At VIT-AP convocation, Justice Ramana recalls his roots in Amaravati, hails farmers’ peaceful struggle, and urges youth to uphold faith in democracy
Amaravati embodies the aspirations of a new Andhra Pradesh — rooted in heritage yet striving for the future, said former Chief Justice of India (CJI) N.V. Ramana.
Speaking at the fifth convocation of VIT-AP University, held on Andhra Pradesh Formation Day, Justice Ramana reflected on the region’s legacy — from ancient Buddhist scholars to modern innovators — and paid glowing tributes to leaders from the land who shaped modern Andhra. Their struggles, he said, paved the way for the creation of linguistic States and underscored the enduring significance of language and cultural identity.
Sharing personal memories, Justice Ramana said the soil, air, and water of Amaravati had shaped him as a student, a leader, and a lawyer. Recalling his youth spent around the Krishna river, he said, “Whatever happens on this soil affects me deeply. Amaravati continues to inspire me.”
Justice Ramana lauded the farmers of Amaravati, describing their five-year agitation as the longest farmers’ protest in southern India since Independence. He saluted their courage, patience, and faith in the “judicial system and democratic process,” reaffirming the constitutional right to peaceful dissent.
Reflecting on challenges, he recalled how his family was targeted and false cases were filed against them during turbulent times. Even judges who upheld constitutional values faced pressure, he said, stressing that “institutions are tested in crisis, not in comfort.” “Governments may change, but the courts and the rule of law remain the anchors of stability,” he observed, adding that “the rule of law survives only when people preserve public trust and refuse to surrender integrity for convenience.” He urged the youth not to lose faith. “You will inherit a world that punishes sincerity and rewards silence, but the true power of democracy lies in the moral stamina of its citizens,” he said.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/amaravatis-soil-air-and-water-shaped-my-life-says-former-cji/article70229894.ece