Raju / Roger Chawla

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

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 Sindh, 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, 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

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