Chief Justice of India Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, Patron-In-Chief of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), addressed the North Zone Regional Conference of NALSA held at Srinagar’s Sher-i-Kashmir Conference Centre on July 27, 2025. Quoting the celebrated lyricist Prem Dhawan, he urged everyone to “Chhodo kal ki baatein, kal ki baat purani” and “aao milkar likhein nayi kahani” of peace, unity, and communal harmony in Kashmir.
CJI Gavai highlighted Kashmir’s rich legacy of coexistence among Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs, expressed hope for restoring this harmony, and called for collective efforts toward healing past divisions. Emphasising the judiciary’s and legal community’s role, he advocated fostering justice, reconciliation, and social cohesion to rebuild trust and strengthen democratic fabric in Jammu & Kashmir and conflict-affected regions.
A Vision Rooted in Kashmir’s Rich Tradition of Harmony
Speaking at the event titled “In Conversation With The Bar,” organised by NALSA, CJI Gavai powerfully reminded attendees of Kashmir’s historic identity as a land where diverse faiths and cultures flourished together peacefully. By invoking the iconic lines from Prem Dhawan’s lyrics—“Chhodo kal ki baatein, kal ki baat purani, aao milkar likhein nayi kahani, hum hain Hindustani”—he urged people and communities to set aside old grievances and forge a new, inclusive narrative.
His words struck a chord at a time when Kashmir continues to navigate complex challenges from decades of conflict, displacement, and mistrust. The Chief Justice’s call underscored hope and collective responsibility to restore coexistence, respect, and social harmony that have long characterised the region.
Role of the Legal Fraternity in Fostering Justice and Social Healing
The gathering convened legal professionals, judges, government officials, and community leaders to reflect on the critical role justice institutions play in Kashmir’s peaceful future. CJI Gavai emphasised that the judiciary must be a beacon of fairness and empathy, particularly for marginalised groups in Jammu & Kashmir who have endured turmoil.
Highlighting NALSA’s ongoing commitment to accessible legal aid, awareness, and community dialogue, he spoke about initiatives such as the ‘Veer Parivar Yojana’ which provides social support to families of martyrs, demonstrating the judiciary’s broader role in social welfare. The event symbolised the legal fraternity’s commitment not only to upholding the rule of law but also to building bridges of trust and reconciliation between communities and authorities.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
CJI Gavai’s heartfelt message resonates profoundly with The Logical Indian’s core values of empathy, dialogue, and coexistence as the foundation for lasting peace. His vision reminds us that rebuilding societies fractured by conflict demands courage to confront painful histories while nurturing compassion and inclusive justice.
At The Logical Indian, we believe peace is not only the absence of violence but the presence of social harmony and trust, cultivated through collective action and honest conversations.
