Bhaiya, Bhabi, Samarth:

There are no words that can describe what has happened.  I am deeply saddened and am thinking of you all.

I am in Colombia at the moment and was unable to call today.

Sparsh was not only a role model for his younger cousins, but an inspiration to all of us. He always carried himself with pride, and had a presence about him where ever he went.

He and I bonded at a very early age and that and due to small age difference he was more like a little brother to me than a nephew.  I miss him.

Siddharth

Hello and Pranam,

I was in Sparsh's section D at HBS. I climbed Kilimanjaro with him, when he had the most energy after our strenuous summit! I remember good talks in the HBS tunnels between our classroom and dorms. I've been so shocked by your family's loss. Sparsh has been truly special. For a start, this is what I posted on FB, in the spirit of reaching out to you -

[Sparsh Bhargava, you have been such a sincere, thoughtful, intelligent, and truly genuine person who I consider a gift to the world. I can still see you setting up your tripod on Kilimanjaro for stunning pictures at sunset. I looked forward to interesting conversations and debates at D dinners with you. I remember that you're my only friend who likes khichdi (Bihari rice dish)!

I'm still in shock for this loss, particularly during Diwali. These days, it's harder for us to make it home for Diwali, so it's that much more special and joyous when we can. I'm glad you'd booked a flight home for Friday, so you were looking forward to the celebration and all our traditions. Diwali is a time to bring together all our friends and family, and I wish your family all the strength and love that comes from our community. May Bhagvan's light help you heal through these difficult days.

I'm so grateful to have known Sparsh. We will always remember and miss you.]

Sparsh and I have talked about our family traditions and how much we share in common. I keep visioning my home at Diwali - I find solace in the thought that Sparsh shared this image of home and happy anticipation. I also imagine how your home must have felt all weekend, and some of the simple heart breaking steps you went through in deciding what to with each diya... I can't even bring myself to write out what this would be like in my home... I really send you so much love now. My heart goes out to you in way that I know will never be sufficient. Sparsh's presence changed any room for the better. I'm ever grateful to have known him.

I wasn't close to Sparsh, but even I know how much his family was his first priority. Thank you for all the support and love you've given him - it's natural and easy to you, but all the more valuable through the years. You have been wonderful and Sparsh has been fortunate. I continue to wish you strength and solace through your grief.

Best wishes,

Smriti

Hi Samarth,

Frida and Juan called me yesterday to let me know the news.  Sparsh was literally the first person I met at HBS - we sat next to each other on day one (and for our first semester at HBS) - and I will be forever grateful for that amazing gift I was given.  He was a terrific friend to me from day one, and I was honored to have him at my wedding in Italy just after our graduation.

Sparsh was an amazing individual in so many ways, and I can't comprehend that I won't hear his voice again or see his terrific smile or chase him around the squash court.  He combined so much intelligence with so much empathy, and in many ways was the best of humanity.  I couldn't have been sadder about the loss of anyone from our class - he truly was the best of us.

We were meant to catch up a few weeks ago in NYC, but both of our busy schedules wouldn't allow it; I will forever mourn that missed opportunity.  I was in Madrid catching a flight home with work on Friday, and the story of him in Dusseldorf cut close to home in that it seems that a different role of the dice could have meant my friends and family mourning in the way Sparsh's are now.  Life can be incredibly unfair, and in this instance it certainly does feel that way.  I feel robbed of 50 more years with him, and I'm sure this is a tiny fraction of how you and the family must be feeling.

There is nothing any of us can say or do to make things even slightly better for you, but I hope that hearing how much he meant to me (and I'm sure that's echoed across many people he has touched) might help you remember the warmth of his character and how truly loved he was.

Please pass on my love and warmest thoughts to your family.  We all grieve with you, and will remember him so very fondly.  I hope to give you all a hug at whatever memorial you end up having to celebrate a wonderful man that was taken from us all far too soon.

With my very best regards,

Luke Weston

Dear Section D Family,

We are deeply saddened to share the note below from Samarth, Sparsh's brother.

Please keep Sparsh and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.  Samarth is copied on this email.

