ForeverMissed
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This website was created in memory of our son and brother, Raj Mehta. Raj was born on April 15th, 2000, and passed away on March 27th, 2020. In his short life he made a lasting impact on everyone who got to know him. This site celebrates his life journey and we hope it can serve as place of solace for those who love and miss him. Please read about various chapters of Raj's life, browse through photos and videos and feel free to share a story, photo or video or leave a tribute.

Raj was a people person. Whether someone met him for 15 min or 15 years, he would leave a positive memory with the person - without even making an effort. He developed close bonds with countless friends, teachers and family members. His smile was described a contagious. Most of all, he was there when his friends needed him. While we truly believe Raj was destined to brighten this world, we also believe that God needed him for a mission more important than we are able to comprehend.

Thank you to everyone who helped make Raj's 20 years the absolute best. While we wish we had more time with him, we know you all will keep his spirit alive and help his memory live on.

With all our love,
The Mehta Family


                                            RAJ MEHTA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP                                       
 Raj was an incredible person, and we want to make sure good deeds are done to honor the positivity he projected. Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of friends and family members, we have been able to set up two scholarships in Raj's name. More is yet to come.

Duke University Scholarship
Raj loved Duke for his entire life, and his dreams came true when he was accepted at Duke. To help the dreams of other kids like him come true, we have set up a scholarship at Duke that helps students who are in need of financial aid. To learn more about the scholarship or to contribute click here.

North Carolina Community Foundation Scholarship
Raj was always striving to help others reach their full potential, and in that spirit, we have set up a scholarship that helps people who are trying to earn an associates degree, diploma or a vocational certificate. We hope that this fund is able to give someone a helping hand  in their pursuit for a better future for themselves and their families. To learn more about the scholarship or to contribute click here.

Raj Mehta Leadership Award
Raj was a gifted Karate student, a coach and an emerging official. This award goes to a student at Triangle's Best Karate who is committed to Karate and having a positive impact on the community through values learned from Karate. To learn more about the award or to contribute click here.
                                                                                                                                                  

Other Causes
We are in process of setting up a school, setting up a foundation that helps improve access to healthcare resources in general and mental health resources in particular, and a foundation that facilitates and improves the current organ donation process. The list is endless. Any help to develop and execute these ideas is welcome.

Tributes

Leave a tribute
Reed Margolis
October 21, 2020
October 21, 2020
I met Raj the summer between his Sophomore and Junior year in high school; he was my suite mate at Governor's School East at Meredith College. Unfortunately, we didn't speak all that much that Summer. I just knew Raj as the kid next door with the effervescent smile and good taste in music. Thankfully, Raj and I followed one another on social media during Gov School and he came back into my life his Freshman year at Duke. I was a year older so when I recognized Raj on the KVille lawn during a sunny Fall afternoon I immediately ran up to him. He greeted me with a big hug and we began reminiscing about that great Summer we both had in high school.
We quickly became friends, developed inside jokes, and began spending a lot of time together. I was so happy when he ultimately joined SigEp in the Fall of his Sophomore year. The friendship we created during his Freshman year was always going to last forever, but now it felt more intimate - more cemented. Every moment I shared with Raj was a true blessing. He always made me feel better, even when I didn't even know I needed to feel better. He brought an unparalleled passion to everything he did and he always did it with that famous smile and friendly yet pointed tact.
To the Mehta family, I offer you my deepest condolences. Nothing I write here will be able to offer you any comfort, but I want you all to know that you raised a magnificent young man. A man that touched me in such a spiritual way. A man who I hope to emulate. A man who taught me so much about the world, our place within it, and how we engage with others. I will always be indebted to Raj.
To Raj, I'm writing this tribute to you as "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston plays in the background. I couldn't think of a better song to fit this moment. I will always love you, Raj. I will always remember you. I will always carry you with me. I will see you soon. <3
Jonathan Perera
October 13, 2020
October 13, 2020
I met Raj the very first week of freshmen year in our EGR101 class. I remember his confidence, his smile, and his contagious energy on those early days of our friendship. I remember instantly knowing we’d be great friends because of the enthusiasm and passion he exuded in everything he did. That class we got paired to work on the breakdown of a little toy bunny and as usual we had a riot, pretending we were doctors performing surgery and cracking jokes the whole time. He also had a fondness for singing and whenever I’d start humming a song he’d be sure to join in and it was the funniest thing however I don’t know if that groups working next to us enjoyed it a much as we did. Raj lived around 2 three doors down from me last year and it would always put a smile on my face to see him roll through section after a late night grinding on some engineering assignment and he’d come down and sit with me in the little table in the common area and we’d get a short chance to catch up for a little. The last time I hung out with Raj, me and him and our friend Zach went on a little adventure trying to find a friend’s lost phone. We walked from east campus looking for the phone all the while conversing about our plans for Spring Break, Raj’s dance competition, our love lives, and how time was flying by. We ended up finding the phone, but more importantly I was able to have spent a valuable couple of hours with him amongst the clamor and blur of sophomore year, not knowing that I would be wishing there had been more. Over the course of the two years I had the pleasure of knowing him for, I have taken so many memories, feeling thankful for every second I got to spend with him. He was someone who lit up every room he went into and someone who knew just what to say to lift up your mood. The world needs more people like him, ones with passion, drive and the biggest hearts spreading good energy and happiness. I will treasure the time I had with him forever. I love you Raj, fly high my brother.
Nikhita Jain
September 27, 2020
September 27, 2020
Dear Raj,

