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Ahamindra Jain Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Ahamindra Jain
Sponsored by Divya & Amartya.
Gary Drlik
June 4, 2020
I knew "Aha" as a freshman entering MIT. He and I were dormitory mates there.
He impressed me as an obviously brilliant scholar. But not only that, he was always willing to tutor the rest of us, especially in Organic Chemistry. And he made it fun, if you can believe it. I remember him making some sort of "bucky ball" (Buckminsterfullerene) out his stereochemical model kit and wearing on his head like a crown!
Later, when he was attending Harvard Medical School, and I expressed an interest in medicine, he let me accompany him to his gross anatomy lab where I observed his dissection. It was fascinating!
Aha possessed a rare combination of intelligence, modesty and altruism.
There is no doubt that he is missed by his family, friends, classmates and students.
Rest in Peace, Aha.
Summer Kimble
April 4, 2020
When I reached 10 years of experience as a physician assistant in the field of infectious disease medicine in 2017, I had an urge to find and write to my chemistry professor from Swarthmore College, Dr. Ahamindra Jain. He had written me a letter of recommendation in 2003, when I applied the master's degree PA program which I attended, to become a PA. I am another, like so many, who Dr. Jain encouraged in the sciences. And I was deeply saddened at the knowledge of his passing. As a young gal from a public high school in the midwest I was not accustomed to science teachers finding my work promising, but that was not the case with Dr. Jain. He encouraged everybody, regardless of gender, race, or background. I became a chemistry tutor to younger classes because of him. I remember one time I had organized the speaking engagement of a human rights activist as a part of our Amnesty International chapter on campus. But I didn't attend the lecture because of a chemistry test scheduled at the same time. Afterwards he admonished me, that I should have let him know so that I could have gone to the lecture and gotten a postponement on the test. He was very kind-hearted. His lecture style was clear and engaging. The molecules came to life and everything suddenly made sense. During this time of the pandemic my thoughts go out to him and his family again. To think of all the lives, from scientists, to doctors, to PA's like me, who can make a difference working in labs and hospitals throughout the world. One person can truly make a difference, and he did and still is.
Allison Wells
November 7, 2017
Dear Richa
I was so sorry to find this page - I had actually gone looking for him to thank him! Dr Jain taught me at Swarthmore and without his help in 3 chemistry classes I don't think I would have ever made it to medical school.
He found me a research position for the summer near my home. He was a mentor and an inspiration. He wrote me letters of recommendation for so many graduate schools and programs for years afterwards. He was in the library with us in the trenches studying. He had more office hours than anyone. I was devastated when he left Swarthmore.
I am so sorry for your loss. And the world's loss, as well.
Best thoughts to you and yours
Vincent Martin
September 7, 2017
I first met Ahamindra when I was a postdoc in Berkeley back in 2001. I came to him with a small project, to synthesize some 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol. Ahamindra saw this as a good opportunity to train summer undergraduate students and took on the project. This was just the kind a mentor he was, open, giving and always thinking of how best to help his students.
saida gul
June 14, 2013
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness I feel about Dr Duli Chandra Jain. I came to know him during the time I was in York college and I knew him every day after it and I knew him during the time he lost his son. He truly was a remarkable teacher, a loving father and an excellent human being.
Now, that he is not around, I can't believe how much I feel his absence in this world, all I want to say, you have a big place in my heart Dr Jain, and I will miss you!
Luke
January 9, 2013
I was a student of Dr. Jain's at Berkeley in chemistry 112. I think of him often but only searched for him today, and I'm saddened to find this page.
I was on my way to early-morning lecture when I found out about the 9/11 attacks. The second tower fell down half an hour before class began. His lecture opening conveyed sadness and concern, but those were wrapped in a sense of frank optimism and determination to continue on, no matter the outcome. I haven't heard anyone address that event better than he did, at the time or afterwords. He then went on with lecture (to the surprise of many, but to good effect). It was tremendously good, as it always was.
He knew us by name, and he helped me academically, personally, and professionally. He was a good man.
Lahiru K
October 27, 2012
It is with great sadness that I learned about passing away of Prof Duli Chandra Jain. Father of Dr. Ahamindra Jain
He was born in 1929 and passed away on February 11, 2011, at age 82.
He was a founding member and the key person behind the Jain Study Circle which
published Jain Study Circular since 1987, with his home at 99-11 60 Avenue, Apt.
3D, Flushing, NY 11368 as the base.
Jain Study Circular was the first Jain publication in USA. It was by design a
low-key publication, but with great impact. In my view, it was this publication
that helped define American Jainism.
A prestigious award Jain Ratna is given by JAINA for service to Jain dharma in
America. The first Jain Ratna was given in 1989 to Prof. Duli Chandra Jain for
editing the Jain Study Circular.
He was Professor Emeritus of Earth and Physical Sciences at City University of
New York, where he had served as a Professor of Physics. He had studied at BHU
and University of Calcutta and City College of New York. He had a PhD in Physics
and an MS in Computer Science. He received the Outstanding Educators of America
Award in 1957.
