She was born into a renowned lawyer family. Her husband was a distinguished Barrister. Her son built a respected career in the legal profession. Her daughter became a well-known writer and publisher. Yet, beyond these achievements, Nandini Mitra quietly devoted her life to helping underprivileged children become self-reliant through education and handicrafts.
After a prolonged illness, she passed away on February 16 at the age of 84.
I came to know Nandini Devi when I began working as a junior in the chamber of her husband, the renowned Barrister and former Advocate General Anindya Mitra. During breaks from work, she developed a close bond not only with me but with many others like me.
Her father, former Attorney Keshavchandra Basu, was a noted lawyer who also served as a Councillor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, later becoming Deputy Mayor and Mayor.
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Born on January 2, 1942, in Madan Mitra Lane in North Kolkata, Nandini Devi was brilliant in her studies from childhood. She studied at Holy Child School and later at Loreto House, graduating with distinction from Loreto College. In 1963, she married Anindyababu. Their son, Abhrajit Mitra, is a lawyer, and their daughter, Himanjali (Shankar), is a renowned fiction writer and publisher.
Though being a devoted homemaker, she never limited herself to her household. She was actively associated with several charitable institutions and maintained regular contact with the Missionaries of Charity and Mother Teresa.
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In 1999, she founded a voluntary NGO named ‘Anandan’ with other like-minded women. The aim was to help children from underprivileged families stand on their own feet. Alongside education, the organisation introduced professional training and computer education. Over time, ‘Anandan’ expanded to several parts of the state and now offers skill development training for adults as well.
At home, she built a warm friendship with us. She treated us like her own children and even developed an interest in computers by observing our work.
For the past 13-14 years, she had been suffering from Alzheimer's. Despite her illness, her dedication to ‘Anandan’ never faded. Her gentle smile and ability to connect with people of all ages made her truly special. Her passing is a personal loss for me and for many others. My heartfelt condolences to Mr. Anindya Mitra, Abhrajit, Himanjali, and her countless admirers.
