OBITUARY
Dr. Kharag Singh Sachdeva
April 1, 1925 – November 11, 2012
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Kharag Singh Sachdeva. In his final hours, he was surrounded by his immediate family in a room filled with prayer and love. As was Dr. Sachdeva’s character, he lived life to his fullest potential. Even in his last moments, he lived with grace and dignity. Dr. Sachdeva received his undergraduate degree from the Sikh National College of Lahore. Following his graduation from Glancy Medical College, now known as the Government Medical College Amritsar, he became a member of its medical faculty in 1950. With a passionate commitment to education, he rose through the ranks becoming Professor of Physiology and eventually Dean of Government Medical College Amritsar. Dr. Sachdeva also served as the Founding Principal for Faridkot Medical College. He was awarded the Rockefeller Foundation scholarship and did research at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1983, he retired as Director of Medical Education and Research for the State of Punjab. Subsequently, he was invited out of retirement to serve as Dean of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, in Wardha, Maharashtra. In 1990, Dr. Sachdeva and his wife relocated to the United States. Their second residential trip to the US was filled with work, family life, and a passion for gardening and travel. They initially resided in Philadelphia and more recently lived in Long Island. They made many trips to San Francisco. Dr. Sachdeva’s life exemplified love and care for others, hard work and self-discipline. He treasured meeting thousands of physicians who he had mentored during their formative years. He was a pillar of strength for his family and a support for all those he touched, near or far. His most significant legacy is that he lived by example and inspired those around him to attain their best potential. Dr. Sachdeva’s wife of 62 years, Mrs. Bhupinder Kaur, his 3 daughters, Navjeet, Manjeet, and Kulveen, sons-in-laws, and 6 grandsons are committed to emulating and further extending Dr. Sachdeva’s amazing legacy. In his remembrance and in keeping with Mrs. Sachdeva’s wishes, a private Sikh funeral service was performed on Tuesday, November 13th 2012 in Philadelphia. For those who wish to make a memorial contribution, please donate to the Kharag Singh and Bhupinder Sachdeva Charitable Foundation that makes contributions to charities and organizations that were near and dear to his heart. Contributions to the foundation are tax deductible. Email address: SachdevaFoundation@gmail.com. Mailing address: PO Box 310, Port Washington, NY 11050.
REMEMBERING
Dr. Kharag Singh Sachdeva
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RECEIVE UPDATESNovember 20, 2013
A year has passed since the demise of our beloved Uncle. I just haven't the words to describe him. He was such versatile person. You sit with him and you wouldn't want to go anywhere. I just recall a few lines and it looked as those were written for him.
Don't stand on his grave and weep because he isn't there he didn't sleep.
He is in thousands of winds that blow, he is in the softly falling snow.
He is in the gentle shower of rain, he is in the ripening grain.
He is in the morning hush, he is in the graceful rush of beautiful birds in circulating flights
He is star-shine of nights.
He is in the flowers that bloom, he is in the quite room.
He is in the bird that sings, he is in each lovely thing.
Don't stand on his grave and weep because he isn't there, he didn't die.
Dr Guljinder Narang
Amritsar
Kaki and Sarwan Bedi
November 9, 2013
Deeply saddened to learn about Dr Uncle's departure. We consider ourselves blessed to have the good fortune of spending quality time with him in Delhi and Amritsar as well. For all these years we used to look forward to his annual visits to Delhi.
Uncle ji was always considerate and thoughtful towards others feelings and had words of appreciation for everyone. He himself earned enormous respect from one and all. We fondly remember the great deal of amusement and laughter we shared with his witty anecdotes.
Uncle ji had a great innings and his life needs to be celebrated. We will cherish his fond memories always and miss him.
Our warm regards to the family.
Neelam Bhalla
June 28, 2013
Wonderful child hood memories of time spent with uncle and the family.for me he was a kind gentle and a father figure who as I remember had a very strong hand in shaping the careers of his daughters.fathers always hold a special place I n their daughters lives and I am sure he is fondly remembered at every step....
Jaipreet Kaur
April 3, 2013
Dr. Kharag Singh ji as I call Uncle ji was a thorough Gentleman, well poised, spiritual and a divine soul. He left a lasting impression on my mind of his magnificent personality.His values are still present in the minds and hearts of his family, friends, students and many more like me who came across him in the course of their lives. My sincere prayers and thoughts for the family. May we follow his footsteps.
March 12, 2013
Dr Sachdeva was a real friend, philosopher and guide to all of his students who are practicing physicians all across the globe. As a teacher, and as a human being, he was admired and respected by all of his colleagues and medical students in the Medical College. On behalf of all of us, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathies to the entire Sachdeva family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time of sorrow and grief. We pray that his soul may rest in peace.
