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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Celebrating grace, wisdom and legacy

NM College ex-principal Dr. Urmila S. Rai turns 90 Principal Dr. Urmila Rai (3rd from right), son Tapan, daughter Shantala and son-in-law Nimesh Kothare. Mumbai:  The CK Nayudu Hall at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) shimmered with laughter, nostalgia, and affection this weekend, as the academic fraternity, friends, and family gathered to celebrate the 90th birthday of a remarkable woman - Dr. Urmila S. Rai, retired Principal of Narsee Monjee College, Vile Parle.   Turning 90 is no small...

Celebrating grace, wisdom and legacy

NM College ex-principal Dr. Urmila S. Rai turns 90 Principal Dr. Urmila Rai (3rd from right), son Tapan, daughter Shantala and son-in-law Nimesh Kothare. Mumbai:  The CK Nayudu Hall at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) shimmered with laughter, nostalgia, and affection this weekend, as the academic fraternity, friends, and family gathered to celebrate the 90th birthday of a remarkable woman - Dr. Urmila S. Rai, retired Principal of Narsee Monjee College, Vile Parle.   Turning 90 is no small feat, but Dr. Rai’s radiant presence, sharp intellect, and youthful spirit made it seem like just another milestone in her brimming life. Clad in a lively green ensemble - perhaps symbolic of her evergreen personality - Dr. Rai, who relishes chocolates, flitted gracefully from table to table, exchanging warm greetings, hearty laughter, and affectionate hugs. Her fluffy, snowy white hair framed a face still glowing with enthusiasm and curiosity. Each conversation she shared seemed to light up the room, a testament to the enduring charm that once inspired generations of students and colleagues.   As former colleagues, relatives, and students gathered around, memories of her golden years helming the SVKM's prestigious Commerce college resurfaced. The nonagenarian “Madam Principal” - once affectionately dubbed “Indira Gandhi” by her students for her commanding presence, discipline, and authority - led the interactions with her trademark grace and humour.   Cheerfully discarding old protocols, she moved from group to group, greeting everyone personally, undeterred by age and bustling with energy. A touching moment was when she warmly shook hands with a former colleague who had flown in specially from Kerala, along with some relatives who had travelled from abroad to join the memorable celebrations.   Her son, Tapan Rai, with his wife Madhu, and daughter Shantala, with her husband Nimesh Kothare, played perfect hosts - ensuring guests felt at home while keeping a loving eye on their mother. They gently re-introduced her to some familiar faces transformed by unforgiving hands of time, bridging decades of shared memories.   What shone through the afternoon was not just the deep respect Dr. Rai commanded, but the esteem with which she is held even today. Her students - scattered around the world and some now luminaries in their respective fields - instinctively bent to touch her feet, receiving her blessings with reverence. Her colleagues enveloped her in warm embraces, cherishing fond memories of shared laughter, challenges, and long years spent shaping young stubborn minds.   Adulation flowed freely for the woman who had once steered one of India’s most prestigious colleges with vision, integrity, and compassion.  “At 90, Dr. Rai remains what she has always been - an educator, a charismatic leader, a great motivator and a charming, graceful human,” gushed a former Vice-Principal Ramila Desai.

Diwali: The Festival That Lights Up Hearts and Homes

Diwali whispers softly, ‘Slow down, light a lamp and let your soul shine a little brighter.’

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Diwali, one of the most popular Hindu festivals, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour across India. The festival, also known as Deepavali, is a five-day celebration that honours the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.


Story behind Diwali

The story behind Diwali is associated with the Hindu epic, Ramayana. According to the epic, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, the king of Ayodhya, after a 14-year exile.


After defeating the demon king Ravana, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with his wife, Sita, and brother, Lakshmana. The people of Ayodhya welcomed their king by lighting diyas (earthen lamps) and decorating their homes with flowers and rangoli. This joyous occasion is celebrated as Diwali, symbolising the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.


Significance of Diwali

Diwali is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The festival has significant spiritual and cultural importance, and its significance can be understood in various ways:


Victory of Good over Evil: Diwali symbolises the victory of good over evil, as Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana.


Light over Darkness: The festival celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, symbolising the victory of knowledge and wisdom over ignorance.


New Beginnings: Diwali marks the beginning of a new year in many parts of India, and it is considered an auspicious time for new ventures and endeavours.


Rituals and Traditions: Diwali is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour, and the rituals and traditions vary across different regions and cultures. Some of the common practices include:

  • Cleaning and Decorating Homes: Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with diyas, rangoli, and flowers to welcome the goddess Lakshmi.

  • Lighting Diyas: Diyas are lit to dispel darkness and bring light and prosperity into the home.

  • Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi: Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.

  • Fireworks and Illuminations: Fireworks and illuminations are an integral part of Diwali celebrations, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness.

  • Family Gatherings: Diwali is a time for family gatherings and celebrations, and people come together to share sweets, gifts, and love.


Celebrations across India

Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Beyond its rituals and revelry, the festival holds deep spiritual and cultural significance.


But Diwali’s glow isn’t just from lamps and lights — it shines from within. As homes are cleaned and decorated, the act of decluttering becomes symbolic, reflecting a desire to clear not just physical spaces but also mental clutter. Clean surroundings, after all, inspire clean energy and a lighter mind.


Kindness and forgiveness, too, are at the heart of Diwali’s message. Letting go of grudges and old hurts brings a sense of peace that no lamp can match — it is this inner glow that truly lights up lives.


Gratitude and prayer also find a special place during the festival. A thankful heart radiates positive energy, and that quiet joy reflects in one’s face and presence. Even simple self-care rituals — a warm oil bath, an ubtan scrub, the scent of sandalwood, or the comfort of bright festive clothes — help uplift the mood and spirit. Because the real glow of Diwali does not come from makeup or lights but from a heart that feels light.


In a world that often rushes and forgets to pause, Diwali whispers softly, ‘Slow down, light a lamp and let your soul shine a little brighter.’ This Diwali let us not just illuminate our homes but also our thoughts, our words and our actions – so that wherever we go, we leave a little trail of light behind.


Happy Diwali to you!


(The writer is a tutor based in Thane.)

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