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.
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