I am saddened to share the news of the passing of my soul mate and best friend Neena on January 6th, 2024. Even though I know that we all have to leave this mortal world someday, it still hurts when one of our dearest one departs us. I am grateful to Neena for her love and I wish her peace and bliss in her next journey.

Neena and I have been married since 1967. We had an amazing life with our two children, four grandchildren and many friends near and far.

From the moment she walked through the door at our first meeting, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. Neena's beauty and radiance lit up the room and her intelligence won me over.

Neena made me a better husband, father and person. We worked well as a team to build an incredible life in the USA, despite missing our dear families in India. She always supported me and my dreams and helped to create our amazing life and family. We were a true partnership that was stronger together than apart.

Neena had many dreams but the dream that was her passion was “creating an Indian community in Minnesota for our children so they would know our wonderful homeland”. She inspired many people towards similar goals. She embraced her new life in the USA, and worked tirelessly to impart India's culture and traditions to our youth through her efforts in co-founding The School of India for Languages and Culture (SILC) and active involvement in the India Association of Minnesota (IAM).
Neena's gentle, outgoing and inviting personality always brought people together. Many newcomers to Minnesota were invited into our house for a home cooked meal and guidance on how to make Minnesota their new home.
Neena loved to learn and took many courses via community education to better herself. She loved cooking, gardening and participating in activities like ping pong and bowling.

Neena has always been a fighter and never backed down from a challenge. From the difficulties of giving birth to our son, Ketan, to her battles with heart problems later in life. She faced these challenges admirably with strength and determination. Though the last two years were tough with her failing heart and difficulty walking she continued to fight. She still had a smile on her face when she met her friends lighting up the room.

I want to thank all of our friends and family for the outpouring of support and prayers in this difficult time. We will be reaching out shortly to provide more details on Neena's Celebration of life memorial.