NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud on Wednesday led other Supreme Court judges to felicitate Pragya, a law researcher and daughter of a cook at the Supreme Court, for securing prestigious scholarships to pursue Masters in law at either the University of California or the University of Michigan in the US.
He hailed Pragya's feat at the judges' lounge before the start of the day's work and gave a standing ovation to the young scholar, who is daughter of a cook at the Supreme Court, Ajay Kumar Samal.
"She has truly made us proud. It is a sign of young India who has ability to work hard, they have ambition to work hard and achieve their dreams. We celebrated her achievement," the CJI said.
Pragya expressed her gratitude by folded hands as the CJI gifted her three books on the Indian Constitution signed by all the judges of the apex court.
"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," Chandrachud said.
Other judges also wished her good luck for her future endeavours.
Chandrachud offered shawls to a Samal and his wife.
Touched by the the endearing gesture of the CJI and other judges of the court, the 25-year-old lawyer said Chandrachud was an inspiration for her.
"With the live streaming of court hearings, everyone can watch him (Justice Chandrachud) speaking. He encourages young lawyers and his words are like gems. He is my inspiration," she said.
