Capt. Vivek Ninan (Retd.)

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7

Obituary

Capt. Vivek Ninan (Retd.), beloved husband, father, and grandfather, was called to eternal rest at 8:11 PM on July 30, 2025. He was playing with his granddaughter in the park when he had a sudden cardiac arrest. He was rushed to the hospital, where he had another massive cardiac arrest. He passed relatively peacefully without spending too long in the hospital, something he had always feared.

That fateful night, my worst fear was realized. The kind of fear I wouldn’t even voice out loud because I was scared it would manifest. Yet it happened. The worst happened when I least expected it. The ground beneath my feet crumbled, and my world changed forever. My sweet, gentle father is no more.

Almost everyone who sent condolences used the words "sweet" and "gentle" to describe my father. But those who knew him longer knew there was another side to him, a side I only knew from stories from friends and family.

As a child, he was known to be very naughty. I recall a story of him waiting for his parents to see off guests so he and his brother could swipe the still-smouldering cigarette butts in the ashtrays and draw frantic gulps before they winked out (all while emptying the last dregs of tepid, leftover coffee from the used cups into their throats!). Or even throwing chappals onto the roof of the church while their pious owners contemplated their lives during the solemn Sunday sermon!

Even his selection to the Indian Army was dramatic. He was writing an important exam when a friend came to the window and signalled to him that he had seen his name on the list of selected candidates. I recall him telling me that the invigilating professor was one who had dismissed him as a good-for-nothing. My hot-blooded father (trusting this vague face in the window) got up midway, threw the unanswered paper in the professor's face, and informed him that he was joining the army. To his extremely cautious daughter, this story was nothing short of pure insanity!

I could go on and on about stories from his army days. Maybe I’ll write a more detailed post about those later on. But all his adventures and stories told me that he was absolutely fearless, loyal, patriotic, and someone who loathed sycophancy. If someone expected him to brown-nose, he would do the opposite, even if it cost him dearly.

Back from the army, my father was known as the army war hero on his bike, hot-tempered and wild on the streets of Old Bangalore. When he married my mother, she would beg him not to go after someone who would clip too close to them on the road. But he would. He once broke off the bulb horn of an autorickshaw when the driver tried to act a little too friendly with his young wife.

He transformed so much after becoming a father. He always wanted a daughter (and only a daughter, he would stress to me). The sweet and gentle man now made an appearance. I was the centre of his world. He was the kind of father they could write books about. He always made sure I knew that I was the centre of his universe. I, with all my flaws, was always enough. By merely being born, I was enough. I never had anything to prove to him. I was fine just the way I was. He loved me unconditionally. He was a family man, through and through. Everything he did, he did for Ma and me. He planned our whole lives. We never had to worry about anything. He was methodical, consistent, extremely tidy, and kept records of everything. From calculating inflation and planning investments to my silly little scribbles and notes. There was a file for everything. He also wrote a daily diary where our whole lives were recorded. He would append little notes to a grocery bill or a newspaper clipping. It was almost like he was constantly thinking about leaving behind something for posterity.

When he met my husband-to-be for the first time, he was absolutely floored. A man who claimed he only ever wanted a daughter stored his number on his phone as “SON” (in capitals). He loved him and cared for him, and soon enough, the centre of his universe broadened, not just to include Nihal but his family as well.

When I told him I was expecting my baby, he cried with joy. At our request, my parents uprooted their whole life in Bangalore and moved in with us. I can’t think of a more selfless act of love. When the doctor showed me my baby for the first time, I immediately thought she looked like him. I really think Nicole was my biggest gift to him. He loved her just as he loved me. There was no part of her life that he wasn’t involved in. She was (and is) very attached to her “Ap” (that’s what she calls him).

While I struggle to accept that my father was taken away from me so abruptly, I can’t help but feel grateful that my Nicole got to experience his unconditional love for three and a half years. I know she will never forget him and how he made her feel.

