Banker-turned-politician Meera Sanyal passed away after a protracted battle with cancer on Friday, January 11. She was 57.
Known for taking up social causes, Sanyal had given up her position as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and chairperson of the Royal Bank of Scotland, and after a near 30-year-long career in the banking industry, joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in 2013.
Sanyal had also serve on the board of an international organisation Right to Play, that helped over a million children. She was also on the board of the Pradan, an NGO that worked in the field of empowering women.
In the year 2011, Sanyal was conferred the Philanthropist of the Year award by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI).
Sanyal also authored a book, The Big Reverse: How Demonetization Knocked India Out, that criticises the Modi government’s 2016 move.
Given the respect and admiration Sanyal inspired, eminent persons from all corners of public life paid tribute to her on social media.
https://twitter.com/ajit_ranade/status/1083776644157001729
Banker, author, woman of courage and grace, someone who was ready to swim against the tide in an age where all too few do.. @meerasanyal is no more. RIP my friend.
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) January 11, 2019
Writer Salil Tripathi shared a poem written by Sanyal.
https://twitter.com/saliltripathi/status/1083800413361577984
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia wrote that with Sanyal’s passing, India had lost “a sharp economic brain and a gentle soul’.
I am deeply saddened to hear about
the passing away of Meera Sanyal.
The country has lost a sharp economic brain and a gentle soul. May she rest in peace!You will forever remain in our hearts.
— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) January 11, 2019
I have some very fond memories of working with Meera Sanyal, during the 2014 poll campaigns & later drafting policy papers. I remember her words which she said amid intense party infighting —“given a choice between being kind or being right, I will chose to be kind”. RIP, Meera.
— Ashish Khetan (@AashishKhetan) January 11, 2019
Shattered to hear about @meerasanyal's demise. A woman who personified grace, carried her success lightly and always had a patient ear for anyone who reached out to her. An exemplary leader who inspired all who came across her. May God give her family strength to bear this.
— Gul Panag (@GulPanag) January 11, 2019
https://twitter.com/nilanjanaroy/status/1083774848189558785
Truly tragic! Meera Sanyal, a top banker who gave up a promising career to give a push to clean alternative politics suddenly passed away. She just wrote a book on the noteban disaster. An outstanding citizen of our country. RIP Meera ji. We will miss you https://t.co/MYYMA11SAS
— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) January 12, 2019
We are here only for a brief tenure,but the words & deeds of the best of us bcm immortal. And @meerasanyal was most definitely amongst the best & brightest in our firmament. AAPians espcly mourn tonight. Her legacy lives on. She will be difficult to replace. RIP, @meerasanyal. https://t.co/LSz9XwHuyq
— Krishan Partap Singh (@RaisinaSeries) January 11, 2019