Indo American News

Category: Obituaries

  • David Raj (1951 – 2013)

    David Raj (1951 – 2013)

    DAVIDRAJ1

    David Raj, a community minded activist and financial advisor, passed away on Saturday, September 28 in Chennai, India where he had returned to four weeks earlier to be in the care of his sister and her family. He had suffered with stomach cancer for the past two years.

    Raj was born on November 29, 1951 in Chennai where his father Gmanamirthraj was the General Secretary of the YMCA and his mother Stella Soundarraj was a Professor at Queen Mary’s College. In Chennai, Raj studied at the Christian College High School, then got a BA in English Literature from Loyola College followed by a MA in English from Presley College. He came to the Braniff School of Management at the University of Dallas in Irving to get his MBA in 1976.

    He returned to India and worked at the Indian Overseas Bank in New Delhi and was transferred to Hong Kong in 1987, quitting after two years to work as the General Manager for a Sindhi import-export company for six years, dealing with China, South America, Australia and Europe. When he saw an opportunity, he went into business for himself, shipping breakable cargo of granite from India to China and Hong Kong.

    After he received his Green Card in 2001, Raj decided to come to New York and came to Houston six months later and joined AXA Insurance. He later joined American Express, which spun him off with the new Ameriprise Financial Services in 2003. He later moved to Merrill Lynch.

    Though he participated in community functions, it wasn’t till 2010 when he became a Director of the Indo American Charity Foundation that he channeled all his energy into helping those less fortunate. He served as the President of IACF in 2012 and started the Education Initiative, and also later a non-profit called iEducate which he launched this August to mentor young elementary school students in their classrooms in math and science.

    About the same time, two years ago, David learnt that he had Stage 4B stomach cancer and went through a radical procedure that effectively removed the majority of his stomach. He continued his life with his usual passion and gusto: playing guitar with his band at his 60th birthday party two years ago in November, visiting friends and relatives overseas; traveling to foreign destinations. And always with his infectious laugh, with sparkling white teeth, the shoulder length hair he preferred and wide brimmed eyes.

    He is survived by his daughter Hera of Sydney, Australia; brother Daniel in Houston and sisters in India. He also leaves behind a Houston community full of friends who will remember him for his generous heart and the humanitarian that he was. A memorial service to Raj is planned on Sunday, October 6 at 6pm at India House, 8888 West Bellfort, Houston, TX 77031.

  • Sudesh Mehta (1938 – 2013)

    Sudesh Mehta (1938 – 2013)

    Sudesh mehta

    Sudesh Mehta, a tireless and ardent supporter of Punjabi culture who helped organize many functions over the years for the appropriately named Punjabi Culture Club along with her husband, the late Dr. Paul Mehta, passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2013. She was 75 years old and had been in ill health for some time with various ailments.

    Born Sudesh Sharma in Jullundur, Punjab in India in 1938, she received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Punjab University in 1957 and followed it up with a Master in Arts in English in 1960 and a Master of Arts in History in 1962, both from Punjab University. Soon thereafter, she married Mohinder Paul Mehta on January 16, 1963 and their daughter, Samita, was born in late 1964.

    Around that time, the Mehtas moved from India to Canada, where Paul served as the Assistant Principal and Sudesh as an English teacher for Leask High School in Saskatchewan. Later, while Paul worked on his Doctorate in Education at the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana, she concurrently obtained a Master of Arts in Library Science from the same university.

    In 1970, they moved to Minot, North Dakota where Paul joined the faculty of Minot State University as a professor. Their son, Neal, was born that same year.  Sudesh worked at the Minot Public Library where she served as a Reference Librarian and Adult Programming Coordinator for many years.

    The family moved to Houston in 1986 when Paul assumed the position of Dean of Education at Prairie View A&M University, and Sudesh returned to the classroom as a Special Education teacher in the Klein School District, until her retirement in 1997.

    After the death of Paul on April 1, 2012, Sudesh’s greatest joy was her remaining family and countless friends throughout the U.S., India, Canada, and England, all who will miss her dearly. She valued all of them and always made the effort to keep in touch regardless of the distance and passing years.  She also volunteered tirelessly to the Indo-American community by supporting the India Culture Center and Punjabi Culture Club.

