Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 6: Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai grew visibly emotional on Sunday as he revisited his roots, remembering his late father’s dream of seeing him become a judge and attributing much of his success to his Marathi-medium education.
Speaking at the 161st anniversary of the Advocates Association of Western India (AAWI), where he began his legal journey in 1983, the CJI said, “I am happy my father’s dream to see me become a judge has come true,” his voice quivering with emotion.
Justice Gavai, the first Buddhist to serve as the Chief Justice of India, later visited Chikitsak Samuh Shirodkar School in Girgaon, where he completed his primary and secondary education. There, he credited his school and teachers for laying the foundation of his life and values. “My journey in public speaking began on this very stage,” he said, recalling his participation in school competitions that built his confidence.
He also underscored the value of education in one's mother tongue. “Studying in Marathi helped me understand concepts better and instilled values that shaped who I am today,” he added.
Interacting with former classmates and current students, the CJI toured classrooms, the library, and art spaces, receiving a warm tribute from students. The visit was described as a proud and inspiring moment for the school.
The event was attended by Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Bombay High Court Justice Madhav Jamadar, and school dignitaries.
Justice Gavai’s father, Ramakrishna Suryabhan Gavai, was a prominent Ambedkarite leader and founder of the Republican Party of India (RPI). A respected parliamentarian and former Governor of Bihar, Sikkim, and Kerala, he passed away in 2015 — four years before his son joined the Supreme Court.
Justice Gavai, appointed to the Supreme Court in May 2019, has served on nearly 700 Benches and authored about 300 judgments across various domains of law. He was appointed an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in 2003 and became a permanent judge in 2005.