Desi Talk

DESI TALK February 20, 2026 2 Praful Manilial Shah Dr. Praful M. Shah passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at the age of 83, after a short illness. He was born in 1942 in Bilimora, Gujarat to Dr. Manilal and Mrs. Lilavati Shah. He was the second youngest of six children. He loved his ancestral home and enjoyed spending time there with his family and friends. Praful attended Jai Hind College in Mumbai and then went to Calcutta National Medical College where he earned his medical degree. He completed his internship at KEM in Mumbai and returned to Bilimora to join his father’s dispensary. Soon after he married Kishori Vora in 1968. They moved to the US in 1972 where he completed his Internal Medicine residency in Bridgewater, Connecticut. He was a dedicated, caring physician to his patients for over 40 years while in private practice in NewYork and New Jersey. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandparent to his beloved five grandchildren: Keshav, Ela, Sanam, Aarav, and Ameera. Whether he was seeing patients or spending time with family and friends or going to the grocery store there was always a smile on his face. He gave his time and generosity without hesitation to all. He left an indelible impact on somany people. Praful is survived by his wife, Dr. Kishori P. Shah, Shachi (m. Malay Mody) and their children, Keshav, Ela and Sanam, Ami, and Neel and his children Aarav and Ameera, and his two sisters, Dr. Niranjana R. Shah and Ms. Hansa D. Shah, and countless other beloved relatives . We honor the memories of his immediate family members that predeceased him, Madhukant, Ashwina, and Jitendra Shah, and his parents. We will miss his smile, the joy he brought into our lives, and knowing that he will not be here to do one of the many little things he did for all of us. In honor of his memory, please take a moment to smile and give your loved ones a hug. In loving memory of Arvind C. Gandhi (1943–2026) The Indian American community in New Jersey is mourning the passing of Arvind C. Gandhi, who departed this life on February 13, 2026, at JFK Hospital in Edison, New Jersey, following a brief age-related illness. He was 82 years old. Born in Surat, Gujarat, India, Mr. Gandhi dedicatedmany years of his professional life to the Gujarat Industrial Cooperative Bank, where he was respected for his integrity and commitment before retiring. In 2006, he and his beloved wife, Manjula Gandhi, moved to the United States to reside with their son Paresh in Iselin, New Jersey. In time, their two other sons and their families also joined them in the United States, strengthening the close-knit family bonds Mr. Gandhi cherished deeply. Over the past 19 years in New Jersey, Mr. Gandhi became known among relatives and friends for his simple lifestyle, deep spirituality, and unwavering family values. He remained closely connected to his community and was widely admired for his calm demeanor, gentle wisdom, and compassionate nature. To those who knewhim, he was a steady presence and a source of quiet strength. Mr. Gandhi was the father of Paresh Gandhi, former chief photographer of India Abroad newspaper from1999 to 2018 and currently serving as Police Special Ambassador in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey. He is survived by his devoted wife, Manjula; his three sons, Balkrushna, Paresh, and Vikram; their families; and extended relatives in both the United States and India. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and guiding pillar of his family. Funeral puja and last rites were held on February 16, 2026, in Jamesburg. The community extends its heartfelt condolences to the Gandhi family during this time of profound loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace. In loving memory of