My sweet memories with my Doddappa(Dr Mahadev Kumbar).First time when he visited India in 1973 along with doddamma and uday anna .i met him in Amirtsar when i was hardly 21/2 yrs old.i do not remember those day but i have some pictures of him with my Dad that was taken  in front of Tajmahal(Agra) and other in  Agra fort.in which my mom ,dad dodamma uday anna and my grandmother are there.

Second time he visited India in 1980 along with uday anna and sujata.I remember that day we came all the way  from suratgarh to meet them in Bombay(Mumbai).Two days we stayed  with them in mumbai in Atlanta Hotel near MarineDrive.

third time my uncle visited India on 29th June 1998 along with aunty and sujata.after 18 yrs they visited that was very very long gap.....I went  with them to Bangalore and MysoreWe all stayed there for four days i.e from 25th to 28th July 1998.We stayed in Tarlu Balu Kendra ,R T nagar in Bangalore.We visited Mysore Chamundi Hills,Mysore palace and k R  sagar  dam.

Fourth time he visited in 2008 January.He saw me with my husband and my two kids.He was very happy to see us.In Alnavar (my grandmother place) during the house warming ceremony there was a surprise celebration of  their 50th marraige anniversary .

we never thought that it would be  his last visit to India.His demise was a shocking news for all of us,we never expected this so early

We have known you for over 20 years now. Since that time, we have seen you as caring, nurturing and helping nature. To give an example:  when we opened our pharmacy ten years ago, you used to send us the prescriptions to be filled from New York. Even though you had plenty of other pharmacies around you. You wanted to help small independent pharmacy from a Veerashaiva family. I deeply appreciate and thank you from bottom of my heart.

One day, we finished our program at the church in New Brunswick at 10:00 pm.  After the program, our family and my cousin were talking in the parking lot.  Uncle patiently waited in the car.  Later, he came and told us that he did not want to leave us alone in the parking lot.  Eventhough, you had another 2-3 hours drive to go to Long Island, you patiently waited for us.  That ment a lot to us.

We are all going to miss you. I am confident that your future generation [as well as others] will follow your footstep.

SRI MAHADEVAPPA KUMBAR. WAS GENEROUS PERSON WHO CAME FROM VILLAGE & POTMAKER FAMILY BACKGROUND. HE PROVED THE WORLD NOTHING WILL STOP TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL. HE WAS REMEMBERED BY MANY RELATIEVES,FRIENDS NOT ONLY FROM INDIA BUT ALSO AMERICANS. HIS GREAT QUALITY WAS BELONGINNESS AND HELPING HAND THOSE WHO CAME ACROSS IN HIS LIFE. DURING HIS VISIT TO INDIA HE USE TO TRAVEL TO MEET ALL NEAR & FAR RELATIEVES WITHOUT HESITATION. HE WAS  THE MAN OF COTRIBUTION TO HIS PEOPLE & COUNTRY. HE WAS REMEMBERED FOR GENEROHS TO THE NEEDY PEOPLE.

I have known Dr. Mahadev Kumbar for almost 30 years. In those 30 years what I observed (and tried to learn ) from Dr. Kumbar is that he was a true Veerashaiva "Shivasharana"  who followed Sharana philosophy every day of his life.

He followed our Basavanna's 7 codes of conduct, "Kalabeda, kolabeda, husiya nudiyalu beda, muniya beda, anyarige asahya padabeda, tanna bannisabeda, idira haliyalu beda...." very rigidly and lived by these principles every day of his life.

He accepted each and everyone who happen to pass thru his life without any judgement.

He was like a "Big brother" to me who was there for me and my family when we needed the most. He was there for us day or night never saying "no" not even once!

For all the bountiful help he bestowed upon my family my only regret was that he never asked in return anything from us, not even once. Finally my wish to serve him came true when we were vacationing in Hawaii in July of this year with Dr. M. Kumbar and his wife Devi. Dr. M. Kumbar became seriously ill and myself and my husband were given a chance to serve him in Hawaii before that great soul attained "Lingaikya" later.

When we all planned for our Hawaii trip Dr. Mahadev Kumbar's wish was to see Shiva temple and Rudrakshi (revered as Shiva's eyes) trees in Kauai island. But unfortunately before reaching that island, which was our last island in our trip, Dr. M. Kumbar became ill so his wish was not fullfilled and he was deeply disappointed.

Dr. Kumbar, now you are free like a bird! The whole vast blue sky is at your disposal. Fly away to the places where you wished to be! See Shiva temple and Rudrakshi trees, its branches swaying in gentle breeze inviting you to take a leisurely walk among them! Watch them until your heart is filled with joy and you are satisfied!

I am sure Dr. Mahadev Kumbar that angels in heaven have welcomed you with open arms and you will be happy forever among them!

