Justice B R Gavai, the second-most senior judge at the Supreme Court, extolled the virtues of the Indian Constitution during the inaugural ‘Dr Ambedkar Memorial Lecture’ held at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre, marking the 135th birth anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Constitution.
In his address, Justice Gavai hailed Ambedkar as “one of the greatest sons of the country” and a multifaceted visionary who excelled as an economist, social reformer, and educationist. He underscored Ambedkar’s pivotal role in shaping the Constitution which has not only withstood the test of time over 75 years but has also been instrumental in forging a strong, stable, and united India.
Reflecting on the significant strides made by the country in overcoming divisions of caste, creed, and religion, Justice Gavai noted the emergence of leaders from diverse backgrounds, including two Presidents, a Chief Justice of India, and a Speaker from the Scheduled Caste community, as well as a woman Prime Minister and a Prime Minister from a backward class. He emphasized that their rise was facilitated by the equitable framework of the Constitution.
Justice Gavai, who is poised to become the Chief Justice of India in May 2025 and will be the second Dalit to hold this prestigious position after Justice K G Balakrishnan, expressed personal gratitude to Ambedkar and the Constitution for his career achievements. He recounted Ambedkar’s initial contributions to the constituent assembly, aimed at safeguarding the interests of the Scheduled Castes and other marginalized groups, which ultimately expanded into a comprehensive vision for national unity and resilience.
Highlighting the dynamic nature of the Constitution, Justice Gavai pointed out that it has been aptly amended to address the evolving needs of India, contrasting this with the tumultuous paths taken by neighboring countries. He celebrated the foresight of Ambedkar’s proposals, which have ensured that the Constitution remains a living, adaptable document.
Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, born into a Dalit family in 1891 and a distinguished scholar with an international academic background, served as India’s first Law Minister before his demise in 1956. His legacy as a champion for the rights of the oppressed continues to inspire and shape the nation’s legal and social fabric.