We will greatly miss him.

Sincerely,

Juan and Frida

Oh, no! This is very sad news, Juan – I couldn’t believe what I was reading.

I remember Sparsh so well – pleasant, smart, kind. I feel greatly for his family my heart goes out to them. Please let me know regarding the arrangements in Boston.

Thank you for sharing with me,

Regards,

Bharat

Samarth,

Words cannot express how sorry I am for the loss of your brother. As a sectionmate getting to know him was a great joy. He was such a warm and thoughtful person not to mention an extremely bright mind. He will be missed dearly. 

May God comfort you and your family during this hard time.

Katrina Moseley Journey

Samarth,

Sparsh was a great guy, we became good friends during business school - and was excited to see him in the reunion next year. Will miss him a lot!

Be sure I will keep him and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Please send me the details of his funeral, I am in Portugal (south Europe) but may be able to go to Boston for the funeral.

Warmly,

José

I am deeply saddened to read of Sparsh's passing. Please accept my sincere condolences to you and your entire family. Sparsh was a wonderful addition to our HBS section - kindhearted, warm, engaging, and, of course, intelligent. He was taken much too soon. I can't even begin to imagine what you are going through. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I can only hope that your grief passes quickly and only the happiest memories remain. If there is anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to let me know.

Warmest regards,

Ashley

Hello,

My condolences.

We are very saddened to hear of your recent loss. No words can describe how sorry I am for your loss. Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow.

I want you to know that I am here for you during this difficult time.

Tina

Very very sorry to hear about their loss. May God give the family strength and peace in this tough time. They are in our prayers!

Ritu

Dear Juan, Frida

This really is the saddest news. I'm at a loss for words, and I can't imagine how his family and close friends must be feeling at this time. He was the sweetest, nicest guy and I'm grateful to have known him for the short time we had at business school. It really is difficult to comprehend how he has been taken so soon.

I know some of us are in far off places, but we are thinking of Sparsh in our hearts. Please do let us know if there is anything at all we can do to help.

Thoughts and prayers,

Nikhath

Hi Nibha and Umesh,

It is with great sadness that I write this note to share my deepest condolences.  I am one of Sparsh's section mates from HBS and consider him to be a close friend. He was one of my first friends at HBS and one of a handful that I left with having forged a life long friendship.  When we were last together for Raja's bachelor party in Miami last year, he and I started tossing around the idea for what one day might have been a chance to work together on our own venture.

Sparsh was an amazing individual.  I consider it a great privilege to have known him, and was deeply saddened by the news of his passing.  He was one of the most genuine and caring people I have known.  He had carried with him a deep appreciation of life and everything around him, always finding the positive in everything, never uttering a negative word about anyone or anything.  Time with Sparsh was always filled with laughter and smiles.

As I struggle to find the words to write this note amidst a flood of emotions, I can't begin to comprehend what you must be going through at this time.  I am so sorry for your loss, and can only offer my condolences and assurance that Sparsh had such an impact on people's lives who knew him that you should be infinitely proud of the amazing son you raised.

Sincerely,

Dean Emmerton

Hi Samarth,

I'm so sorry for Sparsh's passing - he was an amazing person and words can't describe the weight of his loss.  He truly lived up to his name and I feel fortunate to have known him.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Yours,

John

Please convey our heartfelt condolence to the family members of Sparsh. It is sad to know. Our prayers are with the family members.

Rakshit & Jyoti

Hari Om,

We are deeply saddened to hear this news. We cannot imagine what the family is going through. If there is anything we can do please let us know.

With prayers to the Lord

Shashi and Dwarakanath

Sorry to hear this awful news I pray that his soull rest in peace and May the family be blessed with inner strengths to survive this tremendous loss

Veena kaur

Hello,

My name is Miguel, I knew Sparsh in graduate school. Sparsh was an incredibly gracious, kind, and funny person, and so intelligent. I am very fortunate to have known him, and he definitely made a wonderful impact on everyone who met him.