I have read many of his articles on various aspects of Jainism. Written in a
simple language, they bridged the Jain tradition and the modern rational
scientific thought. Many of them can be read at the Jain Study Circular website
http://jainstudy.org/
Jenny Liu
April 15, 2012
Hi,
I was a former student of Dr. Jain at Berkeley. He had the ability to make a lecture room full of 500 people feel personal. He knew a lot of the students' names. The way he taught organic chemistry inspired me to choose biochem-molecular bio as my major. I Googled his name because I was telling someone about how a college professor changed the path I took. My heart goes out to his family.
September 11, 2009
To the Jain family,
It was just last weekend that a classmate of mine from Hunter High School told me of Ahamindra's passing. He and I were classmates at Hunter College High School, and he was truly one of the most remarkable people I have encountered.
His brilliance was balanced by a remarkable maturity and kindness. He was firm, strong, and his unforgettable smile made everyone feel at ease around him.
I wish you all the strength in the world as you go through the period of mourning this loss. And the reflection of what you already know: He was a gem. He will be remembered always.
With blessings and wishes for peace, David Salvage, M.D.
Hansen Bow
September 4, 2009
I took Chemistry 112A & B with Professor Jain during the fall 2001 and spring 2002 semesters. I was from a different department, and those were the first chemistry classes I had taken at Berkeley. When I entered the 150-person class on the first day, I didn't know a single person, but I felt like Prof. Jain knew me. He made a special effort to make me feel comfortable in class and with the other students. In return, I studied especially hard in those classes to not disappoint him but make him proud. I believe I had succeeded.
Through Professor Jain, I learned to have confidence in myself. He was one of the best teachers I had ever had, and I often think of his style when presenting. I will be forever grateful to him.
Edward Ferrell
August 25, 2009
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Jain,
I am writing to convey to you my sincere condolences on the loss of your precious son, Ahamindra. I knew him in high school. He was a kind and gentle soul, a truly fine human being. he will be very much missed.
Rabbi Edward W. Ferrell
Susan Christensen
July 9, 2009
I remember clearly the afternoon I first met Professor Jain at Swarthmore. This was during freshman orientation and I had just turned in my math placement exam. As I headed out of the building, the person walking toward me in the hall stopped abruptly with a delighted exclamation of "Susan!" I checked to be certain --- but, no, I had never in my life met this person. This was Professor Jain, who had memorized the names and faces of all the incoming Swarthmore students eligible for his Chem10H class that fall.
And what a blast that class was! To him, the front of the classroom was a stage. He enthusiastically overdramatized everything. Against the background of a single-high chalkboard, his chalk would occasionally fly higher to include 6" or so of the wall above. And then again --- this time with a different color of chalk!
I Googled his name today to see where time had taken him and his family. When some of the top Google hits spoke of his death, I dared to hope that those related to someone else who shared his name. Yet, when I opened this guestbook, the personality and joie de vivre of Professor Jain were instantly recognizable in the wonderful stories and memories others have left.
To his family, my deepest condolences --- but also my thanks for having shared this man with the Swarthmore community all those years ago.
Jim Gill
July 5, 2009
To the family,
I am very sorry for your loss. I only recently learned of his passing from the Technology Review. My only experience with Ahamindra was as a teaching assistant in organic chemistry at MIT when I was an undergraduate in 1985 but he made such an impression upon me that I wanted to share my remembrances with you. Although it was only one term, I have never forgotten "Aha" --as he told us to call him. The reason that he is the only TA that I still remember after 24 years was because of two incredible attributes of his. One, he was a tremendous teacher. I literally can still see him at the blackboard with his multicolored chalks showing how bonds are formed in chemical reactions with his precise script. He made it clear, logical, and understandable—he made it alive. The second was his personable and friendly manner. He indeed knew everyone's name in the section and remembered them. He said his goal was to be able to walk down the infinite corridor one day and be able to say "hi" to 100 people that he knows. I also remember him predicting that Barry Sharpless (the organic course professor) would someday win the Nobel Prize for his work with stereoselective reactions (he did win it in 2001). My deepest condolences.
Ahamindra, Divya and Amartya - Dec 2006
May 8, 2009
Ahamindra - Fall 2006
May 8, 2009
Andrew Ward
March 17, 2009
Dear Richa, I just learned of Ahamindra's passing. I am so sorry for your loss. As you may recall, Ahamindra served as the teaching assistant for an undergraduate course in organic chemistry course I took at Harvard in the late 80's. Ten years later, when I started my job at Swarthmore, Ahamindra remembered me from that course! But, of course, that was typical for Ahamindra, who was well-known on the Swarthmore campus for learning all his students' names before his course even began. Clearly he was a remarkable person, with an unrivaled ability to inspire students through his passion and love for his subject.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Su Chiang
March 1, 2009
Dear Family of Ahamindra Jain,
I was one of Aha's many undergraduate students when he was in the Ph.D. program at Harvard, and I am very saddened to learn that he has passed away. He was a wonderful person and the most inspiring and passionate instructor I ever met. My deepest condolences to his family.
