NEW DELHI: “She was like our mother,” students mourned the death of a canteen owner who lost her life while trying to warn and save students moments before a building collapsed near Saket Metro station in south Delhi on Saturday evening.Parvati Ojha, a Nepal-born woman in her early 50s, had been running a small canteen near the commercial building for more than two decades. Known for serving affordable meals to students preparing for competitive examinations, she was widely regarded as a mother figure by many who lived away from home.The incident took place on Saturday evening when a three-storey commercial building in Saidulajab collapsed, bringing down parts of the adjoining canteen.“She was like our mother. Staying away from our families, she was our family here,” said Moosan, a Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG) aspirant who was present near the site at the time of the collapse.“She would cook things for us even if they were not on the menu. We never felt like customers there,” he said.According to relatives, Parvati had stepped outside after noticing unusual vibrations and seeing signs that the neighbouring building was collapsing. However, after realising students were still inside and around the canteen, she rushed back to alert them and help them escape.Her brother-in-law, Hari Prasad Ojha, said she had just completed an order of 12 aloo parathas and four cold coffees before the incident.“We both felt sudden trembling and rushed outside. We saw the building was falling and realised the canteen could also be hit,” he said.“But even after coming out, she ran back inside to call the students and get them out. She wanted to save them. She never came back,” he added.Family members said around 20 to 25 students were in and around the canteen when the building began to collapse. The falling structure crashed onto the canteen, trapping several people under the debris.Hari Prasad said the noise from two large coolers operating inside the canteen may have prevented some students from hearing warning sounds coming from the building.Students described Parvati as someone who cared deeply for those who visited her canteen.Rishab, a regular customer, said her food was inexpensive and that she never turned away anyone in need.“A simple thali used to cost around Rs 20. If someone was hungry, she would always find a way to feed them,” he said.“Whenever anyone told her they wanted something special, she would prepare it. She treated students like her own children,” he said.Aditi, another medical aspirant, said Parvati often checked on students and looked after their well-being.“Many of us spend months away from home. Aunty would ask if we had eaten, if we were studying too much or sleeping properly. It felt like someone was looking after us,” she said.Another student, Ankush, said Parvati never allowed financial hardship to stop students from getting a meal.“If someone didn’t have money, she would tell them to pay later or not worry about it at all. She knew many students were struggling and she always helped quietly,” he said.On Sunday, several students gathered near the collapse site and later visited the AIIMS Trauma Centre after her body was recovered from the debris.Officials said the death toll in the building collapse rose to four on Sunday, while several others were rescued and admitted to hospital.The building on Western Marg in Saidulajab housed a coaching institute, cafes and offices. Authorities said construction work was reportedly underway on the upper floor when the structure collapsed.
