“I AM proud to belong to Darapur and just as my father frequently visited the village, I too make it a point to come here and will continue to do so. Though my current responsibilities limit my visits, after retirement, I will come here more often. I will not take up any official posts after retirement,” declared Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai while replying replying to his felicitation organised by the villagers from Darapur on Friday.

 

Chief Justice Gavai was in Darapur along with his family members to pay homage to his late father R S alias Dadasaheb Gavai on his death anniversary. Late R S Gavai, a respected political figure, was also the former Governor of Bihar. It was Chief Justice Gavai’s first visit to Darapur after taking charge of office and on the occasion, villagers organised a felicitation ceremony for the Chief Justice of India. Reflecting emotionally on the venue, Justice Gavai recalled, “In 2006, my father was felicitated right here in this very hall when he was appointed as the Governor of Bihar. Coincidentally, I had just been appointed as a judge of the High Court around the same time. And now, after nearly 19 years, I am being felicitated in the same place.

 

It brings me immense joy.” “I do not offer formal thanks for this honor because we are all family. The love, affection, and warmth shown by all of you over the years is something I truly cherish and will always hold dear. I am confident that this bond will only grow stronger,” he said. Stating that he has always been on his toes to fulfill his responsibilities for his own people, he said he will spend more time in Darapur,

 

Amravati and at Nagpur after his retirement. “After my appointment as Chief Justice of India, the first felicitation I accepted was in Amravati, the place of my birth. Since then, I have been felicitated at several places across the country. However, today’s event in Darapur will be the last felicitation I accept. Though I wasn’t born in Darapur, I take immense pride in calling it my village.” Chief Justice spoke of the opportunities he got to present thoughts of Dr B R Ambedkar at Oxford

 

University and other international forums. It makes him proud to say that he belongs to Darapur. A special event was also organised by the Dr Dadasaheb Gavai Charitable Trust to commemorate the occasion. Justice Gavai laid floral tributes at the memorial of Dadasaheb Gavai. Balwant Wankhade, MP, Dr Kamal Gavai, mother of Justice Bhushan Gavai, Kirti Gavai Arjun, President of Dadasaheb Gavai Charitable Trust, Tejaswini Gavai, Dr Rajendra Gavai, brother of Justice Bhushan Gavai, Dr D T Ingole, Principal of Takshashila Engineering College, Darapur and Dharam Gavai and others were prominently present on the occasion. The tribute ceremony took place at the indoor stadium of Takshashila Engineering College, with a collective ‘Buddha Vandana’ held in honor of Dadasaheb Gavai. The programme was conducted by Dr Kamalakar Payas,

 

Secretary of the trust and a vote of thanks was delivered by Sachin Pandit, Superintendent. Despite having no political background, financial resources, or backing from a major political party, R S alias Dadasaheb Gavai dedicated over 30 years of his life as an MLA, served 13 months in the Lok Sabha, and later held positions in the Rajya Sabha and as Governor of two Indian states. Known for his simplicity and grounded nature, Dadasaheb Gavai remains a respected figure in Maharashtra’s socio-political landscape.