Dr. Mahadev Kumbar's "Lingaikya" has created a huge void in my life. He was a "Guardian angel" to me and I will cherish the memories of Dr. Mahadev Kumbar forever in my heart and pray to Sadguru Basaveshwara to help Dr. Mahadev Kumbar 's soul to find peace forever! May Basavanna also give strength to Dr. Mahadev  Kumbar's family to sustain this tremendous loss.

It was 2001 when Dr. Kumbar was leading the effort to host VSNA at New York. Dr. Kumber gave me an opportunity to direct cultural program. It was one of those meeting days where a few fellow Veerashaivas were trying to derail his efforts.  As I had lot of respect for Dr. Kumber, I fought back and lost my temper on the fellow Veerashaivas that were trying to disrespect him and I started shouting left and right and the meeting ended with a fury. I was sitting on the sofa with enarmous anger while Dr. Kumber approched me and said "Malleshi, let us go for a walk". I took a long walk with Dr. Kumbar. He said "Why did you get so angry?". I told Dr. Kumber that those fellows are trying to undo all the hard work that he has done. Dr. Kumber said, "I don't want you to get angry again. If you really love me, work with me to show them what we can collectively do. You need to have people like them to challenge us so we can do the best. Can I count on you to do the best work without getting angry?". I told Dr. Kumber that he is a genuine hero in my book and I promised him that I will work to the best of my ability without getting angry. Ever since that day, He has always remained my mentor. He showed me what leadership means by doing it. His enthusiasm always excited me. I really miss that great soul. Dr. Kumber, you are always with me, inspiring me and engaging me to always do my best. I thank you for your friendship and love.

To my dear Grandpa,

             Thank you for all of your caring and love. I know sometimes I gave you a hard time but I always love you. I loved to make you laugh. Even Logan and Nemo miss you a lot. I will never forget all the times you took me out for lunch and bought me cool toys! I will tell Navin what a great Grandpa you were and how you loved chemistry. I hope you have fun with Tata in heaven. I love you and I will never forget you!!

 Your loving Grandson, Sachin 

My grandpa shall rest in peace, he shall leave us memories that we shall cherish. Here is a poem that I wrote myself:

G randpa was a cool fun person who loved everything                                             R ushing to everything he wanted to do                                                                   A ddicted to teaching Chemistry                                                                                 N ever giving up on anything                                                                                     D rove us all over the place                                                                                       P laying with us                                                                                                         A mazing grandpa  

I remember when you taught me how to ride a bike. When Mom and Dad had to work you were always there to take care of me. As you remember all of us we Will miss you the most. As you watch us now I will do everything i can to make you proud. You've touched us with your knowledge we miss you. If it wasn't for you I ask myself who would I be without  you and grandma. That is why I love you forever. May you rest in peace 

                                                                                        Love

                                                                                                Akshay Kumbar ( Grandson forever )

 During mama's last visit to India in 2008,one day along with our beloved mama Dr.Mahadev.kumbar walking in the market at Alnawar to buy something.There mama saw one old poor lady was selling pappaya fruits and asked me to buy some pappaya.I began to bargain the fruits from old lady to reduce the price.Mama asked me don't bargain,give her whatever amount she asks.Then I paid amount and purchased the fruits.This shows very kindness and helping nature of my mama towords poor and helpless people.Soon after coming home from market,we all family members  tasted the fruits which was very sweet.He told us the importance of pappaya fruit to ones health. When I shifted to our new house at Dharwad, I planted one pappaya tree in our garden, which gave us lot of sweet fruits so many days. On the day when our beloved mama passed away on 15th sept.2011, very next day our pappaya tree also fell down. What a "coincidence!". But the sweet rememberance of mama and pappaya fruits remains witth us forever.

Your thougts and philosophy are always in our hearts.

WE MISS YOU MAMA.

My brother was not just a person to talk and forget.  He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather and caring brother.  Anna, today you said goodbye to us, but we never say that to you.  You are always and as long as we live, you are in our hearts and souls.  Since your second year college (about 55 years ago), you started taking care of all our brothers' and sisters' educations.  Not only taking care of your own family, but also taking care of others too.  You were not only a helping hand but also kind and loving and caring person to your family and to all others.  Because of your constant help, support and moral courage, now we have 4 doctors and 5 engineers in our family.  Same kind of inspiration and help that you gave to others will not be forgotten.  I always used to tell in our family tree there used to be 8 branches until today, not a single branch has fallen down.  Today, I never expected that that time has come to say that the main branch has fallen from that tree.   But that branch didn't go anywhere but it left other branches to continue to grow.  I do remember that when you brought both Shanmukh and me to this country, you took us to New York City to the NYS emplyment agency.  You left us there and gave us both 5 dollars for expenses and told us to look for the F train uptown to Jamaica, Queens and you told to use the Empire state building as a marker to help.  We got lost and wandered everywere and everywhere we looked we saw the Empire state building but we couldn't get there until midday.

