CJI DY Chandrachud Facilitates Court Cook's Daughter Who Bagged Scholarship in Top US Universities – News18

Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud felicitated the daughter of a cook employed at the Supreme Court, who has won scholarships to pursue masters in law at two top US universities – the University of California and the University of Michigan.

A law researcher, 25-year-old Pragya is the daughter of a cook at the top court, Ajay Kumar Samal. Just before commencing their daily judicial duties on Wednesday, CJI Chandrachud and other Supreme Court justices rose to their feet to give Pragya an ovation in the judges’ lounge.

“We know Pragya has managed something on her own, but we will ensure she manages to get whatever is required… We expect that she should come back to serve the country,” Chief Justice Chandrachud said, according to an NDTV report.

According to a Live Law report, CJI Chandrachud handed over a copy of the Indian Constitution signed by all the Supreme Court judges to Pragya. Shawls were also offered to Pragya’s proud parents, Mr and Mrs Samal as a token of appreciation.

Pragya said that being surrounded by lawyers and judges courtesy of her father’s job, played a crucial role in her choosing judiciary as a career.

If you have the zeal and passion to pursue law as a career in India then you will find many people around willing to help. Even if you are a first-generation lawyer, you need to have that positive approach,” she was quoted by NDTV as saying.

Pragya further expressed her admiration for CJI Chandrachud calling him a “role model”. “With the live streaming of court hearings, everyone can witness his eloquence. He nurtures young legal minds, and his words are invaluable. He is my role model,” Pragya was quoted as saying by PTI.