CJI B R Gavai urged students to stay connected to their roots and culture, saying true success lies in serving society. He called delivering socio-economic justice a greater achievement than earning wealth.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai on Saturday said that every person should always remain connected to their roots and culture, no matter how big or successful they become.
Speaking at the annual function of Maheshwari Prasad Inter College in Kaushambi district of Uttar Pradesh, the CJI reminded students about the importance of staying grounded and valuing their heritage.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice Gavai said,
“One should not break the connection with one’s soil. No matter how big an individual becomes, he should not forget his culture.”
He shared that before becoming a judge, he was a successful lawyer with a good income, but the satisfaction he got from serving people as a judge was much greater.
“Before becoming a judge, I was a lawyer with a good practice. But the opportunity I had as a judge to provide socio-economic justice to the citizens of the country was better than earning crores of rupees,”
he said, highlighting that justice and service to the nation are far more valuable than material wealth.
Encouraging the students, CJI Gavai said,
“You are the future of the country. How India will be tomorrow depends on you. You are fortunate that you are born in the land of Buddha.”
As the first Buddhist Chief Justice of India, he urged the young generation to take inspiration from great personalities and dedicate themselves to the betterment of society.
The Chief Justice also mentioned his close personal bond with Supreme Court Justice Vikram Nath, whose father founded the college.
“I have come to the programme not as the Chief Justice of India, but as an elder brother of Justice Vikram Nath,”
he said warmly, adding that he had wanted to visit the college earlier. He further shared an emotional promise with the audience, saying,
“I had wanted to visit this college long ago, but (Justice) Vikram Nath said he will take me here when I become the CJI. After 15 months and seven days, when Justice Vikram Nath becomes the Chief Justice of India, I will come to this school’s programme without even being invited.”
During the event, a student from an economically weaker background presented a hand-drawn portrait of CJI Gavai, which deeply touched him. In appreciation, the school management committee announced a financial reward of ₹11,000 for the student. The CJI attended the programme along with his wife, Tejaswini Gavai.
Speaking about the college’s founder, Gavai praised his vision and contribution towards inclusive education.
“The institute’s founder, late Devendra Nath Srivastava, had planted a small sapling by opening a small school in Alam Chand village to connect the children of backward classes and Dalits in the area to the mainstream of education, which has today become a huge banyan tree,” he said.
Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Arun Bhansali, who was the special guest at the event, appreciated the role of the college in shaping rural talent and giving them opportunities in the mainstream.
He stated,
“The college is a bridge to send rural talents into the country’s mainstream.”
Justice Bhansali also shared his thoughts on the purpose of education, saying,
“Education is not just a means to get a job, education teaches you to differentiate between right and wrong,”
and emphasized the importance of using technology responsibly.
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He further advised teachers to nurture curiosity among students and encourage them to think critically, adding that they should motivate students to ask questions in class.
The event served as a heartfelt reminder of the value of culture, education, and justice. Chief Justice Gavai’s message to the students — to stay connected to their roots and contribute positively to society — reflected his deep belief in the power of education and social harmony.
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