BR Gavai Becomes India’s First Buddhist Chief Justice

Prayagraj: A wave of celebration swept through Dalit social organizations across Prayagraj as Justice BR Gavai was sworn in as the Chief Justice of India, marking a historic milestone as the first Buddhist to occupy the apex judicial post in the country.

Justice Gavai’s appointment has ignited a sense of pride among followers of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the broader Dalit-Buddhist movement. Organizations such as Prabuddha Foundation, Devpati Memorial Trust, and Dr. Ambedkar Welfare Association (DAWA) expressed their joy over this symbolic and significant achievement. Advocates and social workers gathered in various parts of the city, hailing the moment as a testament to the inclusivity enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

Senior advocate of the High Court and Secretary of Prabuddha Foundation, IP Rambrij, highlighted that Justice Gavai’s ascension is not just a personal triumph but a reflection of democratic justice. “It is a proud moment for the entire country, especially for those who believe in the values of the Constitution. His father, R.S. Gavai, a former Governor of Bihar, had taken Deeksha with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on October 14, 1956, in Nagpur. This legacy is now being carried forward by Justice Gavai,” he said.

Justice Gavai, in an informal interaction with media, acknowledged the occasion as a deeply personal and proud moment. While noting his Buddhist identity, he reaffirmed his commitment to secularism, stating that he visits places of worship of all religions with equal respect and reverence.

Touching upon recent global and national events, he expressed sorrow over the Pahalgam terror attack and drew attention to the futility of conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war. “Wars often do not yield gains, but sometimes they become unavoidable. The judiciary, too, cannot remain unaffected when the nation faces a crisis. We must speak when it is necessary, even if it offends some,” he asserted.

Dalit intellectuals and activists from across Prayagraj, including Gulab Chamar, Vijay Saroj, Chand Mohammad, Awadhesh Gautam, Abhay Raj Singh, Kumar Siddharth, Shukdev Ram, BR Dohre, Bahadur Ram, GD Gautam, RR Gautam, Ram Chandra, Sushil Maurya, Ratnakar Singh Patel, and Rajesh Yadav extended their heartfelt congratulations.

They see Gavai’s rise as a landmark event that reaffirms the promise of equality in India’s democratic fabric. Many believe it will inspire younger generations from marginalized communities to pursue careers in law and public service, with a renewed faith in justice and representation.

With BR Gavai now at the helm of India’s judiciary, the hopes of millions are rekindled, signaling a broader social transformation and the ongoing journey towards an inclusive nation envisioned by Ambedkar.

Report by Zainul Abdin