Jean Tom
January 5, 2009
Dear Family of Ahamindra Jain,
I only recently learnt of Ahamindra's passing. I remember Ahamindra as a classmate from both high school (Hunter in NYC) and at MIT. He was a very kind person and extremely bright. We lost touch after MIT, but I followed his career from afar as a fellow chemistry major and was happy that he was doing what he loved- teaching chemistry. My sincere sympathy for your loss.
Jean Tom
Geena Wu
December 15, 2008
I was only recently informed by a friend about Dr. Jain's passing, but that did not change the shock or depth of sadness I felt over the loss.
Dr. Jain contributed so much to my education with just one class. He also inspired me to teach with singular passion and enthusiasm, just as he had done.
Having recently completed a course in human anatomy and attended a memorial honoring those who donated their bodies to science, I can reflect on the despair of loss and the salvaging of hope by learning from the loss. I will always regard Dr. Jain with gratitude and admiration, remembering what I learned from him. I hope that with the ease of time, his memory will strengthen and teach his children in the same way that he once taught and inspired so many.
Jessica Fiorillo
November 7, 2008
As a representative of W.H. Freeman & Company Publishers, may I offer our sincere condolences. We were honored to be his publisher and will miss working with him and his contributions to educational excellence.
Karen Schwartz
August 27, 2008
Dear Jain family --
My father often says "bad news has a way of finding you." The news has finally reached the Hunter College High School class of 1981, and judging by the responses that we have begun to share, Aha touched all of our hearts. He was one of those rare people who was genuinely liked by everyone, never unkind or disagreeable. I will always remember him with big glasses and an even bigger smile. May you find strength in each other's love, and peace always.
Jason Deich
August 7, 2008
Dr. Jain was a gifted teacher who I still remember from an undergraduate course I took fifteen years ago. My condolences to his family and friends.
Armando Durazo
August 7, 2008
Dr. Jain was a great motivator and undoubtedly extremely gifted. I graduated from Berkeley 4 years ago and have often wondered how Dr. Jain was doing. In fact, I was attempting to contact him for expertise, now I will do so in my prayers.
Salman Jabri
August 5, 2008
I can only offer my condolensces and share with you, Divya and Amartya, how much your father helped shape my career and touched my life. He exuded so much positive energy and his class always fed off his enthusiasm. It was clear, he genuinely cared for his students and he wanted to share with us his love for chemistry and teach us to become great scientists. He provided me with my first opportunity to do real chemistry and I enjoyed learning from him and spending time in the lab with him. He, more than anyone else, gave me the confidence to pursue a career in science. I do not want to even imagine what college would have been for me without you father. He was that special teacher and I will never forget the impact he made on my life.
Please accept my deepest sympathies. I am utterly shocked to hear the news. He was a devoted teacher. He was an inspirational mentor. And, he was a great friend.
Veena Singla
July 27, 2008
Professor Jain cared deeply about his students and brought passion, intensity and incredible knowledge to the table every time he stepped up to teach. He motivated me to continue my education and always had time to help me with wise career advice. I will miss his inspiring presence in my life and my sympathies and condolences go out to his family.
Carlos Valdez
July 26, 2008
Dear Mrs. Jain and family,
I briefly met you and your children while I was a grad student at Berkeley one time you came to pick up Ahamindra or 'Aha' as we used to warmly called him, during one of my long chemistry talks with him. I am deeply saddened by the news of his passing. I just found out by reading the magazine catalyst today, and I am in mourning.
I taught for Dr. Jain back in the fall of 2002. He was a charismatic, warm and very pleasant person to teach for and I am deeply honored to have met him. During those long lab hours, we joked around many times and worked hard for the class. I am very sure that all his students (not only those from that fall '02 class) are going to miss him very much. I am in deep sadness to have read this news today.
The last time I talked to him was when I was already a postdoc in Scripps. He called me on the phone around April '07 to talk about a reaction he wanted to implement in his course at Harvard. We talked more about days back in Berkeley than the reaction itself!
What a great teacher he was, and that's the memory I have of him. On another note, he didn't like being photographed, but I was able (with the help from that '02 class) to get a picture of him running away from the camera :o)
I will look around for it and think of those great days....
My heart and prayers go out to you.
Woody Chang
July 17, 2008
Professor Jain was perhaps one of the professors that you would wish to have when you look back on your education. He imparted his knowledge and passion in his lectures and, despite being very hard on us students, was always helpful in office hours and review sessions. I remember that during a faculty lunch I had with him and some other students, he was able to show his non-science side upon discussing politics over Thai food. Of the many people that I have encountered in my life, he was probably one of the most knowledgeable and intelligent.
I offer his family my prayers and sympathies. I, for one, feel privileged to have been one of his students.
Shelley Tang
July 5, 2008
Dear Mrs. Jain and family,
I am greatly sorry for your lost. Dr. Jain was different from any professor that I have ever met. Similar to many others, my life was touched by him. It was under his teaching and guidance that I fell in love with chemistry and gained confidence in my ability. I miss the days when we chatted in his office, along the hallway or worked together on the old NMR machine in the basement ... I remember going to your home in Northern California for an afternoon tea party, where we played with Divya, watched an Indian movie and ate away snacks that Mrs. Jain had provided. We even looked at pictures from India together ... I was thrilled when Dr. Jain first told me about his move back to the east cost, as that is where I am currently. We had planned to meet and catch up ...
