Meet Sripathi, 23, Tamil Nadu's First Tribal Woman Civil Judge

Sripathi, a 23-year-old woman from Jawadhu Hills, Tamil Nadu, made history by becoming the first tribal woman civil judge of the State. Moreover, she had appeared for the Tamil Nadu Civil Judge exam just two days after giving birth to her daughter. She unwaveringly prepared for the examinations through pregnancy and despite any socioeconomic challenges. This is not just a personal achievement for Sripathi, but also brings major laurels to her tribal community. 

Sripathi, TN's First Tribal Woman To Clear Civil Judge Exam

According to a report in the New Indian Express, Sripathi was born in Thurinjikuppam village, Tiruvannamalai, and raised in Yelagiri Hills, Tirupattur. Her father works as a housekeeper and is the sole earner of the family. Sripathi was married off at a very young age but she was determined to continue her education. 

She was pregnant during her preparation for the Tamil Nadu Civil Judge examination. The date of her baby's delivery and the examination coinciding did not shake her. She told the New Indian Express that her mother's support helped her achieve her dreams. 

Her father, Kalidas, expressed immense joy when her daughter brought laurels to their family and the entire tribal society. "I am just a housekeeper. I have no words to express what I feel, I am very happy my daughter passed the examination," he told the New Indian Express. Sripathi's friend, Mahalakshmi, who is a teacher, also posted about her achievement on Facebook.

“Her achievement is a milestone in the history of Jawadhu Hills. Moreover, her husband’s steadfast support has been instrumental in her success," Mahalakshmi wrote in the post. Sripathi's achievement is not just a testament to her relentless dedication but also to her partner's support. 

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin was also impressed by Sripathi's dedication and achievement. He took to X (Twitter) to congratulate her. He wrote, "I am proud to know that Sripathi has been selected as a judge through the order that our #DravidianModel government has brought as a priority for government jobs for those educated in Tamil. Kudos to her family for supporting her success."

திருவண்ணாமலை மாவட்டம் ஜவ்வாதுமலையை அடுத்த புலியூர் கிராமத்தைச் சேர்ந்த திருமதி ஸ்ரீபதி அவர்கள் 23 வயதில் உரிமையியல் நீதிபதி தேர்வில் வெற்றி பெற்றுள்ளார்!

பெரிய வசதிகள் இல்லாத மலைக்கிராமத்தைச் சேர்ந்த பழங்குடியினப் பெண் ஒருவர் இளம் வயதில் இந்நிலையை எட்டியிருப்பதைக் கண்டு… pic.twitter.com/Mpd30PBBeZ

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) February 13, 2024