Harsh K. Bhasin, known variously to those who loved and admired him as Harshji, Mr. Ambassador, Professor, Nana, Dadaji, and Pa, died peacefully in New York City on March 24, 2023. Harsh dedicated his life to applying his knowledge, curiosity and pursuit of excellence to the service of others. Born on August 15th, 1944, his…
Continue ReadingHarsh K. Bhasin, known variously to those who loved and admired him as Harshji, Mr. Ambassador, Professor, Nana, Dadaji, and Pa, died peacefully in New York City on March 24, 2023. Harsh dedicated his life to applying his knowledge, curiosity and pursuit of excellence to the service of others. Born on August 15th, 1944, his birth foretold a lifetime of service to his native India that would be independent 3 years later on that very day. In 1969, he began a 35-year career in the Indian Foreign Service in capitals around the world from Beijing and Hong Kong to Washington, Delhi and Pretoria. Always a bastion of honor, hard work and a kind word, he became Ambassador Bhasin to governments in Botswana, the United States, South Africa and Denmark. After his first “retirement”, eager to share his knowledge and love for diplomacy and international relations, he evolved into Professor Bhasin. In his almost 20 years at Stony Brook University, he exposed thousands of young people to the power of diplomacy over conflict, the wonders of South and East Asia, and the complexities of the geopolitics of India, China and the United States.
Harshji was a devoted husband to his constant companion Kumkum for 52 years, as they moved almost 15 times across continents. Dadaji and Nana had boundless love for his grandchildren Shreyas, Shivanjali, Aashna and Jayna – with whom the next game of bluff, the next story-reading and the errant chocolate ice cream was never too much. And Pa was a father to Aditya (Kate) and Madhuri (Dan) who raised them through his example of pursuing excellence, of honesty and honor, and of course, a love of pizza, chocolate, and anything sweet. Our family, and the thousands of people he touched, will miss him dearly.
Visitation and prayers will be held from 11am-1pm on Tuesday March 28 at Moloney’s Lake Funeral Home (132 Ronkonkoma Ave., Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779), followed by refreshments. In lieu of flowers, we request that you make a contribution to support an award in Ambassador Bhasin’s name for Stony Brook students interested in a career in the foreign service (details below).
To make a contribution, please visit https://tinyurl.com/HarshBhasin.
When making your contribution check the box on the second page under Tribute Information, select “in Memory of”, and insert Ambassador Bhasin’s name.
If you would like to send a check, please make your check out to the Stony Brook Foundation (with Ambassador Bhasin’s name in the memo section) and mail it to:
Attn: Chris Scarpati
E3320 Frank Melville Jr. Library
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY 11794-3391
Margie
left a message on March 28, 2023:
Sorry for your loss. May Harsh rest in peace.
Alice Hong
left a message on March 27, 2023:
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ambassador Bhasin, whom I get to know as a professor, but also as a friend. Here is my message to Ambassador Bhasin.
Ambassador Bhasin, I still remember our endless conversation about your experience as a career diplomat in different countries and please know that I’m eternally grateful for your inspiration and encouragement that brought me onto the path of pursuing a career in International Affairs. You were a brilliant mind and selfless person, and what I admire the most is your lifelong dedication to a career you love. This is your last journey, and as we unfold the grand finale of your life, I want to say that it was such an honor to be your student for many years, to get to know you and most importantly to remember the lessons you taught me that I will carry on for the rest of my life.
May your soul rest peacefully in heaven with all of our best wishes.
Yours truly,
Alice
My deepest condolences to the Bhasin family, friends, students and Stony Brook for their loss of a truly amazing person.
Nicole Scartozzi
left a message on March 27, 2023:
He was an amazing professor who motivated me and installed in me a dedication to detail/hard work. I am eternally grateful for him and words cannot describe how this saddens me. I unfortunately am in Boston and wouldn’t make it in time.
Please pass along this memory for me: Ambassador Bhasin and I sat after graduation finishing grading when I was a senior. We talked for 2 hours and both laughed and smiled. I struggled a lot with my self confidence and if I was cut out to make it in grad school. I had a deathly fear I may be making the wrong choice. He talked me down and told me everything would be alright and that he would always be there. He was the kindest person who put all others above himself. I feel honored for knowing him as he was a selfless and patient person. He supported me as a professor and made me feel special instead of 1 in 20,000 students. He cared for each of us and remembered us as he made us memorize his presentations. He was a brilliant mind and well as a kind and devoted father, grandfather, and husband. I hate saying goodbye so I am just going to say I’m glad I had the chance to know him
- Nicole Scartozzi
Raj & Nikki Chugha
left a message on March 27, 2023:
Our deepest condolences to the family. This came as such a surprise as Madan Bhasin had told us he was doing so well about a week earlier. We knew Harsh from a long time ago when.his mom & Dad as well as Harsh, Neena & Veena would stay at our place in Bombay before leaving or returning from foreign postings. He was charming, kind & always a gentleman. I know he'll be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. Our sincere sympathies to the family & a gentle reminder to also celebrate his brilliant achievements & many accolades, his talents , his gentleness & kindness in the difficult days ahead. Our prayers & well wishes are always with you.
