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Can you tell us more about the initial inspiration for the book?

"I still remember that day when I was sitting in Hallward Library. I did my undergraduate degree at one of the premier institutions in India - Pune University. But the kind of resources and global literature Hallward Library had - it was a completely new experience for me. Literature from around the world, covering not just law but a wide array of subjects - it was truly fascinating. I visited almost every library at the University, but Hallward had a special vibe.

"Shipping itself is such a complex, multi-party transaction, yet I couldn’t find a single comprehensive work capturing that full picture. I remember jumping over to one of the computers and Googling 'books on Indian shipping law' There was barely anything then - and to be honest, there still isn’t.

"That moment sparked something in me. When you start asking genuine questions, that’s where ideas take root. And I was genuinely asking, “Why not a book that gives a bird’s-eye view of shipping from an Indian perspective?” I also admit, I was mesmerised by names like Howard Bennett, Nigel Meeson, Scrutton… they felt like larger-than-life figures to me. I thought - If there’s no book, maybe I should be the one to write it. Right there, I took a silent vow: someday, I’ll write a book that reaches Hallward Library. That moment, right there, is where the inspiration began."

You spent around 11 years working on this book, often dedicating your weekends to it. Did you ever feel like giving up and what kept you going?

"After that moment in Nottingham, I returned to India, carrying the idea with me. But I truly began the writing journey after landing my first job at Mulla & Mulla, one of the premier shipping law firms in India. Although I’m a full-time litigator, I’d always enjoyed writing - I especially felt that during my dissertation. The process of research, creating something new, thinking through ideas - it energised me.

"Once I was back and had some rhythm in my job, I’d come home and spend one or two hours building the structure of the book. There were definitely times I felt like giving up. I questioned whether anyone would read it, whether it would help people. But in those moments, I’d always pause and remind myself: why did I start?

"And the answer was always the same - I wanted to help, to create something meaningful. The vision of seeing the book in Hallward Library never left me. It was a quiet but persistent force. People questioned why someone so young would attempt something so ambitious, but I believed that if I was using my time to make a difference, even if small, then I was on the right path. That belief and the image of completing the circle kept me going."

For those unfamiliar with marine law, it may not be immediately obvious how it connects to everyday life. Can you tell us more about its impact?

"No country is fully self-sufficient. We export what we have in surplus, and import what we lack, and that global movement is governed by shipping. And when there’s shipping, marine law is in play - right from cargo documentation to the insurance of goods, environmental impact and labour regulations on vessels.

"Even something as simple as the cost of a fruit in your local grocery store can be affected by maritime freight charges. A farmer in Maharashtra, India, might have no idea that his produce is ending up on someone’s table in Europe or Australia, but marine law decides how, when and at what cost that produce travels.

"But marine law isn’t only commercial. It also touches areas like ocean pollution, maritime boundaries, conservation of marine life and fishing rights. With rising concerns around climate change, the role of global maritime organisations like the IMO (International Maritime Organization) has expanded too. They now influence how ships reduce emissions and adopt sustainable technologies. So yes, marine law may operate silently in the background - but it’s absolutely fundamental to both our economy and our environmental future."

Looking ahead, what major developments or challenges do you see shaping the future of shipping and marine law?

"A lot, actually. One of the biggest gaps I see in the current industry is the slow adoption of technology. Even today, we're still debating the full-scale use of electronic bills of lading (documents that record the details of goods being transported by sea), which is a basic but powerful digital shift. Much of the industry is still tangled in traditional customs, outdated documentation methods and inconsistent global standards.

"We need a serious tech overhaul. The good news is, we’re seeing early signs of innovation - electric vessels, automated ports, AI-based routing and platforms for end-to-end supply chain transparency. But the legal systems around them? Still catching up.

"What excites me is the challenge: how do we create maritime laws that not only regulate these advancements but actually support and accelerate them? That’s going to be a defining question for this generation of maritime professionals and lawmakers.

"Personally, I’m working on building an AI-driven legal tech solution to help Indian businesses and legal teams manage compliance, filings and documentation more efficiently. I believe that's the next frontier - tools that not only keep up with global shipping standards but also help small and mid-sized players participate in global trade securely.

"We also need to address fraud and knowledge gaps. I'd love to see a global maritime legal intelligence platform - something like a centralised repository to track legal precedents, industry alerts and case patterns. If we can bring that vision to life, it would truly transform the industry and protect all stakeholders involved, from port authorities to shippers to consumers."

And finally, what’s one of your favourite memories from your time in Nottingham?

"Nottingham will always feel like home to me - not just because of the city, but because of what it gave me beyond the classroom. I came from India, and though I had travelled abroad before, living and studying in a place like Nottingham was still a big transition. But it never felt overwhelming. The university, the people, the environment - it all came together to create a sense of belonging.

"People often talk about infrastructure and world-class teaching - and yes, Nottingham absolutely has that. But I believe a university is only as transformative as what a student chooses to make of it. It gives you the tools, the space, the freedom - but it’s up to you to absorb, question, explore. I did exactly that. My most important learnings came not just from the books, but from interactions, from walking into new spaces, from listening to people who thought differently. That’s what shaped me.

"Looking back, Nottingham wasn’t just the place where I got the idea to write my book - it was the seed for everything I’m doing today. I run a law firm now and I’m also building an AI-driven legal tech venture with my partners. These ideas didn’t just appear out of thin air. They’re born from a desire to transform the legal industry in India - something I internalised during my time at Nottingham.

"The book was just the beginning. The real drive is to keep pushing boundaries - whether that’s through legal reform, legal tech or creating a better ecosystem for practice in India. And I know exactly where that mindset was planted. Nottingham gave me the foundation, the courage, the vision. I may not live there anymore, but I carry that place with me. And whenever I do go back, whether with another book or a new venture, I know Nottingham and the University will receive me like home, just like it always did."

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