I console myself by saying that most people don’t get 38 years of such pure love. I had exhausted my quota. I find myself thinking about the afterlife a lot. I picture him up in heaven watching down on us, laughing at Nicole’s antics, kissing her on the head, hugging me when I cry alone at night, holding my mother’s hand as she thinks about him in the morning, and sitting in the passenger seat as Nihal drives to work. More than anything, I hope that he’s happy and free and being rewarded for the good life he lived. I carry him with me every day. Every day till the day I die.

Rachel Ninan
Daughter of Capt. Vivek Ninan (Retd.)

Timeline

Gallery

Memory wall

November 8, 2025

From my limited interaction with Vivek, he struck me as a very mature ,friendly and down to earth person!He led a disciplined life and was clearly a loving husband and doting father and grandfather! The happy family they were and are, bear testimony to this . Along with raising a wonderful daughter this is truly worthy of a medal !And this among all the medals he wore, would surely shine the brightest!

Susan Menon

November 8, 2025

Hearing that Vivek had passed away was a deep shock, and the sadness stayed with me for many days. Though my home was in Mumbai, so many of my Christmases were spent in Edapally—with Omana/ Sara Koshie (my sister), Nihal, Rachel, Kim Pragati, Vinita and Vivek, and later with little Nicole. In those seasons, I grew to know Vivek and Vinita well, and I felt truly close to them.
What I will always remember about Vivekji is his lively mind and gentle routines: the interesting facts and stories he would share, his unfailing walks, and his delight in exploring the quiet bylanes of Edapally. He disliked hospital visits and believed in simple remedies; once, after cutting his finger, he kept his hand raised almost the whole day until the finger healed.
Above all, I felt he was my well-wisher. His tender doting on Rachel reminded me of my own father, who doted on all of us. And my heart is with Nicole, who has lost a beloved grandpa who was always close by, watching over her. She now looks for him among the stars.
May his soul rest in peace, and may the love he gave continue to guide everyone.

Leena Elizabeth Abraham

November 1, 2025

Capt. Vivek Ninan was more than just a neighbour to us on Church Road, Shantinagar , Bangalore — he was part of the fabric of my growing years. A dear friend to my brother and sister, and someone I looked up to with admiration and respect. His presence carried a quiet strength, the kind that came not just from his years in the Indian Army, but from a life lived with integrity, grace, and kindness.

I still remember his warm smile, his gentle manner, and the way he always had time for people — whether it was a friendly word, a piece of advice, or simply a reassuring nod that made you feel seen. He carried himself with the humility of a true gentleman.

For me as younger one - he was both a role model and a reminder of what steady faith and character look like in everyday life. He left behind not only memories of friendship and laughter but also a quiet inspiration that continues to live on in our hearts.

We thank God for his life — for the way he touched ours with kindness, discipline, and genuine warmth. His memory will always remain a treasured part of our Shantinagar days.

Santosh Koshy

September 13, 2025

I first met Vivek for my son Nihal's engagement. He was going to marry Rachel, Vivek's daughter. He impressed me as a genial gentleman, of many words peppered with wit and insight. I had occasion to get to know him better, because of my trips to Delhi when I used to spend almost two months or more with the children, Vivek and Vinitha.

He was a very disciplined man and you could set your clock by his routine. As I sat at a corner of the dining table sipping my morning coffee, he would bring a bunch of newspapers and set it reverentially before me! And then would disappear, only to return at 10 am or even later, all dressed up for the day.. He spent a large part of the time before that in prayer!

His breakfast was spartan and he ate the same toast, half a banana and half a cup of milk and cornflakes every single day…The maid in the kitchen would attend to him as she would to her father and drop everything she was doing to serve him! At lunch and dinner, he would be most happy with just dal and chappati or rice, and would hardly look beyond to see what else was there! His morning 1 hour walks in the summer or winter was almost like worship!

Christmas was always at our place in Kochi , where we spent many happy seasons together. He loved walking in front of my house and discovering the bylanes and befriending the neighbours. Visits to fort Kochi, boat rides to Alleppey, Christmas feasts with extended family…a time of bonhomie, fun and laughter, we did it altogether.. And every detail went into Vivek's diary which he wrote meticulously every night, along with his favourite glass.
Vivek had remarkable money sense, was sensibly thrifty and was frugal in his wants. For his daughter’s wedding he turned up in his thirty year old wedding suit, looking dapper and out of a fashion page!