I truly wish you and your family the best. Know that Dr. Jain will not be forgotten as he has touched the lives of many with his laughter, his attention to details, his intelligence and his ability to be a wonderful mentor and friend.
Best wishes,
Professor Jain feeds his son at the 2005 Haas Scholars retreat, as his advisee Amanda Liu and his wife and daughter look on.
Leah Carroll
June 27, 2008
Professor Jain was a mentor for my program, the Haas Scholars Program twice. Each time, he received rave reviews from his advisees (both of whom were moved to write in this guest book). He was a delight to work with -- so proud of his students' accomplishments, so humble, and so selflessly willing to go the extra mile to make sure they could accomplish their goals. My sincere condolences to his family.
Melinda Cerny
June 25, 2008
Dear Family of Ahamindra,
I am greatly saddened to hear this news. I first met Ahamindra when he was a Harvard student and serving as a teaching assistant in the MIT Chemistry department. He had such energy and enthusiasm for science and for teaching. The academic community has lost a great teacher and friend.
You have my deepest sympathies.
With heavy heart,
Saurabh (Manjula and Fakirchand) Dalal
June 22, 2008
Dear Richa & Family
My parents and I were so shocked and deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ahamindra. We know words are not capable of providing you comfort but please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, your entire family, and for Ahamindra’s Atma. We wish you the inner strength and inner peace to bear this loss and also to keep Ahamindra’s memory and persona alive.
I feel so special that you both and I had become friends so quickly some years ago. You both will always remain special to me and reminders of the sweetness and closeness that people can share.
Please accept our deepest condolences. I’m so sorry I wasn’t able to be in touch sooner, but I had been traveling to the UK.
If there’s anything that I or my family can do, it would be our honor if you asked.
Be strong and keep well
Patrick Dostal
June 21, 2008
Dr. Jain was an inspiration for me in my first few years at Swarthmore. His enthusiasm was palpable and led me on to a biochemistry major and on to becoming a physician for which I owe him innumerable thanks. He had the rare gift of the awareness of the power of knowledge and the wisdom of how to find it. My condolences to the family.
Daisy Chang
June 16, 2008
I had Professor Jain in Fall 2003. I really do find myself fortunate because in all the years of chem 3b in MCB, they never had Jain teach 3b. In fact, according to http://schedule.berkeley.edu even up until a couple of days before Fall 2003, "Ellman" was still listed as the course instructor for 3b. By the grace of God and some slip-up in the MCB department, we were blessed to be taught by this "insanely hard professor" (described by others). I have to admit, I was initially scared but it didn't take long for me to realize just how grateful I was; he turned out to be the kindest man. Why did this have to happen to him??? I really don't understand. I still remember him pause in the middle of lecture & refer to his daughter Diyva as "the child" (not "my child") and he would say things like "the child and her mother left for NY this morning"...or how he'd be so humored/squeal in delight that when he lifted the center board, there was no board behind it...or how he'd get "flustered" that he had the wrong color chalk in his hands in order to show his students how the electrons moved.
I remember one time I wrote him an email 1-2 weeks in advance to let him know that I was not going to be able to attend his lecture (even though there are 500+ people, he knows everyone of us...and I sat up front) on a particular day. After working out the kinks, I was so glad I was able to attend his lecture that day after all. I didn't think it was necessary to tell him that I was able to make the lecture after all since no professor cares about such unimportant information or remembers that you told them you won't be in a large lecture hall. He approached me after lecture and said he was surprised that I was at his lecture. Needless to say, I was shocked and touched.
Like Amanda, I, too, remember his "composure" speech. I was devastated that I had failed my 1st organic chemistry midterm (thinking all the horror stories were true). When he personally talked to me about my exam results, I was stunned that a professor cared so much and at that moment, I knew he was different; and following his advice on keeping one's composure, I was smooth sailing the rest of the semester (Thanks Prof J!).
Overall, even though his intelligence exceeds the sum of everyone else's around him, he was always very humble and made sure you walked away feeling good about yourself. He was a man who promoted group work ("I posted problems in advance, so you folks should work together!"), positive attitude ("So I want you to take from this course, not just chemistry, but more importantly, COMPOSURE." thanks Amanda!), and the importance of family (I still remember seeing him on his laptop respond to my email about a chemistry question from over the weekend DURING my final!thanks Prof. J! =).
Looking back, my favorite semester at Cal was the semester where I was challenged the most and that was definitely in Organic Chemistry II; that semester, my friends and I always joked that Prof J was the father of organic chem and Prof L was the mother. Instead of counting down the days till freedom (end of the semester), I was unwillingly counting down the days until my semester of high was over.
Prof J created the most unique chem 3b course in the history of Cal, hands-down. What I will miss most about Prof J is his talent at turning any sour situation into a positive humorous one. You were full of potential and I have 100% confidence (like you always did in me) that your children will live out your dreams that you did not finish completing. Thanks for all the pep-talks in the late afternoons of dark Latimer hallways! You will be sorely missed!
