Gita Das personal ritual at home with reading of his favorite Gita chapter and all his favorite food and Nirmalya (Puri Jagannath dry bhoga) and Ganga pani

Dear Professor Das, we all continue to miss and remember you with your great memories. You, continue with peaceful time in the company of the All Mighty.
Krishan Saxena and Family

I remember Dr. Das from my University days. He was one of my professors in Education of  Exceptional Children.   May he rest in peace. + Heather I. ( George ) Reimer  1982 graduate uofa

I first met Dr. J.P. Das in November 2004, beyond the pages of his books and his renowned PASS Theory of Intelligence. I had begun working at his clinic in Bhubaneswar and meeting him in person was a life-changing experience. From that day, every moment with him became a cherished part of my life.
To describe my journey with him would take a lifetime, for he truly shaped the person I am today. He was my mentor in every sense: guiding my career, sharpening my thinking, and teaching me the essence of research and writing. His lessons were never limited to the classroom; they unfolded through every interaction and conversation.
Teaching, for him, was boundless. He could turn complex ideas into vivid insights with humour and humanity. Every moment with him was a moment of learning. Over the years, our bond grew beyond mentorship and he became family. He listened patiently, advised wisely, and shared my joys and worries alike. The warmth I received from Sir and Aai (Geeta Madam) remains one of life’s greatest blessings.
I remember how he would bring me croissants from Delhi because he knew how much I loved them; a small gesture that reflected his thoughtfulness. His affection became my greatest strength. Talking to him, sharing my work, and hearing his approval became part of my rhythm of life.
Our last conversation was about an upcoming conference in the UK, just before he fell ill. Even now, I find myself waiting for his calls and emails. It is hard to accept his absence, yet his presence continues to guide me; in every thought, every decision, and every dream I pursue.
In recent years, I called him my “Lamp Post”: the one who illuminated my path. He once told me that true mentorship never ends; it lives through what you do and how you carry it forward.
My dearest Sir, thank you, for your wisdom, kindness, laughter, faith in me and a beautiful family. You will always be my guiding light.

It was a privilege to know Dr. Das. He was, and still is, an inspiration to all. His memorial service was a beautiful tribute to a perfect soul. Condolences to all his family and friends, and much appreciation for sharing your stories and memories of his life.
Sherry and Alan McCann

Dr. Das was a truly remarkable man. 

I will never forget the warmth with which he welcomed me into his office in the University of Alberta and began explaining the PASS Theory to me. He was kind and generous towards me.

Our acquaintance marked my life, and the communication we maintained over the years undoubtedly made me a better person.
My warmest condolences to Gitta and the entire family.

Udaya Dash
Student 
Dr. J. P. Das had an humble beginning and an illustrious career, culminating in Order of Canada Award. As a researcher, he occupied a distinguished position in international circle. He had a determining influence on my life and career. On his recommendation, I was admitted into the doctoral course at the U of A. On my arrival in Edmonton, I stayed in his house for some days and then moved to a rented house which Gita apa arranged for me prior to my arrival. She did some initial shopping for me and made me settle at the new place. 
Shilu, his son, familiarized me with the admission procedure in the Department at U of A. Among the psychology alumni of Utkal, Sir was the person who helped many Odia and Indian students for their training at Alberta as well as in some reputed universities of USA. Such was his love for his students and affinity to people in his motherland. I was treated as a member of the family, and was a part of the get-together, Sir and Gita apa organized at their home in honor of internationally reputed academicians.   
Under his support and guidance, I sailed through the years at U of A, did my doctoral dissertation with him and returned to Odisha. I used to visit him when he came to Odisha. Again in 1994, he invited me to the Department where he arranged two summer courses for me to teach at the Masters and Ph. D Level. Both of them loved my wife very much.   
Sir was a respected faculty in the Alberta department and always encouraged me to become a researcher in  true sense. Gita apa has tremendous skill in analyzing complex social problems in simple and innovative ways, which I have all along tried to learn from her. Kanhu Baboo, Gita apa’s brother and  his wife Sanju apa were great hosts to visitors to their family.  With the support of all, I could easily travel through my years at Alberta. My family is deeply grateful to you, Sir. 
My Shradhanjali to a great human being. 
Sir, you will always be missed, not forgotten.