Ron and Bakoo Hagedorn
left a message on March 27, 2023:
Kumkum, Aditya, Madhuri,
We share your loss. May the good Lord give you the strength to cope, and may your memories bring comfort at this difficult time.
Rest in eternal peace dear Harshi.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Eric & Annette Telljohann
left a message on March 27, 2023:
It is hard to limit to just a few lines the affection and admiration our family felt for Harsh. We first met him at Aditya and Katie’s and we were deeply impressed with how he spoke, his mannerisms and integrity as well as his love for his grandchildren. What an amazing life Harsh and KumKum have had together. Our favorite memory was his speech for their 50 post Covid wedding anniversary dinner. His adoring love for KumKum was precious and his speech was loving and very entertaining. We felt blessed to be a part of their celebration. Our condolences to all his family. He will be missed. All our Love. Eric & Annette
Eric & Annette Telljohann
left a message on March 27, 2023:
It is hard to limit to just a few lines the affection and admiration our family felt for Harsh. We first met him at Aditya and Katie’s and we were deeply impressed with how he spoke, his mannerisms and integrity as well as his love for his grandchildren. What an amazing life Harsh and KumKum have had together. Our favorite memory was his speech for their 50 post Covid wedding anniversary dinner. His adoring love for KumKum was precious and was very entertaining and we felt blessed to be a part of their celebration.Our condolences to all his family. He will be missed. All our Love. Eric & Annette
Antoinette Trotter
left a message on March 27, 2023:
With deepest sympathy. May he Rest In Peace.
Alice Hong
left a message on March 27, 2023:
May you rest in peace Ambassador! I had the privilege of being your student for many years and am forever grateful for your inspiration to many of us. We miss you dearly.
Tej Bakaya
left a message on March 27, 2023:
My sincere condolences to the Bhasin family. May God rest his soul in peace.
The Pham family
left a message on March 26, 2023:
In memory of Harsh
Bhasin, The Pham family lit a candle
Simmons Family
left a message on March 26, 2023:
Rest In Peace
Susan Simmons
left a message on March 26, 2023:
Professor Bhasin, you will truly be missed. You were a great inspiration to all of your students. We were very comforted that you would be with our daughter, one of your beloved students, on her first trip abroad. We knew she had a loving “grandfather” to teach her and watch over her. Your kindness will always be remembered. May you Rest In Peace.
Diane Reisz
left a message on March 26, 2023:
may you rest in peace
Gnanendra Sinha
left a message on March 26, 2023:
Respected Anbassair Bhasin
This is your favorite student Anand’s father.
We were privileged to meet up with you. You were indeed a kind, knowledgeable and an amazing human being. You loved passing on your immense knowledge to your students.
We are saddened by your leaving this planet earth. We will miss you.
May God rest your soul in eternal peace ☮️
Gnanendra
Nilima Bakaya
left a message on March 26, 2023:
A great loss ….we have lost a great friend .A brilliant man full of information,extremely smart and well informed.We never thought we would not meet again .We are with the family in their pain and prayer .May he have eternal peace .OM Shanti …
Nilima Bakaya
left a message on March 26, 2023:
In memory of Harsh
Bhasin, Nilima Bakaya lit a candle
Debashish Chakravarti
left a message on March 26, 2023:
I deeply regret Harsh's passing. He was a warm and loyal colleague and a delightful companion with a fund of anecdotes about shared interests. My deepest condolences to Kumkum and his family.
Debashish Chakravarti
left a message on March 26, 2023:
I deeply regret Harsh's passing. He was a warm and loyal colleague and a delightful companion with a fund of anecdotes about shared interests. My deepest condolences to Kumkum and his family.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Margie
left a message on March 28, 2023:
Sorry for your loss. May Harsh rest in peace.
Alice Hong
left a message on March 27, 2023:
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ambassador Bhasin, whom I get to know as a professor, but also as a friend. Here is my message to Ambassador Bhasin.
Ambassador Bhasin, I still remember our endless conversation about your experience as a career diplomat in different countries and please know that I’m eternally grateful for your inspiration and encouragement that brought me onto the path of pursuing a career in International Affairs. You were a brilliant mind and selfless person, and what I admire the most is your lifelong dedication to a career you love. This is your last journey, and as we unfold the grand finale of your life, I want to say that it was such an honor to be your student for many years, to get to know you and most importantly to remember the lessons you taught me that I will carry on for the rest of my life.
May your soul rest peacefully in heaven with all of our best wishes.
Yours truly,
Alice
My deepest condolences to the Bhasin family, friends, students and Stony Brook for their loss of a truly amazing person.
Nicole Scartozzi
left a message on March 27, 2023:
He was an amazing professor who motivated me and installed in me a dedication to detail/hard work. I am eternally grateful for him and words cannot describe how this saddens me. I unfortunately am in Boston and wouldn’t make it in time.
