Rahen Na Rahen Hum… Mehka Karenge
By Col Nirmal Mahajan (Retd)
“Rahen na rahen hum, mehka karenge…”
Those beautiful words from an immortal song seem to echo Promila’s own life. Though she is no longer physically with us, her fragrance of love, kindness, grace, and inspiration will continue to fill our hearts forever.
Promila and I began our life’s journey together on 7 October 1973. What followed were nearly 53 wonderful years of companionship, love, laughter, and unwavering support. Our honeymoon took us through the enchanting valleys of Kashmir, the royal grandeur of Jaipur, the timeless beauty of Agra, and the serene hills of Mussoorie—memories that remained etched in our hearts throughout our married life.
A year later, our greatest blessing arrived—our son, Gunu (Captain Saurabh Mahajan), who became the apple of his grandfather, Shri Krishan Dutt ji’s eye. Our daughter Runa (Nupur) completed our happy family, bringing even more joy and warmth into our home.
As an Army officer, I served across the length and breadth of the country. Promila never hesitated to accompany me, even to challenging field postings like Joshimath, Nagaland, and Kashmir. She faced every hardship with courage, dignity, and an ever-smiling face. She was not merely an Army officer’s wife—she was my strongest companion, my confidante, and my greatest source of strength.
Despite the demands of Army life and raising a family, she pursued higher education with remarkable determination. She earned her master’s degree in English and Psychology with flying colours. Inspired by my maternal uncle, Shri Brij Mohan ji, she founded “The Finesse” Institute for Languages and Personality Development in 1992.
What started as a modest venture grew into a renowned institution with branches in Chandigarh, Hapur, Meerut, and Noida. Until 2015, she devoted herself passionately to teaching Spoken English and personality development. It is estimated that more than 50,000 students passed through her classrooms, carrying with them not only better communication skills but also greater confidence. To thousands, she was not just a teacher but a mentor who transformed lives.
Service to society was woven into her very nature. Whether organising blood donation drives, collecting letters and greeting cards from the citizens of Dehradun to boost the morale of our brave soldiers during the Kargil War, or offering free English classes to underprivileged children, she believed that education and compassion were among the greatest forms of worship.
Promila was the very embodiment of discipline and perfection. Her favourite housekeeping motto was: “A place for everything, and everything in its place.”
For the good health, happiness, and well-being of her family and loved ones, she made extraordinary acts of faith and devotion. She had her head shaved twice at the sacred Tirupati Temple as an offering of gratitude and prayer. She also undertook the arduous pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi, walking barefoot all the way from Katra as an expression of her unwavering devotion and selfless love for her kith and kin.
Our home reflected her impeccable standards, warmth and impeccable taste. She loved dressing elegantly and carried herself with grace and dignity wherever she went.
Music was another gift that God had bestowed upon her. She was a prolific singer, especially of soulful ghazals, and her melodious voice enchanted everyone who heard her. She was the life of Army social gatherings and was admired by friends and colleagues alike for her warmth, wit, and charm.
Above all, she was deeply spiritual. She drew immense inspiration from Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda, living a life rooted in faith, service, and self-improvement. Her commitment to these ideals even took her to Ranchi, where she taught English to students at an ashram, considering it a privilege to serve.
Like any two independent and intelligent individuals, we had our differences from time to time. Yet those moments never diminished the love, respect, and deep affection we shared. If anything, they strengthened our bond, reminding us that true love is not the absence of differences, but the ability to rise above them with understanding, forgiveness, and unwavering commitment to one another.
Life, however, tested her courage in unimaginable ways.
She was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, a debilitating illness that severely affected her breathing. Yet she faced every challenge with extraordinary resilience and never allowed suffering to diminish her spirit. Just when we hoped the worst was behind us, another devastating blow arrived—her kidneys failed, and she began undergoing dialysis three times every week.
Even during this difficult phase, she never lost hope. Because the cold weather in Dehradun made her condition worse, our loving son, who adored his mother beyond words, lovingly arranged for her to stay in Goa, where the warmer climate brought her greater comfort.
She longed to live a little longer.
She eagerly wished to celebrate my 80th birthday on 8 August, to witness her beloved grandson Krish graduate from IE University in Spain, and to continue enjoying the precious moments of family life that she treasured so deeply.
But God had His own plans.
On a peaceful Monday in Goa – 13 July 2026, surrounded by her loving family, Promila quietly breathed her last and embarked on her final journey to her heavenly abode.
The void she has left behind can never truly be filled. Yet her life remains a shining example of love, courage, service, faith, and excellence. She enriched the lives of countless students, inspired everyone who knew her, and gave our family a lifetime of unconditional love.
As I remember my beloved wife, I find solace in the Bhagavad Gita:
“The soul is neither born, nor does it ever die. It is eternal, everlasting and indestructible.”
Promila has merely changed her earthly abode. She now resides in God’s eternal embrace, watching over all of us with the same love and affection that defined her entire life.
Though she is no longer by my side, her fragrance shall forever linger in every corner of our home, in every memory we cherish, and in every life she touched.
Rahen na rahen hum… mehka karenge.
Om Shanti.