Condolences,

Miguel

Aunty and Uncle,

We have never met, but I was Sparsh's classmate at HBS and knew him in NY as well. We are all devastated but I cannot even imagine what you must be going through. I just want you to know that Sparsh was one of the nicest people I met at HBS, and even though his life was cut too short, I will always remember him very fondly and cherish my memories of interactions with him.

My sincere condolences and keeping you all in my prayers and thoughts. Hoping you have the strength to get through this. If I can help in any way, please let me know.

Regards,

Anita

Dear Nibha and Umesh,

Although we cannot even begin to imagine how you and your family feel at this moment, we want to send you a note expressing our sincerest condolences.

We had the opportunity of meeting Sparsh while at HBS. My husband was one of his classmates in section D and I was studying across the river in the Kennedy School. From day one Sparsh was absolutely wonderful and one of the kindest person we've had the opportunity to meet. After graduation we saw him periodically and Fernando and him would frequently talk. He was part of our wedding in 2014 and we met with him in India for Raja's wedding in 2015. The success he had achieved at such young age will continue to amaze us. He has definitely left a mark on us and will be forever remembered as the great person he always was.

Saying that we will miss him doesn't even get close to the feeling we actually have. We will have him in our prayers and hope that he rests in peace.

Please do feel free to reach out if we can help in any way,

Once again, our deepest and sincerest condolences,

Mariale and Fernando

Dear Nibha, Umesh, and family,

I am sending all of my love, thoughts and prayers to you and yours during this sad time.  This is truly heartbreaking.  I am so deeply sorry.  Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you- I am always here for you.

My deepest condolences,

Taylor

Very Sad indeed. Our heartfelt condolences to parents and Family.

May god give strength to the parents and family to cope with this untimely tragedy. This is a great loss for the community.

With Prayers,

Kamal and Vinod Misra

Very sad and shocked for the loss of a very young life. Our hearts go out to the family. Our sincere condolences and prayers for the family. loss of words....

Pramod & Veena

Is dukh bhare avsar par ham yehi prarthna karte hain  ki Nibha aur Umesh ke bete ki aatma ko shanti mile.

Our prayers are with the family.

Kumkum Dilwali

Hello Samarth,

It is indeed a very sad news and very difficult time for all of us especially Bhaiya and Bhabhi. Please let us know if we can help in any way. Also did you get any news from Germany from your cousins.

Regards,

Nidhi Chachi

Dear Nibha and Umesh,

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I was a classmate of Sparsh at business school, and was absolutely shocked to hear the terrible news. Throughout our time at business school, Sparsh stood out as a kind, generous and loyal friend to all those who knew him.

He was such a refreshing addition to any classroom or social setting, and was loved and appreciated by all.

I am sure you will treasure your memories of Sparsh, and I wanted to share my small contribution.

Please accept my deepest condolences.

Steve

My Kusum Mami called me last night highly distressed and wanting to discuss the situation with me. (Actually, she called me just before I might have.)

Not only we shared our anguish, she also remembered very fondly the Agra days when Madhu and Nibha lived almost across the street and how close the two families were. She also talked about the relationship Ram Madhu and their children had with her family including my Raja Mamaji in Lucknow. And, of course, the close family relationship in California with Nimmo Jiji and her entire family.

Very deeply shocked and troubled at the unbelievable the loss of dear Sparsh (even saying it should have been us).

Love,

Bharat Mausaji

Dear Nibha, Umesh and Samarth,

We are stunned to hear the tragic news about Sparsh. Everyone who knows you must be appalled and heartbroken at the loss of your bright, charming and lovable son, who " touched" so many lives. There are no words to adequately express our sympathy for the devastation and profound loss you must be feeling. Please know we are thinking of you and praying for you every minute.

We'll be seeing you soon. Until then, we send all our love and deepest sympathy during this most difficult time.

With love,

Renell and Raj

Hi Umesh chacha, and Nibha chachi:

We were so saddened to hear about Sparsh. We have not met him in some time, but I am sure he inherited all the great qualities and simplicity from both of you.

Please let us know if we can do anything.

Thanks,

Deepak

I have been thinking about him since I learned from Dad on Sat morning.  Part of me wants to roll back the clock. Another wants to go and say to him 'wake up, buddy'.

