Wife of BK Birla passes away

Sarala Birla, wife of noted industrialist BK Birla, died at her residence this morning in Delhi.
She was 91 and had been suffering from old-age related problems.
Her husband was with her when she breathed her last.
Her body will be brought to the city tomorrow for the final rites.
She lost her only son, industrialist Aditya Vikram Birla, who died at a premature age.
Besides her husband, she is survived by two daughters -- Manjushree Khaitan and Joyshree Mohta.

"An accomplished academic, an extremely supportive wife, a doting mother, a philanthropist and pragmatist, Sarala Birla was a human being of a rare quality," said a statement issued by the B K Birla group.

She was born on November 23, 1924, at Kuchhaman in Rajasthan to Brijlal Biyani, a freedom fighter, and Savitri Devi Biyani.
Her collection of Indian art, including that on display at the Birla Academy of Art and Culture in the city, ranks amongst India's most distinguished private collections.
The Sangit Kala Mandir, which is also in the city, besides the Birla Academy of Art and Culture, were both set up by the couple and are famous in their own right.