sunil (woody) mahajan - ais/aeswoody)mahajantribute.pdf · sunil (woody) mahajan ode to my big...

Sunil (Woody) Mahajan

My dearest Sunil,

The first time I met him was at the amusement park. Both of us went to work but needed a break, so his friends and my group ran away from work and started going on the rides at the park. I felt very good about him immediately—he was such a nice, sweet, sincere, and smart guy. Afterwards, we kept in touch and I thought that I would do or be anything to be with him. Finally, his Dad and Mom arranged an Indian marriage ceremony for us in India.

Sunil was always supporting me, in every way. He made me stronger in my way of thinking and taught me how to deal with all kinds of situations. I was always so happy to be with him and our two golden retrievers. He loved and was kind to all animals. He also always said that he was very lucky since he had such great friends from high school and college, all over the world. He loved to travel to meet his friends. Now he is on a long journey. Hope I will see you again, my dearest Sunil. You will always be in my heart.

Tum* (April 5, 2020)

* Woody’s wife

For questions or to add content, please contact Sunit Rikhi, Caretaker of BITS7479 memorial pages ([email protected])

Sunil (Woody) MahajanOde to my big brother:

My earliest memories of my brother are from Ottawa, Canada, my dad’s second posting. Sunil’s best friend was a Sikh boy. The two of them skipped school one day to go fishing at Rideau Canal. His friend had left his long hair open and fell into the Canal while trying to catch a fish. Sunil didn’t know how to swim, but immediately jumped after him to try and save him. A Canadian man ended up saving them both, but the next morning the local news heading was about how “a young boy risked his life to save his girlfriend” (i.e. his friend with the long hair). My dad found out when people from the embassy started calling him. My parents had no idea because when Sunil had come home soaking wet the day before, his only explanation had been that he’d fallen into some water. My parents had naively believed he meant a puddle.

That was the kind of person he was from the start. He would do absolutely anything for his friends. And he always had plenty! Over the years, his friends from school, AES and later from BITS, became his family… Continued on next page

Sunil (Woody) MahajanOde to my big brother: (Continued from last page)

He seemed to have friends in every corner of the world and not just acquaintances, but people with whom he’d built lifelong and meaningful friendships.

Sunil loved his friends, his wife and family, his goldens and every animal he encountered. Although he was taken from us suddenly and way before his time, he had a zest for life and lived it to the fullest without regret. Last November, on a whim, he decided to celebrate his birthday in Bhutan and flew out just for the night. I remember telling him how risky it was with his delicate health, but knowing now that was his last birthday, I’m so grateful he spent it doing what he loved—exploring Earth’s greatest wonders. In his Facebook profile, he calls himself a “wandering star of the universe” and now when I look to the heavens, I will find him amongst those stars, shining bright. Rest in Peace, my brother. I’ll see you on the other side now.Anju


“Tum was about to take him for dialysis, he said he felt very tired and rested his head on the dining table. Didn’t lift his head! When she checked 5 minutes later. He was no more. Left in peace without a sound . RIP buddy! You will be remembered by many!”

- Roop Raj, April 1, 2020.

Woody graduated with MA, ECO from Pilani in 1979 and passed away on April 1, 2020 at his home in Bangkok after a long bout with kidney disease.


“Sure thanks, buddy! When you have limited choices and your present day may be your last, you learn to live in the moment and not waste time complaining! ;)”

- Woody on18th March 2020. - (In response to Roop’s appreciation of Woody’s

efforts in handling his ill health

To know Woody, this is all we need to know:


Woody in Bhutan.

His last birthday trip in 2019


A conversation with Nandu:

[1/5/2019, 10:08 PM] Nandakumar: Cheer up man. You'll be okay. Get well soon.🍻[1/5/2019, 11:07 PM] Woody: You’re right, Nandu boss! I need to shed the negative shit and cheer up! Thanks for kicking my ass!


..with his golden Happy


RIP Sunil: with Tum, Ashley and Nolini Barretto (FB)

- Peter


Woody’s Chat on Twitter (2009) - Contributed by Kanak Madrecha

Sunil Mahajan @delhiwallahEducated at AES Delhi, BITS Pilani and UWO; work as UN and International Business Consultant.Bangkok Thailand Joined May 2009

May 29, 2009Having a wonderful time on the beach @ Cha-am ;) The weather has been fantastic!·May 25, 2009Monday night..late night..and I feel like partying! travel puts everything out of synch ;) anybody got tomorrow off and wants to join me???·May 25, 2009Healthcheck time...for the Goldens...off to the vet @ Mahidol Vet Hospital. Studying India-based projects, too

Woody’s conversation with Ramchand Burra


Couldn't help thinking of the words from his thought provoking song.

" When the minute’s up ...so are you "!

- Jacob Mani


It seems our dear friend Sunil woody Mahajan collapsed and passed away half hour back. Fighter that he was. Sad. Rest in peace. You will be remembered for your fighting spirit. Live in our hearts forever.

- Roop Raj


Just 24 hours ago I thought about woody and wondered if he was doing alright with his dialysis treatment in these days of covid19. I had made a note to call him today. Today, upon waking up, I find I was too late. Very sad. Woody becomes the 28th in our batch to depart, and the first in 2020 to depart. May he not need dialysis where ever he has gone - Sunit Rikhi

My heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family

- PS Raju

Oh no. What a loss. Always admired Sunil's smiling countenance and keen outlook for the world around us even though he was suffering from internal body ailments. Hosted him and Tum when he was visiting our area in 2000 and though we stayed in touch I never got to meet him after that. Rest In Peace, dear friend. We will forever cherish the smile, the fighting spirit, the friendship and the love of the environment.

- RK Jain

Very sad to hear this. He was in regular touch with me a couple of months ago in connection with some work one of his friends had. He always sounded very positive, cheerful and as if all his problems were over. A great guy. RIP dear Woody!

- Vijay Garg

Woody is a positive joyous person who could be like that even in face of terrible calamities which he faced with his medical problems which would have taken down weaker minded people. He never gave up, looking for therapies and fighting till the end. I narrowly missed meeting him when he visited California. He would refer to even serious problems easily and did manage them successfully. He is a lovely person. Om shanti shanti shanti. Proud to know him as my friend. - Burra

Absolutely Burra, that is what we need to learn from him - Nandu

Goodbye Woody old chap. I was so shocked this morning. Will miss our chats and your posts. You fought a great battle so far and were an inspiration.Our plans to meet will have to wait. Be with Happy. I will miss you.

My deepest condolences to Tum.- Bala


Special thanks to Tum, Anju, Roop, Bala, Pragnya Seth (BITS78-83) for the content in this memorial.

RIP Woody, and we will remember you always. - Sunit Rikhi

sunil (woody) mahajan - ais/aeswoody)mahajantribute.pdf · sunil (woody) mahajan ode to my big...

Documents