07/05/2026
The passing of former Director General of Police of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Anand Lal Banerji (Bhaiya) is deeply saddening and heartbreaking. His demise marks the loss of a personality who maintained an extraordinary balance between strict administrative discipline and human sensitivity throughout his distinguished career. It is not only a loss for the police fraternity, but also for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him personally.
For me, this loss is deeply personal as well. He received his early education at Rajghat Besant School, the same institution where I too studied years later. In that sense, he was not merely a former DGP to us, but also a respected senior from the Rajghat family.
His affection and attachment toward Rajghat were always remarkable. No matter how high he rose in public life, he never forgot his school or the people associated with it. After becoming DGP, he had specially organized a gathering at his official residence exclusively for people connected with Rajghat. It was not merely a formal party, but a heartfelt reflection of his enduring love for his roots and his people. The warmth and affection he displayed on that occasion showed that even after attaining the highest positions, he remained deeply connected to where he came from.
His concern for Rajghat extended beyond emotions and memories. Deeply conscious about the safety and serenity of Rajghat Besant School and Vasanta College, he had strongly advocated restricting the movement of heavy vehicles over the bridge constructed at Sarai Mohana and had suggested that it should instead function primarily as a pedestrian passage. For this cause, he had even held discussions with the then Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, reflecting his deep commitment toward preserving the safety and environment of the Rajghat campus.
He was always willing to help people associated with Rajghat. There was never any arrogance of position in his conduct; instead, there was warmth, humility, and a sense of guardianship. That is why those who knew him remember him not only as a distinguished officer, but also as an elder brother, a mentor, and a well-wisher.
For quite some time, he had been unwell. Many times I wished to meet him, yet amidst the circumstances and distractions of life, it could never happen. Today, the thought that I could not meet him in his final days remains a deep regret within me. Some regrets stay with us forever, and this will certainly be one of them.
Now that he is no longer among us, memories of his kindness, his love for Rajghat, and his gentle personality return again and again. He belonged to that rare class of people who become great not merely because of their position, but because of their character and humanity.
May the Almighty grant peace to his departed soul and strength to his family, friends, admirers, and the entire Rajghat community to bear this immense loss.
His memories will forever remain alive in our hearts.
๐๐ผโค๏ธ