Alex Nee
June 16, 2008
I will never forget Dr Jain's organic chemistry class at Berkeley in Spring 2003. It was the most difficult class I have ever taken. In retrospect, I am grateful for that experience because I learned how to stay composed and calm. I remember being impressed when he knew every student's name on the first day of class, being stimulated by his chalk-talk lectures, and feeling inspired after finishing his class. He was a unique professor, and my prayers are with his family. Dr Jain will be deeply missed.
former student
June 16, 2008
This entry was pretty difficult for me to write as his passing took me completely by surprise. Dr. Jain was the smartest, funniest, and most importantly, the kindest human being. Looking back at my Cal experiences, Dr. Jain was definitely one of the reason why I enjoyed my time at Cal because he was so unique. I can remember many times sitting in his organic chemistry lectures listening to him talk fondly of his little daughter and how he had already taught her how to multiple at the age of 3 and I often tell others of this impressive parenting skill. I can still see him holding lots of multi-colored chalks in his hands: a professor who uses colored chalk to teach is my kind of professor because that is how I learn. I vividly remember one afternoon where a bunch of us were gathered in his office to go over old exams; it was like an ochem party love fest. Besides Ochem, we all also talked about colleges (L&S vs. College of Chemistry vs. College of Natural Resources). He was the only professor who ever memorized ALL his students' names and if you ever went to Cal, you know how large these lecture hall sizes are. It was only in his class where I was ever called upon several times to answer questions. I remember I did really badly on his 1st midterm; he gave me a pep-talk, we discussed what my weakness was and on the 2nd midterm, I got one of the highest grades and on the final, I aced it; looking back, grades are meaningless but to have earned an "A" in his class was nothing but an honor. The more he pushed, the more I loved learning organic chemistry. I went into his lecture fearing for my life because of all the scary stories I heard of him but walked away falling in love w/ Ochem, with this great human being who taught me more than ochem: he taught me how great life can be by being as brilliant as he was.
I hope one day I can come half as close to being as smart as he was. I feel honored to have had a letter of recommendation written by him for graduate school.
To his son & daughter: know that your father loved you so much. To Mrs. Jain, you are lucky to have been Dr. Jain's best friend.
David Christianson
June 13, 2008
I am saddened to have just learned of Aha's passing. I first met Aha when he was a graduate student in George Whitesides' group at Harvard, and we collaborated on the design and structure determinations of inhibitor complexes with carbonic anhydrase. I additionally had occasion to collaborate with Aha during his time at Swarthmore College, and occasionally he would come in to my lab at Penn with his undergraduate students as we studied different aspects of enzyme-inhibitor binding. Aha's enthusiasm with his students was remarkable and it was clear that he was an inspirational teacher who cared about teaching undergraduate students how to do laboratory research. I and my students were privileged to learn a great deal from him as well, and he will surely be missed by many students whose lives he touched during the course of his career in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and California.
Parul Mehta Patel
June 12, 2008
Dear Richa,
I feel I did not know Ahamindra as well as I would have liked to. But I am overwhelmed reading this guestbook, & listening to all wonderful things you have shared about him. He was indeed a remarkable individual. His vision, dedication and efforts with his students, friends and family are very inspiring. I wish I had an opportunity to spend some time with him. I am awed.
I wish peace to you and the family. Your loss is unfathomable and your fortitude incredible.
Una Hwang
May 28, 2008
I never took a class with Ahamindra Jain, and yet I think of him as one of the most talented, enthusiastic, and caring teachers I have ever known. I got to know him as a freshman taking organic chemistry at MIT, not in class, but at my dorm where he would often come to visit his friends and students. He was always cheerful and happy, often sharing a pun or a joke, and would seldom take more than five minutes to turn the topic of conversation to chemistry. It was in informal dining table coaching sessions with Aha that I really learned to understand and enjoy organic chemistry. He loved to share
challenging problems, and would encourage us to think through each one. I often felt envious of the lucky students who had been assigned to his classes, but felt so fortunate to have met him as a friend. His unfailing optimism and enthusiasm lifted sagging student morales on many an occaision. I have known very few people with such a pure and strong love of science and such deep concern for his students. He encouraged us to believe in ourselves and to always do our best, which is truly how he lived.
Richa and family, no words could provide enough comfort for your loss. Our prayers are with you. Yet, perhaps you can find some comfort in knowing how full a life Ahamindra lived in his all-too-short years, and how he touched so many lives for the better. He will always be remembered fondly and with great admiration and respect.
NTL
May 27, 2008
Without a doubt, Dr. Jain had the biggest impact on me as an undergraduate at UC Berkeley more than any other professor. Unlike most professors where my memories of them take place in the lecture hall, my memories of Dr. Jain rise from the least expected places – his office hours, the Exploratorium in San Francisco, his daughter’s kindergarten classroom in Orinda, California, his lab on the 3rd floor of Latimer Hall… The last time I spoke to him was March 2008 while attending the NSTA Conference in Boston. I always enjoyed our chats about science, education and life.
