Chief Justice DY Chandrachud’s decision to go vegan was strongly influenced by his family rather than a personal choice.
During a Delhi High Court event, he discussed a conversation with his daughter about living a “cruelty-free life.” Chandrachud stated, “I have two specially-abled kids who continue to inspire me in whatever I do. I recently became vegan after my daughter suggested we live a cruelty-free lifestyle. This move underscores the enormous effect that family can have on our decisions, as Chandrachud notes, “My daughter influenced me in a big way.”
Family Influence, and the Heart of the Decision
A change toward veganism was initiated by Chandrachud’s daughter. Its various segments and episodes mirrored the social reality and redefined his son’s and daughter’s dietary and lifestyle choices for the better after they decided to abstain from cruelty inspiring him to rethink his dietary and lifestyle habits. “When she urged me to go vegan, I saw the impact it would have,” he said. This strong and informed pressure shows how family plays such a massive role in our lives; especially when it comes to moral standards and decision-making when choosing what is right in the eyes of the law and society.
Chandrachud’s vegetarianism extends beyond food, it reflects his professional principles. As a symbol of justice, his decision to live cruelty-free is consistent with the ideas he defends in court. “Being vegan reflects the ethical considerations I strive to uphold in my life,” his statement reads. This connection between his personal and professional tells us the importance of keeping consistency in our beliefs across all frameworks.
Embracing Cruelty-Free Living Beyond Food
For him, veganism does not end at the dinner table or in avoiding animal products but in all areas of his life, excluding items such as silk honey, and leather.
During the conversation, he highlights that “We must consider the suffering that goes into these products,”.
His decision encourages a shift towards sustainable and cruelty-free alternatives, calls out to society, and makes people channel their critical thinking to question their consumption patterns on the products they utilize in their lives.
A Ripple Effect and Inspiring Broader Change
As India’s Chief Justice, choices carry significant weight. His shift to veganism as influenced by his daughter is likely to encourage others to think as to how they might live their lives ethically and sustainably. “We must be aware of the impact of our choices,” he emphasizes, reminding us that our decisions, no matter how small, can produce certain results on their own. His story is inspiring, and it can be used to mobilize society in the direction of betterment, and the attainment of a world that is more tolerant and fairer.
The transition to veganism by our CJI which was a result of the direction of his daughter shows that change begins from within families and actions that are personal can bring changes on a national level.
With more and more other powerful personalities following the same path, the change starts setting direction towards ethical consumption, and the cruelty-free living policy brings an optimistic touch to a sustainable future.
Read more: Good Catch: Seafood of the future
