Studying in mother tongue helps in better understanding, build strong values that remain for life: CJI Gavai
He said that studying in Marathi kept him grounded.
Justice Gavai on Sunday morning visited classrooms at Chikitsak Samuh Shirodkar School in Girgaon where he undertook his primary and secondary education besides the municipal school in Amravati and another school in Colaba in Mumbai. He also interacted with his old classmates.
CJI Gavai, while addressing a gathering of his old school friends, teachers and students, said his mother would give him 20 paisa and he would catch a BEST bus to school every day.
Born on November 24, 1960, Justice Gavai took over as CJI on May 14 and will retire on November 23, this year. He expressed gratitude towards his teachers of the school where he studied between 1969 and 1973, when his father R S Gavai was Member of Legislative Council (MLC) and observed that surroundings near the school situated in 'real Aaamchi (our) Mumbai' have not yet changed and 'chawls' and 'Marathi Sanskruti (culture)' still prevailed.
Justice Gavai said he was confused whether to speak in Marathi or English. 'Should I speak in Marathi? Will everyone understand? Alright. It's going on in Maharashtra right now…' he said and continued the rest of the speech in Marathi.
The issue of Marathi pride has presently taken centre stage in Maharashtra politics with the state government withdrawing three-language policy decisions.
Justice Gavai said that during the school days, he was interested in debates and the physical training class imparted discipline in students.
'Studying in Marathi medium was not a handicap, it kept me grounded. This school and my teachers have played a significant role in whatever position I have reached today and the education and values I received gave direction to my life. My journey in public speaking began on this stage. I gained confidence through elocution competitions and cultural programmes. I am what I am today because of these opportunities. I studied in Marathi medium. Studying in one's mother tongue helps in better understanding of the subjects and also instils strong values and they remain with you for life,' CJI Gavai said.
Minister for Skill Development and Guardian Minister for Mumbai suburban district Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Justice Madhav J Jamdar of the Bombay High Court and Chikistak Samuh president Kishor Rangnekar, secretary Gurunath Pandit and Headmistress Sanchita Gawde were among others present at the event.
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