We all miss you so much and will remember your wonderful smile forever. The baby pictures of you are the ones I look at the most. I remember when you were born and we all were so excited. You were so cute and sweet. An absolute joy to be around. Except when you wouldn't eat at the dinner parties and we would have to take turns trying to feed you. That was my favorite memory. Feeding you butter rice.

And then later on when you would come home from college and all of a sudden you're talking about girls and snapchat. It was a delight to watch you grow up. I was always excited to see what was new with you and how you were changing into a young man.

I'll think of you always little bro.

Loving you always,
Nikhita
Ritika Desai
September 26, 2020
September 26, 2020
Although I wasn’t in contact with Raj during high school, he was a large part of my childhood. We grew up together, sharing some of the same memories of Sanskar and TGA dance practice. He would wave to me during our Sanksar assembly, come to my table to make crafts with me, and wave to me during pujas. He was so kind and had such a big heart. Once, at Sujata Aunty’s house, he said to me as we were leaving, “I will politely pummel her to a pulp”. I can’t recall exactly what we were talking about because it was from when we were around 12-13 years old, but I can tell you it made me laugh so hard that I have remembered those words to this day. He was one year older than me, and I remember always looking up to him and his accomplishments. When he went to Italy for karate, I was beyond impressed. During dance practice, I remember his witty remarks and the strong bond he formed with the group. He was often my partner. He never failed to make us laugh and amaze us by his natural dance skills. The stunts he performed were definitely the highlight of every performance. Not only was he an amazing dancer, but I remember going to his house for a meeting and hearing him play the drums. There are countless things I could add to the list of why I looked up to him. I was truly always in awe of his capability and talent. He will be remembered for all those things and more - everything he taught us from being humble to being energetic, passionate, and charismatic. This letter by no means does him justice, but I hope it’s known that we loved him and I was especially touched by him. He impacted the lives of thousands of people so heavily in his lifetime. I will never forget his smile, his heart, and his mind. I wish he were here today but I hope that wherever he is, he’s surrounded by the things that fulfill and complete him.

So much love,
Ritika
Isha Patel
September 25, 2020
September 25, 2020
I remember those endless nights of dance practice where everyone was just giving up and wanted to go home. I was most definitely one of them. Having a long day of school and then having to go to a late night practice wasn't the best sometimes. Raj was always happy, and no matter what he always put 110% into every single round we had to dance. He always had a smile on his face through the thick and thin of those nights even when the rest of us couldn't.
One day that I clearly remember is the day that it snowed. We still had practice of course and all of us had more energy than usual because school was cancelled. We were told that we could take a break and proceeding that everyone ran outside to play in the snow. The girls and the guys were all having a snowball fight outside the studio and it was a joyous moment. When we had to go back in, no one was happy, except for Raj. His smile brightened up the room and made everyone smile too. We all put in a 110% that night and honestly I don't think that would've happened if Raj wasn't there. He always made light of everything no matter if it was good or bad.
At the first practice of every year, we would always be paired up. Every time I came in, I always knew that Raj would be my partner because we were always the shortest people. Dancing with him for 6 years is something that I will always cherish and I still, to this day, watch the videos that were taken of all of us.
Jacob Hochstein
September 24, 2020
September 24, 2020
Raj was a brother in my pledge class in SigEp this year. He was one of only two brothers in our class with a car and we would often have to beg the other brother to use his car, but with Raj, we never had to ask twice. Not only would he lend us his car whenever we needed to go somewhere, but he would also offer to drive us himself, singing and laughing the entire time in the driver's seat. His generosity and willingness to help was amazing. I only got to experience this firsthand in what may seem like a small way, but from what I have heard about Raj with Camp Kesem and his life in general, this was the norm. He was an amazing person and brother to me and the entire Duke community and truly made everyone he met want to be a better person.

