Hello everyone. My name is Deepak Bhagat and I am truly honored to speak today at the Celebration of Ashok Chandra’s Life. We share a common bond in our alma mater, as Ashok was 4 years senior to me at IITK. Although I never met him while in college, I remember hearing about his illustrious accomplishments, including earning the President’s Gold Medal award in 1969.
It was 1999 when I formally met Ashok in the Bay Area. I was beginning to set up the IITK Alumni Chapter here and frequently sought his advice during this process. Over the years, our friendship grew -- What had started as a discussion regarding our alma mater turned into a deep mentorship, where I could seek his advice on a wide range of topics, such as work, life, spirituality and anything in between. Ashok not only made himself available but was genuinely interested in what I had to say – I will always remember that.
Ashok’s selfless nature extended beyond our friendship to include greater ambitions, such as helping our home country - India. In 2007, he was the driving force behind a Manifesto that aimed to improve research centers in India. Not only did he chair the committee behind this manifesto, but he also presented our recommendations to the President of India in September 2007, when the President was visiting the Bay Area. I have brought the original copy, which the President signed, and would like to bequeath this item to the family today.
I will always remember the time I spent with Ashok. He left a great impression on me and is a role model to all of us in the community.
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