I wish all the best for Dr. Jain’s family. I want to thank Dr. Jain for encouraging me to love chemistry for chemistry’s sake and for the memorable college experience.
Linda Tiffany
May 23, 2008
I was deeply saddened by the news of Aha's passing. I worked with him here at UC Berkeley. I always enjoyed meeting with him, finding him to be a man of wit, compassion, and intelligence. He will indeed be sorely missed. With greatest sympathy,
James Nowick
May 21, 2008
Ahamindra was a wonderful person who brightened my life every time I spoke with him. He touched so many in the chemistry community and was beloved by colleagues and students. I will miss him deeply.
Diana Yee
May 19, 2008
Friends and family of Dr. Jain,
No adequate words can I express my sadness for the passing of Dr. Jain. I have held my highest respect for him as a professor whose charisma, eloquence, and most importantly, care, has touched all students and colleagues he has work with. He was the professor who would welcome me to his office to chat for a large part of an afternoon, not only about school-related issues, but about taking charge of the future, my own future, after Berkeley. When I was completely indecisive about declaring a major, he willingly sat down with me for couple hours for multiple times and discussed with me my options, the different arguments for each of them, etc. I was finally able to decide on my major and am very happy with what I chose (MCB BMB).
It was because of him that I really felt like an important student, a special student--as others have mentioned before, he knows each of his students by name, their progress in their studies, and he personally delivers their tests/homework to them...in lab. He was the first lecturer/professor in Cal to make me feel that I thoroughly enjoy what I was learning, even though it was by far challenging at times; he made my experience at Berkeley that much more pleasant.
Dr. Jain, thanks for all you've done for us in Cal. You will be deeply missed.
My deepest sympathies to family and friends of Dr. Jain, once again.
veena patni
May 16, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.
R S
May 15, 2008
I will always remember Dr Jain as one the best professors I had the honor of knowing at Berkeley. He was hard on us in organic chemistry, but also, he was confident that we could understand the material at a deep level if we only pushed ourselves. While he was always friendly and approachable, he never cut us any slack, and for that I am grateful. I learned more than organic chemistry in that class; I started to grasp my intellectual potential and my love of science. Thank you for this, Dr. Jain. I was so saddened to hear of of your loss, and my sympathies are with your family, your friends, and all of the unlucky students who never got a chance to know you.
Shivali Mehta
May 15, 2008
Dear Richa, Divya & Amartya,
You are in our heart,thoughts and prayers...Ahamindra has been a great father,husband & son & will always remain in your heart to help & protect you.
Our deep condolences to the entire family
Shivali & Bhupendra
Nance Yuan
May 14, 2008
I just heard the sad news today and am deeply, deeply regretful to learn that Dr. Jain has passed. He was an extremely influential figure during my undergraduate time at UC Berkeley.
While I never was in any of Dr. Jain's lectures, I had the pleasure and honor of working in his chemistry undergraduate research lab for three semesters as part of the URAP program. I learned an immense amount from that experience. The lab consisted of small groups of undergraduates only. From the start, I was amazed at the unique learning environment in his lab where undergraduates were expected to take a very active role in research experiments. The experience was a lesson in initiative, hard work, and perseverance despite unknowns--we faced both challenges and unexpected discoveries in the lab. What we had yet to understand always felt frustrating, but that frustration motivated us to think critically and to try to solve the mysteries of our observations....one small experiment at a time. From my experience in the lab, I learned firsthand how difficult scientific research is. The experience made me deeply aware of the value of science, such that every time I opened a textbook or learned about a scientific discovery or experiment in class, I would reflect on the grandeur and beauty of the experimenters' design and hard work. I will always be grateful to Dr. Jain for giving me that valuable experience as an undergrad.
Dr. Jain always exhibited a lot of trust in our experiences and knowledge, and that was impressive to me. While we as undergrads still had very little experience, he always treated us as adults and scholars, asking us for our ideas and input based on what we knew at the time. Knowing that he expected a lot out of me always made me strive to learn more.
Dr. Jain was always very funny and honest and easy to talk to. He demanded a lot from his students, but that did not make him scary. I was impressed by how he treated each student as an individual, remembering all our stories and individual goals. Even after students had long graduated, he would talk about them by name, and I was honored to know such a professor who clearly valued his students as people. I was sad when he left Berkeley and had been looking forward to perhaps meeting him again on the East Coast when I go to med school this fall.
To Richa, Divya, and Amartya,
it was my pleasure to meet you the various times when we got to spend time with the entire Jain family. I will always cherish the times when our research group, in a way a type of family, was invited to spend time with your very beautiful family. He clearly loved his family very much, and my heart goes out to you during this difficult time. I am very, very sorry for your loss, but please stay strong. When I met Divya and Amartya, I was impressed to meet such bright young children. I am sure they will grow up to be wonderful, intelligent adults like their father.
Best wishes to your family.
I will forever keep Dr. Jain in my thoughts and memories.
Christopher Woodrell
May 14, 2008
I was terribly saddened to hear the bad news. Ahamindra helped me cultivate a love of science from the first day of my undergraduate career many years ago. Richa, you and your family have my deepest condolences.
