From working as a daily-wage gardener to becoming a Judge of the Bombay High Court, Justice Y G Khobragade’s journey is a story of hard work and perseverance. He told young lawyers that one’s background does not decide one’s future. Dedication and continuous learning can help overcome even the toughest circumstances. Justice Khobragade was speaking at a special interactive session titled ‘A Journey Beyond Circumstances’, organised by the High Court Bar Association, Nagpur, under the Late Shri Vinod Bobde Senior Advocate Memorial Study Circle. Justice Khobragade recalled his early days in Rengeparkotha village of Bhandara district.

 

He began his career as a daily-wage gardener at the bungalow of late Bhausaheb Bobde. He later worked as an office clerk and driver. While working, he completed his BCom and then pursued an LLB degree. He recalled working in the chambers of former Chief Justice of India Justice Sharad Bobde and later Advocate Anil Killor. Killor encouraged him to appear for the District Judge examination and guided him. Justice Khobragade acknowledged the support of parents, Late Bhausaheb Bobde, Justice Sharad Bobde, Justice Anil Killor and wife Jayshree Khobragade.

 

The session was conducted by Advocate Nahush Khubalkar, with Advocate Abhay Sambre, president of the association, as co-interviewer. Justice Anil Kilor, Administrative Judge of the Nagpur Bench, and Justices Dhige, Pansare, Urmila Joshi-Phalke, Chandwani, Rohit Joshi, Pravin Patil, Nivedita Mehta, Mehroj Khan Pathan, Nerlikar, Rajnish Vyas and Raj Wakode were present. Jayshree Khobragade and other family members also attended. Advocate Tabish Mirza compered the programme and proposed a vote of thanks.