Beginning of my career at OMC, I was to join them in Chennai and a week before that got a notification asking me to join them in Hyderabad. On the day of joining, I was told that this move had happened as a replacement to Surya who had just quit the job. Remember my first meeting with Surya, when my manager Raju and I bumped into him in the Paradise tea shop, after brief introductions we talked about his first entrepreneurial venture of setting up Machine Tools company, I wondered as to what made him choose tough road of entrepreneurship!

Few years down the line, I was selling CAD software into the Defense Labs and noticed a regular trend of tenders that were asking for software like Mathematica & few other scientific applications. It was Surya who educated the market about these software tools working for Optima, he was the sales manager there. I wondered this time as to what made him leave his entrepreneurial venture and be back into a regular job!

Time ticked on I was two years into my next job with EDS, here against my will I had to take a transfer to Pune and Surya came into replace my role in Hyderabad. I was to transition the opportunities that I was working onto Surya before I moved to Pune and I wasn’t particularly cooperative or may be even hostile to him. Few months into Pune, my manager quit and to my shock Surya became new manager. I was sure that I needed to look for an alternative job, people don’t take it kindly to un cooperative behavior especially as a boss. To my complete surprise, Surya reached out and spent substantial time to mentor and work alongside to make it a very successful sales year and in the process moved me back into Hyderabad. I wondered how magnanimous a person could be to mentor someone who had been intentionally hostile!

Working together we shaped many sales opportunities for our software in Defense sector and sold a lot. Surya gave me my first experience of going to a sales call in a Car and he was equally comfortable to ride pillion on my Scooter. I Still remember the drive to Ordinance Factory, on the way finding an empty building on the side of the road and having the food that we got from a road side eatery nearby, travel that we took to Vizag – he chose to go along with me on a train as against taking a flight that he was entitled as a Regional Manager. Two years I worked along with Surya was one of the most enjoyable time of my career ( we never worked together again but were always connected), but it ended soon as Surya quit as he wanted to explore selling into emerging IT Services market internationally. I wondered about the equanimity he had to be able let go his privileges to be along side a junior colleague!

Surya moved to the US and had a very successful time selling IT services, during this time he was in constant contact with me and actively encouraged me to consider a shift into international market, it was his guidance that led me to take this plunge into International Markets 20 years ago. I wondered then as to why he took special interest in my career!

Surya got back to India in mid-2000’s and shifted gears and transformed his skills and cold called CEO of flourishing Micro Finance company and secured a job of CIO. Over a period of two years he completely transformed Digital Journey of this Micro Finance company, he had ESOP’s worth over a few millions on table if he chose to stay on for couple more years, but then he decided to call it quits, as he was not happy with the corporate sleaze he noticed. I wondered briefly as to why someone would let go Millions, but then I knew it’s just the way Surya is!

He then reinvented himself as an Entrepreneur yet again, this time setting up an independent consulting firm and sold his services to World Bank , BRAC and many others. He was a happy man but hated status quo, this meant that he constantly transformed his career every few years doing something that he had no previous experience but came up successful every time. I wondered briefly as to why someone would put them through a change so very often, but then I knew it’s just the way Surya is!

When Surya & I spoke, call was never a short one, we would chat about everything under the Sun - career, films, family, politics, stock market, cooking, philosophy & what not! My last conversation with him was on 6th of March 2023 it was afternoon for me in the US, very early hours of the day for him in India, as usual it was a long call despite his weakness we spoke for a long time, he assured me that his health is improving and that he would be alright in short order. I wondered briefly as to why he wanted to keep me in good spirits whilst he was fighting battle of his life, but then I knew its just the way Surya is!

Anna, I am wondering as to why it took me an year to pen memory of you? What can I do when a piece of me that has gone along with you! I really do miss you!

Srik

I am not surprised at the outpouring of love and respect from family and friends for Kumar Bava. Very few people in the world are able to positively influence so many lives as Kumar Bava did, including mine. Even in his last years, while he was navigating through considerable pain, he was always ready to offer unconditional support and guidance. Clearly, a lot of us in this shared community are indebted to his wisdom and care, and now that he decided to leave so soon, there is no way to give back.

Om Sadgati.

GVS …as we fondly used to call him in our HVS school days, was always a topper in our class. He was outstanding in mathematics and English. In fact he taught me many a concepts in mathematics in school and we used to study on his terrace in Esamiya Bazar House, near Koti. We also went to guitar classes together for a few days. There are so many other memories about him … which I will always cherish.

He had in-depth knowledge in all areas be it music, philosophy, history, politics, movies (you name it). He was a big NTR fan. He was an outstanding orator both in English and Telugu and used to win all debate competitions in school. He was always willing to help anyone in need, even in school.

A man who stood for values and righteousness. Someone who was very courageous and open hearted.

He was his usual self (witty and humorous) when some of our close school friends met him at his house a few months ago. He never mentioned or cribbed about the immense pain and suffering he was going through during that time.