It seems like only yesterday we saw him at Kalyani's gig at the Bitter End in Manhattan- the genial smiling face.

Very very hard to believe that he is not there with us in the physical form.

Gold bless you for raising such a wonderful child/person.  May he Rest In Peace.

Best,

Ashu

एक दीप  जो सबका प्यारा था, सारे कुल का उजियारा था,
वह दीप दीवाली के दिन पर क्यों हाय !हमसे रूठ गया ?
वह 'स्पर्श' अमावस कर जीवन को, सदा-सदा को छूट गया,
आँखों में सूनापन और भीगी पलके पीछे छोड़ गया
क्यों  निष्ठुर बनकर हम सबको वह यूँ ही रोता छोड़ गया ?
माता की ममता बिलख रही,भाई का प्रेम अधूरा है,
दादी की आँखें सूनी हैं और स्नेह पिता का वंचित हैं 
क्यों क्रूर नियति के हाथों में हम  सबका जीवन संचित है ?
तुम बिन जीवन में दुःख कितने ना कोई उनकी गिनती है, 
तुम नित्य शांति ओर  बढ़ो अब यही प्रभु से विनती है.

-कुश भैया एवं निधि भाभी की ओर से प्रिय स्पर्श को श्रद्धांजलि

Nidhi

Dear Bhaiya and Bhabhi

As someone in the medical field, illness is part of my everyday life.  Despite this the passing of Sparsh has left me numb, speechless, and unable to comprehend.  I cannot even imagine how the immediate family is doing, and I pray for all of you and for Sparsh.  I have had the pleasure of remembering a number of conversations I had with him over the years over the past 2 days. 

Some were about Umesh Bhaiya.  I remember his amazement that his father went to a country bar, Gilley’s bar in Houston, when we came to visit you back in 1976.  His dad seemed pretty cool.

Some were about his personal interests.  I remember his love for the Boston Red Sox, and talk about going to Fenway park.

Some were with others about Sparsh.  Alka Jiji once told me about Sparsh’s leadership around the grandchildren of Kelly Tauji, and how they stay connected and counsel one another even when they went to University.  This clearly is a testament to Sparsh’s personality.  This is how I remember him and this picture from 2004 in Ottawa where he is the proud big brother portrays this sentiment.

Please accept our heartfelt condolences on this incomprehensible loss.

Ravi, Radha, Keshav, Nik
The Bhargava’s of Edmonton Canada

Dear Umesh and Nibha,

Some pictures of Sparsh playing with Griffin and Atreyu in Fishkill in May 2015. They showcase his fun loving nature and how well he got along with children. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten. He will live in our hearts forever. To quote a poet:

May God grant you peace and strength.

Yours in these sad moments,

Bharat, Sadhna,  Neeraj, Holly, Ruchi, Alex and children

So sad to hear about him. It shouldn’t happen with our kids. May his soul rest in peace. Please pass on my prayers and condolences to the parents. May God gives them strength to bear this lose, Ameen.

Razia

Very sorry to hear this Ritu-Ji. Our Deepest condolence to his family. May God and Guru Bless the soul rest in peace and give strength, comfort and support to his family during this difficult time.

Thanks,

Aru and Family

This is indeed sad news.  We have had accidents and suicides.  Some  events had been of deaths due to strokes in middle age.  But thirty one is a seriously young age.  I would like to know more.  No words would console the pain of losing a person full in youth.  I share the grief in the community.

Pray peace!

Bijoy Misra

Very sad indeed!  Cannot imagine the sorrow of the parents and rest of the family!  May God give the family and friends courage to bear this loss.

Neeraj Wadhera

This is so sad! Can't imagine what the family must be going through.  Vijay remembers him from the Bedford days, when Sparsh was his youth group student at Chinmaya Mission for a brief time

Jyoti Vijay Kumar

It is very sad to learn sudden and untimely demise of Sparsh. His very touch brought cheer to people's lives. May his soul rest in peace.

This is going to be a permanent void in your life. Our prayers are with you.

