❤️Mami ji you were very sweet loving and gentle to us. We love you, Mama ji and kids. You are one with God for us now 🙏

The times I spent visiting your home in Madhubani, meeting you and family, and visiting Macomb, IL when kids were perhaps in Elementary school, your backyard overlooking clear expanse, visiting the university and ice cream shops, you made Rakhi feel at home when she was badly missing India having recently arrived here - These all are  truly precious moments that God gifted us in you 🙏

Love and Regards,

Kalpana Didi, as I came to know her — was a dear friend of my sister and a truly beautiful soul who touched the lives of everyone around her. I had the privilege of meeting her several times during my visits to New Jersey and was always warmly welcomed into her home. Her kindness, grace, infectious laugh, and vibrant spirit created moments that remain both pleasant and unforgettable.

Though her departure feels far too soon, the love she shared and the memories she left behind will forever live on in our hearts. She is in my prayers — may her soul find peace, love, and move gently toward nirvana

Wishing strength, comfort, and healing to her family and friends who are feeling this profound loss.

I knew Kalpna from the day of her wedding with Pankaj. On that special day, I had an opportunity to meet this most beautiful and smiling young girl before Pankaj saw her as I was allowed as Pankaj’s friend to take some photos of hers before wedding rituals started.

Thereafter, there was a long hiatus and no close interactions till I joined Indian Consulate in New York in 1997. In the meantime, I also got married with Simita ( Simi) and had two daughters Antara and Arushi whereas Kalpna and Pankaj had a son Sunny and a daughter Simi by that time.

We were meeting each other almost every weekends either in Manhattan or New Jersey. I can’t forget the memorable walks on Manhattan streets with kids in late nights having Baskin Robbins ice cream after having typical Bihari dinner at my official residence on 43rd Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue near Chrysler Building and Kalpna’s par excellence hospitality in Plainsboro, New Jersey.

Amongst many memorable picnics, one that I can’t forget was, when all four of us drove down to Florida by Pankaj’s Chrysler and also enjoyed the Caribbean Cruise for 4 days.

I left New York in 2000 and came back to join in Indian Embassy in Washington DC in 2006 after a couple of diplomatic assignments elsewhere. Our regular family meets continued till 2010. Thereafter, we had been meeting regularly both in good days and in bad days in India and USA.

During my stay in Manhattan, I had some difficulty in understanding that how come Kalpna who came from an affluent and a renowned political family, had no arrogance at all. She was dawn to earth and always ready to help needy even if not requested for a help. Later, I realised that she had a special mindset and a very kind heart . I regret that I couldn’t tell during her lifetime that I see her as Mother Teresa Junior.

Kalpna, sitting over 7000 miles away, I can’t believe that you are now not available to talk with us and serve delicious meals to us.

Pankaj, I am sorry that I couldn’t be with you at this difficult juncture of your life. You have been lucky to have an amazing Kalpna as your spouse. You both were really made for each other. I remember going with you to buy sarees for her and then your running around for matching accessories. Interestingly, you remembered the colours of all the sarees that she had.

Kalpna was simply a wonderful human being. Though I have met with thousands of people closely across the globe, I haven’t met a person like her in my 70 years of life. I can’t forget her frequently used statement ‘अनिल जी बोल रहे हैं तो सही ही होगा ‘ during formal or informal discussions.

Kalpna , no one is immortal but you left us a bit early and without any notice. This wasn’t fair! Anyway, Bye Kalpna. 🙏

Perhaps, God also needs good people!

Atma ko Sadgati Prapt ho / आत्मा को सद्गति प्राप्त हो 🙏

May the soul attain a good state.

May her soul get Sadgati to attend salvation (Moksha) from the cycle of rebirth (samsara). May her departed soul progress towards a higher spiritual state to achieve the ultimate goal of merging with the Divine.

Kalpana Didi will always be remembered for her feminine and motherly influence on many … Though she was a sister but the respect I had for her was more than a sister ..

Aap hamesha yaad aayengi, didi🙏

Sharad Mohan & Family 

Nashville, Tennessee 

I am so shocked and sad at Kalpna Chachi's passing. She was the most loving, affectionate, hardworking an d kind soul. I remember her warm hospitality and  all the delicious food that she made for us when we visited her in New Jersey in 2000-2001 time frame. When our son Yash was born, she made Panjiri for me and Pankaj uncle brought it all the way to Long Island where I  was doing my fellowship.

I just saw her in June after so many years. She hugged my mom and said 'Bhabhi, let's see when we meet again'. This is so untimely. All I can say 'Kalpna Aunty, you will be missed dearly. You fulfilled your mission on earth everyday of your life by selflessly loving and caring for everyone around you".

Gogi/Ajay/Yash