I am a very small person to say anything about Prof Das. But his Odia book "Experimental Psychology" which I managed to find from a dilapidated rack in the library of our college was a revelation for me. The book made me understand psychology better and most importantly awaken in me a sense of wonder, curiosity and  love for psychology:  the traits one associates with erudition and enlighenment rather than with memorization of facts and information . I realized the best way to teach psychology is to revisit those questions that motivated the Skinners and the Piagets to propose their theories and ideas about human behavior.  Prof Das 's writings reflect that intellectual spirit .
Thank you for your contribution to the world🙏

Tribute to late Dr JP Das, Edmonton
1st Nov 2025

Dr Jagannath Prasad Das,
truly, a prasad from Lord Jagannath,
to the people of Odisha,
and the University of Alberta,
where he served the society,
with his acumen, genius, 
deep insight and experience, 
in developmental disabilities.

His sincerity and dedication, 
earned him the accolades, 
and the recognition he richly deserved.
Bhubaneswar and Edmonton,
and his work associates at both locations
will miss him deeply and dearly.

Dr Das was equally magnificent, 
as a person, benevolent and generous,
linking up to any Odia, 
and other Indian students, 
who Joined up at Edmonton, 
providing an Odia and Indian haven, 
to the young souls so far away, 
from their home and family;
a grandfather figure, 
who doted on the young,
as if they were his own.

We are the very lucky parents,
who could meet you few times in person,
during your scheduled visits to India, 
for the Bhubaneswar Clinic.
We could sense your genius, 
your dedication and drive, 
and the young spirit in you.
People read of personalities in history books,
we could meet the historic personality that you are.

We are grateful to you Sir,
for the family love, support, and blessings, 
You, Madam and your family,
showered on Akki, our daughter, 
during her years in Edmonton, 
as if your own bloodline.
You were the paradise island,
who served as the rest and restore station,
to her as she battled the stormy seas,
of a University and a city alien to her.

Doubtless, we all are heart broken,
with vacuum where you ruled,
largely and regally in our hearts.
And you will continue to rule our hearts,
and we will continue to seek your blessings,
from the shining star up above, 
as well as that within us.

You served well, and sincerely,
and to your fullest capacity,
To Your family, 
To Your Society
And to God through society.
It is time 
To Rest in Peace.
Aum shanti. 🕉️😌💐🙏🙏

Nimai and Namita Sahoo,
Bhubaneswar, India.

I’m so sorry to hear about Mausa’s passing. Having known him my whole life, I will always remember his kindness, his gentle way of speaking, and the thoughtful gifts he brought whenever he visited India. Those gestures carried so much warmth and affection and reflected the loving person he was.
His presence brought comfort, his words brought smiles, and his kindness left a lasting impression on all of us. Though he is no longer with us, the memories of his goodness and love will remain forever in our hearts. My deepest sympathies go out to Mausi and the entire family during this time of loss.

It is a deep heartbreak knowing I cannot talk to Aja anymore.
He was a kind soul and a great inspiration, full of positive energy, which he generously gifted to everyone. 
We are going to miss Aja. I miss him already.

You are always with me till my last breath. Sir  i missed u. With u i spend many memorable times. All the memories were with me till we met with each other in the heaven. Till then bye... 
See u soon. Lots of love ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹.

Dear Gita and family, 

My deepest condolences to all of you. JP was such a special person and he had the most amazing life. I'm so grateful I was able to share part of his journey. As a student, I had the pleasure of travelling with him to South Africa in 1995. I learned so much from him. I loved his Tagore translations. He sent the one below at the end of 2024. It seems a perfect send off for him. 

With heartfelt sympathies, 
Maureen Kendrick
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Life must continue

This, at the end, I entreat thee—
Shatter my weakness, let it die,
firm up my heart’s core
My Lord! Give the strength to endure
happiness, making it hard to get.
In tragedy, strength to bear in indifference
My face to glow in peace and silence.
 
Give strength to devotion
So it succeeds in action,
Let love and affection
turn to virtue and blossom.
 
