TRIBUTE: Rest in Peace Rita Jitendra

Akriti Jamwal. Updated: 9/12/2018 8:42:04 AM We the Women

Prof. Dr. Rita Jitendra, an educationist, writer, theatre artist, social as well as cultural activist and former Secretary of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages passed away on Monday at Doordarshan Kendra in Srinagar while speaking during the live broadcast of DD Kashir’s “Good Morning J&K” programme.
Rita stopped talking suddenly and collapsed midway through the programme at around 8.30 am. Rita was declared dead on arrival at SMHS Hospital. It is reported that she died due to sudden cardiac arrest.
The long-retired Rita was discussing her life and memories before the mishap. Loss of such dynamic and versatile individual is a huge loss to the masses, especially to the literary and intellectual fraternity.
Professor Rita Jitendra who taught for about 38 years in one of the only two government women colleges in Jammu region, GCW Parade, retired as a Principal from there.
She started out as a Sanskrit professor and wrote books, including plays. An embodiment of cultural integration, Rita was a Kashmiri Pandit married to a Jammu Dogra and hence she observed a life beyond the division and differences, dedicated to upliftment of culture and empowerment of women.
Rita contributed in various capacities; served as the first and so far only woman secretary of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages after retiring from broadcasting and as a former member of Jammu and Kashmir State Women Commission among everything.
In her life time it seems that Rita knew what she had to stand for and what she had to stand against and doing so she unshackled our society from many stereo-types. From the people who knew her, one can tell that she left a mark on everyone she met because of her splendour and buoyancy.
Rita contributed immensely with her work and her love of television and radio was legendary. And that’s why it is being hailed that the studio legend died in studio.
In almost nine decades of her life, Prof. Dr. Rita Jitendra lived on her own terms and according to many who knew her closely she even departed the world on her own terms, doing what she loved to do; working till her last breath.
Prof. Dr. Rita Jitendra’s demise is being mourned by many and tributes pouring in for her from all around. We pray for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family, friends and other loved ones.


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