It is said that this world is like a stage, and upon birth, we all come to this stage, play our respective and assigned roles, and then depart once our role is done. Dr. Sachdeva arrived on the stage of this world 87 years ago in 1925. During his time on this stage, he conquered everybody's heart by his love, by his affection and by his noble deeds and then he left. His sudden and unexpected passing came as a great shock and left all of us in tears.
Those of you who had known him will agree that Dr. Sachdeva was the nicest person, and a gentleman through and through. He was very gentle, very kind, very caring, very compassionate and a very trustworthy human being. He was always available, always ready and ever willing to help everybody and anybody who so ever needed it.
Dr. Sachdeva, we are all going to miss you a lot. Your near and dear ones will miss you a lot, your friends and colleagues will miss you a lot and your students all across the globe are going to miss you a lot. Though you are gone, fond memories of you will remain with us for all the times to come.
Dr. Sahib, I know that at this moment you are not amongst us physically, but I am sure you are watching all this from somewhere up there and you must be wondering…
Hamare baad is mehfil mein
Afsaane byaan honge…
Baharein humko dhoondengi
Na jaane hum kahan honge…
Once again, I must say that Dr. Sachdeva was a very unique person, a very special person, one of a kind, not born every day. As an Urdu poet once said…
Hazaron saal nargis
Apni benoori pe roti hai
Badi mushkil se hota hai
Chaman mein deedaewar paida…
~ Dr. Jagan Pahuja, New York
Baldev Rai
March 10, 2013
Some people leave a lasting impression on your lives.Uncle (as we lovingly called him)was one such personality who was not only a great teacher ( I still remember renal physiology -"Kidney,the star performer" that he taught us ),but also a very loving fatherly figure that we will never forget.
We always loved to see him whenever we visited Long Island.His blessings always mattered a lot to Ritu and myself.Even Karan and Angad fondly remember him.
Manu, you are blessed that he was your father.
It was a privilege to be close to him.
His life deserves to be celebrated and honored not only by yourself, Venu, Navjit didi and aunty, but also by the thousands of students whose lives he touched!
Dilraj Bakshi
March 1, 2013
There are very few who have done so much for so many. While I'm really not in a position to comment on his working span, stretched over 40 years, I can recall that as a medical academician, he enjoyed an enviable reputation, a wealth of knowledge and brought honor and dignity to every post he ever held. Exemplary, a man of high principles who actually practiced what he preached.
Sadly, as his nephew, I got to know him better post his retirement. He always wore a captivating smile and had a spirited outlook towards life. I for one feel deprived that I was not able to spend more quality time with him. He will be missed for all times to come..
Rohit Dandiya
February 23, 2013
My memories of Dr Sachdeva are of a very graceful man who inspite of adversity always keep his head high with self respect and good humor.
I did not have the pleasure or the honor of knowing him as a teacher but based on what I knew of him in New York I could feel that Dr Sachdeva was indeed a special person who would, and did leave, a great legacy behind. He was fortunate to have doting daughters and son in laws, who also deserve a lot of credit for all the love and caring that they showered on him.
In time as the pain of the loss fades away, beautiful memories will be left behind that will bring a smile to everyone who was involved with his life.
Neera and Jasvir Jaspal
February 16, 2013
Dear Bhup Aunty,
Papa always spoke very highly of Uncle. In the last twelve years or so as we got to meet Uncle we got to know why this was so.
Uncle was a very affectionate and gentle soul with a unique sense of humor. He was a very knowledgeable person who could speak on any topic. But at the same time he was very humble and made you feel very comfortable. Whenever our visit would come to a close we always wished we could have spent more time with him.
Uncle leaves behind a great family......very loving daughters, sons-in-law and grandsons. He will be missed a lot by them, other relatives, students, friends and anyone else who had the good fortune of meeting him.
With regards and love,
Neera and Jasvir
February 13, 2013
Our heartfelt condolences to family and friends that share in this deep sorrow. Dr Sachdeva or as we lovingly called him 'Uncle ji' will be dearly missed; His sincere heart, his unconditional love and boundless wisdom will forever be remembered. Uncle ji's pressence here with us was nothing short of Gods grace, leaving behind a legacy of humilty, grace and honor. We carry his love and teachings with us. With a deep sense of sorrow as we say goodbye, there is this reassuring sense that his guiding light will forever remain with us and that his legacy lives on through his family and those that knew him. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for knowing such a gracious being, we send him love and thanks. May Babaji keep you all in his choicest blessings, bringing you strength, courage and peace.
