Aishwarya Rathore-
On the 101st birthday of (Late) Mr Y.V. Chandrachud, Former Chief Justice of India, his son, Justice Dr DY Chandrachud, gave an example of Greta Thunberg, a Swedish environmental activist, to underline the importance of having a critical outlook on social and material realities.
Justice Chandrachud remarked that an engaged citizenry, particularly its students, can confront several material interests that will have to make them subservient to the existence of our species.
He referred to Thunberg as one of the strongest voices in civil society against climate change and the accelerating issue world is facing today.
Greta Thunberg was 15 years old when she protested outside the Swedish Parliament demanding that the government take action to address the impending dangers of global warming.
He said her example shows that “nobody is too young or too insignificant to effectuate a big change”.
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Justice Chandrachud used the examples of great National Leaders to deliver an uplifting address. He recalled Savitri Bai Phule, Jyoti Bai Phule, Nelson Mandela, and, most recently, Malala Yousafzai’s quest for revolutionaries. He reminded the younger generation of their hardship.
He said, “These stories are useful reminders that the privilege of education we have today are fruits of the boldest struggles and represent the dreams of our ancestors. The mantle is only passed forward, as every generation is entrusted with the task of bettering our society.”
He encouraged students of all professions to acquire a social conscience and participate with all aspects of society while highlighting the significance of reading the Constitution.
“In viewing our constitution as the primary spirit of counter-majoritarianism, we can equip ourselves with a unique lens to view the world and balance competing interests, where we undoubtedly make scientific progress, but in a manner that benefits all of humanity, and not just a narrow section”, he added.
