At the floral tribute ceremony held today at the Supreme Court of India to mark the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri, Justice Suryakant delivered a reflective address, drawing upon the enduring legacy of both leaders.
Speaking before dignitaries, colleagues, and members of the legal fraternity, Justice Suryakant described his visit to Gandhiji’s statue at the Court premises as a moment of peace and reflection. He emphasised that Gandhi’s principles of truth, nonviolence, and reconciliation remain central to the ideals of justice and human dignity. Gandhi’s vision of freedom, he observed, extended far beyond political sovereignty to include social harmony, equity, and protection of the most vulnerable.
Justice Suryakant noted that Gandhiji, though trained in law, transcended adversarial methods by fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and faith in the inherent goodness of humanity. He reminded that Gandhian values are particularly relevant to conflict resolution in contemporary times.
The address also paid homage to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, whose birth anniversary coincides with Gandhi Jayanti. Justice Suryakant highlighted Shastri’s humility, integrity, and his enduring call—“Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, as a testament to the unity of service between soldier and farmer. He underlined the shared ethos of Gandhi and Shastri: justice, humility, and selfless service as the guiding pillars of public life.
Concluding his remarks, Justice Suryakant urged all present to treat the ideals of Gandhi and Shastri not merely as history but as a living call to action for sustaining justice, inclusivity, and democratic values in the nation.