Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana has penned an emotional open letter to the people of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in a role reversal as it is the top judge of the country who usually receives such correspondence from the people.

In his letter, Justice Ramana has expressed his gratitude for the rousing reception he received when he visited the two states last week.

This was the first visit by Justice Ramana, born in an agricultural family on August 27, 1957, at Ponnavaram village in Andhra Pradesh’s Krishna district, to his home state after taking over as the CJI on April 24. Justice Ramana is also the first judge from the erstwhile undivided southern state to helm the country’s judiciary.

According to sources, despite repeated requests from the CJI’s office that his visit should be a low-key affair in view of the pandemic, hundreds of legal fraternity members of the two states, Telangana chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, other politicians from across the spectrum and students gathered wherever Justice Ramana went, right from the airport.

An emotional Justice Ramana, who returned to New Delhi this week, penned the open letter in Telugu. Upon a request from this correspondent, the CJI’s office has shared a copy of the English translation of the letter.

Salutes to Telugu people — Indebted forever.

It is natural for parents to aspire for success of the offspring. The desire on the part of the offspring to see the parents rejoicing at their success is equally natural. I am no exception to this.

The fact that my parents are not with me today to bless me and feel proud of my achievement when I reached the pinnacle of Indian judiciary has made me feel a void. During my first visit this past week as the Chief Justice of India, the Telugu people have filled that void. Billion salutes to the pristine and progressive society of Telangana which, like my parents, hugged me like a baby and showered me with unbound love and affection and blessings. This visit was one of those rare occasions when I am overcome with emotions.

Sincere thanks to each one of those countless elders, brothers and sisters, who, in spite of Covid fears and even after being dissuaded, turned up in large numbers, owned me up, congratulated me, blessed me and encouraged me. Lawyers, students, teachers, youth, workers, women, farmers, people from all walks of life irrespective of caste, creed and religion have, without expecting anything in return, turned up just to enquire about my well being and to bless me. None of them asked for any personal favour. All that they wanted was further strengthening of the judiciary. They symbolise the selfless nature and maturity of Telangana society.

I am deeply touched by the kind gesture of my mentors and retired Judges, who, in spite of their advanced age, have stepped out of their homes for the first time since the onset of Covid, to bless me in person. My deep respects to each one of them.

Right from the Chief Minister to common persons, people took trouble to welcome me in these extraordinary times. They mirror the ‘everyone is our own’ attitude of Telangana and the renowned hospitality of Hyderabad. My sincere thanks to the Government of Telangana, Hon’ble Governor, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Chief Justice and Hon’ble Judges of Telangana High Court, Hon’ble Ministers, people’s representatives, leaders of various political parties and officials for according the unexpected welcome.

I and my wife Sivamala shall remain indebted to the governing bodies of Tirumala Tirupati, Yadadri and Srisailam temple trusts, Government representatives and the local officials for facilitating the holy darshan and blessings at a very short notice. The efforts of the Telangana Government in developing the Yadadri shrine into one of the most important pilgrimage centres in the country is praiseworthy.

Thanks also are due to the officials of the Telangana Government, staff of Raj Bhawan, High Court and police personnel for taking great care of me and my staff from the time we landed here over a week ago. Thank you to media persons for the co-operation extended.

Please continue to adhere to Covid protocols till the time the Scientists and the Government formally declare the end of the pandemic. There is no room for negligence on this count.

With the strength of blessings received from Telugu people, I am returning to Delhi with the confidence that I will be able to discharge my constitutional duties efficiently.

Goodbye. Namaste.