Sister Sudhira (18.11.1889-24.11.1920) – Born in Calcutta, ancestral home in Jejur village of Hooghly district, younger sister of Debabrata Basu (Swami Prajnananda). Lost her father at 2 years and mother at 14 years. Joined Sister Nivedita’s school (1906). Initiated by Holy Mother (1910). After Sister Nivedita’s demise, ran the school from 1914 to 1920 during Sister Christine’s absence from India. Developed a close relationship with Holy Mother and effected a brief, but pleasant, sojourn of Mother at the School premises, at this time. Provided shelter and gave training and guidance to a young girl, Parul, who had left home secretly to escape worldly life. Introduced her to Holy Mother and thus paved the way for her blossoming into the future President of Sri Sarada Math, the women’s monastery to be, as Pravrajika Bharatiprana. Also introduced Mrinalini Devi, wife of Sri Aurobindo, to Mother who received her warmly but declared she did not need formal initiation. During Mother’s terminal illness took charge of nursing her day and night with the help of inmates of the school hostel. A training section for destitute women, Matri Mandir (later named Sarada Mandir), had been set up at Varanasi Sevashrama under the supervision of Sudhira, requiring her to visit Varanasi now and then. On her way to Varanasi from Allahabad she fell from the moving train and died the next day at the Sevashrama (24.11.1920) (Udbodhan, 79.12.661-67). A spirited woman, had strong patriotic and spiritual leanings. Taking charge of the School in its dark days she set it on a firm footing. Gifted to Sri Sarada Math its first president.