I will always cherish Thej's friendship and example

I feel privileged to have known Thej as a close friend. Each time I think of Thej, I think of the wonderful qualities that shone through him: pure friendship, poise, humility, balance, utter selflessness, a constant concern for others' well-being, sweetness, simplicity. I know his physical presence will be deeply missed... but I tell myself that he is now one of our angels, silently helping us, as he did when he was with us.

While his affliction with cancer and his passing are indeed tragic, the way he dealt with the reverses in his life is truly remarkable. He smiled when it was difficult to smile. When it was hard to put up with continuous pain, he not only did so, but reached out to help his friends, even strangers. When it was easy to lose faith in himself and God, he remained hopeful and positive. Even during his final days, how poised he was in spite of pain requiring the strongest of pain killers! During that time, he told me that he felt that he and Kalpana had learnt so much while going through cancer; I saw in him such acceptance and hope, even at a time when the pain must have been at its acutest. I never heard him complain, or be bitter about his difficult experiences. He was appreciative of the littlest act of kindness, regardless of how difficult times may have been. In these ways, I feel he remained mentally and spiritually above by his trials.

Although Thej is no longer physically with us, I feel that his soul, his friendship and example are ever alive... and these I will ever cherish.

Though I only met Thej once, last year at Christmastime, he left me a lasting impression: that of a thoughtful and kind soul. Throughout our conversation, I remember, his eyes were tranquil and his smile humble and serene. He did not say much, but his silence spoke volumes and reassured me that he had found peace within himself. That example of dignity and courage, in the face of adversity, is the mark of a true Man and I am sincerely grateful that our paths crossed. My prayers reach out to Thej and his lovely family and friends.

Words cant describe the tragedy.

ss said...
Words cant describe the tragedy. Thej was a wonderful person. He loved to be among friends, proof which can be seen in the many photographs.During the college days, though he had been a day scholar, he spent most of the time in the hostel, playing cricket/chess with us.Many years back, when me (SS), Sankar & Vasu dropped in his house, he literally jumped with joy on seeing us. Some years later, he and Kalpana, proved great hosts when a big group (15+) of friends and friends of friends, landed in San Diego and they arranged stay for all of us that late in night, much to the amazement of friends of friends.May all of us, family and friends, find the courage to face time after Thej.
May 21, 2007 9:49 PM

Thej drove my mother to LAX

Kartik said...
Thej drove my mother to LAX when she first visited the US in 1999. At the time, I (a graduate student) did not have a car myself, and Thej immediately gave up an evening to help. And this was typical--he would always be ready to help out, without any sense of resentment, or without leaving any sense of obligation. In other words, truly selfless.
May 22, 2007 11:51 AM

Thej

I had the opportunity to work with Thej for a light music program that we organized for Tamil Sangam in Jan 2005. Thej was very comfortable to work with and patiently attended all the rehearsal sessions inspite of having a family with two kids. He came across as an extremely polite, hospitable, courteous, sweet person and a great father and husband. He had us all over for dinner a week before the event. After the program, whenever we ran into each other, he used to greet me with a big smile. Little did I know what those smiles concealed. I was humbled looking at the kind of friends he has gathered over the years. All of us will miss him.

Anush

Dear Friends

Thej was a wonderful human being and touched the lives of so many people. Over the weeks since his passing we have heard countless stories of Thej's gentle nature, his keen wit, devotion to God, and love of family and friends.

Please use this blog to document your memories of Thej so all of us can enjoy them for years to comes.

In divine friendship,
Adam

Thej Gnanaseelan

As you may have heard, our beloved friend Thej Kumar Gnanaseelan passed away on Thursday, April 19th, at approximately 11:20PM after heroically battling cancer for 5 years. His passing was peaceful and painless, surrounded by his wife and friends. His life was a remarkable example of kindness and sweetness, poise and strength in times of adversity, and an ever-ready sense of humour.

We would like to honor Thej with two services -- to send him our love, to pray for a peaceful transition from this world, and to comfort his family and friends. There will be viewing followed by funeral on Wednesday, April 25 from 10.30 AM to 12:30 PM in the Garden Chapel at the Greenwood Mortuary. This funeral will consist of a short Vedic ceremony to bring peace to Thej's soul.

On Sunday April 29, there will be a memorial service followed by an informal reception at the Self Realization Fellowship San Diego Temple from 2 PM to 4 PM.

We hope that you will join us to remember and honor Thej. Also feel free to pass on this information to other people as appropriate.

Regards,Mohan Mysore (on behalf of Thej's wife Kalpana Sivaraman)