Meet Pragya, Supreme Court Cook's Daughter Bags US Scholarship For Law

Pragya, the daughter of a cook at the Supreme Court of India, secured a scholarship to pursue a Master's in Law at the University of California or the University of Michigan in the United States. Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and other top judges at the apex court felicitated the 25-year-old for the glorious achievement. The senior judges assembled at the judges' lounge and gave her a standing ovation. "We know Pragya has managed something on her own, but we will ensure she manages to get whatever is required... We expect that she should come back to serve the country," Justice Chandrachud told the Press Trust of India.

Pragya is the daughter of Ajay Kumar Samal, who has been working as a cook at the Supreme Court. Chief Justice Chandrachud said that her achievement is an inspiration to billions of Indians.

Supreme Court Cook Bags US Scholarship For Law

On March 13, the Chief Justice of India and other senior judges of the Supreme Court assembled at the judge's lounge to honour Pragya, who successfully achieved a remarkable scholarship to two universities in the US. CJI Chandrachud gifted Pragya three books on the Indian constitution, complete with signatures of all top judges at the Court. They also felicitated Pragya's father, who is a cook at the Supreme Court, and mother.

"Whatever she does, she will achieve excellence and she will carry the dreams of 1.4 billion people on her shoulders very easily," the CJI told the Press Trust of India, asserting that her hard work and achievement are an inspiration to the youth. "I feel that if you work hard and want to move forward, then you can find resources easily. It shouldn't happen that a student who makes efforts fails to get the resources," he added.

VIDEO | "I feel that if you work hard and want to move forward, then you can find resources easily. It shouldn't happen that a student who makes efforts fails to get the resources," says Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud after meeting Pragya, daughter of a cook in Supreme… pic.twitter.com/lJg237ZBcv

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 13, 2024

Pragya thanked the senior judges for recognising her efforts and honouring her. Speaking about her achievement to the Press Trust of India, the young scholar thanked her parents who helped her dream big. "I think I am very privileged to be his child. He has helped me since my school days, and he always made sure that I get the opportunities that I should get,” she said about her father.

She also said that she was inspired by CJI Chandrachud to enter the legal profession. She told PTI, "With the live streaming of court hearings, everyone can watch him (Justice Chandrachud) speaking. He encourages young lawyers, and his words are like gems. He is my inspiration."