Shelly Sakiyama-Elbert
May 14, 2008
My deepest condolences to Dr. Jain's wife and children on their loss. I had Aha for a TA for organic chemistry at MIT during my freshman year. He inspired a love of organic chemistry during a challenging course that has continued on. I went went on to tutor and TA 5.12 after his inspiration as an outstanding teacher. These experiences helped to guide my career in academia. He will be missed by many students and he impacted so many during his short life. May you find comfort in all the good things Aha accomplished and all the people he touched.
Robert Steiner
May 14, 2008
I was very sorry to hear the news of your loss. I worked with Dr. Jain in setting up the chemistry experiments for the undergraduate students at U.C. Berkeley. I can truly say that he was one of the best teachers that I ever worked with. He was always very upbeat, kind and helpful to me and to his students. He was my best source for any chemical questions that I had. I was always amazed how he gave me instant answers to my questions doing the calculations in his head and never using a calculator. I will remember him always.
Terry Strathman
May 14, 2008
I'm terribly sorry to hear of the death of Dr. Jain. He was a devoted mentor to undergraduates in our URAP and Haas Scholars programs. He was a kind and funny colleague. We missed him when he left Berkeley and feel deeply for the sweet family he has left behind.
Liat Zavodivker
May 14, 2008
Dr. Jain left an indelible impression on me in my undergraduate career. He learned my first name in a course where 120 students shared the same professor in a major where few professors even bothered to learn our names. He was incredibly approachable and always gave his best effort to teach chemistry and keep the colored chalk in good supply. I mourn his loss and the loss of several students who will never get to be taught by him.
Arvin Gouw
May 14, 2008
I am very shocked and sorry for the loss of such an enthusiastic, good, caring and brilliant professor. He was my Organic Chemistry professor at Berkeley. There's no doubt that he was a good teacher in presenting difficult materials. Moreover, I learned even more from his attitude towards learning, academia, and his overall worldview, than from his lectures. His inspiring lectures and great counsel will be greatly missed.
He often talked about his family, and how brilliant his kids are. I know how difficult this must be for your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
May God bless you and your family during this time and always,
Irene Wong
May 14, 2008
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work under Dr. Jain's guidance in his lab at Berkeley for three years. A great mentor, Dr. Jain was my most influential teacher at Berkeley, even though I did not have any lectures with him. I will never forget his passion for chemistry, dedication to his students, and enthusiasm for teaching. His kindess toward others and love for his family were apparent. My deepest condolences to the Jain's family.
Nripendra Jain
May 14, 2008
I was with Mr. Manish Modi, Dr. A Jain's brother-in-law where I got this news. I was deeply saddened by this news. I have personally known Mr. Ahamindra for a short duration but I was impressed by his achievements in life. I pray to God to give strength to his family to get over this incident.
Caroline Wu
May 13, 2008
The greatest condolences for the Jain family's loss. Dr. Jain was for me, the best and most memorable profs I've had in Berkeley. He gave so much to his students, and I've always enjoyed chatting with Dr. Jain. His good heart and sense of humor will be greatly missed...
Cheri Hadley
May 13, 2008
Richa, Divya and Amartya - I worked closely with Aha in Chemistry at Berkeley, and in fact met each of you in his office. I am so saddened to learn of his passing. My heart goes out to you. I so warmly remember Aha's contagious enthusiasm for Organic Chemistry and his desire to motivate every student to do their best. My sincere condolences...
Carolyn Bertozzi
May 13, 2008
I am heartbroken to hear the sad news. I have known Aha since my days as an undergraduate at Harvard. He was my TF in two organic chemistry courses and a key factor in my decision to switch my major from biology to chemistry, and later in my choice to pursue a career in academia. We were fortunate to have him at Berkeley for six years where he similarly inspired our students to fall in love with chemistry. My heart goes out to his family and to all of the students whose lives he touched.
Jean Frechet
May 13, 2008
Ahamindra was a great colleague here at Berkeley. We are all saddened at this terrible loss and our thoughts go to his family. Aha will be sorely missed!
Herbert Strauss
May 13, 2008
I was pleased to know Ahamindra as a member of the chemistry faculty and because of my interest in India. He was a valued instructor at Berkeley. The Department considered his leaving a great professional loss. It was sad that Carolyn and I had a friend who moved far away. I looked forward to following Ahamindra's career at Harvard for many years to come. My sympathies to all of you in dealing with a life cut untimely short.
Herbert L. Strauss
Professor & Associate Dean
Carolyn North Strauss
Rosemary Tilley
May 13, 2008
I knew Ahamindra his last 3 years here at Berkeley. He was always positive and I could tell that he genuinely cared about the undergraduates he taught. He also spoke very lovingly about his family. He was an extremely proud father and loving husband. I was shocked and deeply sadden to hear he passed away. I wish his family all the best during this difficult time.
amanda liu
May 13, 2008
Dearest Dr. Jain’s Family and Friends,
We are so sorry that you lost your wonderful son, husband, brother, and father. We are also grieved to lose a dear mentor, friend, teacher, and counselor. In all the ways that we will be missing Dr. Jain, the memories and legacy of Dr. Jain will be with us. I just had a daughter recently. A wonderful addition of life reminds me of the vulnerability and preciousness of human lives, and inevitability and often unpredictability of death.
