Breaking barriers and inspiring generations, 23-year-old V Sripathy has carved her name in history by becoming the first civil judge from her tribal community in Tamil Nadu. Hailing from Puliyur village in the Javadhu hills of Thiruvannamalai district, Sripathy’s remarkable achievement has captured the attention of the nation.
Sripathy’s journey to success was not without its challenges. Born in Thuviniji kuppam, a remote village near Chengam, she grew up in an environment with limited resources and opportunities. Her parents, S Kaliappan and K Malliga, made sacrifices to provide her with better educational prospects, relocating to Athanavoor village in Yelagiri hills.
Despite the odds, Sripathy excelled academically, attending Charles Higher Secondary School in Athanavoor village and pursuing a rigorous curriculum in pure science. After completing her secondary education, she embarked on a five-year law course at Dr. Ambedkar Government Law College, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her goals.
Sripathy’s determination and perseverance were further highlighted when she appeared for the examination conducted by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC). Remarkably, she attended the exam hall with her infant child, showcasing her dedication to her aspirations while balancing motherhood responsibilities.
y. Sripathy’s inspiring journey to success is a testament to her unwavering commitment to serving her community and advocating for justice.
Speaking to the media after her selection was announced, Sripathy shared her motivation behind pursuing a career in law. “I did my entire schooling in Yelagiri hills before taking up law in college. The idea to do law course was to give free legal aid for the people of my community who are now aware of their legal rights,” she said, highlighting her dedication to uplifting her community and ensuring access to justice.
Chief Minister M K Stalin took to his social media handle to express his delight at Sripathy’s achievement. He praised her perseverance and determination, emphasising the significance of her success for Tamil Nadu’s commitment to social justice. “I am proud to learn this and extend my congratulations to her mother and husband for their unwavering support,” he wrote.
Stalin also credited the Dravidian Model government’s policy of prioritising Tamil-medium students in government jobs for Sripathy’s selection as a judge. The government’s initiatives, including a Government Order (G.O) in 2021 that prioritised employment for individuals studying in Tamil medium schools, first-generation graduates, and youth who lost both their parents due to Covid-19, have paved the way for individuals like Sripathy to achieve new heights.
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 – தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) February 13, 2024
Sripathy’s remarkable achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a significant milestone in Tamil Nadu’s journey towards social justice and inclusivity.
Sripathy’s inspiring journey to success is a tale of determination, perseverance, and unwavering commitment. Despite hailing from one of the most backward hilly regions in Tamil Nadu, she pursued her dreams with unwavering resolve. After marrying S Venkatesdan, an ambulance driver, Sripathy continued her studies from her in-law’s house in Puliyur village, Chengam town. Reports indicate that she travelled 250 kilometers to Chennai to take the civil judge examination in November 2023 and attended the final selection interview just a few days ago.
Expressing his admiration for Sripathy’s achievement, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin tweeted, “Kudos to her mother and husband for supporting her. The success of people like Sripathy is the answer that Tamil Nadu gives to some people who come to Tamil Nadu without the heart to even utter the word social justice.”
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu BJP President Annamalai took to social media to extend his heartfelt congratulations to Sripathy. He highlighted the significance of her achievement, especially in the context of ongoing discussions surrounding social justice. “Even as India celebrates 75 years of freedom, there are several hilly villages in Tamil Nadu lacking basic infrastructure like roads, hospitals, and drinking water,” he stated. “Instead of making false claims on social justice, the rulers of this state should prioritize providing infrastructure facilities to tribal communities.”
திருவண்ணாமலை மாவட்டம் ஜவ்வாது மலை புலியூர் கிராமத்தைச் சேர்ந்த திருமதி. ஶ்ரீபதி அவர்கள், தமிழகத்தின் முதல் பழங்குடியின நீதிபதியாகத் தேர்ச்சி பெற்றுள்ளார் என்ற செய்தி மிகுந்த மகிழ்ச்சியளிக்கிறது. நமது நாட்டின் குடியரசுத் தலைவர் பதவியை, பழங்குடியினத்தைச் சேர்ந்த திருமதி திரௌபதி… pic.twitter.com/MptFKbsH1p
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) February 13, 2024
While the state of Tamil Nadu celebrates V Sripathy’s historic achievement as the first civil judge from her tribal community, critics argue that the success is solely attributed to her individual abilities, hard work, determination, and strong will. Critics question the Stalin government’s claim of credit under the so-called “Dravidian Model Government,” asserting that the government should focus on real-time help instead of pasting stickers on others’ hard work.
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