Acceptance Speech by Padma Vibhushan Shri.K.Parasaran, Senior Advocate, Former Attorney-General

Summary

Shri K. Parasaran, in his heartfelt speech, reflects on his journey in law, deeply influenced by his father’s teachings on ethics and duty. He emphasizes the importance of duty in law and life, learning from his mistakes, and the role of conscience in making just decisions. He also shares personal stories about his family, mentors, and the values that shaped his career. With humility and gratitude, he highlights the integral roles of both the Supreme Court and High Court in justice, and concludes with a touching tribute to the people who guided him, especially his parents and wife.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker expresses immense respect and humility in addressing a distinguished group of legal professionals, including judges of the highest courts.
• 😀 The speaker acknowledges their struggles with language and conveys gratitude for learning from mistakes in both language and law.
• 😀 The speaker credits their father for shaping not only their legal career but also their ethical values, with an emphasis on duty to society.
• 😀 The importance of performing one's duty is highlighted, with the speaker quoting their father, who emphasized that fulfilling duties ensures societal harmony and personal honor.
• 😀 The speaker discusses the significance of ethical values in law and mentions how their father instilled in them the understanding that law is not merely a set of rules but a duty to uphold justice.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on the role of a lawyer and how addressing a court should be done with the belief that the judge knows more than the lawyer, maintaining a respectful attitude.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on Roman law and the principle that justice is achieved when the court applies its mind to the case, underscoring the importance of conscience in legal decision-making.
• 😀 The speaker praises the judicial system, describing judges of the highest courts as selfless, focused on the welfare of society and not on personal gain.
• 😀 The speaker underscores the symbiotic relationship between the Supreme Court and High Court, both essential to upholding justice in India.
• 😀 The speaker shares personal anecdotes, including their mother's early passing and the support from their stepfather, and reflects on their humble beginnings and rise as a lawyer.
• 😀 The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of personal integrity and living a life true to one’s values, with gratitude for their family, mentors, and divine guidance.

Q & A

What is the speaker's main challenge at the beginning of the speech?

The speaker expresses his anxiety and self-doubt, particularly feeling overwhelmed by addressing such a distinguished group of judges and legal professionals.

Why does the speaker mention his ignorance of the English language?

The speaker humbly acknowledges his shortcomings in the English language but emphasizes that his mistakes have been valuable learning experiences.

What role did the speaker's father play in shaping his career?

The speaker credits his father for laying the foundation of both his legal career and ethical values. His father taught him the importance of duty, ethics, and societal responsibility, and instilled in him a love for law.

What core value did the speaker's father emphasize about law and duty?

The speaker's father emphasized that 'duty' is the most important aspect of law. He taught that law is meant to enforce the performance of one's duties, and that fulfilling one's duty is the path to honor.

What lesson did the speaker's father impart about addressing the court?

The speaker's father taught him that when arguing in court, one should always assume the judge knows more than they do, and to never answer a judge directly, as it could be seen as disrespectful.

What is the speaker's view on the relationship between the Supreme Court and High Court?

The speaker views both the Supreme Court and High Courts as equally important constitutional institutions. He stresses that both are essential for the administration of justice, with the Supreme Court being the final court of appeal for matters concerning High Courts.

How does the speaker describe the judges in the highest courts?

The speaker describes judges as selfless individuals who prioritize the well-being of the country and society over personal gain. They embody the noble ideals of justice.

What philosophical perspective does the speaker share regarding a lawyer's role in society?

The speaker reflects on the idea that lawyers have a duty to serve justice, and their role is to contribute positively to society, guided by good conscience. He believes that fulfilling this role requires moral integrity, not personal reward.

What personal experience did the speaker share about the importance of family support?

The speaker shared how, after losing his mother at a young age, his stepfather provided essential care and guidance. He also discussed how his wife played a crucial role in managing their family responsibilities while he focused on his work.

What moral lesson does the speaker impart regarding material wealth and life achievements?

The speaker references the story of Alexander the Great, who, upon nearing death, realized that material wealth was not important. Instead, he highlights the significance of contributing meaningfully to society and living a life aligned with one's moral duties.