Dr. Kiran Modi- Harbinger of a New Dawn

Dr. Kiran Modi's story is defined by unwavering resilience and a profound sense of purpose. Heartbroken yet determined, she has built a legacy that embodies the spirit of her son.

- Supriya Newar

She has been the harbinger of hope and a new dawn for countless young lives for the last three decades. At 71, she is far from done and completely rejects the idea of being burnt out, arguing that you cannot feel burnt out if you love what you do. Her life trajectory, cause and purpose stems from almost a single, unfortunate episode—one that turned her life upside down. One, that she chose to seed and one that has in turn, brought sunshine to innumerable lives.

Early days

Born Bazaz, Kiran hailed from a traditional Marwari joint family that was settled in Calcutta and grew up in the bustling neighbourhood of Burrabazar. She recalls her days as a young girl quite fondly, particularly remembering her paternal grandfather Late Parasram Bazaz, whom she called Babaji with great affection. “He was both my idol and ideal. His journey of migrating from Rajasthan, going to Bombay before he finally settled in Calcutta and achieved success, was truly remarkable, because he really came with nothing,” but it was his honesty in work and honesty of purpose that touched an impressionable Kiran the most. “One of my most prized childhood memories is how he would get me to tackle all his correspondence and write his letters, every evening.”

Adulthood and marriage