[CJI Interview-All India Radio] “Lawyers Must Learn To Pay Proper Salaries To Youngsters”: CJI Chandrachud

Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud urged senior lawyers to offer fair salaries to young entrants in their chambers. Speaking to All India Radio, he noted that although early earnings in the legal field might be modest, the skills developed during these formative years are crucial for long-term success. In the interview CJI reminisced about his early experiences and memories as a presenter, offering a glimpse into his profound connection with India’s esteemed public broadcaster. He shared how, as a child, he grew up listening to AIR’s Hindi, English, and Sanskrit bulletins with his parents, an experience that eventually paved the way for him to become part of Akashvani himself.

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NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud emphasized the need for lawyers to provide fair salaries and emoluments to young professionals entering the legal field. In a interview with All India Radio, CJI Chandrachud discussed the complexities of the legal profession and underscored how the early years serve as a crucial foundation for young lawyers as they embark on their legal careers.

“There are always ups and downs in a profession. Initially, the amount you make at the end of your first month in the legal profession may not be very high,”

-the CJI noted, highlighting the financial challenges that newcomers often face when starting in law.

This challenging start, he emphasized, should not deter young lawyers; instead, they should be encouraged to persevere, remain diligent, and approach their work with sincerity.

Recognizing that young lawyers face numerous hurdles, CJI Chandrachud stressed that

“our structures must change as well. For instance, lawyers must learn how to pay proper wages, salaries, and emoluments to the young lawyers who enter their chambers.”

He believes that offering competitive compensation is essential not only to attract talent but also to ensure a motivated and well-prepared younger generation of lawyers.

He continued,

“Youngsters come to their chambers to learn. They also have a great deal to share, so it is a two-way process of absorption and sharing and mentorship which we have to provide to the younger lawyers.”

This mentorship approach, CJI Chandrachud pointed out, is instrumental in building a robust and collaborative legal community where both seasoned and young lawyers contribute to mutual growth and learning.

Reflecting on his own journey, CJI Chandrachud shared anecdotes from his early days as a presenter for All India Radio during his college years in Delhi. He recounted how his mother, a classical musician, often brought him to the AIR studios in Mumbai when he was in the third or fourth standard.

These visits left a lasting impression on him, ultimately inspiring him to audition for Akashvani after moving to Delhi in 1975, where he then began hosting radio programs in both Hindi and English.

He fondly remembered growing up listening to AIR bulletins in Hindi, English, and Sanskrit alongside his parents. The memories of

“the iconic voices of Devki Nandan Pandey, Pamela Singh, and Lotika Ratnam”

were especially dear to him, reflecting how these early experiences instilled in him a deep appreciation for communication and the power of the spoken word.

By advocating for fair pay and stronger mentorship structures, CJI Chandrachud’s remarks underscore the importance of nurturing young talent within the legal field, ensuring they are not only prepared but also inspired to succeed in their careers.

In the interview with All India Radio (AIR), Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud also reminisced about his early experiences and memories as a presenter, offering a glimpse into his profound connection with India’s esteemed public broadcaster.

He shared how, as a child, he grew up listening to AIR’s Hindi, English, and Sanskrit bulletins with his parents, an experience that eventually paved the way for him to become part of Akashvani himself.

Reflecting on these formative years, CJI Chandrachud fondly remembered being captivated by the iconic voices of AIR’s revered news presenters.

“The famous voice of Devaki Nandan Pandey would announce, ‘Yeh Akashvani hai; ab aap samachar suniye Devaki Nandan Pandey se,’”

-he recounted, recalling the influence of Pandey’s distinctive delivery.

Admiring other voices of the time, he also spoke of his admiration for Pamela Singh and Lotika Ratnam, whose dignified introductions left a lasting impression on him.

He vividly recalled the familiar opening line:

“This is All India Radio; the news is read by Lotika Ratnam.”

The Chief Justice shared a personal note on how his relationship with AIR grew even closer through his mother, a classical musician who frequently took him to the Mumbai AIR studios when he was in the third or fourth grade.

Describing this cherished part of his life, he explained,

“But my own personal association with All India radio, my mother was a classical musician so I have visited these studios in Mumbai with my mother as a young third or 4th standard child.”

Years later, in 1975, after moving to Delhi, he found the opportunity to actively engage with AIR by auditioning and securing a place as a presenter. Reflecting on this transformative moment, he added,

“When I came to Delhi in 1975 I was told that I could audition for Akashvani and I started doing programmes in both Hindi and English. I used to do a lot of programmes in Hindi I remember my first programme so vividly even now.”

This role allowed him to immerse himself further in the world of broadcasting, and he also took on the unique responsibility of presenting Western music programs for AIR during those early days. He fondly remembered,

“I also did Western music for All India Radio in those days.”

Through his reflections, CJI Chandrachud highlighted how his time with AIR helped cultivate a deep-seated affinity for the organization, a connection that started in his childhood and continued to grow as he embarked on his career journey.

His memories underscore the role that Akashvani and its revered voices played in shaping his personal and professional experiences.

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