    Sudesh is survived by her daughter Samita Mehta; son-in-law Utpal Mehta both attorneys and their son, Naren Mehta; and son Neal Mehta a Middle School teacher in Austin; daughter-in-law Monique Rodriguez Mehta; and their daughter Nicola Mehta.

    The funeral service was held on Saturday, September 28 at Garden Oaks Funeral Home on Bellaire and Eldridge and was conducted by Pundit Bibhudutt Misra to a hall full of people. Samita, also known as Seema, shared her recollections, as did Neal and Naren, who had flown in early that morning from college, as well as by Sudesh’s nephew Dr. Rohit Sharma who visited her often during the past year. Close friends Khush Basra, Saroj Bahl, Kiran Bhatia and Dr. Patricia Smith also paid their respects.

  • S.N. Goenka – An Eternal Soul Passes On

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    Dinkar Chheda at the prayer meeting held to offer Shradhanjali to Goenkaji.

    By Manu Shah

    HOUSTON: “May all beings be happy”- “Sabka mangal ho”. Vipassana meditators have heard this compassionate phrase uttered by their teacher S.N. Goenka after every meditation session and discourse but the voice that set us on the path of Dhamma or Truth has been stilled.  Goenkaji passed away peacefully at his residence in Mumbai on the 29 of September at the age of 90 and was laid to rest with full state honors.  Though saddened, one also recalls his words that everything in Nature is transitory, impermanent or as he would say in Pali, “anicca, anicca, anicca.”

    Vipassana is a form of meditation that was rediscovered by the Buddha 2600 years ago. Goenkaji stumbled upon this technique by chance. He was a successful businessman in Burma but was plagued by severe migraines for which there was no cure.  A friend suggested he try Vipassana with the acclaimed spiritual master Sayagji U Ba Khin. Goenkaji tried it and found not only the cure to his migraines but also the path to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

    In 1969, Goenkaji came to India to teach Vipassana.  The response was phenomenal and soon he was holding camp after camp to teach this way of life to eager learners. As the demand for these camps grew, he began to train teachers and establish Vipassana centers all over the world.  Today there are more about 170 centers all over the world of which 75 are in India and 16 in the US. This technique was also taught to prison inmates and the transformation in them was astoundingly positive.  In 2012, Goenkaji was conferred the Padma Bhushan for his tireless efforts at spreading dhamma and social work.

    What Goenkaji offered was a nonsectarian, nonreligious method of meditation. During the 10 day retreat, one worked with the breath (anapana) and later, on the subtle sensations that arise and pass away on the body. He explained that the evils of aversion, craving and ignorance that bind one to the cycle of birth and death can be overcome by following the precepts of sila (moral conduct), Samadhi (concentration) and panna (wisdom).  He did not believe in conversions and often remarked that with Vipassana, the only conversion that takes place is from misery to happiness, from bondage to liberation.

     Not surprisingly, his rationalism and meditation technique attracted people from all walks of life and faiths. According to Ramesh Bhutada, a firm believer in Vipassana meditation, Goenkaji can be credited with “introducing practical meditation to the western world.”

    Following the news of Goenkaji’s death, Houston’s Open Forum radio talk show co-hosted by Dinkar Chheda, Jagat Kamdar and Dr. Subodh Bhuchar held a one hour discussion on October 5, inviting both Vipassana teachers and practitioners to explain the technique and how they benefitted from it.  Karunakar Reddy and Bharati Chedda, two senior meditators explained that Vipassana is a way of observing the truth with equanimity by staying aware at all times.

    One of the first callers was Swatantra Jain who described Vipassana as the “best thing that happened to him.” He explained how one works with the conscious mind, learns awareness and observes the impermanency of things in nature.  To a question posed to him about how it is not possible for some people to take 10 days off for a meditation course due to work and family responsibilities, Swatantra Jain replied that it is a question of priorities.  This technique can change your life, increase efficiency and bring happiness but some people would rather “spend six hours at a party but not six hours for their soul.”

    An interesting piece of information was given by one of the hosts who said that following the death of two ministers due to stress, the Maharashtra government passed a law stating that anyone who desired to do the Vipassana course would be granted paid leave!

