Rajesh was an inspiring and down to earth person. On my first sourcing trip I had scheduled to arrive and meet with him in their studio on Tuesday, However due to sudden change in plans I found myself in Delhi on Sunday morning, I messaged him and within few minutes he called me and without a moments hesitation asked me to come over to the studio. He treated me to Indian street food, actually on the side of the street and I swear had it been anyone else I would never have dared to eat at a roadside place like that. The hot round bhatooras and the spices chole was a real treat and the start to my journey of experimentation with more street food. The day ended with us binging on aloo parathas. During my second visit, called him to seek his assistance in connecting me with a company in Meerut and instead of just providing me with the contact name, number and address he accompanied me on the road trip and negotiated a deal which I would not have been able to do on my own. Rajesh undoubtedly was a selfless man, who went out of his way to help others. He was also a keen foodie and had this knack of identifying run down looking places serving the most delicious food I have ever had. The void left by your sudden demise is not an easy one. I do hope and pray that your passion project can continue to strive despite the challenging times we are facing.

“The adventure of life is to learn. The purpose of life is to grow. The nature of life is to change. The challenge of life is to overcome. The essence of life is to care. The opportunity of life is to serve. The secret of life is to dare. The spice of life is to befriend. The beauty of life is to give.” William Arthur Ward Rajesh Sir, you are the only one I have known who actually did all of this with a smile on your face. You have left us too soon, there was still so much to be learnt from you. Rest in peace.

I knew Rajesh mostly through VS . Ever since they began work on the Handloom Denim initiative she wanted me to come over and see the work they had been doing. But since VS would go into work only on some days and only in the afternoon, was only able to go over once. Rajesh was very warm and welcoming. His passion, conviction and pride for the handmade denim project was evident in his voice and eyes. The second time I met him was at Uncle's 90th and did not recognize him initially, as he had lost almost 30 Kgs of weight. But as soon as he spoke was able to recognize him and we had an engaging conversation in which I came to better understand his genuineness. I was shocked to hear of his sudden passing. He will definitely be missed by all who were lucky enough to have met him even once.

I still clearly remember the day I came to your office for job interview. I was very nervous but you skillfully made me feel at ease. Working with you transformed me into the person I am today. Thank you for improving my work, enhancing my knowledge and skills, and being an outstanding boss. I will always remember fondly - sharing lunches, evening snacks, and the many celebrations birthday, x-mas or just on a random day to help boost morale! You shall be greatly missed. Rest in peace.

Your leadership skills molded me into a better worker and enabled me to achieve remarkable things that I could not even have imagined myself doing. Starting straight out of college, initially I had difficulty comprehending your unique methods. I was even scared of asking a question or interrupting you in the middle of a discussion, even when it was getting late. However, as I started grasping the benefits of your method I also realized that you never had any objection with any of us pointing out that it was time to go, It was your own unique way of helping us learn how and when to speak up for oneself. An invaluable lesson which has helped me immensely. Thank you for being a wonderful boss