Kishen and Preeti
(Tikku Uncle)

Dear Umesh, Nibha & Samarth—

We are all devastated to hear the sad news.  It is hard to accept for the suddenness, untimely age and the loving personality of Sparsh.  The whole family shares in this unfathomable grief. Many, including myself, will show up to give you love and solace. So, kindly add my email to the active mailing list such that I can come there (from Richmond, VA) at the right time for the cremation.

I hope you also got the voicemail left on Umesh's cell.

Very, very sad,

Jolly 

Dear Samarth,

I was one of Sparsh's classmates in HBS. He was a good friend, and we stayed in touch despite me moving halfway around the world to Asia after graduation. It's hard to believe we just exchanged emails last week for his birthday.

I know your family is in indescribable pain right now from losing Sparsh, and there will always be an empty space where he should be. But I wanted you to know that he touched my life with his quiet humor and generous spirit, and that I will always remember his friendship from our years in Boston. If there is anything at all I can do to help your family, please let me know.

My deepest condolences,

Carl

Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss.

Even though there were many special people in HBS and especially Section D, Sparsh stood out to me and Deema. He was unique. He was the kindest, nicest, warm-hearted person i have met. He had a priceless smile that forced people to be happy around him. He was truly a special human being.

We will truly miss him.

Bassel & Deema

Dear Nibha and Umesh,

I am a sectionmate of Sparsh's at HBS and I am truly sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of Sparsh's kindness, patience and quiet strength. There was a small group of us that often grabbed dinners together in Boston, and I was fortunate to get to know Sparsh well from those dinner events.  He was an incredible person that would really pause and listen to a friend in need, and speaking with Sparsh really would make me feel that things would somehow be better. It is very rare to find a friend who is both extremely intelligent yet of the most kind and sympathetic nature.

I know that no words can describe your sorrows, but I really want to let you know what an incredible person Sparsh is, and how honored I feel to have known him.

My family and I would like to wish you the very best in the years ahead. I live between San Francisco and Hong Kong, and if you ever come to these cities, please please let me know and I would be very happy to show you around. I know that if Sparsh had had the opportunities to visit these cities, he would most certainly have given me a call. I want to extend this hospitality to you as well even in Sparsh's absence.

Rosy

To the Bhargava family:

Sparsh and I were sectionmates together at HBS.  I can't express how shocked and hurt I am to find out about his passing, and I can't imagine what you're going through.

I always found Sparsh to be one of the most genuine people I met at HBS.  It goes without saying that he was bright, sharp and hard working, but what really stood out was the way he carried himself with his community -- loyal, self-sacrificing, curious, gentle, humble.  In a room where everyone's busy making small talk and networking, Sparsh often stood out by asking heartfelt questions and making deeper conversation.  Sparsh would ask questions about my life because he cared and because he was curious; it was never small talk.  I was just texting with another classmate of ours about Sparsh today, and his reflection was, "Sparsh was such an outlier amongst HBS folks."

Despite living in California, I've had the privilege of catching up with Sparsh a few times since graduation -- we were roommates in Italy for Germain Clausse's wedding in 2013, and we spent some time together on a trip I made to New York City in late 2015.  Despite the time that had passed, catching up with Sparsh always felt so natural.  He would ask probing questions, share vulnerable feelings on life, work, love.  Sparsh and I just missed each other on a trip I made out to NYC in late April, and today I regret not having worked harder to get on his calendar.

I really cherish the honor of being a friend of Sparsh's. May he rest in peace.

Best,

Josh

Nibha and Umesh,

My name is Anna and I was a sectionmate of Sparsh's in Section D at Harvard Business School. Sparsh was a kind, down to earth, and noble person - it was such a pleasure to be able to share two years of business school wit him. I so enjoyed spending time with him at section events, getting his perspective on class that day or laughing about something the Professor had said.

I recall how we attended the Harvard vs Yale game together just a few weeks into starting school. It was very cold that day and we all huddled together. Even thought we didn't know each other Sparsh sat next to me and we had the first of many conversations throughout our two years. He was kind, he was thoughtful, and he was always present - a rarity in a sometimes aloof environment like HBS. He was always authentic, and so easy to talk to. He made our experience better, and I'm so thankful to him for that.

