Raju / Roger Chawla

"You are not this body. You are not your thoughts. You are the eternal soul - unshaken, untouched, divine."
Bhagavad Gita 2.20

Obituary

Chander Prakash Chawla — known to most as Raju, and to many as Roger — passed away peacefully in Leicester on the morning of 17 September 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on 13 August in Simla, India, he was a man who, in every sense, lived life fully.
Raju was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a respected businessman, and a deeply committed Vedāntin and bhakta. But these were never separate parts of his life. His faith was not something reserved for prayer or philosophy; it ran quietly through the way he lived — through his integrity, his generosity, his sense of duty, and the love with which he cared for the people around him.
He had a presence that brought warmth to a room. He loved people easily and generously, and had a gift for making people feel welcome. Family sat at the heart of his world, but his circle of affection stretched far beyond it. His Vinola family, friends, colleagues and those who came into his life knew his work ethic, his fun-loving nature, his humour, his wisdom and, above all, the sincerity with which he met people.
He was also a man of principle. In business and in life, he believed in doing things properly and treating people well even when not reciprocated. He led with integrity, but without making a performance of it. The same was true of his spirituality. He did not carry his devotion as something separate from everyday life; it was the thread running through it.
To those closest to him, his laughter, dancing, counsel and presence were woven into the texture of daily life. His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled simply because what he gave was so particular to who was in front of him. He will be deeply missed. But the love he gave, the values by which he lived, and the quiet example of a life in which devotion and everyday action belonged together remain with all those who knew him.

Om Namah Shivaya
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Gallery

Memory wall

September 27, 2026

Rajubhai was truly a humble gentlemen. His warm nature, support and always willing to help will never be forgotten by the family.

Thank you Rajubhai for creating the Vinola family and the experience memorable.

Always in our hearts and never be forgetten. Rest in peace.

Om Shanti 🙏🏾

Amratlal & Kantaben Parmar & Family

September 27, 2026

Rest in peace 🙏

Vanita kotecha

September 27, 2026

I write with a heavy heart. They say running a business is tough, but having a retail arcade landlord who protects you like a best friend is a true blessing.

Raju, popularly known as Roger, was the definition of selflessness. No matter how busy he was, he always did his absolute best to help every single shop owner and trader succeed. He didn't just lease out spaces; he built a thriving, supportive community and made the arcade feel like a second home.

On stressful days when business felt overwhelming, he knew exactly how to lift our spirits, offering reassurances and his unforgettable traits of warm hugs and cuddles that made everything feel manageable again. His open heart and extreme kindness left a lasting mark on all of us.

Thank you, Roger, for always being our champion and our safe space. I am forever grateful for your friendship and listening ears in times of need and the best hugs in the world. Rest in peace.
🥲😢🥲


PS: I got the cuddles, and my husband got the hand shakes.
Love ❤️ and blessings

Dr & Mrs Adama-Acquah

Dr And Mrs Adama-Acquah

September 26, 2026

Thank you, Raju, for giving me so many wonderful childhood memories and lessons Those special moments, laughter and memories will always remain close to our hearts. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten. A true gentleman

May Waheguru bless your soul and grant you eternal peace. 🙏

Ranjit

Ranjit Singh Hullait

September 23, 2026

I met Uncle a few years ago at Chinmaya Mission UK and fondly remember his ever-present smile and warmth. His deep love for vedanta, and his sincerity in traveling despite age to listen to Swami Sarvapriyananda ji, were truly inspiring. Perhaps that wisdom was reflected in the quite joy and twinkle in his eyes he carried, touching everyone around him. May he attain satgati. Om Shanti🙏

Nityamukta Banerjee

September 23, 2026

Hari Om,
How is it possible to even try and describe a giant soul like Raju Uncle in such few words? From the first day we met he instantly made us feel part of the family and for the next 20 years I can honestly say I have never met a man like him. Selfless, full of love, constantly smiling, occasionally mischievous and cheeky and always a pleasure to be around. Whether it was sharing a meal together, talking about Vedanta and the Gita or just joking around those experiences with Raju Uncle always gave you something that you could take away with you. He was also a rare gem that not only was widely read but practised what he learned in his day-to-day life. How else could someone who was so humble touch so many lives wherever he went? Whilst we would have loved to have more time with him, he himself said he had a great life and our lives are the richer for it with the memories he gave us, the lessons he taught us and the love he showered on us all unconditionally. We will miss him terribly but pray he is finally at peace at the Lotus feet of the Lord who he adored so much. Lots of love. Om Shanti. Anuj and Bhavnisha x

Anuj & Bhavnisha

September 23, 2026

Chandra Prakash Chawla ( Jiju )
A person I would say or call …..
‘ PERSONA PERSONFIED ‘ a gentleman to the core, his heart in his right place. Never a moment of anger , never a loud voice, loved by his personal staff and factory employees.
A very very Rare human being.
May his Soul Rest in Peace

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻OM SHANTI 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

N M R K

Rajesh Bajaj

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