Anna's Story
“I want to become a Chartered Accountant,” Anna would say.
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“But why?” her Appa and Amma would ask. “It’s so tedious, and you’ll have to sacrifice at least five years of your life. Is it really worth it?”
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But Anna was adamant. She had made up her mind.
“I will work for ten years, make a lot of money, and then start an NGO or something for society.”
It was a long-standing dream, and in her young, thoughtful mind, becoming a Chartered Accountant felt like a good way to make that possible. She did not mind the grind. She worked tirelessly, clearing her CA Intermediate in her very first attempt. She joined her articleship at G Joseph and Associates, where her work and discipline were appreciated by all, especially her boss, Reuben Sir, whom she looked up to as a mentor and role model. She then went on to pass her CA Finals with flying colours.
The Girl Who Wanted to Make a Difference
A Life Full of Light and Meaning
Some lives shine not because of their length, but because of their depth.
Anna was one of those lives, full of light, full of meaning, and full of heart.
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She made an impression not through noise, but through presence. Whether in a classroom, on a badminton court, in a carol group rehearsal, or just walking quietly through the garden, she brought a quiet completeness to the moment.
She was the school topper in her 12th board exams, a remarkable academic, yes, but also a singer with a voice people remembered, a debater with conviction, and a craftswoman who poured care into everything she made. From quilling to handmade cards to upcycled art, her work carried her signature: attentiveness, intention, and love.
The Many Ways She Excelled
School Topper AISSCE (96.25%)
“Top 0.01% in India, 12th CBSE Boards”
B.Com Graduate (93.2%)
“MG University”
Chartered Accountant
Best MUN Delegate
“In State and National Forums”
Accomplished Singer
“Laurels at Various levels”
Competitive Badminton Player
Volunteer/Teacher at 'Make a Difference'
“building strong connections with underprivileged children and enhancing stakeholder engagement”
Leader of ISHARE
“collaborating a community of 750+ people to drive meaningful social initiatives.”
The Garden, The Swing, and Her Voice at Dusk
As a child, Anna would walk barefoot through the grass despite her mother’s protests. She loved plucking leaves, talking to herself, and admiring flowers. She was always the first to notice a new bud, a fresh bloom. The garden was her favourite place. The old swing was her study table.
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“She would swing on it, reading aloud, repeating things, then pause to ask herself questions.”
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That method of reading aloud and teaching herself stayed with her for years, through school, through her CA prep. And that sound of her clear, focused voice floating through the dusk became part of the neighbourhood’s rhythm.
After she passed, the first thing many neighbours said was how much they missed her voice.
Quiet Faith and Inner Strength
Anna was spiritual in the most personal way. For her, faith wasn’t about ritual, but reflection. In moments of uncertainty, she turned to the Bible not just to read, but to engage with it. Handwritten sticky notes, tucked between verses, captured her thoughts.
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She carried a quiet strength, rooted in something deeper, unseen, a clarity that guided her through choices, challenges, and moments of doubt.
Scotch, and the Things that Stayed
Anna loved dogs, truly loved them. Blacky, the German Shepherd, was her first companion. He passed away in her arms, comforted by her presence. She cried for days after.
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Then came Scotch, the mischievous Labrador with a mission to destroy furniture. Determined, joyful, and a little stubborn, just like her. Maybe that’s why she loved him so much. However busy she was, she always made time for him. Whenever the family was away, she didn’t want him to feel alone. So she found him a place at her friend Roshael’s Pet Clan, where he was lovingly cared for.
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“Scotch and Anna were very alike. Hindrances and pain never stopped either of them.”
The Joy She Carried
Anna was joy. Pure, unfiltered joy. Her laughter had an honesty that made others laugh too, even if they didn’t know why. It filled rooms, especially during Christmas, when she sang with her beloved carol group, house to house, heart to heart.
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She lived with kindness, depth, and purpose, qualities that made her both unforgettable and deeply cherished.
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“In her, the children she taught found not just a mentor, but someone who truly saw them.”
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Through her work with Make A Difference (MAD), she taught and mentored underprivileged children, not as a duty, but as a connection. Those bonds were real. She made time for them, believed in them, and left behind a quiet, lasting impact.
Did She Make a Difference?
We think she did.
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After her passing, something shifted. The silence broke.
Nationwide, and even internationally, there were conversations about toxic work culture, burnout, and the pressure placed on young professionals. News outlets, social media, and workplaces began asking hard questions.
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This isn’t how she would’ve wanted her name to be known. But it happened. And in some way, the story of her life and her leaving became a catalyst.
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A wake-up call.