So much love and many prayers for your family and loved ones at this tragic time. Sparsh was a very special man and will be missed tremendously by me and by his Section.

With love,

Anna Stetsovskaya

Life has come to a total stop with Sparsh passing away. It is still hard to comprehend that such an epitome of energy, care, humor and accomplished professional could say good bye to us so silently. There was no one who came to his life and was not touched by his sincere interest in them, from his grand mother to the smallest child in the family. He was truly loved by all. I remember the last time I spent some time together at a wedding and I noticed that he was good at everything, including packing his suitcase. I am constantly remembering his smile. This is the hardest blow to our family.

Jaggo Amma

This morning I drew a comparison between Sparsh & Swami Vivekanand

Both brilliant scholars in their own rights.

Accomplishing so much in their short stay on this  planet.

What a great & level headed person [Brother, Son, Grandson] - above all a person who cared for each person he came in contact with.

I never saw him upset or raise his voice.

Chapter two  [Verses 17 - 30] help us immensely- God's will & indestructibility of Atman. So let's cherish his nobility for the of our lives.

Ram-Ram, Mousi & Mousaji 

Mr. and Mrs. Bhargava,

As you know, Sparsh and I lived together in the same dorm both years at HBS (and in the case of our second year, we elected to draw into the dorm lottery system together).  We shared similar intellectual and business interests, so we chose most of our second year classes together.  We also always chose to sit side-by-side in those classes.

We traveled internationally together (including hiking Machu Picchu with Par and Raja), and our friendship grew even stronger post-HBS when we moved to New York City.  While in New York, Sparsh became a close friend of my wife, Nicole, as well.  We were both excited to have him at our wedding in Palo Alto in the summer of 2013.

This summer, we spent time walking through Central Park with Sparsh after having brunch together.  We sat on a bench and chatted.  It was a hot day, so we eventually made our way to an ice cream shop nearby.  The afternoon was simple and unplanned, but very fulfilling.  As always with Sparsh, it didn't take much beyond his presence for us to feel at ease.

Sparsh was a special listener.  He was inquisitive, but never intrusive.  We could always count on him to hear us out.  Both Nicole and I could also always count on his judgment for advice.  He was thoughtful, deep, and nuanced.

Nicole and I are still grieving.  Our hearts are heavy with sorrow, but we are grateful to have had the true privilege to call him a close, dear friend.  He was a kind soul.

Sincerely,

Juan and Nicole

To Sparsh's Family

I cannot even imagine what you are going through right now.  Losing sparsh at such a young age and so unexpectedly is devastating.  I can only hope that you can take solace in the tremendous impact he made in such a short time.

Since I cannot at the moment think of just one memory that really sums up Sparsh's impact on my life, I would like to share my overall impression of him from the years that I knew him as I think that was truly something special.  Sparsh may have been the single kindest, most genuine, well-intentioned person I know.  I can’t remember him ever saying anything but positive, kind things about anyone.  He was always so easy to talk to and just so positive.

When I broke the news to Kate (my wife who was my girlfriend and then fiancee during my years at HBS, but not a student) about his sudden passing, I was surprised by how devastated she was as we had not spent that much time with him as a couple as most of my time with him was in class, at section events (many of which Kate could not attend because of work or other commitments), etc.

What I came to learn was that early on when Kate was just getting to know the section, Sparsh was one of the people who was the nicest and most open and really made her feel like part of the group.  I feel he was that way with everyone, and it just speaks to how special he was.

Sparsh’s time in this world seems all too short, but I know his memory will live on in such a positive light that really he may have accomplished more in that short time than many of us can hope for.

Our thoughts are with you.

Scott & Kate Linzmeyer

Dear Chacha and Chachi,

I am so, so sad to hear of Sparsh's passing. What devastating, incomprehensible news.   He was such a warm, thoughtful, delightful, gentle person.  I have never known someone so stunningly intelligent,  yet so humble.    I loved his broad smile, his quick laugh, and his deep compassion for others. He left a wonderful impression on every single person he interacted with. I was so touched every time he called me "Jiji."

