Bansi Lal Kachru's Obituary
With great sadness we share the peaceful passing of Bansi Lal Kachru on Saturday September 9, 2023, as he was surrounded by his family. He was our inspiration and a source of unwavering strength who led an exemplary life, brimming with nurturing & loving relationships. A fountainhead of knowledge, he continued to learn until his final day, leaving behind countless memories to cherish, honor, and emulate. His values will forever reside in our hearts and thoughts.
Mr. Kachru was born in Srinagar and moved to Delhi early in his life to study. He displayed a passion for aircraft engineering and joined Indian Airlines as a ground engineer and continued to rise within the ranks until his retirement in 1989 as the Deputy GM of all Indian Airlines ground operations. He moved to work in private industry in the nascent private aviation sector in India until 2007 when he moved to be with his daughter and son-in-law in Fremont, California.
One plays so many roles in one’s life, but even than he was addressed as “Bhaiya'' by his family, true to the name he was a universal brother to all, this is the role he fulfilled all his life dutifully and selflessly. He was blessed to have been introduced to Swami Lakshman Joo when he married Indra Zutshi, niece of Swami Lakshman Joo. On visits to Delhi by Swamiji he was assigned the job of organizing local trips along with his brother-in-law late Girdhari Lal Kak, the silent unassuming disciples. However, the watershed moment in Bhaiya’s life occurred when Swamiji blessings gave his brother Indian Airlines Captain M. K Kachru a new lease on life. This forever changed him. He became the pillar that supported the umbrella of the spiritual journey of his elder brother, sister-in-law, Mohini Kachru and his wife. After moving to America to live with his daughter, Abha and son-in-law Arvind Nehru, he took up the mantle of keeping the family connected. He religiously called his family in India and other countries to check on their welfare including keep track of their professional achievements. He reached out to his friends from various decades and engaged in lengthy conversations on staying healthy and fit. Staying healthy and fit came naturally to him, an ace student all his life, he followed health instructions from his doctors so he could be the best patient as well. Meeting with his primary doctor was a social visit for him where he could list out his workout routine and get an A grade, which he did even a month before he breathed his last.
A voracious reader, a walking encyclopedia of world events, and with having his pulse on current affairs, he made special unique connections with all whom he met. He was a passionately proud of India and entered long conversations on the directions of events in his home country. Many evenings of conversations kept us all engaged in discussions. By his actions and deeds he continued to profoundly touch lives of all who crossed his life’s path up until his last days, including the doctors, nurses and nurse assistants who took care of him during his last days. They were amazed at his spirit and entertained by his humor; they recognized in a few days the attitude with which our “young Bansi” lived his life. Forever inquisitive to learn new things from all walks of life and sharing the knowledge with others.
Abha & Arvind Nehru (daughter and son-in-law)
Mehnaz & Raghav Nehru (grandson and granddaughter-in-law)
Raihan Nath Nehru (great-grandson)
Bhaiya is fondly remembered and celebrated by his brother, sisters, nephew, nieces, grandchildren & great grandchildren:
Radhe Kishen Kachru
Sheila & Nand Lal Zutsh i
Asha & Raj Kubba
Sharika Kak
Ashok & Usha Zutshi
Chaman Lal, Mohini Malla & Family
Kulgam-Zutshi Family
Omji Razdan Family
Panditas-Bhaskarnath Family
Bushan Jalali
Ranjana & Raj Wanchoo
Neena & Vinod Vishin
Ravi & Anjali Kachru
Pamela & Ajay Koul
Meenakshi & Bal Ganjoo
Anup & Rita Zutshi
Aroop & Nixy Zutshi
Ajoy & Deepika Zutshi
Sunil Sazawal
Meera & Sanjay Razdan
Yoginder & Anshu Kak
Upendra & Shveta Bhatt
Nitu & Ekta Bhatt
Aashish & Rohini Zutshi
Amresh Zutshi
Divya Bhat
What’s your fondest memory of Bansi?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bansi?
Share a story where Bansi's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bansi you’ll never forget.
How did Bansi make you smile?