As the new year dawned and Chandigarh stirred back to life, I found myself adopting a new routine. Dropping my son at school, I would arrive at my new office an hour early, seeking respite from the morning traffic and carving out precious time for personal growth. It was during these quiet moments that I stumbled upon a book that would change my perspective profoundly. This book titled My Journey with Law & Justice was filled with wisdom and wit and it soon became my daily companion. It made me laugh out loud. It brought tears to my eyes. Most importantly, it introduced me to the remarkable world of Prof. Balram K. Gupta- his short sentences; his simplicity. As I sat in my wintry three-storeyed building, my laughter echoing through the fog outside, I realised that this knowledge was too precious to keep to myself. The world needed to know about this phenomenal individual and his inspiring journey.
Thus, was born the idea for a talk show, “Raising the Bar” aimed at unearthing the man behind the legend. With the support of Prof. Shruti Bedi [Director, University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS)] we secured an interview with Prof. Gupta. It was not until the audience erupted in thunderous applause at the show’s conclusion that I fully grasped the impact of the moment — the beautiful memories created and the profound effect Prof. Gupta had on everyone present. As the final words of our interview faded into the ether, the room crackled with an energy that transcended the boundaries of mere wisdom. It was as if the very air had been charged with a current of reverence and admiration — a collective acknowledgment of the true greatness that stood before us. In that crescendo of applause, I glimpsed the true measure of Balram Sir’s legacy. It was not to be found in the long list of accolades that adorned his name, but in the way his words and presence had resonated with each and every person in that room. They had been captivated, not by the trappings of success, but by the genuine passion, the unwavering dedication, and the unyielding humility that emanated from this extraordinary individual. As the echoes of the audience’s adulation slowly faded, I found myself humbled, awed by the sheer magnitude of the moment. For in that outpouring of reverence, I had witnessed the true power of mentorship, the transformative impact of a life lived with integrity and grace.
Prof. Balram K. Gupta is a man of many firsts and countless achievements. At the tender age of 39, he became the youngest Professor of Law at Panjab University in 1983, followed by his appointment as the youngest Chairman of the Department of Laws in 1986. He holds the unique distinction of being the only individual accorded both the titles of Senior Advocate and Professor Emeritus. His illustrious career includes serving as the Director of the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal and currently holding the position of Honorary Chief Advisor at the Chandigarh Judicial Academy. He has also been the Dean of the Faculty of Law at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. From his early days as a parliamentary fellow to his current revered status as the recipient of the prestigious M.C. Chagla National Award, Prof. Gupta’s journey is nothing short of inspirational.
As I basked in the afterglow of congratulatory notes and praise from the audience and YouTube viewers, life continued its regular pace. While driving my son home from school, my phone rang. “Unknown number”, my son announced. Bracing myself for a potential work-related call, fearing I had missed a deadline — I answered. After a brief pause, a voice came through with a crackle on the car speakerphone: “Supreet, this is Balram”. I nearly slammed on the brakes, and my son’s jaw dropped in recognition as he had been helping me rehearse my speech for the show. Prof. Gupta proceeded to laud me and my team, offering his blessings and encouragement. I was struck by the sheer simplicity of his introduction — no titles, no honorifics, just “Balram”.
It made me think about how much fuss we create over formalities and salutations. Write “Dr” in front of my name, I am a PhD. Write “Senior Advocate” in front of my name, I am a lawyer of standing. Write “Honourable Justice” in front of my name, I am a Judge. Write “Prof.” in front of my name, I’m a senior academic. Yet here was a man who had more knowledge than all of these people put together, introducing himself simply as “Balram”. No frills, no embellishments, no formality — only effortless genius. That is why I call him Balram Sir — the effortless.
The parallel to Lord Denning, Balram Sir’s own idol, is striking. As a young man, Balram Sir had the opportunity to meet and interview Lord Denning in England. Inspired by the experience, he penned an article titled “Lord Denning — The Matchless”. Now, decades later, I find myself in a similar position, deeply influenced by Balram Sir and compelled to write about his simplicity and genuine passion for the law. It is as if history is repeating itself, the cycle of inspiration continuing through generations. Just as Lord Denning’s unpretentious brilliance inspired the young Balram Gupta — Balram Sir’s humble wisdom now inspires a new generation of legal minds.
Balram Sir’s approach to life and law serves as a powerful reminder that true greatness lies not in titles or accolades, but in the depth of one’s knowledge, the sincerity of one’s passion, and the humility with which one carries oneself. In a world often enamoured with grandeur and self-importance, Balram Sir’s life stands as a beacon of quiet excellence. His story is a gentle reminder that true greatness need not be cloaked in flowery titles or boastful accolades or even complicated language.
As I continue to unravel the tapestry of his life, I am struck by the understated elegance with which he has navigated the halls of fame. The profound sense of humility that permeates every aspect of his being. His legacy is not defined by the accolades he has amassed, but by the lives he has touched and changed, the minds he has nurtured, and the values he has upheld. He is a man who has mastered the art of leading without ego, of teaching without pretence and of inspiring without the need for self-aggrandisement. It is this essence of Balram Sir, this unparalleled ability to connect with others on a deeply human level, that has left an indelible mark on my own journey. He has shown me that true greatness is not about seeking the spotlight, but about humbly lighting the way for others.
1. Assistant Professor, University Institute of Legal Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh. Author can be reached at: supreetgill26@gmail.com.
