A Tribute – In Memory of Professor Subhash Karampuri


It is with profound sadness that we note the sudden passing of our dear friend Subhash, following heart complications. We were very close to Subhash and his family from the time we first met them in 1976 at the newly established Kakatiya University (KU) in Warangal, India. While we were in different departments at KU—Subhash in Botany, Aravind in Physics, Najmuddin and John in Economics—we became very close friends and shared a strong bond. On campus, we were inseparable and known as the ‘Gang of Four’.

Our friendship extended beyond the campus, and we became very close to Subhash’s family, spending many evenings and weekends at his house. His family became our family in Warangal, as the three of us were then bachelors. We enjoyed the warm hospitality and delicious cooking of Shashi, and the affection of his young sons, Sujai and Sushil, who would sit on our laps and hug us.

Our friendship with Subhash did not end when the three of us went to the USA in the early 1980s. Being a distinguished scholar, Subhash presented research papers at several international conferences and visited the USA multiple times. Whenever Subhash visited the USA, he would spend a few days at each of our homes, and we would reminisce about our joyful times in Warangal. Similarly, whenever any of us visited Hyderabad, Subhash would spend a lot of time with us, chaperoning and entertaining us. It was as if we had never parted.

Subhash often described himself as a humanist, in the style of J.B.S. Haldane. We fully recognized and admired his simple, humble, down-to-earth nature and appreciated his fun-loving personality. He was always smiling and rarely showed irritation or anger. He encouraged and supported his wife Shashi in continuing her college education after several years of break to raise the family. He was also very supportive of his two sons' education and careers. The great professional success and achievements of his sons are a testament to Subhash’s vision, guidance, and encouragement. He was also a very affectionate grandfather and doted on his many grandchildren.

Subhash’s generous and kind nature drew many students to him. He was a great mentor, visionary guide, and supervisor to dozens of Ph.D. candidates. Many of his students achieved great success in their academic careers, largely due to Subhash’s inspiration and guidance.

Each of us had slightly different interactions with Subhash. However, one thing was common: to each of our parents, Subhash was like another son. He and Shashi were very close to all of them. Subhash would visit our parents when they were alive and check on their welfare.

Subhash is not physically with us, but he continues to live in our thoughts because he carved a special place in each of our hearts. We have too many sweet memories of him to ever forget. Our thoughts and prayers are with Shashi, Sujai, Susheel, and their families. May his soul rest in peace.

Aravind Akella (NY)
Najmuddin Shaik (Illinois)
John Praveen (NJ)

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