He was an incredible human being,  and I am honored to call him my cousin.  Sending you all the love in our hearts. We are thinking of you every day.

With my sincerest condolences,

Monica

Dear Nibha & Umesh,

There are never enough words to express our sorrow and the pain we share with you.

You have so much to be proud of in Sparsh's life. We still have a vivid memory of his 2 days stay with us here in Jaipur during both brothers' visit 4/5 years back, very homely and loving they were. He had been a talking point among our friends and relatives praising him how fast he has risen in his career and proudly one in our family who made name in such a young age, we would really miss him now and forever.

You made us proud because we could see so much of you both, in Sparsh's wonderful achievement and his character, a sweet, loving, homely but intelligent boy.

In this time of sorrow please know we are with you.

Sushma and Shashi

Dear Nimmo Dadi and Family,

We are very very sad to hear about Sparsh, may God give you all the strength to bear this enormous loss.  Please accept our sincere condolences, our prayers are with the family.

Best regards,

Ramu & Deepa

Respected Nimmo jiji Umesh Nibha Samarrh and family We were shocked to hear about the sudden demise of dear Sparsh. Our heartfelt sympathy for the family and we pray that his soul may rest in peace. Loss of loved one is never easy but we have to accept the will of God. May God give strength to the family to bear this loss. Sparse’s memory will always stay with us.

Naresh Shachi and family

Hello Umesh Ji and Nibha Ji,

We are deeply saddened by the loss that you have encountered. It’s extremely hard to believe Sparsh is no longer with us. May God give him eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the great pain during this difficult time. Our prayers and well-wishes are with you.

Shailendra & Chavi

Bhaiya, Bhabi, Samarth:

There are no words that can describe what has happened.  I am deeply saddened and am thinking of you all.

I am in Colombia at the moment and was unable to call today.

Sparsh was not only a role model for his younger cousins, but an inspiration to all of us. He always carried himself with pride, and had a presence about him where ever he went.

He and I bonded at a very early age and that and due to small age difference he was more like a little brother to me than a nephew.  I miss him.

Siddharth

Dear Bhaiya, Bhabhi and Samarth,

It's been a week since we found out about our dear Sparsh and we are still having a very hard time comprehending this tragedy that has struck our family.  I cannot even begin to imagine the pain you are all feeling.

I still remember when Sparsh came into this world.  He was, in my mind the first child of the new generation.  He was the first baby I felt a connection with and I was so proud to be his Bhua.  He was such a cute baby, such a naughty boy and such a handsome man.  He brought so much joy and hope to all of us.

He took his role as the eldest very seriously too.  He knew that all the young ones looked up to him and that he had to be their role model. He also knew how to take care of his elders.  He made every single person that he met feel like the most important person in the world to him.  The outpouring of love and support worldwide for him is a true testament to his character.

Bhaiya and Bhabhi, you picked the perfect name for him.  You also raised a very fine gentleman.  We are all better people to have had his presence in our lives.  You both should be so proud of the way Sparsh conducted his life.  In his short life he gained respect, genuine admiration and love from everyone whose life he touched.

Samarth, I can understand a little bit of what you are going through.  It's very difficult to lose your older sibling as they get you and who you are better than any friend you will ever have.  They also are the ones who always are there to take care of you right from sharing their toys, the first day of school and all your other firsts.  I know you and Sparsh were very close and were best friends.  I hope you will take comfort in the happy times you shared together and keep those memories alive in your heart.  I believe that Sparsh will always be looking out for you.

I love you guys so much and I wish I could do something to lessen this pain. Sparsh has left a huge hole in our hearts and I will miss him so so much.

Love you,

Charu (Bhua)

Hi, everyone,

Like most of us, I’ve seen Sparsh grow from a hesitant, shy smile to a confident, disarming, infectious one. In the last few times when we met, I noticed how he made a special attempt to connect and actually find out how things were going. At Shaily-Shaun’s wedding, we (Raju and I) remember thinking—Wow, he looks handsome, I’m sure others were thinking so too.

