Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud recently shed light on his personal journey to veganism, attributing the shift to the influence of his daughter, Mahi. Speaking at the 9th Annual National Stakeholders Consultation on ‘Protecting the Rights of Children Living with Disability and Intersectionality of Disabilities’, CJI Chandrachud emphasized the importance of living a cruelty-free life.
He shared that Mahi, a fierce environmentalist and a mother to eight cats, has been a strong advocate for a cruelty-free lifestyle. CJI Chandrachud revealed that it took ten years for Mahi to persuade him to adopt veganism. He clarified that veganism goes beyond simply being vegetarian, encompassing a lifestyle that actively rejects cruelty in all forms.
This personal anecdote provides a touching glimpse into the CJI’s commitment to ethical living and his willingness to be influenced by the values of his children.
During his speech, the CJI also shed light on the challenges faced by children with disabilities. He shared that both his daughters, Priyanka and Mahi, were born with a condition called Nemaline myopathy, which can be extremely debilitating.
He expressed concern about the lack of awareness and testing facilities in India for this condition, highlighting the difficulties faced by families in accessing care and treatment. He also pointed out the prohibitive costs associated with gene therapy for Nemaline myopathy, often exceeding 30 crore rupees for a single dose, making it inaccessible for many.
The CJI stressed the need for accessible treatment options and government support to address the healthcare needs of children with disabilities. He emphasized the transformative potential of these children, recognizing their resilience and ability to inspire positive change in others.
Through his personal story, CJI Chandrachud not only highlighted the importance of compassion and ethical living but also brought attention to the crucial challenges faced by children with disabilities in India, urging for increased awareness, accessible care, and supportive policies.