Our HVS class mates will remember him as a friend who was very intelligent yet humble and who was “ever” smiling. He will always remain a topper for all of us in our class. A topper…. in our hearts as well. 

Our 3 Am friend, a generous host, gregarious conversationalist and a humane being.

I first met Surya when I was newly married.  As my husband's close friend, he had come over with hot samosas.   I just had to listen to how and where the samosas were made and I had to say it tasted great!

Lunches and dinners at Surya's place meant being served ghee not in teaspoon or even a tablespoon but with a serving spoon.

The conversations ranged across Advaitha, philosophy, statistical methods, sartorial choices, relationships, history, politics  Gita, Upanishads, poetry, literature, sales - makes me cry just listing a few!

Surya was generous, period! It didn't matter if he had the resources to provide someone in need.  He just gave, unconditionally.

We could reach out to him anytime and he was always, always there for us.

Hey Surya, you are missed badly!

I have known Kumar for almost 40 years, primarily through our association with our mutually closest friend, Shaik Saleem. Always remember him as fun-loving, jovial, kind & caring.

My last conversation with Kumar last May epitomizes the character of this great human being. Saleem had just passed away suddenly and we were all in deep shock and while mourning/grieving together, Kumar said what I can never forget.

"Why didn't God take me instead of him. I have all these issues." 🙏

Dear Kumar, thanks for all the memories, I will cherish fondly in the days to come. I am sure you are enjoying the painfree stay in heaven in the company of Saleem and other loved ones. RIP 🙏

Suryakumar was one of my best friends. I was working at OMC when Surya joined the company. He immediately had an impact on everyone with his easy going nature and his ability to make friends quickly. We had travelled together throughout the country on many assignments and this helped us develop a bond for each other. We became family friends right at that time. 

He was one without malice. A person who loved to help everyone. Most importantly, he spoke what was in his heart and rarely hid anything. He also had the ability to constantly improve himself.  Except for the time he went to US, we have been in close touch with each other and I have helplessly watched all his suffering. I wish a good person like him had not gone through this suffering but we mere mortals do not understand God's design.

We used to talk about so many things and whenever I read a good poem or heard a good song, I would call him up and we would discuss it. He would do the same. We would discuss any professional issues we were facing. In fact, each of us was a good sounding board for the other. I know Surya has been like that for so many people.

I will definitely miss him. I will miss his enthusiasm, I will miss his love for literature and his predilection for debates. More than anything else I will miss a very good friend. A friend whom you want to call whenever anything good or bad happens to you. 

What can anyone say about Kumar.  He had some exceptional qualities as a human and everyone around him , with him has experienced all that.  His affectionate brilliance has captivated all of us and made it so difficult to digest the inevitable.  Each day he learned and implemented. I will him a pragmatic spiritual practitioner.  U should hear from the doctors and hospital staff as to what kind of an evolved and super conscious human he was.   I want to only celebrate his life now as he was an inspiration for me in million areas.  Love u buddy.  You are in every cell of my body. How can I not miss you every breath I take.  Bestest buddy Sai Prasad 

Every gathering he would be the limelight, sitting in the middle of the group and entertain all ages with his wisdom and Witt ❤️

If one were to compel me to encapsulate Kumar in one single phrase, I would probably use the French expression “ joie de vivre”.

joie de vi·vre

/ˌZHwä də ˈvēvrə/

noun

exuberant enjoyment of life.

"they seem to be filled with joie de vivre".

But then why would you be so dimwitted to use just one phrase to celebrate Kumar’s life ? - A journey that spread joy, positivity and happiness around all lives that were blessed to come across this wonderful soul.

I still vividly remember the first time I met Kumar (to me) and Surya/GVS to others in the late 80s as a youngster barely out of his teens - Thanks to my close friend Sharma Sonti. Sharma was super excited to have come across Kumar at Matrusri, his engineering alma mater. Sharma explained to me in graphic detail how Kumar’s adobe at Esamiya Bazaar Koti was a perfect Bachelor’s Paradise with complete freedom to check in and check out anytime you like and no prying eyes to enquire about cigarette butts and beer bottles . And yes, excellent home cooked food was thrown in, gratis, in the package.

Kumar was lounging on the maroon sofa in his living room in a white lungi and a “cut banian" aka a sleeveless vest. He had his trademark cherubic smile that was both infectious and welcoming that put me at immediate ease. We got along quickly like a House on Fire with multiple common passions and interests and embarked on a fairly long journey, lit with multiple milestones - our first job, marriage, kids and so on. The journey left an indelible impression on me.

As most of us who knew Kumar would attest, he was full of warmth and generous almost to a fault; a “ Dildaar” to borrow a Hyderabadi expression - always the first one to whip his wallet out after a restaurant meal and leave a generous tip to the pleasantly surprised waitstaff. He touched numerous lives of the less privileged around him. His generosity extended way beyond money; he was always eager to share his wisdom and knowledge which the Almighty blessed him in abundance.

