Tributes paid to DAV’s founder principal

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 18

The founder principal of DAV Public School, BRS Nagar, RS Patial died after a month-long fight with illness at DMC Hospital in Ludhiana on Sunday.

He has left behind by his wife, a son and two grandchildren.

Patial (67) laid the foundation of DAV school in 1983 at a rented accommodation. It was on account of his untiring efforts, that the school soon purchased 4 acre land in the posh area of the city and came to be known as one of the leading institutions of the city producing excellent results.

He served DAV for 28 years as Principal and was handed over the charge of Regional Director by DAV College Managing Committee, New Delhi. Remembering him, Principal Jaswinder Kaur Sidhu said: “RS Patial was a very hard working person throughout his career. He was a great mentor, a hard taskmaster and always inspired everyone to work hard. His passing away has caused a great loss to the teaching fraternity in general and to DAV Ludhiana family in particular. It has created a never-to-be-filled void.”

Monisha, an English teacher, said: “He was a man of principles and lead by example. He has shaped the lives of thousands of students and inspired countless teachers. It was a dream for many to work with him and be influenced by his personality and vision. He was a teacher at the core and loved spending time among students listening to and solving their academic and personal problems.”

Dilraj Sondh, ex-student of DAV school, said: “He was the name to reckon with in the field of education. He taught us discipline in lives. What I am today is only because of his teachings. I remember sir used to persist in English speaking a lot. There were so many things which help us today that he taught us back then. He was apparently ill when I visited him last time to invite him to my marriage. He will be alive in our memories forever.”

His students paid tributes to their mentor. Patial’s cremation was attended by people from all walks of life.