You never got upset, angry, never lost your temper or misused anybody's names in your life.  You kept all your suffering and sorrows to yourself and gave to others happiness.  I cannot express and see the crying faces our grandchildren, Akshay, Sachin and Navin.  No matter how busy you were, you always made time for them.  You made a promise to our father that you will take care of our family; you did more than that until your last breath and treated all brothers equally; no one is less, no one is more.  You proved that your name is not only Mahadev it is beyond our expression, especially I did not get a chance to repay back in my life.  Since I born you were in my life everything, now I have nothing in my life.  Goodbye, anna. 

Veeranna Kumbar

 Oh my dear love.  You made me so happy.  When you left India you promised me that you were going to bring me to this country.  You kept that promise; you brought me here and you showered me with your love.  When I came here, you made me a better person.  Then Uday came along and you were so happy.  

When Uday was 5 months old, we went to Cunningham Park, you put him in the swing.  You pushed him so hard, Uday was so scared he started crying.  After that Uday didn't want to ever go on the swing.  You taught him how to ride the bike, you taught him so many things.  Every Sunday you and Uday used to play.  When Uday was young he would always ask for things, and you always bought them for him.  You love him beyond words.  

After 7 years Sujata came along.  When Sujata was born, you were not there and you came in the evening to see us.  Once you saw her, you said your mother came back to him.  You were thinking of different names, and you remembered a Hindi movie "Sujata".  You loved that movie so much and named her. 

After that you brought your brothers Veeranna and Shanmukha.  We all had an amazing time with you.  We move to Plainview when Sujata was 2 years old.  

You gave both Sujata and Uday a good education.  You also helped so many people in India by donating money to schools in India for a better education.  I am a very lucky person to have you, a wonderful daughter in law, a wonderful son in law and beautfiul, handsome and intelligent grandchildren.  

Your showered your grandchildren with love.  They will never forget you.  I will never forget you.  You are always with me in the bottom of my heart.  

You are beloved one.  I love you so much.  You will be with me all the time in my heart.  This house is filled with your memory.  Even though you are not here, you are still in this house.  I love you so much.  Your dearly loving Devi.

As one can see by the titile of my story, Mahadev Kumbar was more than just a Father-in-Law to me. He was my second Father. I have known him almost all of my life through the VSNY community and called him Dad for the past 15 years. He was always there when I needed him. Whether it be for handiwork around the house,(which Uday never could get around to) or to drive me to the hospital at 2 AM with labor pains. He always gave great advice and loved his Grandsons dearly. I think my kids and I were so lucky to have a man like him in our lives. The best part is we still live with a part of him every day! We have Uday who in many ways is just like his dad. He is truly "his Dad's son!"

Dad, I miss you and love you very much. You will always be in our hearts and we will never forget you. I am happy knowing that you will be with my Dad watching over us all!    Hope we make you proud!

I will always remember my first day of high school when I had to take a bus to school for the first time.  The bus stop was on the corner just across the street from my house.  When the bus drove up to the stop, I looked across the street only to see my dad at the front door wearing his sleeveless undershirt and happily applying shaving cream to his face, watching me.  Hoping no one else saw, I boarded the bus to school.  Later that day, I came home and asked dad if he could kindly not watch me go on the bus, as no one else’s dad did that.  He said, “Okay!”  The second day of school came, and I was once again standing at the corner.  I looked at the house relieved to see that the front door was shut.  However, just as the bus was driving up, I looked up at the second story window; the shade was drawn up and dad was once again in his undershirt and applying shaving cream to his face.  Once again, I came home and asked dad to refrain from staring out the window.  He said, “Okay, no problem.” It was the third day of school and wary from the previous days’ sight, I scanned the house to see if I could find dad.  And sure enough, there he was in the upstairs window peering through the blinds; his two eyes watching me as I boarded the bus.  It was then that I knew that he would always be watching out for me, no matter my age. 

Dad, I love and miss you.  You have always been there for me when I needed you.  I will always remember and keep with me your words of encouragement and wisdom.  I will always remember those funny childhood memories and hold them dear to my heart.   One day, I will share with Navin all the memories we have together and he will come to know that within him lives the most wonderful person in the whole world.  

My dad was more than a father to me.  He was my mentor, confident, and best friend.  He taught me many things, both in life and about life. He had a passion and intensity in anything that he did, whether it was teaching me how to ride a bike or writing a research paper on complex chemical bonds.  Citing his own personal hardships and accomplishments, he always said that nothing is out of your reach. With patience and hard work, the fruits of your labor will pay off.  Perhaps his most important lesson to me was one of compassion and  understanding.  He did not have the capacity to say no to anything or anyone for that matter.  He was always there to help others who needed it.  And he did it happily and selflessly.  My dad was always there for me, my family, and friends. It is with great honor that I am the man today because of my dad and I strive everyday to be the man that he was in life. My reflection in the mirror is the father I knew and loved.  I love you dad and I will miss you dearly. Your loving son, Uday.