Rasesh Bhanuchandra THAKKAR

1935 - 2022

THAKKAR, Rasesh Bhanuchandra February 24 1935 – January 19 2022 Rasesh was born in Bombay, India to Bhanuchandra and Manorama (Mehta) Thakkar. He studied economics and law at the University of Bombay. A Fulbright travel grant and a full scholarship from the University of Rochester brought him to the US in 1963, leading to his PhD. He was a professor of economics and later taught Indian Studies at York University from 1969 to 1999. He had a lifelong interest in Indian classical music, literature and spiritual philosophy, particularly in the writings of Sri Aurobindo. Rasesh played a key role in establishing and running Nrtyakala Academy of Dance, Menaka Thakkar Dance Company and Kalanidhi Fine Arts, which helped bring Indian classical dance to the Canadian arts scene. Rasesh was one of six siblings: predeceased by Sudha (Abdullah) Khandwani and Rashmi (Sudha) Thakkar; survived by Pragna (Philip) Enros, Menaka Thakkar and Nidhi (Villoo) Thakkar. He will be fondly remembered by his nephews and nieces: Madhava (Kate) Enros, Sonali (Zach) Thakkar, Shivani (Rushabh) Thakkar and Zubin (Tushara) Thakkar. He died at home in Toronto. His ashes will be scattered at a later date. Condolences may be left on the Turner and Porter Yorke Chapel's memorials website.