Delhi's Elder Statesmen: Six Icons Defying Age to Pursue Their Passions
Discover the inspiring stories of six individuals in Delhi who, despite their advanced age, continue to make significant contributions in their respective fields. From real estate to academia and sports, these luminaries prove that age is just a number.
DelhiReal EstateAcademiaCricketActivismReal EstateJan 04, 2025
KP Singh, the former Chairman of DLF Limited, is a living legend at 93.
Despite his age, he remains actively involved in the real estate sector, regularly visiting the office and playing golf.
Widely recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to Indian real estate, Singh introduced the concept of integrated townships, with DLF City in Gurgaon being a pioneering example.
These developments provided housing, schools, hospitals, shopping malls, and offices, creating self-contained communities that were revolutionary at the time.
Under his leadership, DLF expanded rapidly, transforming from a Delhi-centric developer to a pan-India real estate giant.
The company diversified into commercial, retail, and hospitality properties.
Singh's leadership also saw DLF's landmark IPO in 2007, India’s largest at the time, which marked a new era for the real estate sector.
“Singh is a role model for all,” says Rajan Dhawan, a Chartered Accountant who has closely followed Singh’s career.
“Even now, he spends time in his office and offers valuable guidance.” Nikhil Jain, former CEO of Ramprastha Builders, adds, “When I started my real estate company to sell farmland in Delhi NCR, I was inspired by his vision and leadership qualities.”
Guru Ji for Everyone at DU Ramdarash Mishra
Professor Ramdarash Mishra, a towering figure in Hindi literature and academia, has maintained his association with Delhi University since 1964.
At 101, he is a celebrated Hindi poet, novelist, prose writer, and critic.
He recently celebrated his 100th birthday with students, family, and readers.
Prof Mishra taught at DU for nearly four decades and has completed landmark works such as Pak Gai Hai Dhoop, Khali Ghar, Phir Vahi Log, and Samay Devta.
Known for his simplicity and saint-like lifestyle, Mishra continues to attend seminars and programmes in DU colleges.
“He writes his compositions in beautiful handwriting, a reflection of his discipline,” says Professor Pratap Sehgal, a former DU teacher and one of his students.
“In his poetry, images of Indian public life are vividly captured.
He is also the oldest living writer in the Hindi world today,” adds Sehgal.
Cricket, Commentary, and a Love for Delhi Ravi Chaturvedi
Ravi Chaturvedi, at 87, is a beloved cricket commentator, author, and teacher.
From his DDA flat in Munirka, he keeps a close watch on cricket matches and reflects on his career, which began on February 7, 1964, at Delhi’s Kotla ground during an India-England Test match.
Chaturvedi, who started as a teacher at Delhi University, transitioned into cricket commentary and has provided live coverage of over 100 Test matches.
He is also the author of more than 20 books on cricket.
Moving to Delhi from Kanpur as a child in the 1940s, Chaturvedi grew up in Kashmere Gate and witnessed the city’s transformation.
“I have seen and travelled in trams, and I’ve watched Delhi evolve into a massive city,” he says.
Recalling his experiences, Chaturvedi describes the atmosphere during the first India-West Indies Test in 1948 and the first India-Pakistan Test in 1952.
“When West Indies played, Delhiites were seeing Black players for the first time, while the India-Pakistan match carried historical weight.
Yet, it was played in a sporting spirit.”
Academician with a Heart for the Community Riaz Umar
Professor Riaz Umar, at 88, is an academician and social worker who began teaching commerce at Delhi College (Evening) in 1958.
He spent 44 years at the college, including 17 years as Principal, overseeing its transition to Zakir Husain Delhi College and its relocation to Jawaharlal Nehru Marg.
A mentor to Delhi’s Punjabi Muslim community, Prof Umar laments the lack of interest in commerce among Muslim youth.
“Commerce is essential for entrepreneurship,” he says.
He also co-owns Marina Hotel in Connaught Place, where Nathuram Godse stayed before assassinating Mahatma Gandhi.
“I feel ashamed that Godse was staying in our hotel,” he says.
Prof Umar remains connected to his heritage, living in his ancestral haveli in Chandni Chowk while working for the underprivileged.
He is also president of Anjuman Vakile Kaum Punjabian and a founder of Crescent School in Darya Ganj.
“Dates and years may change, but I cannot change myself.
I will continue to work for Delhi’s deprived sections,” he says.
Peace Activist and Granddaughter of Gandhi Tara Gandhi Bhattacharya
Tara Gandhi Bhattacharya, the granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, is a 90-year-old peace activist who has dedicated her life to spreading Gandhian ideals.
Spending her childhood at Kingsway Camp’s Harijan Sevak Sangh, she recalls, “We lived in a small but lovely home within the ashram.” Later, her family moved to Connaught Place when her father, Devdas Gandhi, became the editor of Hindustan Times.
“The Bombay Life Building, where the paper was published, still stands,” she notes.
Her father’s duties during the freedom struggle deeply influenced her upbringing.
Now living in South Delhi, Bhattacharya continues to advocate for peace and is often seen at Rajghat and IIC.
“The message of harmony and brotherhood is timeless,” she says.
Eternal Wanderer and Journalist Trilok Deep
Trilok Deep, at 89, is a seasoned journalist whose career began in the 1950s when he was a young writer in Raipur.
Moving to Delhi, he joined the Rajya Sabha as an Information Officer, observing leaders like Nehru, Kriplani, and Lohia up close.
He later became an editor at Dinman and Sunday Mail, covering elections across India and the US.
A regular at the Press Club, Deep has written extensively on politics, diplomacy, and society.
Born in Rawalpindi, he has a deep connection to Pakistan, where he has travelled several times.
“I’ve had the privilege of meeting luminaries like Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and Phanishwar Nath Renu,” he says.
At 89, Deep remains active, writing books and articles.
“I am not going to sit idle,” he says.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is KP Singh and what is his contribution to real estate?
KP Singh is the former Chairman of DLF Limited and a pioneer in the Indian real estate sector. He introduced the concept of integrated townships, with DLF City in Gurgaon being a landmark development. Under his leadership, DLF expanded rapidly and diversified into various segments, including commercial, retail, and hospitality properties.
What are some of Ramdarash Mishra's notable works and contributions to Hindi literature?
Ramdarash Mishra is a celebrated Hindi poet, novelist, prose writer, and critic. Some of his notable works include Pak Gai Hai Dhoop, Khali Ghar, Phir Vahi Log, and Samay Devta. He has been a central figure in Delhi's literary society and continues to attend seminars and programmes at Delhi University.
What is Ravi Chaturvedi's role in cricket commentary and his connection to Delhi's history?
Ravi Chaturvedi is a renowned cricket commentator and author. He has provided live coverage of over 100 Test matches and written more than 20 books on cricket. He grew up in Delhi and has witnessed the city's transformation, reflecting on historical events like the first India-West Indies and India-Pakistan Tests.
What are Professor Riaz Umar's contributions to academia and the Punjabi Muslim community?
Professor Riaz Umar is an academician and social worker who has spent 44 years teaching at Delhi College, now Zakir Husain Delhi College. He is a mentor to the Punjabi Muslim community and laments the lack of interest in commerce among Muslim youth. He is also involved in social work and community welfare.
What is Tara Gandhi Bhattacharya's role as a peace activist and her connection to Mahatma Gandhi?
Tara Gandhi Bhattacharya, the granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, is a peace activist who has dedicated her life to spreading Gandhian ideals. She spent her childhood at Kingsway Camp’s Harijan Sevak Sangh and continues to advocate for peace, often seen at Rajghat and the India International Centre.
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