Relentless traffic noise in a narrow street, a cutting wind and an icy shower curtailed the unveiling of a blue plaque to Margaret Noble, the Dungannon-born renowned Sister Nivedita of Indian history. By common consent, it was agreed confine the ceremony to the actual unveiling and to continue with the rest of the event in the in the quieter, drier and calmer location of the District Council Offices.

Accordingly, the High Commissioner of India to the UK, Shri Karamesh Sharma and Mayor Barry Monteith drew the curtains from the face of the plaque and, after some photographs had been taken, all adjourned to the comfort of Circular Road. There, surrounded by the serried portraits of past incumbents the Mayor welcomed the High Commissioner and his wife; Lord Rana; Baroness Usha Prashar, Chair of the Royal Commonwealth Society; Maurice Hayes; Jane Williams, Heritage Lottery Fund; Paul Hewitt, Headmaster Royal School Dungannon and the other guests. Victor Price on behalf of the Ulster History Circle thanked the Mayor for his hospitality and also Lord Rana and the Heritage Lottery Fund for their sponsorship of the event, which, as he explained, had originated in a proposal from Maurice Hayes. Jane Williams, Heritage Lottery Fund, spoke of the support available to the Circle for projects like this and the role it could play in increasing awareness of heritage.

High Commissioner Sharma spoke of the emotional moment he had at the unveiling, being at the place where this woman, whom he had grown up with as a part of his life since childhood, had been born. It was interesting that she had been born the same year that John Nicholson had died - one associated with the imperial tradition and the other with a critique of that tradition. Politics had been one part of her, spirituality another part, concern for the women of India a third, and education a fourth. She had been an inspiration or whole generations and he felt that unveiling the plaque, which would be his last act as High Commissioner, had been a kind of benediction.

Maurice Hayes related how Margret Noble had first come to his attention, in Iowa, and how he had initially failed to find anyone in Dungannon who have ever heard of her name, so completely was she forgotten. Eventually, having traced her birth certificate, he found the address where she had been born. He said that he had prepared her biography for the Dictionary of Irish Biography, currently being compiled. He knew how revered she was in India and he was particularly pleased to be here at the formal recognition of her achievements. By way of pilgrimage he had brought along some of her books.

Paul Hewitt said that he had been delighted to be invited to this event. He should have been at a meeting in Antrim to plan the celebrations for the 400th anniversary of the four Royal Schools. He said that John Nicholson, a former pupil, was not the only contact the Royal School had with India and mentioned Pelly, Frizell and Wylie. The school had established links with schools in India and contacts were contining.

In sum, the event was a true celebration of an inspirational life. Below are some photos of the proceedings.