27th October 1942 – 8th February 2014
The founder chairperson of Swimming Coaching Institute and Swimming Statistical Bulletin left for her heavenly abode peacefully on 8th February 2014 at about 8.00 a.m. at her residence. She got up as usual around 7.15 a.m. on Saturday, 8th Feb. did her morning routine opened the almirah, took out her clothes and left all of us. She was taken to Asian Heart Institute within 10 minutes, doctor on duty said “it is a silent diabetic attack”.
She was graduate from Delhi University, being an active sports personality of her time, she made up her mind to promote swimming. She came as a bride on 8th March 1974 at Modern School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi. Spent her entire youth in promoting children from various sections of society. Modern School proved to be her Karm Bhoomi, became an active popular social worker to help the needy. Her Husband, Mr.V.K.Pahuja was an International Waterpolo Player, First batch NIS Qualified coach, First Indian to Qualify FINA Referee ship and was teaching at Modern School. Besides her three children Priyank, Supriya and Meenakshi, she helped many swimmers like Khazan Singh, Bula Choudhry, Thouba Singh, Kiran Mala Devi and many youngsters to establish themselves at the National and International arena.
Honoured by her well wishers and admirers who came to bid her goodbye at Lodhi Road cremation ground at 2.30 p.m. Khazan Singh alongwith his full team of Delhi Swimming Association office bearers came to pay her last respects by laying a wreath on behalf of Delhi swimmers, parents and officials. Dr. Meenakshi Gopinathan, Principal, Lady Shri Ram College, alongwith her staff and students, attended her last rites. Mrs. Kavita N. Ramdas – Representative Ford Foundation along with her officers and staff were there to console the family on their great loss.
Virendra Nanavati, CEO, Swimming Federation of India said in her condolence message “We have lost a great promoter of swimming, may her soul rest in peace”. Her prayer meeting was organised on 11th Feb. 2014 at Chinmaya Mission, Lodhi Road was attended by a large number of admirers from all walks of life.
Lady Shri Ram College for Women has honoured her by instituting two sports prizes to be given to outstanding sports girls at their Annual Day every year – “Komal Pahuja Prize for Excellence and Leadership in Sports”.
Ford Foundation has installed a Silver Plaque in her honour.
