Chief Justice of India Returns to Alma Mater - Holy Name High School

Mumbai, July 5, 2025

A profound sense of pride and joy filled the halls of Holy Name High School, Colaba, yesterday, July 4, 2025, as the school welcomed back one of its most distinguished alumni, the Honourable Chief Justice of India, Mr. B.R. Gavai.

The visit marked a deeply significant homecoming for CJI Gavai, who completed his matriculation from this Catholic institution in 1976. Though his early schooling began in Amravati, it was during his formative years at Holy Name High School, while his father was posted in Mumbai, that the foundations were laid for his remarkable journey to the highest echelons of India's judiciary.

Nearly five decades after graduating, Chief Justice Gavai was warmly received and formally felicitated by a delegation representing the Archdiocese of Bombay and the school community. The welcoming party included His Grace Archbishop John Rodrigues, His Excellency Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes (Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay), Fr. Constancio Noronha (Manager of Holy Name High School), and Sr. Lawrencia PSOL (Principal).

“Holy Name school has hosted many illustrious personalities including the former President of the United States of America Barack Obama and his family. But the visit of Chief Justice Gavai is something special as he is one of our own” said Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay.  The atmosphere was charged with reverence and celebration as the school community gathered to honour a son who now occupies the highest judicial office in the nation. The presence of CJI Gavai served as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of the education and values instilled at Holy Name High School.

"This is not merely a visit; it is a moment of deep significance and immense pride for Holy Name High School and the entire Archdiocese," remarked Archbishop John Rodrigues during the felicitation. "To witness an alumnus ascend to the position of Chief Justice of India is a resounding affirmation of the holistic formation – shaping character and intellect – that Catholic institutions strive to provide. His life and service embody the values we seek to impart."

Sr. Lawrencia PSOL, Principal, expressed the collective sentiment of the school: "Welcoming Chief Justice Gavai back to Holy Name is incredibly inspiring for our students and staff. His journey from these classrooms to the Supreme Court is a beacon of possibility, demonstrating the heights that can be achieved through dedication, integrity, and the strong foundation received here. He stands as a magnificent role model for our current generation."

Fr. Constancio Noronha echoed the sentiment, highlighting the enduring connection: "Nearly fifty years may have passed, but the bond between a student and his alma mater remains sacred. We are overjoyed to welcome Chief Justice Gavai home and celebrate his monumental achievements, which bring honour to Holy Name."

The felicitation ceremony was a reminder of the lasting legacy of educational institutions and their role in nurturing future leaders who serve the nation with distinction. Chief Justice Gavai's return to Holy Name High School stands as a proud chapter in the school's history, reinforcing its mission of excellence in education and character formation within the Catholic tradition. His presence on the highest bench of justice in India brings immense honour to the institution that helped shape his early path.