As we saw him move around gracefully engaging with everyone—kids, peers and elders—jumping in to help whenever there was a need, we admired how he’d developed a knack for connecting and genuinely caring. After mummy’s surgery, he patiently sat listening to her as she narrated stories, at that time I wondered if he understood all that she was saying but noticed him enjoying and completely engaged. She is still remembering that touch.

I think Samarth said it well, Sparsh surely did touch us. Let’s try to do the same for others and mean something, as we go through our lives.

Thinking of Sparsh, a few lines:

Nidhi

Dear Mami, Mamaji and Samarth Bhaiya,

Like most people, I still haven’t processed the news that Sparsh Bhaiya is gone. It doesn’t make sense to me that such a caring, smart and generous person like him could be taken from us so early. I’m sad, angry and so confused as to why this had to happen to him. It doesn’t seem fair and it doesn’t seem right. Every time I’ve woken up, I’ve hoped that this would have all just been a huge misunderstanding or a horrible dream, but it’s not.

These past few days, all I’ve been thinking about are the memories I’ve had with Bhaiya. The earliest thing I can remember is him giving me piggy back and horse back rides around Nani and Nanaji’s house and holding me up to the ceiling so I could feel tall like him! Mom would get mad at me for asking to be thrown, and he’d put me down. Not even five minutes after she’d leave, he’d pick me back up after checking to make sure she had left, and let me touch the ceiling again. Sparsh Bhaiya has always been a constant in my life. In all the photo albums and home videos, there are pictures or footage of Bhaiya. He’s always the one looking over me, or making sure I don’t fall or get lost. Even though we didn’t see each other as often as I would have liked, I never once felt any less important to him. He always made me feel special and always took time out to talk to me whenever I’d see him. Sparsh Bhaiya treated me like a little sister and I looked up to him (literally) as a big brother. When I was 6 or 7, I was drawing something and he came and asked me if he could help. We spent an hour colouring this tiny picture, while I taught him elementary school slang. I remember both of us laughing uncontrollably because he sounded so funny trying to imitate me, but at the same time, he genuinely was interested in my life and what my life was all about. He probably wouldn’t have even remembered that time, but I will never forget this because he took time out from a party to spend time with me and just me. Anytime I got the chance to spend time with Sparsh Bhaiya, it would make my day. When he was moving into Harvard, at what probably would have been a busy time, he knew how excited I was that he was going there for school, so he took time out of his unpacking and showed me around the campus. When we walked in front of the library, I thought the building was really pretty, so he was going to show me inside but it was locked. A normal person would have let it go, but he took us through the scary tunnels so we could get inside and so that I could see it because he didn’t want me to be disappointed.

There have been so many things that he has done that wouldn't have seemed significant to him, but meant a lot to me. One time, Sparsh Bhaiya, Umesh Mamaji and Nibha Mami came by near Halloween and he brought me a giant candy platter. Even Mami and Mamaji didn’t know he was bringing it. Obviously, I was extremely excited about it, and he knew that that would be my reaction. He loved making people happy and making them smile, and like most things, he was good at it! He has always encouraged me and wanted me to succeed and to have his support has meant the world to me. My last conversation with Sparsh Bhaiya was on his birthday and again, he left the party to talk to me about school and university applications. It was his day and yet he showed more interest in my future. He offered to help me with my applications and to talk to him whenever I was stressed or confused about the whole process. He re-assured me that everything would be fine, and these words coming from someone who I look up to and have the most respect for, made me feel so much better. I will be forever grateful for everything he has done and shown me.

Writing this now, it still doesn’t feel real. There has been no one like Sparsh Bhaiya and there will never be again, but he’s left his mark and set the example of what a person should strive to be. He was such an amazing role model for all of us and placed the bar remarkably high in all aspects. I don’t know what to do without Sparsh Bhaiya being in my life. Although he physically may not be here with us anymore, his influence and the memories he’s created will stay with us forever. I love him so much, and although I wish I could have told him how important he was to me, and could have spent more time with him, I am so thankful to have gotten the time that I did. Sparsh Bhaiya was one of the best brothers’ I could have asked for and his little sister misses him so much.

Love you all so much.

Jayshree