The American Constitution Society (ACS), a leading progressive legal organization, has announced its prestigious 2025 cohort of Next Generation Leaders (NGLs), recognizing three Indian-American law students for their exceptional leadership, commitment to civil rights, and dedication to progressive legal values.
Varun Cidambi, Akanksha Balekai, and Ruchika Sharma were selected among a competitive pool of candidates across the United States for their demonstrated ability to drive change, engage their communities in critical legal discourse, and defend the principles of democracy and judicial integrity.
About the Next Generation Leaders Program
Established in 2007, the Next Generation Leaders program is one of ACS’s most prominent initiatives.
It serves as a professional launching pad for emerging legal minds who embody the organization’s mission to uphold the Constitution and promote equal justice.
Each year, ACS selects a small group of student leaders nationwide who have shown remarkable initiative in public service, campus engagement, and legal reform.
“These students are stepping up at a time when we need them more than ever to join us in the fight for the rule of law and our democracy,” said Zinelle October, ACS Interim President.
The 2025 class includes 12 outstanding students, three of whom represent the growing and influential Indian-American presence in the U.S. legal landscape.
Meet the Honorees
1) Varun Cidambi – University of Notre Dame Law School
A second-year law student at Notre Dame, Varun Cidambi has been honored for fostering important dialogue around democracy, civil rights, and judicial equity within his academic community.
As the President of the ACS Student Chapter, he expanded the chapter’s programming to cover pressing legal topics such as voting rights, judicial ethics, and economic justice.
Cidambi also prioritized building bridges across ideological lines, making room for diverse perspectives in legal discourse. “Serving as president of Notre Dame’s ACS Student Chapter has been the most meaningful experience I have had during my time here,” he noted.
2) Akanksha Balekai – University of Illinois College of Law
At the University of Illinois, Akanksha Balekai has distinguished herself as a powerful connector and organizer.
As the President of the ACS chapter, she has worked tirelessly to bring students face-to-face with legal reform advocates and national thought leaders, ensuring that her peers are not only aware of major legal issues but also empowered to act.
Beyond her chapter, Balekai plays a key role in the national ACS network, bridging student activism with long-term policy and systemic reform efforts. Her leadership continues to elevate the presence of student voices in national legal debates.
3) Ruchika Sharma – American University Washington College of Law
A second-year law student with a deep-rooted background in civil rights and policy advocacy, Ruchika Sharma has made significant contributions to national legal activism. She previously interned with the U.S.
Department of Education and the American Bar Association, experiences that have shaped her dedication to equity, inclusion, and social justice.
Sharma is also credited with co-founding a nationwide ACS initiative that mobilized over 1,200 law students to stand in defense of the rule of law in response to public attacks by the Trump administration on members of the judiciary and legal community.
Her organizing efforts helped spark national conversations about judicial independence and the role of law students in safeguarding democracy.
The Impact of Representation
The selection of three Indian-American law students to this year’s NGL cohort is not only a recognition of their individual accomplishments but also reflects the increasing influence of South Asian Americans in the legal and policy landscape of the United States.
Their work and perspectives are vital in shaping a legal system that is inclusive, fair, and grounded in constitutional values.
Through mentorship, networking, and national exposure provided by the NGL program, Cidambi, Balekai, and Sharma are poised to become key contributors to the progressive legal movement in America.
About the American Constitution Society (ACS):
The ACS is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that connects progressive lawyers, law students, judges, academics, and advocates.
It seeks to ensure that the U.S. Constitution is interpreted in a way that leads to justice, equality, and liberty for all.
