School Education in Marathi Language Enhanced Chief Justice BR Gavai's Comprehension Skills: Assertion by BR Gavai
In a heartfelt visit to his alma mater, Chikitsak Samuh Shirodkar School in Mumbai, Chief Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai reflected on the profound impact his Marathi-medium education had on his legal career and personal development.
Gavai, who served as a Judge of the Bombay High Court before his elevation to the Supreme Court, is renowned for upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the fundamental rights, human rights, and legal rights of citizens. His mother-tongue education, he believes, provided him with a strong foundation that enhanced his grasp of concepts and values, and instilled lifelong strong values that have kept him grounded throughout his career.
The Chief Justice emotionally reminisced about how his education in Marathi shaped his thinking and public speaking skills, which contributed significantly to his rise in the legal field. He highlighted the confidence and clarity he developed through activities like speech competitions during school days in the Marathi medium, which he believes gave direction to his life and career.
The school environment, steeped in Marathi culture and tradition, reinforced a strong sense of identity and values in Gavai. He noted that the ethos and culture of 'real Aaamchi Mumbai' as reflected in his school area further enriched his upbringing.
Gavai's visit to his alma mater was a memorable occasion, with students giving a heartfelt tribute to their esteemed alumnus. The senior Gavai, a prominent Ambedkarite leader and founder of the Republican Party of India (RPI), would have been proud to see his son's success.
During his tenure as Chief Justice of India, Gavai has authored around 300 judgments, including that of the Constitution Bench on various issues. His journey in public speaking began at Chikitsak Samuh Shirodkar School, and he toured the classrooms, library, and art section of the school, expressing deep gratitude to the teachers who shaped his early life.
Gavai was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003 and became a permanent Judge in November 2005. He was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019, four years before his son's elevation to the Supreme Court.
The visit was attended by several dignitaries, including Maharashtra's Skill Development Minister and Mumbai City Guardian Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Bombay High Court Justice Madhav Jamadar, Chikitsak Samuh President Kishore Rangnekar, Secretary Dr Gurunath Pandit, Principal Sanchita Gawde, and others.
In summary, Gavai's Marathi-medium education strengthened his conceptual understanding through mother-tongue proficiency, instilled enduring strong values and confidence, provided cultural grounding, and shaped his public speaking and leadership skills. These factors, he believes, contributed significantly to his legal success and outlook as Chief Justice of India.
Gavai attributed the development of his public speaking skills, which significantly contributed to his rise in the legal field, to his education in Marathi. The confidence and clarity he gained through activities like speech competitions during his school days in the Marathi medium, according to him, gave direction to his life and career.