Give me strength so that I may not
belittle the humble man, and
not to humble myself at the tyrant’s feet.
strength to keep my mind high
far above the meanness of daily strife.
 
Give me strength on a steady course to stay
My head bowed down at your feet, night and day.

Original Bengali poem from Rabindranath Tagore 
(Nobel Prize.1913).  Translated by J.P.Das

Our memories of our days in Edmonton are inseparable from Mausa (Dr JP Das), Gita Mausi, Siloo Bhai, and Mita Bhauja. We received immense love and support from them. My family had many memorable and happy times with Dr Das. My daughter Shruti was especially impacted by Dr Das’s endless warmth and energy. We were so fortunate to meet him last June after many years. 
Every place we walked together with Dr Das and every conversation we shared still echos in my heart. Such a pleasing good bye from him, and he asked us to visit again soon. We will miss you deeply, Dr Das. 

With heartfelt condolences, 
Suchana

Feb 11, 1984 JP and I began a journey that has changed my life and the lives of many children (including mine) who are evaluated with the test we built to redefine and measure intelligence. The professional experience I had with this wonderful man quickly became a personal journey as well. As our professional relationship grew so did our personal relationship. Ove time I began to see this extraordinary man as my big brother.  We overcame many obstacles to achieve our goals, but we never gave up. 

I was so very fortunate to have had such a close personal and professional relationship with Dr. J. P. Das and his amazing family. I extend my condolence to his family. He is also remembered with great affection by my children Andrea, Antonia and Jack Jr who also send their condolences.

Bina and I haven't stopped talking about Sir and our days with him and Gita Apa in Edmonton. He was instrumental in my admission to the U of A. He and Gita Apa had taught me at Utkal and they left when I was in the second year in my Masters' program. I was again lucky to get his teaching, guidance, mentoring and support for my studies and research in U of A. 
He came to pick me up when I landed in Edmonton in July 1973 and took me to his house; I stayed with them for a few days during which they saw to it that I found a good rented place to stay and helped me do the initial shopping for me to get settled. Nearly a year later I accompanied Sir to the airport to receive my wife Bina and son Jitu.
The love and support we received from Sir and Gita Apa is unforgettable. Jitu was always Sir's favourite and as Raina Babu once remarked "Jitu was the family entertainment". As a child if there was a place he wanted to go out to it was to visit Sir who also often took him to shopping Centres;  he loved going out with Sir. 
Our memory of  the days in Edmonton is inseparable from Sir, Gita Apa, Siloo, Sila, Kanu Babu and his family. They were all so kind to us. When we decided to return to India we had Sir's blessings and many useful tips from Gita Apa and Sir. 
We are deeply touched by Sir's empathetic guidance and support. He continues to be my professional role model. Close to 80, I continue in my work always remembering my role model; he remained intellectually and academically active till his last breath. 
Professor J. P. Das is and will ever continue to inspire me and generations of younger people. He is the brightest shinning Pole Star in our lives and lives of many who he mentored, nurtured and loved.
My Shraddhānjali to the dear departed.

My condolences to the Das family.
I was fortunate to have had Das as my PhD supervisor 1973-1976.
He was a careful supervisor, a creative researcher and he made major contributions to understandings about the nature of learning and intelligence.  I have many happy memories of life in the office next to Das', mixing with John Kirby, Noel Williams, Ron Jarman and Bob Mulcahy.

Dear Gita, Satya and Sheela,

My deepest condolences on your loss of JP.  I was saddened to learn of his passing from David Baine.
We had many happy times together back in the days of my early years in Edmonton. JP lived a long and amazing life.
Alenia also sends her condolences to you all. 
Very sincerely,
Gerry Kysela

My dear J.P.Das:
I will always carry you in my heart. I don't think you were aware of everything I learned from you, both professionally and personally. 
I will remember: 
•	Your kindness to anyone lucky enough to share experiences and learning time with you. 
•	Your generosity both in personal interactions and in sharing your profound knowledge about learning and educational psychology. 
•	Your curiosity about how people, relationships, and the world work. Your gaze was curious and full of love.