Please pass along this memory for me: Ambassador Bhasin and I sat after graduation finishing grading when I was a senior. We talked for 2 hours and both laughed and smiled. I struggled a lot with my self confidence and if I was cut out to make it in grad school. I had a deathly fear I may be making the wrong choice. He talked me down and told me everything would be alright and that he would always be there. He was the kindest person who put all others above himself. I feel honored for knowing him as he was a selfless and patient person. He supported me as a professor and made me feel special instead of 1 in 20,000 students. He cared for each of us and remembered us as he made us memorize his presentations. He was a brilliant mind and well as a kind and devoted father, grandfather, and husband. I hate saying goodbye so I am just going to say I’m glad I had the chance to know him
- Nicole Scartozzi
Raj & Nikki Chugha
left a message on March 27, 2023:
Our deepest condolences to the family. This came as such a surprise as Madan Bhasin had told us he was doing so well about a week earlier. We knew Harsh from a long time ago when.his mom & Dad as well as Harsh, Neena & Veena would stay at our place in Bombay before leaving or returning from foreign postings. He was charming, kind & always a gentleman. I know he'll be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. Our sincere sympathies to the family & a gentle reminder to also celebrate his brilliant achievements & many accolades, his talents , his gentleness & kindness in the difficult days ahead. Our prayers & well wishes are always with you.
Ron and Bakoo Hagedorn
left a message on March 27, 2023:
Kumkum, Aditya, Madhuri,
We share your loss. May the good Lord give you the strength to cope, and may your memories bring comfort at this difficult time.
Rest in eternal peace dear Harshi.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Eric & Annette Telljohann
left a message on March 27, 2023:
It is hard to limit to just a few lines the affection and admiration our family felt for Harsh. We first met him at Aditya and Katie’s and we were deeply impressed with how he spoke, his mannerisms and integrity as well as his love for his grandchildren. What an amazing life Harsh and KumKum have had together. Our favorite memory was his speech for their 50 post Covid wedding anniversary dinner. His adoring love for KumKum was precious and his speech was loving and very entertaining. We felt blessed to be a part of their celebration. Our condolences to all his family. He will be missed. All our Love. Eric & Annette
Eric & Annette Telljohann
left a message on March 27, 2023:
It is hard to limit to just a few lines the affection and admiration our family felt for Harsh. We first met him at Aditya and Katie’s and we were deeply impressed with how he spoke, his mannerisms and integrity as well as his love for his grandchildren. What an amazing life Harsh and KumKum have had together. Our favorite memory was his speech for their 50 post Covid wedding anniversary dinner. His adoring love for KumKum was precious and was very entertaining and we felt blessed to be a part of their celebration.Our condolences to all his family. He will be missed. All our Love. Eric & Annette
Antoinette Trotter
left a message on March 27, 2023:
With deepest sympathy. May he Rest In Peace.
Alice Hong
left a message on March 27, 2023:
May you rest in peace Ambassador! I had the privilege of being your student for many years and am forever grateful for your inspiration to many of us. We miss you dearly.
Tej Bakaya
left a message on March 27, 2023:
My sincere condolences to the Bhasin family. May God rest his soul in peace.
The Pham family
left a message on March 26, 2023:
In memory of Harsh
Bhasin, The Pham family lit a candle
Simmons Family
left a message on March 26, 2023:
Rest In Peace
Susan Simmons
left a message on March 26, 2023:
Professor Bhasin, you will truly be missed. You were a great inspiration to all of your students. We were very comforted that you would be with our daughter, one of your beloved students, on her first trip abroad. We knew she had a loving “grandfather” to teach her and watch over her. Your kindness will always be remembered. May you Rest In Peace.
Diane Reisz
left a message on March 26, 2023:
may you rest in peace
Gnanendra Sinha
left a message on March 26, 2023:
Respected Anbassair Bhasin
This is your favorite student Anand’s father.
We were privileged to meet up with you. You were indeed a kind, knowledgeable and an amazing human being. You loved passing on your immense knowledge to your students.
We are saddened by your leaving this planet earth. We will miss you.
May God rest your soul in eternal peace ☮️
Gnanendra
Nilima Bakaya
left a message on March 26, 2023:
A great loss ….we have lost a great friend .A brilliant man full of information,extremely smart and well informed.We never thought we would not meet again .We are with the family in their pain and prayer .May he have eternal peace .OM Shanti …
Nilima Bakaya
left a message on March 26, 2023:
In memory of Harsh
Bhasin, Nilima Bakaya lit a candle
Debashish Chakravarti
left a message on March 26, 2023:
I deeply regret Harsh's passing. He was a warm and loyal colleague and a delightful companion with a fund of anecdotes about shared interests. My deepest condolences to Kumkum and his family.
Debashish Chakravarti
left a message on March 26, 2023:
I deeply regret Harsh's passing. He was a warm and loyal colleague and a delightful companion with a fund of anecdotes about shared interests. My deepest condolences to Kumkum and his family.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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