He was a great story teller and his tales were embellished with masala bits from his imagination. He loved to re-tell stories from Nihal's childhood which he had only heard, with a few spices of his own thrown in. haha

I remember… Once I had put something on the stove, and then came back to the dining table to listen to what Vivek was saying. Seeing a ready listener in me, his story took a never ending route, so I got up and walked backward into the kitchen smiling and nodding, put off the stove and quickly came back. I don't think he noticed.

He was genuinely concerned about me and asked many questions about my safety since I lived alone for a long time. Once, from Bangalore, he sent me the phone number of an auto driver from Kochi, which he had with him, thinking it would be helpful for me.

Two days before he passed away I got a missed call from him, when I called back he said that he had got a missed call from me, and was waiting for my lunch time to be over, and my fingers out of the rice!.. In his jovial manner. He ended with “Take care”

It's sad to think that for his little granddaughter Nicole, who was the centre of his life and he hers; her beloved grandfather will be a soft, caressing memory.. the picture on the wall, when she grows up.

The fact that he will not be there on my next trip to Delhi is hard to believe… I'm filled with deep sorrow.

Sara Koshie
Edapally
13/09/2025

Sara Koshie

September 11, 2025

Hi all, I am Vivek’s youngest brother, Uday, younger by 8 years. I never imagined that I would one day be writing an obituary for Vivek……what to pen here??, as there’s so much to talk about this “talkative elder brother”!!!.
I read the pieces others have written so lovingly in this blog & it was all looking very “goody-goody”. So, I decided to recall a few an incident about the “Naughty Vivek”, lest he go down in memory as the “Good-Boy”.
Theres one really “daring” incident, which is “legendary class” I heard about, from friends, about what transpired in school (St Josephs, Bangalore), in the 1960’s……St Josephs had a huge iron school bell which was housed in a ground floor room & manually rung by a Peon named Matthew. He used to ring the bell thrice a day – (Morning for Starting of school, Lunch & End of School).
One fateful day, half an hour before the actual end time of school, Vivek escaped from class in the pretext of “toilet” & went to the bell room & told Matthew that there was an urgent phone call waiting for him for him in the Office Building (nearby). So, Matthew left the bell-room un-attended for a while & went to attend to the “non-existent phone call”….. While Matthew was away, our man Vivek, took charge of the bell & rang it (as Matthew would have) & scooted for his life. You know what happens when school bells ring, especially end of day. Classes shut down & kids come charging out like a pack of wild animals! I believe the Principal investigated this “serious lapse” & learnt through Matthew, that culprit was Vivek. I don’t know for sure what punishment was given, but I am told my Dad was seen several times in the Principal’s office, probably pleading for lenient punishment !!... Any way Vivek was taken back in class.
This story has been told by Matthew to many & when I joined the same school 8 years later, Matthew told me jokingly, not to come anywhere near the bell – room & he also used to enquire about his tormenter Vivek, in a very loving manner. In fact, he was very proud that Vivek subsequently joined the Army as a Commissioned Officer.
There are many such tales about Vivek’s College days too (St Joseph’s College, Bangalore). The classic one is about bursting crackers placed below the Professors platform in the class, during class time. How he did this I do not know! Sometimes he got caught & other times he escaped & the class got punished!!
Penning some of the top stories that came to mind & shows the “daring shades” of Vivek’s personality in his younger days! I could see a the total metamorphous in Vivek, after Rachel arrived & he was all of a sudden, he was the “very responsible gentleman”, which he was, till he breathed his last on 30th July 2025.
Rest in Peace Brother until we meet again ….

