Quick Info→
Marital Status: Unmarried
Height: 5′ 9″
Hometown: Mumbai
Some Lesser Known Facts About Viraansh Bhanushali
- Viraansh Bhanushali was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, and spent his early childhood living with his family in the city.
- In November 2008, when he was four years old, he experienced the period of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks as a resident of Mumbai.
- He completed his early schooling in India and developed an interest in law, public policy, and international relations during his school years.
- From 2019 onwards, he actively participated in Model United Nations conferences, including events organised at IIT Bombay.
- Through regular debating and international policy simulations, he developed skills in public speaking, research, and structured argumentation.
- After completing secondary education, he applied to study law at the University of Oxford through the UK undergraduate admissions process.
- His application included academic records, a subject-specific admissions test, written assessments, and multiple interviews conducted by Oxford faculty.
- He received an offer to study law at the University of Oxford and began his undergraduate legal studies in the United Kingdom.
- During his time at Oxford, he became actively involved in student governance, debating societies, and legal academic activities.
- In March 2023, he was elected as a member of the Secretary’s Committee at The Oxford Union. Between April and July 2023, he served as Events Officer at the Oxford University Bar Society.
- From July to December 2023, he worked as International Officer at The Oxford Union in a part-time capacity. In August 2023, he undertook a summer internship with the Additional Solicitor General of India in New Delhi.
- Between July and August 2023, he also completed a legal internship at Juris Legal and Financial Services in New Delhi.
- From October 2023 to April 2024, he co-founded The Oxford Majlis, a student-led discussion and debate platform at Oxford.
- Between August 2023 and February 2024, he worked remotely as a mentor with Upgrade Education. From February to March 2024, he completed a part-time internship with the Crown Prosecution Service in London.
- Between January and October 2024, he worked as an electoral representative at The Oxford Union. From October to November 2024, he served as Deputy Returning Officer at The Oxford Union during student elections.
- During October and November 2024, he also worked remotely as a Jessup Team Coach with Université de Carthage in Tunisia.
- In March 2025, he joined the UK Civil Service as a Summer Intern under the Summer Internship Programme.
- He worked with the Government Digital Service within the UK Cabinet Office and DSIT until August 2025. In July 2025, he was appointed Chief of Staff and Acting Chair of the Consultative Committee at The Oxford Union.
- He continued serving in this senior leadership role at The Oxford Union while completing his legal studies. On 27 November 2025, he participated in an Oxford Union debate related to India–Pakistan relations.
- The debate was organised one day after the anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. He represented the Indian side in the debate, while the Pakistani side was led by Oxford Union President Moosa Harraj.
- During the debate, he publicly stated that he was a survivor of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Video clips from the debate circulated widely on social media platforms following the event.
- After the debate, he gave interviews to Indian media outlets explaining his role and statements. He stated that he considers himself a representative of India while speaking at international forums.
- He clarified that his early exit from the debate chamber was due to an Oxford Union election the following day. He stated that some foreign media outlets incorrectly described his exit as a walkout.
- He publicly stated that he supports free speech within student institutions such as The Oxford Union. He expressed views on international relations, religious extremism, and multiculturalism in subsequent interviews.
- He stated that criticism of Indian government policies should remain a domestic matter. He stated that, in international settings, he prioritises representing India as a nation.
