Some people leave behind memories. Others leave behind direction. The Class of ’96 lost one of its brightest lights, Deepak Ratan, lovingly known as Saboo, on 15 May 2023. For those who knew him, the loss was not just of a batchmate, but of a presence that quietly shaped the spirit of an entire cohort.
From Bhopal to IIM Ahmedabad, Deepak carried with him a rare sense of clarity about the life he wanted to lead. While many were still exploring possibilities, he already knew his path. He wanted to serve and become an IPS officer, and so he did. But what defined him was never just achievement. It was the ease with which he carried it.
Always smiling, effortlessly warm, and famously laid-back, Saboo was the heartbeat of Dorm-17 and a constant across friendships that spanned the batch. There are few, if any, from the Class of ’96 who were untouched by his generosity of spirit. Whether through a conversation, a moment of encouragement, or simply his reassuring presence, Deepak had a way of making people feel seen and at ease.
His professional journey reflected the same sense of purpose that marked his personal life. From his early days as an ASP in Lucknow to leadership roles across districts and critical assignments with the CRPF, Deepak built a reputation not just as an officer but as a force of integrity and courage. He served in Kashmir, represented India in Kosovo as part of a UN peacekeeping mission, and earned some of the nation’s highest recognitions, including the President’s Bravery Medal.
Yet beyond the uniform and the accolades, he remained the same Saboo his batchmates cherished, someone who could light up a room with an old Hindi song, dominate an Antakshari round with encyclopaedic recall, and bring warmth and laughter wherever he went.
Deepak is survived by his wife, Kamini Ratan Chauhan, and their twins, Kaju and Kishmish, each carrying forward his values and spirit in their own journeys. And now, another tribute carries his name forward, one created collectively by the batch he left such a lasting impact on.
In the face of loss, the Class of ’96 did what Deepak himself would have done – they turned emotion into purpose. Coming together not just in remembrance, but in resolve, they instituted the Deepak Ratan Memorial Award to honour students who choose the path less taken: public service. The award has been facilitated through the IIMA Endowment Fund, enabling Deepak’s values to continue inspiring future generations of graduates.
The award is more than a commemoration. It reflects the values Deepak embodied throughout his life – courage, integrity, humility, and a commitment to serving something larger than oneself. Each year, as a graduating student chooses government or public service over more conventional paths, a part of Deepak’s spirit walks alongside them.
Because while a life may end, what it stands for does not.
Deepak may no longer be with us, but his light continues to guide – quietly, steadily, and with the same warmth he was known for.
The IIMA community carries this spirit forward. Contributions towards initiatives such as the Deepak Ratan Memorial Award help ensure that stories of purpose, service, and leadership continue to inspire generations to come.