Uday Ninan

September 8, 2025

Sharing a few of our Memories of Vivek
We just cannot reconcile to the fact that our dear cousin and friend Vivek Ninan is no more. We still feel he is in Delhi.
Our association with him goes back to 1979, the day he married Vinitha ( my wife’s cousin) at St Marks Church Bangalore. Incidentally I met Miriam my life partner at Vinitha’s place for the pre wedding dinner. Ever since that time we have been closely associated with Vivek and Vinitha.
He worked in BEL and my work related with CEAT tyres took me every month to BEL, since BEL had a large fleet of buses. Vivek is the one who introduced me to Mr. Subarayappa who was in charge of transportation at BEL. Mr Subarayappa was helpful in the area of purchases for BEL.
Even as a family our relationship grew and we would meet up often and share stories over drinks and food. He was a regular supplier for me of whiskey bottles from the canteen. He would bring the bottles home, neatly packed in newspaper. My mother who was with us at that time would ask Vivek , “ Enna Ethu?” he would politely and with a serious face reply to Ammachy saying that he had brought Papayas. Later on much to our amusement Ammachy would be looking for the Papayas in the house!!
Vivek could have endless conversations on any topic. If interrupted he could switch to another conversation around another topic with ease!
He had a phobia about seeing doctors, dentists and air travel. Earlier days he used to travel only by train to Delhi and later on somehow he got over that fear and started using the flight. I think it might perhaps have been the arrival of his grand daughter and the eagerness to see her often that helped him get over that fear.
Two years back an accidental fire broke out in their Bangalore house when they were in Delhi. At that time he called Joe Chacko and me rush to the location. By the time we reached there, the neighbours had managed to douse the fire with the help of the fire brigade. Extensive damages had happened to the house. Later on Vivek and his son in law Nihal came down to Bangalore and stayed at Elsieaunty’s ( my mother in law’s) house which was vacant then, and got all the repairs for their house done. Every evening we would all meet at our house for drinks and dinner and share conversations about the happenings of the day.
We miss him very much and we look forward to meeting him across the shore as we are all in the departure lounge.

Mon and Miriam

September 7, 2025

"Vivek appa" as I fondly called him all my life - an extension of my own appa.
I will always fondly remember him as the deeply caring and warm person. A stickler for time and routine - these are life lessons i would carry on from him.
I must have been 5 or so when he took me to Cubbon park in Bangalore and I was terrified of the elephant sculpture there. There is a picture of us posing together next to it and Vivekappa always repeated that story to me every time we met - of how i reassured him that the elephant was harmless to hide my own fear of it!
We will miss you deeply but will carry forth warm memories of our time together ❤️

Nisha Ninan

August 31, 2025

These are last two photos of Vivek that I took. They were taken at Viet Nom restaurant in Gurgaon on May 2, 2025. Vinitha chechi and Vivek had come to spend the weekend with us in Gurgaon. We always waited for them to come over and stay with us for a few days.

It’s so important to spend time with family and loved ones. And nothing does it better than sharing a meal together! It strengthens bonds and makes good memories.

John Chacko

August 31, 2025

Our memories of Ninan goes back to a few decades. Always remember him as dapper disciplined and his quick wit.
Most of our conversations were from one compound wall to the other. He was kind of a gaurdian angel quick to share happenings in the society, warn us of unwarranted intrusions etc.
Though we moved he kept in touch through WhatsApp ..
Vivek Ninan though you are in a better place you will be missed.
Shermans

Chitra Sherman

August 30, 2025

Our friendship with the Ninans dates back to 1987..we met when Rachel was just a month old..As our daughters were of the same age, our friendship blossomed steadily..

Early memories with the Ninans are our picnics to Bannerghatta National Park & Hesarghatta lake; followed by our trip to Yercaud.

Vinitha and I then took up teaching jobs in the same school where our kids were admitted and so, we travelled together for many years.

Through the years, I got to know Vivek better. He had all the qualities of a fine gentleman..Highly disciplined, principled, calm & composed disposition and moderate in his habits. I have never ever heard him raise his voice.

Vivek always believed in buying second hand cars. Many a times I had seen him and his friend Devaiah under the car than inside it..😄

I distinctly remember that he avoided eating food that had Green chillies in it..so i refrained from using it in my dishes, whenever we had meals together..It had something to do with the seeds he had once told me..He also enjoyed his drinks at 7.30 pm every evening..and stuck to 1 peg daily.