    The second caller was a Senior Vipassana teacher – Anita Kinra, who explained that Vipassana helps purify the mind, be present in every moment and removes negativity. The mind, when calm, helps us make the right choices and “act rather than react.”

    Vijay Pallod, a Vipassana meditator, was surprised that the demise of such a renowned spiritual leader had not been covered by the local Indian newspapers of America as well as the mainstream papers of India. He also voiced the opinion that Goenkaji deserves the Nobel Prize for inspiring so many to walk on the path of truth or dhamma and creating peace and consciousness in the world.  Quoting Goenkaji, he said that “there can be no outer peace without inner peace” and this can be achieved by meditation.

    Yet another caller, Ramesh Anand spoke about how meditation helps in the removal of old defilements (sankharas) while Bharati offered a simple yet illuminating example of the change that Vipassana can bring about.  She explained that anger changes breathing patterns. Practicing Vipassana regularly will teach one to observe the anger and breath and instead of exploding with anger, one will learn to keep calm. This brings peace and happiness not only to oneself but also to those around you.

    A one hour prayer meeting was held at Keshav Smriti on October 6 to offer Shradhanjali to Goenkaji.  A brief introduction about Goenkaji by Dr. Shankar Bhat was followed by meditation after which several practitioners came forward to recount their experiences with the technique and how it had benefitted them by improving their personal relationships and perspective on life. Dinkar Chheda summed it up beautifully when he said that the “more I learn to experience, appreciate each moment, calm and peaceful I feel.”

     The prayer meeting also offered an opportunity for meditators to interact with each other. A suggestion was made to hold a group sitting once a week at a more central location (the present one is held at Conroe, Houston) which was enthusiastically discussed.

    For further information about Vipassana meditation or to find a center in the US, visit www.dhamma.org or www.pariyatti.org  

     

  • David Raj—RIP

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    By Pradeep Anand

    On September 28, 2013, our dear friend David Raj, also known as Dorai and Gnanadorai Sathiaraj, son of Dr. (Mrs.) Stella Soundararaj and Dr. G. Soundararaj, passed away, peacefully, in Chennai, India. He had been ill for a while and his cousin/sister, Cheruba, and her husband, Dr. Santhosham, had convinced him that they had the heart and the resources to help him live his last days painlessly, in their home. His loving caretakers appeared like angels, to ease his pain before his ascent to Heaven.

     Like a diamond, David had many facets. Of these, many will remember him for his passionate benevolence. He had the biggest heart of all. He gave the greatest proportion of the time and money he possessed to the benefit of others. He gave his heart and soul with every check he wrote and with every moment he spent on any philanthropic activity.

    Educating the underprivileged captured his imagination. He helped first by contributing educational charities and efforts, such as those of IIT Alumni of Greater Houston, IndoAmerican Charity Foundation, and many others.

    He then transcended to giving his time and resources to educating children at Crockett Elementary School in Houston, which has now grown into the iEducate initiative.

     Many others may remember him for his other public face—his love of Rock music. He loved his guitar and his performance gear—his black-on-black outfit, combined with his Stevie Ray Vaughn hat, and his flashy tie. His long hair added to his rock star persona. During performances, his bright white teeth shone when he smiled shyly, as he looked at an admiring audience that was applauding a guitar solo that he had just played masterfully.

    His last gig was on August 24, 2013, at the Houston Zoroastrian Center, where “David Raj and Friends” performed at the Parsi Navroze celebration. Boy, did he and his friends get the crowd rocking.

    On that day, he was in pain. Yet, he performed with aplomb. Many, who had heard his wizardry on the guitar before, knew that it was his Swan Song. He played his guitar like he had never played it before.

    We knew he was in pain and the words of this Bob Dylan song rang loud and clear above the raucous celebration:

    “Mama, take this badge off of me,I can’t use it anymore.

    It’s getting’ dark, too dark to see,I feel like I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door.”

    And the next day, angels carried him away on their wings, to Chennai.

     And then there were these lesser known facets of his being an entrepreneur, a Scotch connoisseur, a great friend, and good Christian.

    David was an entrepreneur at heart but only India Coffee House bubbled up into reality. His passion helped create a concept that will endure.

