Obituary

Dr. Prakash Krishanswamy

Dr. Prakash Krishnaswamy (‘Prak’, Class of 1978, B.Tech Mech Engg, Godavari), a long time resident of Manhattan, Kansas, passed away on October 30, 2008 at the age of 51, after a long bout with leukemia. He was a professor of Mechnanical Engineering at Kansas State University.

Prof. Mo Hosni, Head of the Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Dept. said, “Prakash was a talented colleague and caring teacher. He had a solid technical background and vast knowledge of contemporary topics. He specifically sought and worked on those research projects that would have a lasting impact on the betterment of human lives. Prakash was a thoughtful and demanding teacher who gave crystal clear lectures without notes. We all will dearly miss him, his sense of humour and his contagious laughter.”

The Manhattan Times stated, “In the Manhattan community, Prakash was a good Samaritan with a helping hand and was loved and admired for his ever smiling and cheerful temperament.”

Prak was editor of Campastimes, the IIT campus rag. He was a keen quiz competitor and was very passionate about solving crossword puzzles. He was a sports enthusiast and his interest in music ranged from rock to ragas. Prak’s story would be incomplete without mentioning his fondness for Hawaii chappals. Be it a hot summer’s day in Chennai or a cool wintry day in upstate New York, Prak was always seen in them.

His classmates have this to say about him.

“Prakash was a very generous and unassuming person who made everyone around him laugh a lot and was always willing to help others.”

“My memory of Prak is his incisive wit, his coolness and his ever-present trademark Hawaii chappals which he wore on two winter occasions when he visited us.”

“I’ll cherish the fond memories of Prak and his PJs (poor jokes) at Godav carom board, TT table, bridge games, OAT or just working on the Times or Statesman crossword (Hindu or Express was just too easy). Last time we met in Las Vegas, he was in his true element – with his one-liners, followed by the classic ‘chortle’ giggle.”

“Prak was special to all of us. His brilliance, his wit, his PJs, his command of details in quiz contests, and his casual style and ‘Hawaii chappals’ will remain etched in our memory forever.”

 Prakash is survived by his parents Mr. and Mrs. Krishnaswamy, wife Sujatha and son Azad, and two brothers and their families.