OBITUARIES

Obituaries questions typically ask about the deceased's most notable achievement, their age, and any major award or position they held — rather than biographical trivia.

Dr. Vijaypat Singhania, Former Raymond Chairman, Passes Away at 87

• He led the textile major for nearly two decades before handing over control to his son Gautam Singhania.
• Beyond business, he was known for record-setting aviation feats and was honoured as an Honorary Air Commodore.
• He received the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to industry.

Former Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi Dies at 67

• He led Suriname from 2020 to 2025, a tenure marked by economic reform.
• A prominent Indian-diaspora leader, he was honoured with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman in 2021.
• His presidency strengthened cultural and economic ties between Suriname and India.

About Suriname: President: Jennifer Geerlings-Simons • Capital: Paramaribo • Currency: Surinamese Dollar.

Veteran Congress Leader Mohsina Kidwai Passes Away at 94

• She represented Meerut in the Lok Sabha across three terms and later served in the Rajya Sabha from Chhattisgarh.
• She held key Union Cabinet portfolios under Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.
• Her decades-long career made her one of the Congress party's most prominent women leaders.

Jim Whittaker, First American to Summit Everest, Dies at 97

• He reached the summit in 1963, becoming the tenth climber ever to do so and the first American.
• His achievement came a decade after Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's historic first ascent.
• Whittaker's climb helped popularise mountaineering across the United States.

C.D. Gopinath, India's Oldest Living Test Cricketer, Dies at 96

• He had been the world's second-oldest living Test cricketer at the time of his passing.
• Following his demise, Chandu Patankar became India's oldest living Test cricketer.
• Gopinath represented India in the early years of the country's Test cricket history.

Legendary Singer Asha Bhosle Passes Away at 92

• A Padma Vibhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient, she remains one of Indian cinema's most celebrated playback voices.
• She won seven Filmfare Awards across a career spanning several decades.
• Her passing marks the end of an era for India's playback music industry.

Kargil War Hero Col. Sonam Wangchuk, 'Lion of Ladakh', Dies at 61

• The Mahavir Chakra awardee served in the Ladakh Scouts, renowned for high-altitude warfare expertise.
• He passed away in Leh following a heart attack.
• He remains widely remembered for his bravery during the Kargil conflict.

Sports Administrator N. Ramachandran Passes Away at 77

• He served as President of the Indian Olympic Association from 2014 to 2017.
• He also held leadership roles at the World Squash Federation during his career.
• His contributions shaped Indian sports administration over several decades.

Photojournalism Icon Raghu Rai Passes Away at 83

• Known as the 'Father of Indian Photojournalism', he documented major moments in the country's modern history.
• He received the Padma Shri in 1972 for his contribution to art and photography.
• His body of work remains foundational to Indian visual journalism.

⚡ QUICK REVISION — OBITUARIES

• Dr. Vijaypat Singhania (87) — former Chairman, Raymond Limited
• Asha Bhosle (92) — legendary playback singer, Padma Vibhushan awardee
• Jim Whittaker (97) — first American to summit Mount Everest (1963)
• Mohsina Kidwai (94) — veteran Congress leader, former Union Minister
• Col. Sonam Wangchuk (61) — Mahavir Chakra awardee, 'Lion of Ladakh'
• Raghu Rai (83) — 'Father of Indian Photojournalism'