the TOI App.
About the Author
Rajeev Mani has been working in TOI's Prayagraj bureau for the past two decades, handling beats from education to excise and taxation to aviation. He loves travelling, singing and meeting people, especially academics. He has extensively covered two Ardh Kumbhs (2007 and 2019) and two Maha Kumbhs (2013 and 2025) along with different assembly and General Elections.
