Ved Prakash Kumar

Ved Prakash Kumar was born on March 3, 1929 to Ram Rakhi Kumar and Waris Shah Kumar in Lilla District, India (now a part of Pakistan). He graduated with honors from Lahore Medical College with a Bachelors of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Ved married our lovely mother, Shanti Kumari Luthra (whom he affectionately called Shanta) in 1955 in the month of September. Shortly, thereafter, they had a beautiful baby girl, whom they named Jyotsna, who is pictured here with her cousin Poonam, Shanta, and Ved. He went on to have three more daughters. Ved had a successful career with a pharmaceutical firm, IDPL in India where he held an executive position. He went on to work for the Ministry of Health and held the position of Under Secretary of Health. He then transitioned to the World Health Organization, and finally joined the World Bank in 1980 as a Public Health Specialist. Since his passing, we have received emails from family and hundreds of friends who called him their own as "grandpa" and "uncle". All tributes had a common thread and message: Mr. Kumar made everyone feel special. His neighbor, Shilpie said, "He met our friends once when we had him over for dinner and the next time, he greeted each and everyone by their first name." His cousin, Dr. Vinod Sachdeva echoed the same sentiment. Our dearest father will be sorely missed by Preety, me, his grandchildren that extend beyond immediate family to include Sahil, Neel, Shikha, Shamik, Priya, and Sonia. His brothers and their families will miss him very much and have shared their closeness to Ved in their own words (under comments) and in the photographs that are posted here. Bandu, who made our fathers last months on earth so very special by treating him like a king, serving him high tea daily, and caring for him as if he were her own father, said she is going to remember him forever. A death notice in the Washington Post will be available to be viewed on Friday, June 4th. Below are comments and quotes from many of you and us. "One of Phuphaji's teachings has really stuck with me: a promise made must be kept. Whether large or small, he always kept his promises. If he said a birthday card is on the way, surely enough it would arrive soon after. If he promised to share nutritional advice for acid reflux, the conversation would be followed by a letter with a daily diet plan. Through his example, the idea that one must only make a promise if one can keep it was etched deeply in my mind." -Rashmi, Ved's loving niece "My Bade Chachaji was my guardian angel during my childhood days. I used to run to him for every problem and he would sort it out for me.This bond continued forever. For me he was an inspiration, a role model and have always tried to emulate a lot his characteristics in my profession." - Ila, Ved's loving niece Dad, I will always love you. You were the most wonderful father one could have asked for. Please accept this as my homage. I do not know if I will be able to speak at the funeral. I don't think I inherited the public speaking gene:). Until we meet again... Your daughter in morning (Dolly) "Bhaisaab was a father figure for us, and his passing is a terrible loss. We miss him and will continue to miss his visits and keeping the family united".. Love & Prayers, Manju & Sat "Badhey Chachaji was my role model....that's how I would want to live in my life: Live Life Kingsize. He knew how to live his life to the fullest. Whether it was his daily walk routine or enjoying his palak, paneer IU a, dal, curd ... or unwinding with a game of cards over drinks with friends." "I miss him very much and love him. Thanks to God for a man like him. Wherever he is gone, may he be peaceful. My family sends their sympathies." -Bandu, dad's caregiver since the stroke in January 2020. "Chachaji always made me feel special and loved. Amongst my most vivid childhood memories are the ones of his vibrant postcards sent from various countries his travels would take him to. All of them addressed to “Piddi Kumar”, his pet name for me. My 8th birthday was extra special because he was in town and we all went to Taj Mahal hotel for dinner.....for an 8 year old that was just the most glamorous thing to do....and that too with a spanking new “imported” orange and white polka dotted frock! He followed my career growth with interest and was most happy when I joined Shell. Will miss him but happy that he lived a full life and I would like to celebrate that." Arpana Kumar Ahuja (Mini)