    He was a connoisseur of Single Malts. His Scotch tasting events yielded imbibers with equally sensitive palates. Of course, after a while his compatriots became his merry band.

    He was that dedicated, loyal friend that we all dream of but rarely experience. Many were blessed by his embrace and anointed by his love.

    Above all he was a good Christian. He worshipped in the spirit of Christ and gloried in Christ. Being Christian is being “Christ-like”. He lived in the doctrine of love, helping others by not only doing voluntary work in the community but also taking leadership in these efforts, that too without seeking the spotlight and without fanfare; just like he was with his guitar on stage, focused on his craft, not the adulation.

     I lost a brother in his human form. But I am glad that he was released from his pain. However, he, his passion, his love and his effervescent, jubilant personality will always remain with me.

    The immediacy of our daily lives and our gradually declining neural networks may fade our memories but we all have triggers that will instantly bring back David in our midst, right next to us, urging us to do the right thing, to leave the world a better place than the one we inherited.

    David is gone but will never be forgotten.

     Yet, with all the sorrow that surrounds his departure, when I think about what David would be doing in Heaven, I imagine him with his guitar, laughing at the somber crowd of mourners, readying himself to play the lead in a Neil Young song for us:

    “My my hey hey

    Rock and roll is here to stay

    It’s better to burn out

    Than to fade away

    My my hey hey”

     Rest in Peace, bro.

  • Amar Bose, Founder of Bose Speakers, Dies at 83

    Amar Bose, Founder of Bose Speakers, Dies at 83

    By India west (Associated Press)

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    File photo of Amar Bose. (AP photo)

    BOSTON, United States: Acoustics pioneer Amar Bose, founder and chairman of the audio technology company Bose Corp., known for the rich sound of its small tabletop radios and its noise-canceling headphones popular among frequent fliers, has died at age 83.

    Bose’s death was announced July 12 by the company’s president, Bob Maresca, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where Bose began his acoustics research and was on the faculty for more than 40 years.

    Details about Bose’s death weren’t immediately available.

    Bose founded the company, based in Framingham, just outside Boston, in 1964. Maresca said the company will remain privately held.

    “Dr. Bose founded Bose Corporation almost 50 years ago with a set of guiding principles centered on research and innovation,’ Maresca said in a written statement. “That focus has never changed.’

    The company’s products include elegant Wave system radios boasting “lifelike, room-filling sound,’ cushioned QuietComfort headphones for reducing background noises such as airplane engines, home theater accessories and computer speakers.

    In 2011, Bose gave MIT the majority of Bose Corp. stock in the form of non-voting shares whose dividends are used to support education and research. MIT does not participate in management or governance of the company.

    Bose, who was born and raised in Philadelphia to parents who were natives of India, received his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctorate from MIT, all in electrical engineering.

    Bose was asked to join the faculty in 1956, and he accepted with the intention of teaching for no more than two years, the university said. The Indian American professor continued as a member of the MIT faculty until 2001.

    The university said Bose made his mark in research and in teaching.

    Bose started a research program in physical acoustics and psychoacoustics, leading to the development of patents in acoustics, electronics, nonlinear systems and communication theory.

    “As long as there are interesting problems to solve, I’ll stay active,’ Bose said in a 2005 interview.

    MIT president L. Rafael Reif called Bose “an extraordinarily gifted leader.’

    “He made quality mentoring and a joyful pursuit of excellence, ideas and possibilities the hallmark of his career in teaching, research and business,’ Reif said in a statement.

    Bose loved teaching, said his son, Vanu G. Bose.

    “While my father is well known for his success as an inventor and businessman, he was first and foremost a teacher,’ the son said. “I could not begin to count the number of people I’ve met who’ve told me that my father was the best professor they ever had.’

    Bose was given many awards and honors during his lifetime. He was a Fulbright Postdoctoral Scholar, an elected member of the National Academy of Engineering and of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

    In the 2005 interview, Bose said he tried to let his curiosity be a guiding principle as he demonstrated an experimental, Bose Corp.-designed car suspension system.

    “Even our financial people were trying to get the engineers to discourage me, because they all saw money going into it,’ said Bose, a lifelong tinkerer who began repairing radios as a teenager. “But some things you just believe in.”
    Read more at http://www.indiawest.com