Kush Tandon

― Glennon Melton, Carry On, Warrior: Thoughts on Life Unarmed

The above quote perfectly describes Kush and his relationships. Kush Tandon, born on December 3rd, 1962, left us prematurely on January 31st, 2019. He is survived by his parents Drs. Shiv Nath Tandon and Uma Tandon, twin brother Dr. Lav Tandon, sister-in-law Dr. Amy Wong, dog Arjun, cat Rani, and extended family and friends.

He was a son, a brother, a cousin, an uncle, a friend, and so much more to everyone who ever had the good fortune to cross paths with him. He did not need anything, that did not stop him from offering help to others. Kush had discovered equanimity and contentment, and he spread it to everyone he met. He was easily the happiest person around in family gatherings. He warmed his way into your heart with a smile and a quip, and you knew for a fact that he was one of the best people you would ever meet, “A#1” as Sinatra sang.

A true family man who adopted all he met. He loved his parents, idolized his father, and had tremendous respect for the fact that his mother earned a Ph.D. at a time when it was rare for women to do so. Perhaps the only one he loved more was his twin brother Lav. Although 25 minutes younger, Kush acted like an older, protective sibling and cherished their bond. In later years, Lav was allowed to act as an elder brother, but only on certain issues.

His deep-rooted interest in geophysics led to a rewarding career. Among his colleagues, he was known for his generosity and kindness. He led a full life, finding time to volunteer and support local charities, like iEducate, Samskriti, and YDLP, as well as being an active member of the Houston IIT Roorkee alumni chapter. He did not engage with activism on a surface level simply to tick the box of social acceptance, he walked the talk!

He was truly a man of conviction and once he believed in something he stood by it. Gently glowing in the corner of the room, where the most interesting discussions happened - politics, films, sciences or culture, he was erudite, possessed an incredible memory and his informed contributions never failed to influence.

An avid photographer, his photo journeys are a window to his worldview. He saw beauty in the simplicity of everyday tasks, richness in human interactions, and the grandeur of nature. He was the designated cameraman at family events, his lens capturing us in complimentary light.

As his extended family, we will remember him for the “single member and unanimous-Kush Commission” on the family chat group that often penalized us for our faux pas. I will always remember his as my fellow Thronie and our conversations about Game of Thrones. On that note I leave you with a quote that I think describes his values very well.

“Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armor yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you.”

― George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones

Kush/ Kushi / KT/ mama/ chacha/Godfather/ Bollywood lover and truly Shaandaar (Marvelous) you will forever be in our hearts and mind. We love you, miss you and know that you are smiling up there as you join the angels.