God Bless
Brij,Sona & Sunny
February 11, 2013
To Mrs. Bhupinder Sachdeva,Navjeet , Manjeet, and Kulveen,
I have been saddened to know about the passing away of Dr. Sachdeva. He was a great teacher. I fondly reminisce my days of knowing you all as a family and Dr. Kharag Singh in particular. His words of wisdom, kindness and gentleness have stayed with me. May you all celebrate his life in the comfort that death is a beginning to a new life and he lies safe and secure in the heavenlies. May the lord bless you all and give you peace.
Harmeet
Surinder Saini
January 28, 2013
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. I have rich memories of his boundless energy, smiling face and words of wisdom. His life of contribution, and legacy of service, made a difference in so many lives. He was one of a kind educator, I had the good fortune to have known. We shall miss him.
Navkiran
January 28, 2013
Hearing about the passing away of a teacher as great as Dr Kharag Singh brings a deep sense of loss in my heart . I and my two brothers are fortunate that he taught us. The fact that I liked endocrinology was mostly because of his charismatic personality and art of teaching . As his daughter's friend, I had a chance to know a him outside the classroom and will always remember him as a gentle, soft spoken, and affectionate person. My husband joins me in expressing our heart felt condolences to the family.
Hardarshan S. Valia
January 5, 2013
I never studied under him but never imagined that only one meeting with him would make me admire him for ever. He shaped hearts and minds of his students in leading them to roads less traveled perhaps oblivion to the fact that he had also touched lives of others who were mere passerby like me. Thank you Dr. Kharag Singh Ji - A True Sikh Sewadar of the Humanity!
January 4, 2013
We are sad to hear the demise of a great man our reverend professor and your respected father. We had a great chance to meet him in our batch's reunion last year in Amritsar, how fortunate we were then. We pray the Almighty Waheguru Sahib jee to give shelter & peace in His feet
Harmohan & Surinder Narula
UK
Message received Nov 14th, 2012
January 4, 2013
Heartfelt condolences on the passing away of our respected Dr Kharag Singh. We have very fond memories of him. God give peace to the departed soul and strength to you all to bear this irreparable loss.
Regards
Anil and Gargi Bhatia
Amritsar. India
Message received Nov 14th, 2012
January 4, 2013
Its sad to know the demise of our great teacher Dr Kharag Singh whom we met during our last alumni meet. He was quite active in his dealing and actions.
I pray to the Almighty God to grant peace and solace to the departed soul and strength to you all to bear this irreparable loss.
Dr Sudesh Sharma
Amritsar
Message received Nov 14th, 2012
January 4, 2013
I am very saddened by the news of Dr. Sacheva's passing away. He was a great teacher and a great human being. We loved him. He taught us Endocrinology and his feed back diagrams are still fresh in my mind.
Take care
Harish Malhotra
USA
Message received on Nov 15th, 2012
January 4, 2013
We are saddened by the demise of our teacher and mentor Dr. Kharag Singh Sachdeva.
As noted, he lived an exemplary life and had been a role model for us.
We will always miss him and pray to God to give eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family to bear this loss.
Regards
Parduman and Paula Singh and family
USA
Message received Nov 19th, 2012
January 4, 2013
We are so sorry to hear the sad news of Professor Kharag Singh's passing away. He was my teacher and a dear friend of my father. I remember so many happy memories of his teaching us basics in Physiology with his booming voice and clarity of thought. I pray to Waheguru to give the whole family the strength at this moment of grief.
Verinder and Kiran
USA
Message received Nov 15th, 2012
January 4, 2013
Please accept my and my wife's heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of our revered teacher. All of us have to leave this world but a life as fulfilling and action packed as lived by him makes all of us proud for having been associated with him.
May God give peace to the departed soul and courage to the near and dear ones to bear this loss with courage and fortitude
Subhash and Sarita Marwah
Message received Nov 16th, 2012
January 4, 2013
So sad to hear this news.
He was a great person and excellent Teacher.
May Waheguru rest his soul in peace and give you and Family strength to bear this loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
Paramjeet and Rani Dargan
USA
Message received Nov12th, 2012
January 2, 2013
We are saddened by the demise of our teacher and mentor Dr. Kharag Singh Sachdeva.
As noted, he lived an exemplary life and had been a role model for us.
We will always miss him and pray to God to give eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family to bear this loss.
Regards
Parduman and Paula Singh and family
Message received Nov 19th, 2012
January 1, 2013
We stand by each of you in salutation to Dr Kharag Singh. Yes, indeed he was a Gurmukh- a Gursikh. The world is bereft of a very noble gentle soul, a teacher whose influence is integral to who we are today. He took the worthy mantle of Dr. Shiv Kumar and carried it with grace and dedication. We have lost another of the great stalwarts of our formation and training. May his, and their, spirit endure. Our condolences to all he named his own.
