In a poignant address during a lecture at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru, Justice BV Nagarathna of the Supreme Court evoked the memory of her parents, crediting them with profound influences on her legal career and character. The event commemorated the birth centenary of her father, former Chief Justice of India, ES Venkataramiah, who had taught at NLSIU post-retirement.
Emotionally recounting her mother’s unwavering support for her father, Justice Nagarathna highlighted the synergy between her parents that bolstered her father’s illustrious career. “My mother, Smt Padma, was instrumental in recognizing my father’s potential and provided steadfast support throughout his career, embodying patience and pragmatism,” she said, visibly moved.
Justice Nagarathna, poised to become the first woman Chief Justice of India, also reflected on the broader life lessons she gleaned from her father’s diverse interests and strong moral fiber. “Under his mentorship, I embraced the challenges and rewards of upholding justice,” she remarked.
During the lecture, she shared a remarkable anecdote from December 1946, when two lawyers traveling to a conference in Nagpur would embark on destinies that led one to become the President of India and the other the Chief Justice. “In a nostalgic recount, my father once mentioned to President R Venkataraman how they first met on that train journey. Years later, they reunited at the Ashoka Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan for a ceremonial oath that underscored their monumental careers,” Justice Nagarathna recounted.