Kumar’s linguistic skills and ability to grasp complicated concepts were extraordinary as evidenced by the ease with which he switched careers midway through his life. He was supremely confident of himself and I still chuckle when I recall how quickly he walked out of his first job at Krishna Ceramics within hours of joining, unwilling to accept any disrespect, even when he was barely 21. He was a self respecting individual but not egoistic, scholarly but kind to the ignorant. An opinion was formed only after a thorough evaluation but once formed never altered.

Kumar was a true connoisseur of the finer things in life ranging from poetry to food, and when he loved something it was intense and passionate. A favorite song like Chhalka Chhalka Re from Saathiya would be played on an endless loop with every second dissected to a microscopic detail. He took pleasure in simple things and was always keen to share it with everyone around him. He particularly relished a good meal and the satiated look and the genuine smile that accompanied it were indeed heartwarming.

Kumar lit up every room he was in. An engaging conversationalist with a great sense of humor - he regaled everyone with his stories and loud guffaws. Kumar taught me to be confident and embrace my “flaws”, in his mind they weren't in the first place and bolstered my flagging spirits innumerable times.

Sleep well my friend. “To live in the hearts you leave behind is not to die”

Kumar. That's how he wanted me to address him even though he was Kumar Mavayya relationship-wise. And because of that, in his memory, I'll address him as such.

My professional career began in technology sales. For a greenhorn like me, sales was seemingly alien with no or limited success. Very soon my management dialled up the pressure much to my embarrassment and helplessness. It was a moment of despair and vulnerability that made me wonder if I'm cut out for success, and if I was half as good as what I thought I was. My self-confidence nosedived and there was no respite at work.

I'm unsure of the occasion when I wondered aloud my worries to Ramu Mavayya, and I suppose that's what entwined my destiny with Kumar's.

I don't exactly recall much about my first meeting/call with Kumar, but I do remember his reassuring voice telling me that it'll be alright. He introduced me to several nuggets about selling and helped me discover the joy of communication to persuade another person. His book recommendations and sage advice instilled tremendous amount of self-faith in my abilities. Results started showing at work, and suddenly I felt transformed professionally.

Not only was he so passionate about the art of selling, but he was constantly looking out to encourage younger folk to consider sales roles. I'm fortunate to have enabled his passion by mentoring and guiding 2-3 individuals. Inadvertently he taught me the importance of paying it back. I treasure this very much, and hence I'll aim to extend his passion by continuing to advise the younger generation to considering the sales profession.

That said, much to my chagrin, my relationship with Kumar was largely limited to professional discourses but I've come to realise his versatility only after his passing.

I feel a huge void because I cannot confide in the first and only mentor that I ever had in my career. However, he's essayed his role as a mentor flawlessly. I don't need mentoring anymore from him, because he's channeled the confidence and the will to succeed into me. That phase of him hand holding me will last my lifetime, and that confidence is the embodiment of Kumar that I'll hold close to me forever.

Kumar, thank you for being there when I needed help the most. Thank you for being you and for helping me become who I've become. I'll see you on the other side, boss! Sending you much love. Stay cool, and keep smiling.

I know Kumar for over three decades. Strangely though, for a long time, we never had opportunities to meet. Nearly, five years back this month I happened to meet him at Hyderabad.

By then he was dealing with an insidious health condition. We both were, by strange coincidence, dealing with similar circumstances. We spoke in the same tone, spirit and for the purpose.

We talked about Hinduism, philosophy, children, marriages, and our passions. It was a profitable and thoughtful discussion. I felt meeting doppelganger in my thoughts. That assuring. We got connected.

Again, I met him after 18 months later. By now, he was physically frail, down, and losing his voice. I witnessed his struggles and understood challenges. That was viscerally painful.

And yet his spirits were running high. He didn’t want sympathies nor emotional vibes.

He explained me about Mahavakayas. Later sent me videos. To start, I struggled to follow the narrations. These are the Vedic philosophy foundations that would explain the absolute and the truth. Metaphysical and esoteric.

By now, I knew Kumar elevated himself to a spiritual plane that few would even attempt. He was realistic, practical and understood the truth. He was liberated. And contended.

Kumar is unique in many ways.

To start with, he was a genuine Liberal. His liberalism is sprouted out of strong value systems. He espoused virtues (dharma). As a result, he was attuned with time without losing his soul.

This is not easy, in this complex and oftentimes extremely complicated world

Simplicity his greatest asset. Profundity of his communication astounding.

How long we know someone is a mere number. How much we learn, appreciate, gain and enrich is the true value of any relationship. Kumar uniquely stands out.

Kumar lived for collective good. His actions and impact are imbibed in us. Words do not do the justice.

Our thoughts are with Jyothi, Ram Aditya, Manasa, his beloved sisters, extended families and phalanx of friends for whom their "dear Surya"

May his soul rest a peace.

- Lakshmi and Kishore