His heroes: Domestic help, yoga teacher, college prof, US judge

Childhood domestic help Bhimbai Ghamat, an illiterate woman from Devihasol village in Rajapur taluka of Ratnagiri, “is the biggest inspiration for me and probably played a pivotal role in shaping my pro-women’s rights approach,” says India’s 50th Chief Justice, D Y Chandrachud.

- Dhananjay.Mahapatra timesgroup.com

“As a child, I spent a lot of my time with Bhimbai. She told me beautiful stories while we ate together. She was a fierce activist and feminist. She was one of the first influences in my life who introduced me to the realities of rural India. I learnt many of my foundational values from her. She had such a big impact on me,” the CJI told TOI.

“My family has been my constant pillar of strength -- my wife, children, mother, sister and my father. Kalpana, my spouse, is my best friend… critique and guide,” he said.