Page created by: Neilanjan Nandi

Jaharlal Nandi was an easy going, dynamic and loving spirit who emmigrated from Kolkatta, West Bengal, India to NYC in 1970. Later he would come to know Chicago as his first home in the States, followed by his beloved community of Fort Worth, TX. As an immigrant, Jahar endured many hardships, but realized his American dream by remaining focused and resilient in all pursuits, including his strong faith in Hinduism. He was also blessed with the support and equal dynamism of his wife Shubhra Nandi. Together, they created a beautiful life for their two boys, Neilanjan & Deipanjan Nandi.

Not only did Jahar fulfill his professional career as a Civil Engineer, but outside of work, he practiced and enjoyed a life dedicated to the service of his family and community. His generosity benefited his family, both in India and in the States. He was a regular judge at 'Odyssey of the Mind' engineering competitions at his sons' local school events. Jahar also helped organize the regional Bengali cultural & religious events in both the Chicago and Dallas/Fort Worth areas. At these celebrations, he was known to be an avid thespian - both directing and acting Bengali stage dramas. He was also a skilled orator with a passion for reciting the elegant poetry and prose of Rabindranath Tagore & Nazrul Islam. Jahar was also a devout devotee of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and enjoyed sharing His gospels with his family & the greater Bengali community.

Notably, Jahar enjoyed cultivating Indian vegetables in his garden and was an avid photographer. His favorite subjects to photograph were indeed his two children. Long hours spent with his wife and family, studying, reading, doing science experiments, working in the garden, and laughing were his favorite ways to spend his hours.

Jahar was diagnosed with Crohn's in the 1970's and was on high dose steroids for some time suffering avascular necrosis of the hip. This led to a painful limp that he hardly ever complained about, despite struggling through Chicago snows on crutches or the achy pains of hard physical work. In 2005, at the age of 62 years, Jahar was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's Disease and later with dementia. Even as the disease progressed and challenged him physically and emotionally, Jahar continued to laugh, smile and love unconditionally all those around him. He never asked, 'why me?' but took it in stride and only grew to appreciate more all that he was blessed to have in this life.

Jaharlal Nandi passed peacefully on Tuesday, October 27th, 2020, surrounded by his family. His wife, Shubhra, provided him the most superior and compassionate care that one could ask for. The last 15 years of his life were spent battling Parkinson's. He deserved so much more happiness, and yet he endured his hardship with a smile and did not complain. Please consider making a donation in Tribute to Jahar to help accelerate the necessary research to find better treatments and cures for Parkinson's.