NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai on Friday offered a rare glimpse into his personal journey, sharing deeply emotional memories of his family’s struggles and sacrifices during an event organised by the Nagpur district court bar association. Gavai, who became India’s 52nd CJI last month, choked up with visible emotion in his eyes as he recalled how his parents shaped his path in life and law.“I wanted to be an architect,” the CJI revealed, “but my father had different dreams for me. He always wanted me to become a lawyer, a dream he could not fulfil himself,” according to news agency PTI.Gavai spoke about his father’s dedication to Dr BR Ambedkar’s cause and the burden his family carried. “My father gave himself to the service of Ambedkar. He wanted to be an advocate himself, but couldn’t fulfil that wish as he was arrested for being part of the freedom movement,” he said. Raised in a joint family, Gavai recalled how his mother and aunt bore the responsibilities of the household after his father’s imprisonment.In a moving tribute, the Chief Justice remembered how his father, when his name was recommended for judgeship, said, “If you remain a lawyer, you will only go after money, but if you become a judge then you will walk on the path laid down by Ambedkar and do good for society.” Gavai added, “My father always thought that one day I would become the Chief Justice of India. Sadly, he passed away in 2015. But I am glad my mother is there to see this.”The emotional moment was briefly lightened by Gavai’s recollection of a celebrity case. He joked about the day a cheque bounce case involving actor Hema Malini brought a large crowd to court, recalling, “There was so much crowd in the courtroom that day to get a glimpse of Hema Malini… but we couldn’t help but enjoy the moment.”Looking ahead, he hinted at writing his memoir post-retirement in November this year.