But above all, the only thing that made Vivek keep good health was his immense fear of the needle..He never did blood tests all his life and took medicines that were prescribed over 30 years ago. The only doctor he spoke to was Ravi till the end.

After retirement , Ravi could expect his calls once in 3 months and they would talk for hours exchanging news about developments in BEL.

One incident that comes to my mind was the surprise party that I had organised at our home for him when he retired from BEL..Vinitha had to bring him to our place without telling him where she was taking him...she had a hard time convincing him where they were going without letting the cat out of the bag..Finally when they arrived , the look of astonishment on his face was worth all the effort..😄

Our interactions gradually reduced once they left the colony. Our kids went their own ways. We kept in touch during birthdays and festivals. Niki and I went to Cochin to attend Rachel's wedding. We shared their happiness when lil Nicole was born and exchanged Photographs once in a while. They now spent most of their time in Noida helping Rachel out.

Last December when they came to Bangalore, Ravi and i specially went to meet them. We spent a wonderful evening together. Glad we did it, as we did not know then, that was would be the last time we would ever see Vivek. Ravi spoke to him a week before his passing, never realising that it was their last conversation together. A month back Rachel's mesaage came as a bolt from the blue when she said that dad is no more..

Ravi misses him a lot but we are glad that we have thousands of memories together that will forever live on in our hearts.

As is rightly said :
If a friendship lasts longer than 7 years,you are no longer just friends. You are family.

Vinitha and Rachel, you know that whenever you need us, we are just a call away. Take care and God bless.

Kala Kudva

Kala Kudva

August 30, 2025

Back in school, Rachel once mentioned that her father served in the Army and my first thought was - just like my dad! That was my first introduction to Vivek uncle - without even having met him.

It wasn’t till we started college that we actually spent time hanging out at each other’s homes.
My earliest memories of Vivek uncle start from here. When we’d have sleepovers in their house, he would have bought breakfast from Shanti Sagar for all of us (we were a group of 5 back then) to enjoy as we’d slowly wake up. He always made sure to spend some time talking to each of us whilst recalling thoughtful details.

Over time, we began spending more time at RT Nagar and met uncle more. He’d regale us with anecdotes and stories about Rach growing up. I think my favourites by far are the edit made by him to the baby book and the bumblebee song.
Conversation always flowed very easily with him and I’d leave their house with a smile on my face.

Uncle was a quiet and unconditional source of strength and support. It is going to be strange to not see him or hear his voice when I meet the Ninans/Ninan Koshies.

Renuka Gopal

August 30, 2025

Vivek was such a lovely person to spend time with. Our meetings were normally after church service at St Marks and a few family gatherings.He could talk about anything and everything. I enjoyed every moment. He would narrate in great detail his early days in Bangalore and his adventures. One mystery he always queried was "how did you learn cooking? "
His friendliness and openess was a striking part of his personality. Will treasure the few moments I could spend with him.

Alexander Koshie

August 29, 2025

During my highschool and college years I had the opportunity to meet/see Sleepu Uncle almost every week. I always adored him for his sense of humor, his calm and thoughtful approach in dealing with life's challenging circumstances and most importantly his warm demenor. I would always be pleasantly surprised when he would remember details of a project that I was working on and would enquire it's progress!! He was one of those amazing people who had the gift of making people feel seen and special!
To Dearest Nicole who will be reading this, I am so sorry you were robbed of his nurturing presence! I know in my heart he will always protect you and be your guardian angel.
I unfortunately didn't find any pictures of him to share but here are some of the pictures he took of us!
Sending the whole family a lot of love.

Teju Hari

August 29, 2025

In Loving Memory of Mr. Vivek Ninan

It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of our dear friend and neighbour, Mr. Vivek Ninan. For over 25 years, he lived beside us, not just as a neighbour, but as part of our extended family. His presence gave us comfort and security, and he was always there whenever we needed him.

