Onkar Nath Datta leaves behind a legacy of kindness for all

By Sandeep Datta

Onkar Nath Datta, who left us all in his family for the heavenly abode recently following complications associated with a rare and serious autoimmune disorder called Guillain-Barre Syndrome, was a man who inspired one and all in many ways. 

Having celebrated a life worth being proud of by his loved ones, he breathed his last on the morning of June 8, 2014 at his house in Rani Bagh, Delhi. He was hospitalised at Fortis for a few months. 

Born to Smt. Sushila Kumari Datta and Choudhary Ram Avtar Datta on March 3, 1948 in Datiyan village of Punjab’s Gurdaspur district, Shri Onkar Nath had his early education there but later came to Delhi. 

Having graduated in commerce from Delhi University’s Hansraj college, he also did his post graduation from the same university. Later, he did I.C.W.A and MBA degree (Financial Management) from Annamalai University.

He encouraged and tutored several I.C.W.A, and Chartered Accountancy aspirants and other graduates without charging any fees, describing it as his social and moral duty. 

Shri Onkar Nath earned his share of fame in life in cricket since college days as an all rounder. He played with many top-class Ranji players. Later, he joined Gas Authority of India Ltd. (GAIL). He captained its Delhi team and All India team as well and been a member of Sports Control Board at GAIL. Later, he was promoted to the post of Senior Manager (Finance and Accounts). 

As a player and a captain he played for Rani Bagh Cricket Club, Hans Raj College, University of Delhi, and Ministry of Defense.

He was also associated with promotion of Mohyal Housing and welfare association at Mohyal colony, Gurgaon. He was executive member and joint sectary of Mohyal housing and welfare association and Secretary, Rani Bagh Mohyal sabha. 

Today, Shri Onkar Nath is survived by wife Smt. Sharda Datta, son Mahesh Datta, daughter-in-law Swati Datta and grandson Shiven, daughter Seema Vaid, son-in-law Rakesh Vaid and grandsons Mayank and Vipul Vaid. 

Having been a true friend and good colleague to many, Shri Onkar Nath also lived as an incredible son, husband, father, brother and guardian to many. The Datta family has donated Rs. 1000/- to GMS in his sweet memory.