Sad demise of Gitanjali Aiyar

The Loreto College Alumnae Association (LCAA) deeply mourns the passing of Gitanjali Aiyar, former Doordarshan news anchor, who studied at Loreto College, Kolkata from 1963 to 1966, graduating with a B.A.Hons. degree in English. The world lost Gitanjali Aiyar on the 7th of June, 2023. She is fondly remembered by several of her contemporaries.

Sucheta Mukherjee, ex-Head, Dept. of English, Loreto College, writes: “Gitanjali Aiyar, nee Ambegaokar, was known as “Gitli” to her friends. She was my classmate and a good pal. She enthusiastically participated in all the activities of the Dramatics Society. She was gorgeous and great fun, and although she never appeared to be studious, did well in her examinations”.

Rinu De, ex-Lecturer, Department of History, Loreto College, remembers her as “very bubbly, friendly and kind; a nice person who had a very pleasant manner”.

Arpana Dutt, ex-Lecturer, Department of Education, Loreto College, who was a couple of years junior to Gitanjali, recalls: “She was in the Third Year when I joined College and was the Social Secretary (or Vice President) of the Student Council. She was gorgeous, kind and sparkling, and we First Years hero-worshipped her”.

Arundhati Ray, ex Head, Department of Education and the B. Ed. Department vividly remembers Gitanjali: “Gitanjali was the epitome of versatility: in sports, drama, debate, music and academics. I remember we played table tennis together and won several tournaments. She has left us now for her heavenly abode and we will miss her dearly. I have truly lost a warm, personal friend. Rest in eternal peace, Gitanjali. We will always remember and love you, for all the fun and happy moments of our College life together.”

In February 2012, Gitanjali wholeheartedly joined in the Centenary Celebrations of Loreto College,Kolkata. It was an honour for younger Alumnae to interact with her and witness her elegance, graciousness and charm. She was one of six eminent Alumnae who participated in a Panel Discussion on “The 21st Century is a Women’s Century”; her clarity of thought and expression was exceptional. She was also felicitated with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the LCAA. She clearly enjoyed meeting old friends and re-living some of her exploits in the college.

Those of us in the LCAA who were privileged to meet her in 2012 were touched by her warmth, beauty and grace. We are extremely saddened by her passing and we offer our most sincere condolences to her loved ones.