Former Kolkata Bishop PSP Raju Passes Away at 82

Rev PSP Raju, the former bishop of the Kolkata Diocese of the Church of North India, passed away on Saturday at the age of 82. Raju died peacefully at his residence in Ballygunge Place, surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife, Leena Gonsalves, daughter Ruth, and son Rajiv.

Ruth Raju shared the moments leading up to her father’s passing. “He was fine the previous evening, playing cards with his grandchildren,” she recalled. Despite his ongoing battle with diabetes, he enjoyed dinner, participated in family prayers, and retired for the night. Tragically, when he awoke feeling unwell, the family rushed him to the hospital, but he passed away within minutes.

Funeral Arrangements and Legacy

The funeral service for Rev Raju will take place on Sunday at 2 PM at St John’s Church, followed by interment at the Lower Circular Road Cemetery at 3 PM. Ruth described her father as an avid reader who cherished the works of Bengali authors like Rabindranath Tagore and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay.

His impact on the community is underscored by the words of Gerry Arathoon, former chief executive and secretary of the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). “Rev Raju was a very faithful friend and a true man of God. I served under him for five years as the principal of St Thomas’ Church School in Howrah,” Arathoon said.

Born on June 3, 1943, in Gudivada, a village in Andhra Pradesh, Raju was largely self-taught before moving to Kolkata for further education. He pursued a bachelor’s degree in divinity at Bishop’s College, where he met Leena, a St Paul’s College alumna. Raju began his ministry as an assistant priest at St Paul’s Cathedral and later returned there as a priest after serving at several other churches, including St Thomas’ and Union Chapel.

Controversies and Commitment

In 1999, Raju was appointed as the bishop of the Calcutta Diocese. His tenure was not without controversy; between 2004 and 2007, he faced legal challenges regarding the alleged illegal demolition of parts of the Bishop House, resulting in his removal from the diocese. Ruth defended her father, stating, “He stood tall, always. He knew he was doing the right thing. He was an upright man.”

Rev PSP Raju’s passing marks a significant loss for the Church of North India and the wider community. His dedication to his faith and his impact on the lives of many will be remembered fondly by those he served and inspired throughout his life.