Sun Nov 10 09:43:48 UTC 2024: ## CJI Chandrachud Recalls Father’s Advice, Says Hindi Studies Made Him Connect with People

**New Delhi:** Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, in his farewell speech at a Bar Association event, shared heartwarming anecdotes about his life, including his time at Delhi University. He revealed that he had chosen Hindi as a subsidiary subject, following his father’s advice.

“Most of my friends were taking philosophy, which you could pass by studying it for one evening,” said CJI Chandrachud. “But my father urged me to take Hindi. I only knew Bombay Hindi.” He admitted that the decision was tough, but through his studies, he was introduced to literary giants like Mahadevi Verma, Jayshankar Prasad, Nirala, Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, and Munshi Premchand.

The CJI reminisced about his time at the Allahabad High Court, noting how crucial his Hindi skills were. “Often, advocacy pleas would end with, ‘Your Lordship’,” he said. “Lawyers were aware of my language limitations, but they felt I reached out to them in a language close to their heart. It’s one of the lessons I’ve learned – to connect with people in areas that bring change to their lives.”

He also recounted a story about his father, the renowned jurist YV Chandrachud, purchasing a small flat in Pune. “I asked him why he bought it, wondering when he’d live there,” CJI Chandrachud shared. “He said, ‘I know I won’t live there. I don’t know how long I’ll be with you. But keep this flat till the last day of your tenure as a judge.’ When I asked why, he replied, ‘If you feel your moral or intellectual integrity is compromised, I want you to know you have a roof over your head. Never compromise as a lawyer or judge just because you have no place to go.'”

The CJI paid tribute to his mother, recalling how she would stay up all night when he was sick. “She told me when I was growing up, ‘I named you Dhananjay, but ‘dhan’ doesn’t mean material wealth. I want you to acquire knowledge’,” he shared.

CJI Chandrachud’s speech touched on the importance of connecting with people, upholding integrity, and valuing knowledge. His personal anecdotes provided insights into the values that shaped his journey to becoming India’s top judge.

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