Sumil "Sam" Bakshi

“Remember not how I began or how I ended, but instead how I laughed, lived, learnt, loved. Everyday was a diamond and I am rich already. I am blessed, I am lucky and all this would be true even if I died tomorrow”

-Sumil Bakshi

Sumil Bakshi a.k.a Sam was born in the city of Hyderabad, India in 1986. He was named Sumil as an amalgamation of his parents’ names (SUjata + viMAL). Sam was a jovial, loving, free-spirited soul. He had an ocean of love in his heart. As a kid he was extremely naughty. Running after the balloon-man, climbing down water pipes, teasing his siblings, Sam never missed an opportunity to add excitement to his life. He loved playing sports as a child, especially cricket, and loved riding motorbikes.

Sam moved to the United States in 2003 for his college education. He studied Mechanical engineering in CSUN, Los Angeles. His learning was never aimed at chasing grades, he was a free mind and challenged ideas which most students never dared to question. A lover of philosophy, politics and comedy, Sumil would happily debate different points of views which usually left his peers both impressed and exasperated while he carried about with laughter and nonchalance.

Sam loved the beach, his favorite hangout spot was Santa Monica. He empathized for the homeless and offered help generously whenever he could. He lived his life to the fullest, made friends from all walks of life and found humor in almost all situations.

Today, we celebrate the life of Sumil Bakshi, a kind and loving son, brother, nephew and friend. We can choose to think that a part of us will be gone with him forever, or we can choose to think that he will always live on within our hearts.

If Sam were here, he would most likely be filled with smiles and laughter, and he would want us to do the same. Rest in paradise Sam. We will always love you.

As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.

– Seneca