Shrikrishna Ghatpande (affectionately known as “Baba”) passed away peacefully at home on May 10, at the age of 94. He was born on February 4, 1932 in Pune, India, the youngest of 6 siblings. Baba had a lifelong passion for learning, obtaining two master’s degrees and multiple certifications. He retired as a Senior Research Officer from the Institute of Cooperative Management in 1991. Throughout his life, Baba enjoyed many creative pursuits. He found great joy in music, both listening and singing, and in recent years, looked forward to karaoke nights with his daughter, son-in-law, and their friends. When he was younger, he wrote poetry. Baba had the impressive skill of writing a poem in just minutes based on any topic that inspired him. Baba also had many hobbies outside the creative sphere. He practiced yoga throughout his life, and was able to do headstand pose (shirshasana) until he was 84. He was also a huge fan of cricket, and could be found watching cricket games for countless hours with his favorite (only) son-in-law. Baba had a green thumb, which resulted in a bumper crop of tomatoes during his first visit to the US in 1994. In 2016, he began spending time in the US, and moved here permanently in 2019. We are grateful to have been able to spend so much time with him in his later years, and he too grew to enjoy life here. Baba leaves behind his daughter, Medha Umarji and son-in-law, Sanjay Umarji; his grandchildren, Rujuta Umarji, Sarang Umarji (Elizabeth Bezares), and Rashmi Umarji (Rahul Roy); and many extended family members and friends. He will be remembered as a gentle and soft-spoken soul with a great sense of humor. While he will be deeply missed by all, his legacy will live on in us through our collective love of yoga, gardening, learning, sweets, and the arts. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Shrikrishna’s name are appreciated to Mai Family Services.
Shrikrishna Ghatpande
February 4, 1932 - May 10, 2026