Meera Sanyal, a noted banker-turned-politician, passed away at 57 on Friday after battling cancer for a brief period. Sanyal joined AAP in 2013.
Before venturing into activism and politics, Sanyal had been at the helm of Royal Bank of Scotland serving as its CEO and chairperson. She was also a noted figure in the economic circles and was awarded as Philanthropist of the Year by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) in 2011.
Prior to joining AAP, Sanyal contested as an independent candidate from Mumbai in the Lok Sabha elections of 2009. She also contested in 2014 Lok Sabha elections, representing AAP from Mumbai South constituency.
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
Gosh! @meerasanyal has left us! Gone far too soon! A truly kind soul, that rare Finance specialist with empathy, genuine compassion and social concern. Feels like a kick in the gut to me, and I only knew her sightly. Can't even imagine how her loved ones must feel. Condolences!
— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) January 11, 2019
I am deeply saddened to hear about
— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) January 11, 2019
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.
Am really reaply broken to share that @meerasanyal is no more.
— Preeti Sharma Menon (@PreetiSMenon) January 11, 2019
So noble, brave and graceful... I have no words...
The loss of a dear one is never easy, but @meerasanyal's sudden departure left no time for goodbyes. Your loss is irreparable, many conversations left unfinished but you will always remain in my memories as full of life, as you always were. RIP.
— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) January 11, 2019
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
Her 30-year-old banking career came to a halt after she chose to plunge into political activism. Sanyal frequently expressed her views about the inability of the established Indian political class in solving the country’s problems.
Her stint as an activist was most pronounced during her legal battle against Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) in 2014. Sanyal, through her petition, shed light on the mishandling of coal imports by MbPT in Mumbai’s Haji Bunder port area. She pointed out that the area spread across 25 acres was facing environmental and health threats due to negligence on the part of MbPT.
As a vocal critic of Modi government’s demonetisation exercise, Sanyal also authored a book entitled ‘The Big Reverse: How Demonetization Knocked India Out’.