Recently, Mr. Ninan had moved to Delhi with his beloved wife to be closer to their dearly loved daughter and his cherished granddaughter, sweet little Nicole, who brought immense joy and pride into his life. Though distance separated us physically, the bond of warmth and friendship we shared with him remained unbroken.

His passing leaves a void that can never be filled. We will deeply miss his kindness, companionship, and the quiet strength he always carried with him.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, daughter, granddaughter Nicole, and the entire family. May his noble soul rest in eternal peace.
Asad

Asad, Bangalore

August 29, 2025

Uncle was a very warm and encouraging person to me. He used to call me Rakesh at some point in my teens because my hairstyle reminded him of Rakesh Roshan 😂. I find it funny because Mr Roshan wore a wig. I found it hilarious and i didn’t mind him calling me that.
At a later point in life I use to introduce myself as Rakesh to people just as a joke. May his soul rest in peace.

Gulshan Devaiah

August 29, 2025

Uncle was such a lovely person. A very difficult time for all of you.

Anand Jacob

August 29, 2025

A large part of my childhood was spent in Rachel’s house, with Ninan Uncles ever-smiling presence in the background. He was always gentle, warm and welcoming. He would often tell us about stories from his army days, which for a 9 year old girl were full or bravery and adventure. I admired how he showered affection on Vinitha Aunty and Rachel and my heart fills with fondness whenever I think back to those days. I wish to have stayed more in touch in the recent years. However, the days I spent on the MC block terrace with Rachel, Aunty and Ninan uncle doing his daily walks feel like yesterday to me.

Swetha Banda

August 29, 2025

Vivek uncle was always a man of few words whenever we ladies gathered at his home—mostly because we never gave him a chance to talk! The memories are truly priceless. One that still makes me laugh is when he acted out a meowing cat (though I think he actually meant to show a lion!) while playing Dumb Charades at a family get-together. He looked absolutely adorable. I’m certain he is now in a land fairer than day free from worries, problems, and hospitals, enjoying himself to the fullest.

Elizabeth Koshy (Kittu)

August 29, 2025

I will always remember him as my walking buddy in the society. Just like me, he loved being outdoors, and whenever our paths crossed, he greeted me with that warm smile and a cheerful “hello.” He always had something to share—most often about his beloved granddaughter, and his face would light up every time he spoke of her.

Always so well turned out, with that cute, thick moustache adding to his charm, he had a way of making even the simplest chats feel special. Whether we spoke about the weather, the flowers, or our walks, his perspective was always full of positivity. If it was hot, he would say, “good for the body to sweat,” and if it was cold, he would smile and say, “the flowers are blooming perfectly.” He truly found beauty in everything.

I will miss him dearly, but I know he is still around—watching over us with his gentle smile, reminding us in his own way, “ALLLL IZZZ WELLLL.”

RAMita

August 29, 2025

Uncle was a gem of a person - many interactions with him which stand out - especially when we stayed at AirVnV in Bangalore and he had his personal bar ready for me - just because I had to stay 1 night - So thoughtful - but a Gentleman's Gesture.

Sharing the last time I met uncle was at Nicole's bday - here is the happy memory in which we will always remember him.

Puneet & Yojna

Family tree

Other family members

Nihal Koshie

Son-in-law

Nicole Ninan Koshie

Granddaughter

Rev. V.P. Mammen
(Ex. Vicar General - Mar Thoma Syrian Orthodox Church)
[Father of V.M. Ninan]

Mrs. V.P. Mammen
[Mother of V.M. Ninan]

T.M. Koshy
[Father of Thangamma Ninan]

Mrs. T.M. Koshy
[Mother of Thangamma Ninan]

V.M. Ninan
Veliaveetil
(Thiruvalla, Kerala)
 [Father]

Thangamma Ninan née Koshy
Thoombikal
(Mavelikara, Kerala)
 [Mother]

Vinitha Ninan

Rachel Ninan Koshie

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Vinitha Ninan

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Rachel Ninan Koshie

Capt. Vivek Ninan (Retd.)