A queen of hearts, epitome of strength

Gagan K Teja

Tribune News Service

Patiala, July 25

While Rajmata Mohinder Kaur’s death has come as a major setback to the Patiala royals, including Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, it is no less than a personal loss to Patiala residents who have been associated with her since decades. She was not only their last queen but also their mentor and guide who always advocated quality education and humanitarian values. Remembering her as the most polite and sensible lady, Ved Parkash Gupta, who was Patiala district president of the Congress in 1997, said she was an epitome of strength. She was a very noble lady and was very fond of helping people.

“Despite the fact that she was a politician, she did not discriminate among commoners. She would give a patient hearing to everyone who approached her for help. She was deeply moved by the pain and miseries of downtrodden and ever ready to help them,” he said.

RP Pandove, who is currently serving as the Director, Administration, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited, and belongs to one of the oldest families of Patiala, said Rajmata had personal relations with all old Congress families of Patiala and would keep inviting them to Moti Bagh Palaceonly to keep in touch with them.

“She had a particular habit of making surprise visits to houses of Congress loyalists. She would sit in her Innova car and start touring the city. She used to give a call to make tea before reaching her home. She would just enquire about the wellness of family and then move to the next house. That’s what made her very special. She used to handle all women and cultural affairs independently and was involved in various kinds of social work and would contribute generously for different causes,” he said.

A Congress loyalist Charan Das Goyal said she was highly concerned about education and worked tirelessly for making Yadavindra Public School, Patiala, the best school of the region. She advocated quality education and firmly believed that education was important not only for development and progress but also for moulding one’s character and imbibing values that would last a lifetime.

The city is in a deep shock after loosing its last designated queen and is praying for the departed soul.

A big loss for residents

"Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Rajmata Mohinder Kaur who was actively involved in various political, social and other philanthropic activities. She was a noble lady and her priority was the welfare of the people of her city. Her death is a big loss to city residents."

Sukhjinder Kaur, Housewife

Most humble person in royal family

"Designated by tradition as ‘Rajmata’ the ‘royal mother’, Mohinder Kaur’ was the last anointed queen of the Patiala clan of royals and was the most humble person in the royal family. It is great loss. Offering condolence to all members of the royal family."

Harjinder Kaur, senior citizen

She will always remain in people’s heart

"Rajmata was always in favour of quality education. According to her, education formed the basis of human existence which helps in building a good character as well as imbibing qualitative values in an individual. Under her regime, the Royal City has undergone tremendous developments and achievements. A soul like her is hard to find and will always remain in the hearts of Patiala residents."

Guneet Singh, businessman

A woman of substance

"From being a Rajmata, a wife, a mother and an active member of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, she had portrayed all the roles with dignity and pride. She was a woman of substance and was seen as the force behind Capt Amarinder Singh’s foray into politics. She will always be cherished by the people of the city."

Jaspreet Kaur Sodhi, housewife

End of the royal era

"She was a royal veteran who wholeheartedly served society in various respective areas. With her passing away, the royal era has come to an end. It is an unbearable loss to society which has evoked resentment within residents of the city and has left a sense of desolation."

Tania, law student