Judge Pays Soulful Tribute to Gandhi and Shastri on Special Day
Justice Surya Kant pays heartfelt tribute to Gandhi and Shastri on their birth anniversary.
Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant delivered a heartfelt tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri during a commemorative event at the Supreme Court premises in New Delhi, marking their shared birth anniversary. Speaking to an audience of court staff, lawyers from the Supreme Court Bar Association, and the Supreme Court Advocate on Record Association, Justice Kant garlanded Gandhi’s statue and reflected on the enduring legacies of these two towering figures. As the senior-most judge poised to become Chief Justice of India on November 24, 2025, Kant emphasized how Gandhi’s philosophy of justice and Shastri’s governance rooted in humility continue to inspire India’s democratic journey.
Justice Kant lauded Mahatma Gandhi as the “Rashtra Pita,” whose life and ideals remain a beacon for humanity. He highlighted Gandhi’s unparalleled ability to unite millions across India’s diverse social strata, galvanizing a national movement that challenged British colonial rule. By championing self-reliance, village-centric development, and simple living, Gandhi gave voice to the rural masses, forging a unified national identity. Kant noted that Gandhi, a trained lawyer, envisioned freedom beyond political sovereignty, defining it through the dignity of the marginalized and the assurance of justice for all, principles that extended to fostering social harmony and compassion over adversarial conflict.
Turning to Lal Bahadur Shastri, Justice Kant celebrated the former Prime Minister’s embodiment of Gandhian values, which shaped his early involvement in the freedom struggle and later defined his tenure in governance. Shastri’s iconic slogan, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” remains a powerful testament to his reverence for soldiers protecting the nation and farmers sustaining it. Kant underscored Shastri’s leadership, marked by humility, integrity, and accessibility, which translated Gandhi’s vision into practical governance. His stewardship ensured that justice and dignity reached every household, reflecting a commitment to inclusive progress that mirrored Gandhi’s moral clarity.
Also Read: Leaders Across India Pay Tribute to Gandhi and Shastri on Birth Anniversaries
The common thread binding Gandhi and Shastri, as Kant articulated, was their unwavering devotion to justice as the cornerstone of public life. For Gandhi, justice was inseparable from truth and compassion, a moral compass guiding societal harmony. Shastri operationalized this vision through governance that prioritized simplicity and inclusivity, ensuring no citizen was left behind. Kant emphasized that their shared ethos—justice, humility, and selfless service—transcends history, serving as a living call to action for contemporary India to uphold these principles in its democratic framework, particularly in the judiciary’s role in safeguarding equity and compassion.
As India commemorates Gandhi Jayanti, Justice Kant’s tribute resonates as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of these leaders’ legacies. Their emphasis on justice and service continues to guide the nation’s moral and political compass, inspiring institutions like the Supreme Court to uphold fairness and inclusivity. By invoking Gandhi’s vision of conflict resolution through reconciliation and Shastri’s practical application of those ideals, Kant’s address urges citizens and leaders alike to recommit to building a just society, ensuring that the principles of these visionaries remain a cornerstone of India’s ongoing democratic journey.
Also Read: Leaders Across India Pay Tribute to Gandhi and Shastri on Birth Anniversaries
