Jagjit Singh Ghungesh

It’s really unfortunate that I didn’t get to spend more time with him. But I will always cherish our last conversation—we spoke for almost half an hour about so many things. He was planning to visit us, and it’s something I’ll always wish had happened.


I will always be grateful to him, because in so many ways, he made my marriage possible. When one of Mamas (Chaturvedis are too big) went to Tauji and Taiji with the shaadi ka token, they welcomed it with warmth, and that’s how I became a part of this family. It’s something I will forever hold close to my heart.
He will be deeply missed.

He was my friend, my big brother, my father. My everything. Madhu ji and Ghungesh ji were our sukh-dukh ke saathi. They were with us through the turns of our life.
I could discuss any of my hurdle, life event with him. And just by his wisdom, the path would manifest for me. His guidance and company has seen me through the last 30 years of my life.

Ghungesh Uncle (as we fondly called him) is forever remembered for his beautiful smile and lively personality. I have vivid memories of him and aunty cracking jokes about University days with my father - and the blissful sight of the three of them beaming like having been transported to another world. I still remember the pure joy on their faces. I see that same warmth and affection in Shillpa di. Three cheers to Uncle and a life well lived!

Juggie tayaji will be greatly missed. He was the elder of our family that everyone looked up to.
He was my father’s big brother, best friend and idol all rolled into one.
He was going to come visit us in Seattle he had promised me just a month before he passed. We had a long conversation about family and connections and the importance of spending time with family. We will miss you Tayaji!

I have known Ghungesh Uncle since I was a kid. Shillpa and I were childhood besties, and Ghungesh Aunty was… is… my guiding light. As family friends, we had so many chances to spend time together, and those memories feel especially precious now.

Let me share a secret: As a kid, I was 100% convinced Ghungesh Uncle was Shammi Kapoor’s cousin. Yes, I said it! Tall, fair, handsome—completely larger-than-life—with his “Kashmir Ki Kali” wife by his side… who wouldn’t assume he was from the Kapoor khandaan? I know whoever is reading this will agree.

And when I stayed with them in their castle-like Kanpur bungalow, Ghungesh Uncle became my "King-Uncle". How regal was he man....wow!!!

A small anecdote from nearly 40 years ago: I was part of many family picnics. One of them was at a police guest house by a beautiful canal in winter—Uncle, Aunty, Shillpa and me. (Bhaiya, I don’t remember you there!) Uncle was eating gur ka gajak and looked at me, surprised:
“Arre Monu, tumne yeh gajak nahin khaya?”

Then came his classic, hearty laugh. And of course, he launched into the full history-geography of gajak—because that’s who he was: joyful, curious, and always making the moment richer.

Since then, every January when I buy gur ka gajak, I think of that day—and I smile.

I will always cherish these memories of Ghungesh Uncle and Aunty. It truly feels like the end of an era for us… and what an era it was.

With love,
Monu
XOXO

I shared a very special bond with Papa—he never treated me as a daughter-in-law, but always as his own. I used to laugh when he and Anoobhav would get into their debates; he would turn to me and say, “Madam, tell your husband I do not agree with him.” And I would smile and reply, “Papa, he is your son first.”

We spent such lovely moments together, especially watching movies during his visits to SF—simple times that now feel so precious.

His last words to me were, “Madam, let me tell you, I am hale and hearty, and I am ready to come back to SF in April.” It’s so hard to imagine that he won’t be coming back.

On his recent visits, Papa built such beautiful friendships with our friends. Watching him sit with everyone, sharing stories and laughter—that is how we will always remember him. Those are the memories we will hold onto forever.

To me, he was more than a brother—he was someone I looked up to in every way. His advice shaped my decisions, and his belief in me gave me confidence. Losing him feels like losing a part of myself. The loss to me has mentally affected me. I also miss his strong rebukes but conveyed politely. We will always miss him every moment of my living life. Brij and Guddu

In loving memory of Jaggy Bhaiya.

We remember Jaggy bhaiya as a man.of remarkable knowledge, boundless compassion and generosity. He was always ready to offer guidance and share his wisdom with any one who needed.
He had a deep love for travel and finding joy in new places.Some of our most cherished memories are the special trip we took together driving to Gir Forest National Park, seeking blessings in Dwarka and exploring the timeless beauty of Hampi.That journey was filled with laughter, warmth and moments we will treasure forever.
He will be deeply missed but his memories and love he shared will always remain with us.
Rest in peace Jaggy bhaiya. You will forever live in our hearts. Guddu

Uncleji's sudden passing has left a space that can't be filled. He was one of the most informed, precise, organized, punctual, helpful, kind and straight forward persons we knew. We will always remember him for his wise words, the stories and experiences he shared to teach some lesson. He could move from playful teasing to thoughtful advice in the same conversation. Had the opportunity to spend some good time with him and maasiji in Lucknow and from there had traveled to Agra, Bheemtaal and Nainital, had a lovely experience of visiting Taj with them both. During that journey had realized that he had a wonderful sense of humour and had an amazing love for sweets.
Thank you for the memories and lessons, your kindness and wisdom will stay with us forever. Nidhi and Dinesh.

Daddyji loved to travel. We saw so many new places, largely in part due to his energy, enthusiasm and encouragement.

At peace

Papa taught us to be honest, humble and kind. His legacy lives on in us through our actions, our ambition and our simplicity. Till the last days we discussed how we perceive the world differently than others but to always believe in our spirit and stay true to our ideals.
His love always gave me confidence to be myself.
And take the next day with a smile and acceptance.