It is a privilege to have known you, to have spent time with you; I enjoyed the life, the world, better... with you here nearby.
With love       antonio y marian

1970 Another group moment with Sheela in the arms of Dr. J P Das as he was known.

1970 Sheela participating in the blessings with her dad.

1970 Rice ceremony for Shreela at Dr. Chakrabartty's as he was known.

Dear Mausa, we are  fortunate to have known you in this life. We still remember the time  we spent together, the beautiful conversations we had on many topics. Your absence is a void that can't be filled, but your memory will live on. We will always remember the way you made us feel with your warmth and smile. Such a calm, composed and caring person . You have touched many hearts. We will greatly miss you more than words can say. Rest in peace🙏

Farewell  to my beloved JPD Sir whose relationship with me started as his student, then as his colleague and eventually as his friend and confidante. Though  he was known  internationally for his contribution to cognitive psychology, I know his other aspects of personality as a lover of poetry,,especially those of Tagore’s  adoration of the divine.He was a devout Vaishnava.  His work involved  analytical and logical  study of cognition but it never diminished his spiritual core. One of his last books dealt with examination of consciousness where he tried to find a common ground between postulation  by western thinkers and eastern thinkers, particularly the Buddhist thought leaders.He preferred simplicity in every thing  to a fault and became utterly uncomfortable  with sophistication. When he encountered children, he became one of them and talked and related to them as another child would do. To the world,he was a great scholar, but for me he was my beloved   jPD Sir and a friend who saw beauty and humour in every thilng. Om Tat Sat.🙏

He encouraged me in my academic journey in my time at the U of A and was a huge advocate for neurodivergent students. I am thankful I got to know him snd have many great chats. His life legacy will live on in his centre and research contributions that help children. I last saw him in person pre-pandemic, but he congratulated me by email in 2022 when I finished my PhD. I wish I had went over to visit and have one more coffee and chat. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and those close to him. His life was one well lived and his spirit is free, but he will be missed by many in this world.

Dear Gita, Satya, Sheela, and the entire Das family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Dr. Jagannath Prasad Das. Though I did not have the honour of knowing him personally, reading about his life and legacy reveals a man of extraordinary intellect, compassion, and humanity. His lifelong dedication to understanding the human mind and nurturing learning will continue to inspire generations around the world.
Dr. Das’s remarkable journey—from his roots in Puri to his influential academic life in Canada—embodies a spirit of humility, service, and wisdom. His impact seemed not at all  limited to his field of study; it radiated through his kindness, curiosity, and deep love for people and the world around him. Those values clearly live on in all of you.
To Satya, whose generous heart and unwavering commitment to uplifting those whom modern systems often leave behind continue to touch so many lives—you are a living reflection of your father’s grace and vision. It is evident that the compassion and integrity with which he lived are carried forward in the way you walk through the world and inspire others.
As your family gathers to honour and celebrate his life on Nov 1st 2025, may you find comfort in knowing that his spirit continues to guide you. His light endures not only through his remarkable work but through each of you—his beloved family—who embody his legacy of wisdom, kindness, and service to humanity.
With heartfelt sympathy and deep respect,
Stephan Pouyat

It was the summer of 2018 when my dearest friend Soumya invited me to a family lunch with an Odia family — it was baby Krish’s naming ceremony. After a long, harsh winter in a strange country, that day felt warm and familiar. When everyone left around 5 PM, that’s when they both began talking to me — asking about my life, showing genuine interest.

Four months later, they invited me to stay with them — not as a tenant, but as a grandchild. Having lost my father just two years earlier, the warmth and affection of that elderly couple was everything my heart longed for. That’s when our bond truly began.

I watched them argue playfully like children — it was adorable. Sometimes at night, we would watch short films on Netflix while Aai watched the news upstairs. He would often tell me how they first met at Utkal University, about their time in London, and their tiny little room there. He talked about Aai’s thesis — her experiments on mice, finding no correlation between EQ and IQ — as we walked around the Education Building and the SUB at UofA.

During our long walks near his home, he told me about his fear of losing Gita, about the racism Silu faced at school, and countless other memories that are still so vivid in my mind. He teased me often, telling the stories behind every picture on the wall. Every place I walked with him, every conversation we shared, is etched in my heart forever.

