From Behind the Ghoonghat to the Judge’s Bench: Deepu Kanwar’s Inspiring Journey
In the quiet lanes of Jalipa village in Rajasthan’s Barmer district, Deepu Kanwar once studied for hours while draped in her traditional ghoonghat. Today, she has emerged as a symbol of quiet determination and family support, having cleared the Gujarat Judicial Service (GJS) Examination with an impressive 79th rank to become a Civil Judge.
Deepu’s story is one of perseverance against societal expectations. Married about seven years ago to Lokendra Singh, she was already in the second year of her LLB at the time of her wedding. Even after becoming a mother, she continued her rigorous preparation for the judicial services exam while balancing the responsibilities of a new household in a traditional setting.
What sets her journey apart is the extraordinary encouragement she received from her in-laws. In many homes, newlywed women are expected to prioritise domestic chores over personal ambitions. For Deepu, however, the rule was different. Whenever she tried to help with household work, her father-in-law would gently stop her and say, “Your work is to study — focus on your studies.” The family went a step further by converting a room in their home into a dedicated study space, which Deepu describes as functioning “like a hostel.” This supportive environment allowed her to prepare without the usual pressures placed on daughters-in-law.
Deepu began practising as an advocate in court from 2021, fulfilling the mandatory advocacy experience required for the Gujarat Judicial Service exam. Her path to success was not without setbacks. In her first attempt in 2022, she cleared the prelims and mains but could not qualify in the interview. In 2023, she failed to clear the mains examination. Undeterred, she persisted and, on her third attempt in 2025, finally achieved her dream by securing the 79th rank.
Deepu credits her entire success to the unwavering support of her husband and in-laws, who shielded her from domestic burdens and believed in her aspirations. Her story stands as a powerful example of how removing barriers at home and providing encouragement can enable women from conservative or rural backgrounds to excel in demanding professional fields.
In an era when many women still face pressure to choose between family and career, Deepu Kanwar’s achievement highlights the transformative power of family belief and individual resilience. From studying silently behind her ghoonghat in Barmer to stepping confidently into the courtroom as a Civil Judge, her journey continues to inspire countless others to pursue their dreams regardless of circumstances. ⚖️
Congratulations, Deepu Kanwar — a true trailblazer.
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