It is with a deep sense of nostalgia and pleasure I cherish the memory of Hardinge. My long and varied association with this august institution spans more than three decades . I first joined as a registrar soon after graduation in 1942, learning and teaching elementary obstetrics and gynaecology, spending a very happy and fruitful time and finally bowed out as Principal and Medical superintendent of Lady Hardinge Medical College and associated hospitals, in January 1978.

My tenure as Principal stands out as the most eventful and memorable sojourn in my otherwise mundane existence. The teachers, students, class III and IV staff and community worked shoulder to shoulder like one big family with such selfless devotion and sincere dedication and cooperation that even a strict task master like myself was astonished. I could never imagine, there was so much of creative and innovative talent just waiting to be tapped from 'Hardonians'. Really they are Hardonions.

The Golden Jubilee of the college in 1966 was ushered in with great fan fare, and the celebrations continued for a week. To crown it all, our great and charismatic Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was the chief guest on the Founders day. I still remember how the charming gracious lady came dressed in a thick off white silk sari with dainty purple flowers to match the colour of her official gold and purple gown. After we had rehearsed and practiced her expected forty-five minute visit to perfection, the great lady was so enchanted with the institution, the gardens, and the lighting, that the forty five minutes happily stretched to ninety minutes. She told us that she could not believe such a fairy land existed for women doctors . Throwing all protocol and security to the winds, the Hon'ble Prime Minister chatted with all and sundry and posed for innumerable photographs.
Annual fetes raffles and incentives for family welfare generated so much funds that our kitty was full and overflowing in my time.

I can only end by saying that I enjoyed every minute of my association with this unique and wonderful institution and hope it grows from strength to strength . May it flourish and live a thousand years with 50000 days in each year.