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Recent Tributes
Reed Margolis
October 21, 2020
October 21, 2020
I met Raj the summer between his Sophomore and Junior year in high school; he was my suite mate at Governor's School East at Meredith College. Unfortunately, we didn't speak all that much that Summer. I just knew Raj as the kid next door with the effervescent smile and good taste in music. Thankfully, Raj and I followed one another on social media during Gov School and he came back into my life his Freshman year at Duke. I was a year older so when I recognized Raj on the KVille lawn during a sunny Fall afternoon I immediately ran up to him. He greeted me with a big hug and we began reminiscing about that great Summer we both had in high school.
We quickly became friends, developed inside jokes, and began spending a lot of time together. I was so happy when he ultimately joined SigEp in the Fall of his Sophomore year. The friendship we created during his Freshman year was always going to last forever, but now it felt more intimate - more cemented. Every moment I shared with Raj was a true blessing. He always made me feel better, even when I didn't even know I needed to feel better. He brought an unparalleled passion to everything he did and he always did it with that famous smile and friendly yet pointed tact.
To the Mehta family, I offer you my deepest condolences. Nothing I write here will be able to offer you any comfort, but I want you all to know that you raised a magnificent young man. A man that touched me in such a spiritual way. A man who I hope to emulate. A man who taught me so much about the world, our place within it, and how we engage with others. I will always be indebted to Raj.
To Raj, I'm writing this tribute to you as "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston plays in the background. I couldn't think of a better song to fit this moment. I will always love you, Raj. I will always remember you. I will always carry you with me. I will see you soon. <3
Jonathan Perera
October 13, 2020
October 13, 2020
I met Raj the very first week of freshmen year in our EGR101 class. I remember his confidence, his smile, and his contagious energy on those early days of our friendship. I remember instantly knowing we’d be great friends because of the enthusiasm and passion he exuded in everything he did. That class we got paired to work on the breakdown of a little toy bunny and as usual we had a riot, pretending we were doctors performing surgery and cracking jokes the whole time. He also had a fondness for singing and whenever I’d start humming a song he’d be sure to join in and it was the funniest thing however I don’t know if that groups working next to us enjoyed it a much as we did. Raj lived around 2 three doors down from me last year and it would always put a smile on my face to see him roll through section after a late night grinding on some engineering assignment and he’d come down and sit with me in the little table in the common area and we’d get a short chance to catch up for a little. The last time I hung out with Raj, me and him and our friend Zach went on a little adventure trying to find a friend’s lost phone. We walked from east campus looking for the phone all the while conversing about our plans for Spring Break, Raj’s dance competition, our love lives, and how time was flying by. We ended up finding the phone, but more importantly I was able to have spent a valuable couple of hours with him amongst the clamor and blur of sophomore year, not knowing that I would be wishing there had been more. Over the course of the two years I had the pleasure of knowing him for, I have taken so many memories, feeling thankful for every second I got to spend with him. He was someone who lit up every room he went into and someone who knew just what to say to lift up your mood. The world needs more people like him, ones with passion, drive and the biggest hearts spreading good energy and happiness. I will treasure the time I had with him forever. I love you Raj, fly high my brother.
Nikhita Jain
September 27, 2020
September 27, 2020
Dear Raj,

We all miss you so much and will remember your wonderful smile forever. The baby pictures of you are the ones I look at the most. I remember when you were born and we all were so excited. You were so cute and sweet. An absolute joy to be around. Except when you wouldn't eat at the dinner parties and we would have to take turns trying to feed you. That was my favorite memory. Feeding you butter rice.

And then later on when you would come home from college and all of a sudden you're talking about girls and snapchat. It was a delight to watch you grow up. I was always excited to see what was new with you and how you were changing into a young man.

I'll think of you always little bro.

Loving you always,
Nikhita
View all 6 tributes
Gallery
Raj donating and helping under privileged people
Raj's Graduation: Katha and Havan
Raj's Graduation Party
Thanksgiving 2017
It was such a special 2017 thanksgiving - “parts” of 3 families - made us “whole”
Raj and his phone! Wonder what model he has now? Much better than mine!
One of our 2017 post- thanksgiving meal picture
Raj with his cousins playing cards (Jan 2020)
Our Trip to DC
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His Life

Baby Raj

August 4, 2020
by Mehta Family
Raj Samir Mehta was born on April 15th, 2000, at 8:41pm at Duke Hospital (yes, he was a Duke baby). He was a very happy child, very smiley and full of laughter. Once he started crawling, he loved getting into things he wasn’t supposed to. One of his favorite pastimes was to empty out all of the containers from the tupperware drawer. He was a very easy-going child, and loved to do what those around him were doing. His first New Year’s Eve, he stayed up right until midnight, smiled as everyone else was celebrating, and then immediately fell asleep at 12:02, January 1, 2001. When asked, 'Raj, where is nose?' this was his answer rather than searching one on his own face!

