Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant made an emotional return to his roots on Saturday, visiting his ancestral village of Petwar in Haryana's Hansi district. The visit was marked by nostalgic reflections on his school days, inspiring messages for students, and significant announcements for the region's development.
A Nostalgic Homecoming and Inspirational Message
Justice Surya Kant began his day by paying obeisance at the Baba Shriram Dadupanthi temple in Petwar. He then engaged with students and villagers, sharing poignant memories of his early education. He recounted completing his primary and secondary schooling in the village at a time when facilities were minimal. The village had a co-educational middle school with few teachers, and students often sat on the floor to study.
Despite the limitations, he highlighted the extraordinary commitment of his teachers. He fondly remembered his English teacher, Master Prem Singh of Madanheri, who would identify students capable of clearing the Class 10 board exams and ask them to stay back at school overnight. "He taught us till 11 pm and slept in a room spread with paddy straw," the CJI recalled, emphasizing the teacher's dedication to helping talented children succeed.
Addressing the gathering, Justice Surya Kant urged young learners to stay informed about the achievements of fellow villagers and to pursue excellence in diverse fields like the armed forces, engineering, medicine, civil services, and law. He credited his own achievements to the blessings of his teachers and village elders.
Key Announcements for Hansi District
Earlier in the day, the CJI inaugurated the new sub-divisional courts at Barwala and Narnaund. He also announced that a sessions court would soon be established in Hansi district, a significant step for local judicial infrastructure.
During the village program, referring to a memorandum submitted by villagers, Justice Surya Kant stated that after discussions with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, assurances were given that village demands would be addressed. On behalf of Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda, he announced that a Model Sanskriti School would be established in Petwar. He expressed hope that on his next visit, the village hospital, school, and pond would be clean and well-maintained.
Union Law Minister Arjun Singh Meghwal, present at the event, assured that considering the CJI's deep concern for the village, he would make all possible efforts to establish a PM Shri School there. He clarified this assurance was made in view of the CJI's personal attachment to the village, not in his official capacity as minister.
Advice to Parents and a Call for Collective Responsibility
Justice Surya Kant shared a personal anecdote about his father, who, after he passed Class 10, gathered all his brothers and encouraged them to pursue higher education according to their interests in arts and law. "My parents allowed me to choose my own path," he said, noting his family respected his inclinations despite discussions about government jobs.
He urged parents to allow children to choose their own careers, even if it involved financial hardship. "The greatest source of wealth is education," he stated. He advocated that the responsibility of educating talented children should not rest solely on parents but on the entire community. He proposed the creation of collective village education funds, supported by donations, to ensure no child is deprived of education due to lack of resources.
The event was attended by a host of dignitaries including Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Justice Sheel Nagu, state ministers Dr. Arvind Sharma, Ranbir Gangwa, and Mahipal Dhanda, MLAs Ramkumar Gautam and Randhir Panihar, Congress MLA Jassi Petwar, and former Rajya Sabha member Lt Gen DP Vats. After the ceremony, the CJI attended a community feast at the Brahmin Dharamshala before departing for Guwahati from Sirsa.
