Extraordinary grace

The Ranas had been living in Delhi for more than 20 years, busy with their respective professions. He was an economist and she an educationist. A time came when they thought of buying a place of their own for their retirement. When the DDA announced the allotment of plots in South Delhi, they applied and luckily they got a nice plot, which made them very happy. However, the situation changed and they decided that it would be better to settle in Gujarat, their home state. But what was to be done with the plot? They thought about it and decided to give it back to the DDA. Promptly, DDA replied that they would have to pay a penalty charge. For the Ranas, steeped in Gandhian values, giving it back to the authority from where they got it was the right thing to do. With the land value rising sharply, obviously their decision surprised and shocked everyone. They returned the plot, paying the penalty charge!

Eventually they did not go back to Gujarat. Instead they settled in Noida, living in a modest house. Today, I remember Mrs Rana and this incident, because exactly a year back on February 24 she passed away. Urmila Rana was the former principal of Delhi’s Lady Shri Ram College. A fine human being, she was one of the most revered teachers of LSR who had joined the college way back in 1956 when it was founded.

Known for her limitless compassion and patience, wisdom and calmness, humility and sensitivity, she was adored and loved by her students and colleagues. Deeply concerned about the underprivileged and the marginalised sections of the society, she nurtured and developed the sense of service among her students. Her healthy decisions, good discipline and stress on human values added character to the college. Dignified and graceful, a teacher par excellence, she will be remembered for her total commitment to education and equity. She was an inspiration to her multitude of students.