The first time I met Harshie uncle was at Prerna’s baby shower. It was the first time I was going to meet soon-to-be ‘my extended family’ and I was very nervous (a baniya boy meeting a true Punjabi family so you can imagine the bhangra happening in my stomach).

I reached the venue a couple of hours in advance, and true to time, Harshie uncle was there. He introduced himself like a thorough gentleman, and just started chatting with me about my work, about his work, about Delhi, about Bombay, and suddenly, I was already a part of this family. I will always remember that moment.

For me, Harshie uncle will always be known for his lovely little anecdotes, his big heart and how his unconditional love and warmth made you feel special.

May his soul rest in peace.

आज हम हैं, कल हमारी यादें होंगी ।
जब हम न होंगे, तब हमारी बातें होंगी ।
अगर कभी पलटोगे ज़िंदगी के पन्ने,
तौ हमारी यादों के साथ, मुस्कुराहटें होंगी ।
– Akshay

I do share a similar story when I first met Harshie Mamaji at Sun n Sand hotel in Mumbai roughly 6 years back. He made Prarthna sign on the credit card slip instead of his name and then took me for a 10 minute walk on the beach where we chatted about my reasoning for settling in US vs. India. His demeanour indeed reflected a gentle and influential Captain and I can never forget our first meeting. This is an unbearable loss for our family and we all pray for him as he did for us. May god give him eternal rest!
– Sumit

I am at loss of words. Everyone’s memories of him reflect who he was – always full of conversations and warmth that made people comfortable in the very first meeting.

Going through all the pics and anecdotes the family is sharing, I still can’t believe he’s no more with us. I never saw Papaji – Harshie uncle was like a grandfather to me. He would drop me to school every day when he was posted in Delhi. After going back to Bombay, whenever he called he would ask me to do this “Bhangra” and I would put the phone on the side and do my little dance as if he were watching. On every trip to Delhi, he would book a “facial appointment” with me and we would talk for hours discussing his work, my career, he would give me math problems to solve – almost anything and everything under the sun. When I was in Bombay for my MBA, he never let me feel that I was away from family. Early every week, he would initiate a lunch/ dinner plan for the weekend and true to his nature would arrive half an hour early to pick me while I was rushing to get ready :). He was popular amongst all my friends as Harshie Uncle, who would take us to the fanciest of places 🙂

One thing that he would always say is that our generation lacks entrepreneurship. He would now be so proud how many of us have started our own ventures, and so successfully.

All the pics shared on this group reflect his unique style, personality and charm. He showered enough love on all of us that would last a lifetime…Love you Harshie Uncle.
– Prarthna

I was remembering Harshie mama, just a few days back. Dhruv had sent a video of a motorboat he had made and it reminded me of how mom would often talk about that Harshie mama, as a kid, used to make paper boat/s and then follow it all around the colony, floating in the rain water.
He was always a Man of the sea!
Sitting here so far away it has just not sunk in (no pun intended!), that he is no more…
– Parakh

Too many memories of Harshie mama. We were very close to him because mom was very close to her brothers. For mom he was her elder brother even though he was a year and a half younger to her. She was extremely proud of Harshie mama, infact proud of all three brothers. A disciplined man, always spoke positive things, never heard any negative comments. A very proud father and never missed an opportunity to mention Amit in his conversations and totally dependent on Manju mami for everything. As kids we were often asked to write essays, perhaps his way of keeping us busy. He had an excellent career both as a navy man and then as a business man. He will be remembered and will be in our hearts forever.

– Anuj

We have such beautiful memories of a very kind soul indeed. Harshie mama, you will always be remembered, loved and cherished. Take care everyone. Love you and miss you all.
– Nidhi

Beautiful memories and lively old pictures, thanks for sharing everyone.
It started to sink in more this afternoon and especially while reading whatsapp messages just now – the best writer of the group, who always described even the smallest gesture, provided elaborate details and was always positive in every conversation with such a unique style, isn’t here with us.
We will all miss you a lot Harshie Mama.
– Rachit

Loving memories last forever. Harshie Mama you will always be remembered loved and cherished. Love always.
– Yamini