Dear Friends,
Our dear Indu Rai, and Indu-di to many of us left us for the Mother’s abode on 15th December 2025. Born to Vijay Bahadur Rai and Girija Devi on 23rd Jan 1951 in Patna, she came to the Ashram at a tender age in March 1956. Her mother Girija Devi was a Hindi teacher in the Ashram school since 1952; she also worked in the Tailoring section under Sahana Devi. After Sahana Devi left us in 1990, Girija Devi was in- charge of the Department till 2000.
Indu-di became a teacher of English at Progress level, after her education in the Ashram school. She also helped Leena Dowsett at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram Library lending section and later became the head of that section.
Like other many Ashram youngsters of that era Indu-di volunteered for the activities related to the inauguration of Auroville. She represented Chile during the historic inauguration ceremony on 28th February 1968. Apart from her usual work and study, Indu-di studied Savitri much in depth under Tehmi-ben (Tehmi Masalawalla), who was a gifted poet, teacher and translator; it was a lesson that stayed with her forever.
Both inside the Ashram and in the wider Sri Aurobindo community Indu-di was much loved by a wide set of friends for her friendly and helpful nature. Outside her areas of work, she always helped anyone who approached her for literary feedback and related help. She had a patient pair of ears, always a composed listener of people with problems.
Indu-di was diagnosed with cancer in 2022. She accepted everything and kept a cheerful demeanour, leading an active life till the end. True to her sincere nature, she discharged both her duties as a teacher and in library ably till August 2025. Even for the few months she was restricted at home and the couple of weeks in Ashram Nursing home where she was admitted on 6th December 2025, she was active meeting people, lifting them up with her cheerful spirit and connecting with others over phone.
In respect to her loving personality, the memoriam held at her residence after her departure was overflowing with the loving presence of her friends, colleagues, acquaintances and ex-students.
Jishnu Guha
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About the Author: Born in a family devoted to the Mother and Sri Aurobindo, Jishnu Guha is a student of Integral Yoga and takes keen interest in Indian Art. He is a Chartered Accountant and did his MBA from University of Southern California. He offers time for the newsletters of Sri Aurobindo Center, Los Angeles and for talks with NAMAH, Puducherry.
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Indu Rai: A Pictorial Homage
Vijay Bahadur Rai
Girija Devi
Indu Rai in the middle with her sisters.
Indu Rai returning from the Mother’s room after having the Mother’s Darshan on the occasion of her birthday.
Birthday card to Indu Rai from the Mother.
Indu Rai representing Chile during the inauguration of Auroville on 28 February 1968.
Girija Devi, Indu Rai’s mother, known as ‘Mausi’ in the Ashram community.
With Ratna Lahiri.
With Suprabha Nahar.
With Lata Jauhar and Suprabha Nahar.
With Olga.
With Debranjan Chatterjee, Librarian of Sri Aurobindo Ashram Library and Pankaj.
With her elder sister Sudha Rai (centre) and Sumitra Guha, mother of Jishnu Guha, in 2025.
I have known Indu from 1967.she was of great help to us myself and Anjani when we were teachers in knowledge. A very sweet tempered smiling person she was. Every year I used to send Mangoes plucked from our tree. With respect. Dayanand.
In this upside down and crazy world of today it is so lovely to read something lovelingly written about a lovely Child of the Mother.
Wonderful collection. Thanks to Shri Jishnu Guha for bringing to our notice all these souls who shared the divine community here in Sri Aurobindo Ashram Pondicherry. This is the Centenary celebration of this magnificent Ashram where a ever memorable divine community grew up so spontaneously and a lot of sweet wonderful memories hidden to be explored.
Krishnendu
Sri Aurobindo Ashram Pondicherry.
A beautiful teacher.
Dear Sudha, thank you so much for sending me all these photos. I am extremely touched by this gesture of yours. Indu and I met at times in the school in our free period and we would share so many problems. She was such a patient listener, at times she would encourage me for doing so many things. She always showed interest in what I did and would encourage me. She was a wonderful person, so sincere in all that she did. A true child of the Mother.
Lots of love,
Namita
Dear Sudhadi,
I write with a heavy heart as I came to know about Indu-di. I simply cannot fathom how this happened. As I come to the realization of the fact I can’t help but remember the wonderful times I spent with her. Her smile, her laughter and perpetual positive attitude will forever remain with me. How I wish I could sit down for one more lunch with her. How I wish I could climb the steps to your house one more time to sit down and chat with her. How I wish I could get to hear her laugh one more time. The only thing that gives me strength and peace is knowing she is with Them and Girija-ben. A bird flown to its eternal place of rest. A child back in the Mother’s lap. Take care of yourself. Wishing you much peace and love.
Nijanand.
A simple yet vibrant reserved being.
Very touching. I used to be in contact with her.
Such a blessed and great soul. My condolences and regards. And your writing, lucid but so interesting. So nicely expressed. The pics really complemented the write-up.
Sudha , Indu will be remembered and cherished by everyone, children, young and old for years . She was a wonderful and very frank person and at the same time loving.
In her work and as a teacher she was a perfect and sincere , hardworking , well mannered and disciplined.
Nowadays very difficult to find such a devoted person 🙏🏻
Best wishes to her and really happy to read the wonderful memoire. May she be always be present in everybody’s heart and mind.
Such a loving person. I had the privilege of sharing a very strong bond of long friendship. Shall cherish it all my life.
A Beautiful Summary of what Indu Rai was !
Words &.Pictures blend together so nicely giving the heart & soul to this Memoriam !
Our experiences with Indudi also reflect similar sentiments & Views expressed in these columns !
Indeed Indudi
was a very sweet & helpful Person in all our interactions with her
We had known her for the Past seven years !
There was never a dull moment meeting her – It was always brimming with smiles & guidance !
A mixture of Shock & Melancholy descended on us when we came to know about her Passing Away !
We are sure She would be with Mother in the Heavenly Abode watching us benevolently !
Fond Memories of Indu Rai would linger in our minds for a long time to come !
Viji & Victor
I have the sweetest memories of her. Her lovely curly hair, her chirpy voice, flying past on her cycle …She is in bliss now with Douce Mère. ⚘🌹⚘