He was an incredibly smart child. When he was very young, we could ask him "What day is Didi's 15th birthday going to be on?" and he would answer "Monday," by just doing the math in his head. But he knew how to be silly too. We lived right by the airport, and for the longest time, he would call it the "hairport." He loved to laugh and smile and was a very very happy boy.

Childhood

August 4, 2020
by Mehta Family
Raj had a great childhood, growing up in the Triangle. He started his education at Hunter Elementary. When the family moved to Cary in 2008, he transferred to Fuller Elementary, and continued on with his friends to Carnage Middle School. 

Raj had a very full and rich childhood, trying several different activities and extracurriculars. He dabbled in cricket, soccer, basketball, baseball, and swimming, before settling in with karate and drums, which would prove to be lifelong passions.

Raj had many many friends from school and the temple, some of whom stayed with him into high school and college. On any given weekend he would be with his friends at sleepovers, playing flashlight tag and video games, and having a great time!

High School

August 4, 2020
by Mehta Family
Raj went to Raleigh Charter High School, which gave him the opportunity to further expand his friend circle. Raj thrived in high school--all the teachers loved him, he took honors and AP classes, and got top grades -even though he often left his work for the night before it was due! He was techie at heart and knew how to make technology work for him. One time, while on the way to school, he dictated his paper on the phone, transcribed voice to text, printed from the phone to a school printer and turned in the assignment just in time - and got an A!  Raj always loved cars, and was so excited to learn how to drive. He got his permit the first day he possibly could, and proved to be a natural. He was thrilled when we got Tesla model S because that allowed him to combine his love for driving with his love for technology.  

Raj made some amazing friends at Charter, and he loved his friends dearly. He made so many memories with them, from school dances to weekend parties, snow days to prom, he always was talking about his friends and the next fun thing they had planned. 
View all 9 Life stories
Recent stories
March 28
by Nita Mehta
On the 27th morning, Samir called me. We talked for a few minutes, he mentioned he was very happy as both Pooja Raj were back home because of  Covid. I was very happy to hear that my brother is happy.

In next 10 hours, life changed. Our happiness vanished as our beloved child left us. Never thought that life would change like this.

Missing you very much dear

Thinking of your loving and caring nature Raj

April 15, 2022
by Nita Mehta
Dear Raj
It’s your 22nd birthday ,3rd birthday without you. I remember when you see non privileged children you get very emotional. We will always remember your loving & caring nature. You donated food to those people in the memory of dada. Today we have donated some sweets & savoury to the non privileged children in your memory. Miss you lots baby.

Missed and remembered, forever and always

September 26, 2020
by Sonam Shah
When I sat down to write this I thought, "where do I start? How do I express the way Raj changed my life as a friend?" But that's just it, in these 11 years of knowing Raj, it is hard to sum it up in just one page. He managed to be kind, loyal, trustworthy, yet always so excited and lively. There have been so many milestones and moments that Raj has shared with me. He was my partner whom I got my first science olympiad medal with, he was my confidant whom I went to for advice, he was my goof-around-in-Sanskar-general-assembly pal, and one of my best friends. 
Raj had that personality that made it so easy for everyone around him to be themselves. I can still picture him sitting across from us in calculus, taking out his blue lunchbox with RSM engraved on it--slowly pulling out his dino soy nuggets and chick-fil-a sauce every day. No matter how much we teased him or bothered him about his "refined palette" it never phased him. He radiated so much confidence and always carried his head held high. I always admired him for that. College threw both of us our fair share of curve balls, but Raj always seemed to take life with such happiness. His attitude towards living in the moment is something I have thought about ever since we became friends. He taught me to embrace the good moments and savor them.
Raj, I hope and wish that I was half the friend that you were to me. I know you will continue to be the selfless and joyous person touching lives wherever you are. Thank you for giving me countless memories, smiles, and laughter to remember you and our time. I promise you, I will be right there beside you on the court cheering your blue, the better blue very soon!
Love Always,
Sonam 

View all 27 stories

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