He lived a full and happy life, but that doesn’t lessen the pain of losing him. If he is reborn, I wish to meet him again.

In loving memory of Ajaa!

2024 summers, I went to see them again. He was as cheerful and full of life just like 7 years ago when I met him first.  This is a picture of him coming to drop me to my Uber when I was leaving for the airport. I could still see from the back of a car as it drove away and he stood there until I lost sight. Such a pleasing good bye! I miss you deeply Aja.

I arrived in Edmonton  In the summer of early seventies with 
my young son  to practice  Pathology at Charles Camsell Hospital.
I was invited by JP and Gita Das at their home and felt very welcomed by their graciousness in the new city. Appreciated it very much 
My thoughts are with you Gita , Satya  and Mira,in your time of sorrow and Loss.
With Maitreya Bhavana,
   Srishti Pandit Nigam

October 19, 2025

We are deeply saddened to get the news of dear Dr. J.P. Das’s passing away. With our heavily grieving heart we want to join you all in our prayers for the peace of Dr. J.P. Das’s departed soul.

No matter how we try, it is very hard to understand such a loss which can never be undone. We do have to accept that it was God’s desire to take him away from his dear one and take care of him Himself.

Mystery of Life and its one understanding can perhaps be seen as a Train of Life. We are all continuously travelling on the Train of Life. And no one knows when his or her destination station will be there, and the Train of Life will stop for a moment to let him or her disembark, leaving other remaining passengers to continue their journey forward to their individual destinations to disembark.

But the continuum of life continues. Being part of this continuum of life just like the life within all of us, Dr. Das still is part of the one that we all are part of, the Supreme Continuum of the All Mighty 

One cannot discover the new oceans unless he/she has the courage to lose sight of the shore. Dr. Das has crossed the boundaries of material life and gone away with a precious treasure of love from all those who were fortunate to know him. He has also left a lot for us to carry on our lives without his material presence. The power of his love, compassion, and care that he always had for us all and its sweet memories will keep us going. 

In all fairness to Dr. Das, we all must bravely put aside our griefs, wipe our tears, celebrate his life, and wish him peace and love in his newer life with his most loved.

With love,
Krishan Saxena and Nirmala Saxena
With Family

Yes
During His Visit Each Winter to His Home at Sahid Nagar Bbsr Odisha India 
And to His Own Centre The Learning Clinic (The Therapy Centre for Children with Special Needs)
We all have great & many memorable moments with Sir

Year 2015; That one fine evening when I visit JP Das uncle and Gita Aunt and that one piece of advice “Son you will never loose in life because of one reason” still printed in my mind. JP Das uncle shows me his office room n library with a beautiful smile. I was unaware of who he was and what was his achievements. When I came back home I googled and astonished to see his achievements are beyond imagination. A honorary Department in University of Alberta , Director of Psychology in yr 1968, order of canada, many of his old student who are famous Psychologist etc etc. He never forget his root and the love towards Lord Jagganth reflects in his heart and on the walls of his home. His love towards his home state was consistent where he runs JP Das learning organization in Bhubaneswar to server Odisha his home state. His affection towards my father make him visit my parents home back in year 2016. With few drops of tears I must say’s may god bless us with your soul with a new body as world needs good people like you.

He was a truly extraordinary man, scholar, father, grandfather, husband, friend, and mentor. He will be dearly missed by all who know him.

My  guide on many aspects of living a better life

His India Visit 
With his elder brother inlaw

Mom is reflecting on the prasad of Lord Jagannath, the one from Nilachal, the Blue Mountains, born in Nadia. Our home is forever tied to yours. We will miss your smile and poetic words but you will always remain etched in our hearts. 💞

What a wonderful, wonderful man and scholar was J.P.  You lit up my life hiring me after graduation, believing in me, and shared a phrase never forgotten, "Perry  you've been buried in the lab studying brain cells. It's time to lift up your head and seize the day - the world is full of opportunity!" I never looked back. Thank you J.P.  I and many, many others were blessed to know you.

OBITUARY

Dr. Jagannath Prasad (J.P.) Das

20 January, 1931 – 19 October, 2025

Hainstock's Funeral Home & Crematorium

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