A solemn yet inspiring memorial service was organised by the Chhokar and Banga families to celebrate the life and legacy of Professor Jagdeep Chhokar, co-founder of the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The gathering brought together civil servants, diplomats, journalists, religious leaders, friends, and members of civil society, all united in paying heartfelt tributes to a man remembered as a fearless reformer, a scholar of democracy, and a compassionate human being.
Trilochan Sastry, Founder Member and Trustee of ADR, described Chhokar as an extraordinary individual who lived and departed on his own terms. Remembered for his ever-present mischievous smile and unshakable courage, Sastry said Chhokar believed deeply in nation-building and found joy in engaging with democracy, elections, and legal frameworks. A voracious reader, he began his mornings studying newspapers, judgments, and petitions, becoming, in Sastry’s words, “a walking encyclopedia on Indian democracy.”
For more than 25 years, Chhokar dedicated himself to strengthening ADR and broadening public understanding of India’s democratic system. He guided journalists with patience, spoke on television with clarity, and worked behind the scenes to make complex legal and electoral issues accessible to ordinary citizens. Despite numerous accolades and offers, including the prestigious post of Director of IIM Ahmedabad, he chose humility and service over recognition. Sastry highlighted that even under personal strain, including being targeted by Pegasus surveillance, Chhokar remained fearless and unshaken in his mission.
In his final reflections, Chhokar had urged citizens, especially the youth, to take ownership of democracy and contribute selflessly to the nation’s progress. He envisioned an India where people collaborate beyond self-interest, nurturing an informed and participatory democratic culture. Sastry concluded that carrying forward this mission would be the greatest tribute to Chhokar’s life.
Adding to the tributes, Chhokar’s long-time friend Sehgal spoke with a mix of grief and gratitude. He recalled their early bond as engineering students at Jamalpur, which later flourished when Chhokar became Dean and Director of IIM Ahmedabad. Their friendship deepened in retirement, as they exchanged nearly 4,000 emails over the years, discussing everything from politics to science and literature, the last being on AI-powered stethoscopes.
Sehgal remembered Chhokar as a man of poetry, music, languages, and humor. Despite his fearless nature, he never ignored the risks involved in his public work, facing challenges head-on. Sehgal also recalled his love for Goa, where he celebrated his 80th birthday, and his enduring affection for family and friends. With emotion, he described Chhokar as “a giant among men” whose contributions to ADR and Indian democracy are irreplaceable.
From within the family, Kalpana, Chhokar’s sister-in-law and the younger sister of his wife Kiran, spoke with deep emotion. She described him not only as a remarkable professional but as a kind and supportive family member who touched countless lives. Known affectionately in the family as “Janki Bhaiya” and “Teddy Bear” to his nieces, he balanced his stern wit with tenderness and warmth. Kalpana remembered how he cared for their mother, earning the affectionate title “Devta,” and how he embraced his role as a grandfather with joy. She concluded by saying his absence leaves an irreplaceable void but also a legacy of love, resilience, and guidance.
As the evening drew to a close, guests met Chhokar’s wife, Kiran, personally offering their condolences and recalling his impact on their lives. The gathering ended not in silence but in collective remembrance, a fitting tribute to a man who lived fully, gave selflessly, and left behind a roadmap for strengthening democracy.
Professor Jagdeep Chhokar’s life was celebrated not only as that of a reformer and academic but also as a compassionate friend, a loving family man, and a fearless defender of democratic values. His memory, as many noted, will continue to inspire those committed to justice, integrity, and the strengthening of India’s democratic fabric.