A Hasty Fond Farewell to an Ailing Friend
David Raj spoke his feelings at the hastily arranged farewell reception for him at Sanjay Rao’s home.
By Jawahar Malhotra
SUGAR LAND: It was convened two days earlier as soon as he had made up his mind and bought the ticket to leave for India. His friend and business colleague Asheet Yagnik sprung into action, sending out emails that spread quickly like wildfire. News spreads fast, they say, and bad news spreads faster. But for most, this news was unbelievable. And it was a powerful reminder of the impermanence of Man, yet the lasting impact of his deeds.
David Raj had shown his community spirit five years ago through his contact with some people whom he gave advice to as a wealth and financial planner. He had been in Houston since 2001 after he moved to the US from Hong Kong and slowly set up house, eventually settling into a townhome on Houston’s Westside. But it wasn’t till 2010 that he really showed up on the community scene as a Director on the Indo American Charity Foundation’s Board.
Dr. Rajan Santosham and Cheruba, Raj’s sister, escorted David back to Chennai with them last Sunday.
Always vocal and often controversial with a liberal use of four letter words, David had made his mark at first through the IACF, which he supported with all his heart and generously with his money, then as its President in 2012. During the last four years, he was forefront in establishing a program, which will be his lasting legacy in Houston. Keen on helping uplift people, David understood that education was the key and pushed for creating the Education Initiative of the IACF for a mentoring program in science and math for young underprivileged kids.
Some of the close friend of David’s listened as they learnt of his plans to move back to Chennai. Photos: Jawahar Malhotra
About the same time, two years ago, David learnt that he had Stage 4B stomach cancer and went through a radical procedure that effectively removed the majority of his stomach. From his constantly smiling face, you’d never know that he had gone through a major surgery and was battling the disease. He continued his life with his usual passion and gusto: playing guitar with his band at his 60th birthday party two years ago in November, visiting friends and relatives overseas; traveling to foreign destinations. And always with his infectious laugh, with sparkling white teeth, the shoulder length hair he preferred and wide brimmed eyes.
A year ago, he decided to build a “place where people can get together, a place like they’ve not seen before in this town, Bro,” he said when he opened up India Coffee House on Hillcroft next to Kohinoor Diamonds. And with the sparkling Star Lit Ceiling and Civets coffee, he was right. Then, after careful planning, just a month ago, in what is surely his lasting legacy, David launched a new non-profit called iEducate, announcing it in the inner-city Crockett elementary School, to set up a mentoring program for young kids.
He has entrusted this all to the hands of his brother Daniel who has moved here from New Jersey and the staunch band of friends who came to see him off this past Sunday, August 25 at the Sugar Land home of Sanjay Rao. His cancer had returned months ago, more aggressively than before and David had foregone any further treatment. His doctors gave him a few months, which turned to weeks at his check up last week. As he deteriorated fast, his visiting sister Cheruba and her husband Dr. Rajan Santosham who is a physician, convinced him it was time to go home with them. With many hugs to David, as he flashed his gleaming smile, it was an emotional adieu to a friend who endeared himself so quickly to everyone he met.
(David emailed upon his safe arrival in Chennai)