Obituary of Vijay Kumar Bhalla

Vijay Kumar Bhalla, a cherished husband, father, engineer, and entrepreneur, led a life defined by dreams, dedication, and enduring familial love. Born in 1961 to Jatinder and Lalita Bhalla in Patiala, India, Vijay, embodied a spirit of ambition and kindness from his earliest days. He devoted his life to elevating his entire family to greater opportunities and left this world successful in all his life’s pursuits.

From a young age, Vijay nurtured his academic ambitions, pursuing a path of learning and innovation that culminated in a PhD in Computer Engineering from Delhi University. This academic achievement laid the foundation for a future marked by diverse and impactful endeavors.

In 1988, Vijay married Meena, beginning a beautiful and inseparable partnership. They did everything together, from spending time with friends to shopping and tirelessly working through joint business ventures to provide for their family. Together, they raised sons Manu and Tanishq in Burlington, MA, welcomed daughters-in-law Pooja and Pankhuri, and cherished moments with their granddaughter, Devi. Alongside his deep connection with his immediate family, Vijay was also a dependable brother to Ajay, sharing a bond of unconditional loyalty and support. Vijay’s commitment to his family was unwavering. He ensured that the family had many fond moments to bond together, making family vacations, whether to nearby parks or new countries, a regular adventure.

Driven by a vision of a better life for his family, in 1997, Vijay secured a job in Boston while still in India. He moved to the United States without knowing anyone or having any security and bravely started a new chapter of his life in a place unfamiliar yet full of promise. Vijay's professional life was marked by a blend of technical skill and entrepreneurial spirit. As a Software Engineer, he made significant contributions at the National Informatics Centre, EMC, Parexel, and the Department of Defense. His entrepreneurial ventures included founding Teknobit, which helped many Indian families realize their American dream through H1 Visa employment. Additionally, his pursuits in financial trading and managing rental properties showcased his relentless drive and business acumen.

Despite a seven-year battle with Multiple Systems Atrophy, Vijay's indomitable spirit never waned. He continued to find meaning in work, prioritize time with family and friends, and cherish each moment with his infectious laugh. Vijay was known for his timely jokes that brightened the whole room. His life was a testament to his vision, hard work, and the simple joys of life, such as enjoying fish and chips at the Drydock Cafe in Boston and going for a walk with his Meena around Castle Island.

Vijay told his family that there were two rules he lived by every day: 'Imaanadaar raho' (be honest) and 'Daro mat' (don’t be afraid). His unwavering honesty and fearless approach to all of life’s dimensions were the cornerstones of his character. These principles not only defined him in life, but they have also become the legacy he passes on, teaching us around him the importance of living with integrity and courage.

Relatives and friends are invited to honor his memory at a funeral service on Tuesday, December 26th, 2023 from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home (43 Winn St., Burlington, MA). In lieu of flowers, donations in Vijay's memory to support MSA research are appreciated and can be made through his memorial page at https://support.multiplesystematrophy.org/fundraiser/5148403.

Om Sai Ram