For years, she was a familiar presence in the corridors of the Supreme Court, known for her cheerful demeanor and constant smile. Yet behind this public image lay a story shaped by discipline, struggle, and the transformative force of education.
Born in Pollachi, a prominent commercial town in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, Venkita Subramani Mohana grew up in a family that placed unwavering emphasis on discipline, hard work, and academic excellence. She was the eleventh of thirteen siblings, comprising nine sisters and four brothers.
Her father, S. Venkita Subramani Iyer, served in the Indian Army before joining the Government of Tamil Nadu as a senior entomologist. His military background instilled a strong sense of discipline and service within the family, with all children encouraged to pursue excellence. Her mother, Kaveri Ammal, despite having studied only up to the fifth grade, recognized her daughter’s exceptional aptitude. She observed Mohana’s strong interest in debates and public speaking and identified early signs of a promising legal career.
Encouraged by her mother, Mohana pursued a path that no one in her family had taken before—the legal profession. Her academic performance earned her the National Merit Scholarship, which she received continuously from Class 10 through her undergraduate studies.
In 1983, when India introduced its first five-year integrated Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws program, Mohana joined the inaugural batch at Coimbatore Law College, later renamed Government Law College, Coimbatore. At the time, the institution operated under modest conditions, with classes conducted in rented premises, limited library resources, and basic infrastructure.
Out of 83 students in her cohort, only around nine were women. Despite these constraints, she distinguished herself through academic dedication, active participation in debating competitions, and consistent commitment to learning. During this period, she lived in a working women’s hostel and supported herself by providing private tuition.
In 1988, she graduated as part of this historic first batch. Among her classmates was KV Viswanathan, who later became a senior advocate, served as Additional Solicitor General of India, and was appointed directly from the Bar as a Supreme Court judge in 2023.
From a modest upbringing in Pollachi to the highest echelons of the legal profession, Justice Mohana’s journey reflects a rare blend of resilience, determination, and academic excellence. Her elevation stands as a significant milestone in the Indian judiciary and serves as a powerful example of how perseverance and education can redefine possibilities for future generations.
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