Banker turned politician Meera Sanyal passes away at 57

Banker-turned-politician Meera Sanyal died on Friday after battling cancer. She was 57. She is remembered for her long and stable career in banking for over 30 years and later her foray into politics. Meera Sanyal stood for elections first as an independent and later for the Aam Aadmi Party.

Her death comes as a shock to many since few people knew of her brief but severe illness. Just a few weeks ago Sanyal did a detailed Twitter Chat with SheThePeople talking about her recent book on demonetisation and the disastrous effects it had on the Indian economy.

We are deeply saddened by this loss, @meerasanyal a good heart has stopped beating, a good soul ascended to heaven. Her memories will forever remain in our hearts.
May she rest in peace! #RIP pic.twitter.com/LGGygwQmHi

— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) January 11, 2019

Sanyal, who earlier served as the chief of Royal Bank of Scotland, resigned from her position to join AAP in 2013. As an AAP activist, Sanyal was in the forefront on many political and civic issues. She was considered a voice of reason and someone who had gained experience in making sense of both politics and complex economic issues.

She was also awarded as Philanthropist of the Year by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) in 2011.

Sanyal also authored a book entitled ‘The Big Reverse: How Demonetization Knocked India Out’. She reportedly left various Whatsapp groups of AAP members last month, saying she wanted a ‘detox’ from social media.

She was also a board member of PRADAN a member of the International Board of Right To Play, a global NGO that uses the transformative power of play to educate and empower children facing adversity. Meera was also a Board member of LiberalsIndia for Good Governance – the Indian Liberal Group, and served on the Supervisory Board of Jaihind College. She was a member of various National Committees of both FICCI and CII. In 2011, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, invited her as the sole Indian representative on her International Council on Women's Business Leadership.

May her soul rest in peace.

Also: Meera Sanyal on Women And Politics, Demonetization and Her New Book