Inder
Inder Anand, MD, FRCP, D Phil (Oxon.)
Professor of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School,
Director, Heart Failure Program,
VA Medical Center 111C Minneapolis
MN 55417
Message Received Nov 14th, 2012
Jagmohan Goyal
January 1, 2013
I am shocked to learn sad demise of my respected teacher who blessed us recently at our meet in Feb 2011.
May God grant peace to departed soul & courage to family to bear this loss.
In grief,
Jagmohan Goyal
Message Received Nov 13th, 2012
Birbans Riar
November 26, 2012
We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Dr Sahib (Great Teacher). Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family at this time.
Birbans & Jatinder
Gurmohan Sandhu
November 24, 2012
Very sad news. He was gentleman,well dressed and soft spoken teacher. I pray to Almighty for the peace of departed soul and to give strength to the family members to bear such immense loss. Please convey our condolences to other family members.
Take care.
Bubbu & Gurmohan
Col. Bhupinder Singh Duggal
November 24, 2012
Extremely sorry to hear about sad demise of Dr Sachdeva. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.We the medicos of Amritsar have lost a great teacher,a great Dean and a great human being.We all join you all for Ardas for peace of departed soul.
Greatest regards
Col. B.S Duggal
Jasvinder S Dhillon
November 24, 2012
Sat Sri Akal
It is sad to hear about the passing away of your father Dr Kharag Singh Sachdeva. I got to know him as our Professor and Principal. A great man indeed. We pray to Waheguru for the departed soul to rest in peace. We also pray to Waheguru to give strength to the family to bear this loss.
Take care
Jasvinder S & Balwinder K Dhillon
Harkanwaljit Singh Saini
November 24, 2012
Reason defies us when we lose our loved ones & legends like Dr Sachdeva. But, their memories must not only spur us on but serve as a reason to do our best and live the best possible life!
I am sure Dr Sachdeva would have wanted no other way. He will continue to live in our hearts.
Dr.Harkanwaljit Singh Saini
www.sainihospital.in
Sudhir Sekhsaria
November 24, 2012
We are saddened by the loss of your beloved Dad and our wonderful, amazing teacher. He was definately a Pillar of the community in Amritsar. May WaheGuru give you and the entire family strength during this diffcult time.
Regards
Anu and Sudhir Sekhsaria
Rajender Sharma
November 24, 2012
Extremely shocking to hear this sad news about passing away of your father and our teacher. He shall be remembered for ever by us with gratitude and respect . A great teacher and a great man he lived a fruitful life and made immense contribution to the society . May his soul rest in peace.
Om Shanti
Rajender
Samir Rai
November 24, 2012
We all have lost a greatly respected teacher and we shall all continue to feel this loss.
However, his demise is also a celebration of the end of an extremely fruitful journey - one which touched the lives of so many of his students and uplifted all of us.
We shall remember his teachings forever.
Through us, he will live forever.
We shall never let him die!
Samir
samir rai,MCh ,
www.drpremraihospital.in
Kulveen Sidhu
November 23, 2012
You will ALWAYS live in our hearts and paryers...though we will miss you dearly - Veenu
Sabi Kumar
November 21, 2012
I have the fondest memories of Dr Kharag Singh as a teacher, a gentleman and a role model for us through our medical school years.
He did all that with such finesse and a great sense of humor!
We are fortunate to have known him!
Sarbjeet S. Kumar (Nashville, TN)
Mabel Dsouza
November 16, 2012
To the family of Dr K Singh Sachdeva
Our deepest sympathies on the passing away of your dear husband and father. May the good Lord grant him eternal Peace. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rudy Mabel and the Dsouza Family
Bikram Chadha
November 15, 2012
You were a man who exemplified discipline, integrity, passion, and determination. You instilled these values in your family and those you cared for. We are all better people for having you in our lives and I owe much of who I am today because of you. I am truly blessed to be able to call you my grandfather.
November 15, 2012
We are deeply saddened by The Heavenly Departure of Your Respected Father.
It is our prayer That His Noble Soul May Rest In Peace & May Waheguru Give You & the family strength to bear this irreparable loss.
Yours In Grief,
Harinder and Meena Guleria
Manjeet Chadha
November 14, 2012
I am so proud that you were my father. You will live forever through your ever lasting legacy. -- Manu
Manu
November 14, 2012
I am so proud you were my father. You will live for ever through your everlasting legacy.
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