Obituary of Dr. Bodh N. Das

A remarkable human being with an incredible life journey, Dr. Bodh Narayan Das (Babuji) leaves behind his wife of 68+ years, Mrs. Usha Das, along with his 6 children, Abha, Bibha, Rekha, Akhil, Nikhil, and Pratish, their respective spouses, 12 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. All that he accomplished in his life is a testament to his perseverance, intellect, and courage. He touched innumerable lives as he forged a path forward, always putting others first while maintaining his deeply-held beliefs.

He came from Belaur, a remote village in the state of Bihar, located in Northeastern India near the foothills of the Himalayas. Although he grew up in extreme poverty, Babuji overcame the economic challenges by earning the high grades needed to compete for admission to Darbhanga Medical College. While there, he received the distinction of being elected the Secretary of the student body’s Clinical Society. After completing his medical training, he chose to come to the United States in 1968 and was thrilled to have his wife and children join him in 1970. 

He saved many lives as a cardiologist for over 50 years in the United States – both as a clinician and as an academician training physicians who went on to save even more lives. Within his South Asian community in New York and New Jersey, he was everyone's "2nd Doctor". 

Babuji was a man of great self-discipline who always abided by a set of principles and led by example. He never drank alcohol, and he never smoked and truly lived with regard for others. His daily practice of Ahimsa extended to his being a strict vegetarian for the majority of his life.

Kindness and consideration were the hallmarks of his being. In his unfailing willingness to help families within the community, Babuji welcomed them into his home for as long as they needed when they first arrived in the United States. He was a loving husband, not only providing devoted companionship and perfectly-crafted cups of tea but also fulfilling his wife’s dream of visiting the Char Dham temples in India. Babuji’s love for his family showed up in countless ways as well, from providing opportunities for education, stability, and growth for his children, to delighting in every grandchild’s FaceTime call, performance, and academic achievement. Yet another testament to his humanity was his selfless decision to donate a kidney to his youngest son.

Babuji was a man his community admired and relied upon, and his family adored. His impeccable legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all whose lives he touched.