Less than two months ago, many of us at UC Berkeley, reluctantly bid farewell to our favorite professor, #1 advocate, and life long mentor. Along with best wishes and hopes for future gathering, we sent Dr. Jain off to the East Coast with his wonderful wife Richa, and two kids, Amarthya and Dyvia. I had applied to Harvard Medical School solely wanting to be under Dr. Jain’s close guidance. We, his former research students, often get together to reminisce about the good old fun times. Dr. Jain led us in our intellectual adventures, exploring the biochemical world of synthesis. He instilled in us endless curiosity, team spirit, and high morale. We depended on him for guidance, inspiration, and counseling in areas far beyond our academic endeavors and long after we completed his course and graduated from UC Berkeley.
Among all the amazing roles he plays, Dr Jain is a captivating orator. The majority of the 600 students taking intro organic chemistry Spring 2003 will never forget the Jain’s “pet-talk” after his deadly midterm. As the drone of students’ commiserating the exam subsided, Dr. Jain looked up at us, from the bottom of the huge stadium in Pimentel. He made eye contacts, as if this speech for an audience of 600 had been a private one-on-one talk.
“Hi, folks,” he began with cordial deliberation, “based on your dreams and aspirations, many of you one day will become a healthcare provider—a physician, a pharmacist, a dentist, or a nurse, etc. In other words, I will be putting my family’s lives and wellbeing in your hands. So I want you to take from this course, not just chemistry, but more importantly, COMPOSURE. When a completely novel problem presents itself, like on the 1st midterm last night, never seen or discussed anywhere in your academic or professional career, I want you to stay calm and confident. Never lose your composure. Just give it your best shot. This is how medical professionals are expected to operate; this is how mature adults function in the real world.” In tears, I contently embraced my 1st C in college. This is among one of the most memorable speeches Jain gave in Spring 2003. This is the speech I have replicated to every single one of my students and mentees. This is the speech I strive to LIVE OUT LOUD for my seven month old daughter, Ella.
Dr. Jain impressed everyone with his brilliance, liveliness, and most of all genuine concern for others, especially his students. He is the biggest advocate for small people (i.e. Nameless undergraduates at large universities) who are usually accounted for by numbers. Six weeks into the course, he matched 600 names with corresponding faces by his photographic memory. Instead of having the TA enter numbers in spread sheets for the weekly quizzes, he returned the test to each student, greeted and encouraged everyone personally during TA-conducted discussion sessions most professors never show up to. He is such a dear mentor and friend. He is one of the very very few professors who have successfully open many students’ hearts and established genuine friendship with them.
So, how do we say good bye to someone so dear to our hearts? How do we swing by our research lab or visit UC Berkeley campus without catching up with Dr. Jain? How do we deal with reminders, of various frequencies and intensities, of his absence? For me, I try to think that I am sending Dr. Jain off again, to some place even better than Harvard. He’s going to be busy and productive at new tasks and new roles and may not have time to correspond until I visit, one day. Until then, memories and legacy of Dr. Ahamindra Jain will stay vivid and living through each and every one of our lives.
Sincerely,
Beneficiaries of inspiration, courage, wisdom, and love
Research students from UC Berkeley
Dorothy Read
May 13, 2008
Speaking as a member of the Berkeley College of Chemistry staff, I always appreciated Prof Jain while he was a lecturer here because he was so genuinely outgoing and warm, taking the time to show his appreciation for our work and get to know us. I'm terribly sad to hear that he's gone. But one of his legacies that will live on is the decency and humanity he shared with others.
Jody Brenner
May 13, 2008
Ahamindra was a classic character in the College of Chemistry and one of my favorite professors that I met over the years working in the woodshop. He always had something good to say and made me laugh all the time. I'll miss him for sure.
Dimple Jain
May 13, 2008
Hello Richa this is Dimple from India. I dont know if you remember me, I am Kusum Buaji daughter. Had visited mamiji a couple of weeks ago, and saw all your pictures, you looked so pretty and happy. I am so sorry to hear the news. Please have the strength to cope with this.
Jonathan Choy
May 13, 2008
I was saddened to hear of the Dr. Jain's passing. I remember him for his dedication and excitement to discuss and teach Chemistry. He was more than just a great teacher, he was a great mentor. He was and will continue to be an inspiration to me. Dr. Jain will be greatly missed.
Sarah Vespremi
May 12, 2008
Dr. Jain was an inspiration to countless students, myself included. He was always helpful, sweet, kind, thoughtful, and had a wonderful sense of humor. I have so many fond memories of the years I spent working for him, and particularly remember that his office at Cal was always so crowded! He was a great teacher and I am so saddened to hear that the world will be deprived of his wonderful spirit -- it's just unfair. Richa, please remember always that very few men have touched so many people in such a positive way, and let this thought comfort you. He will be missed.
Priscilla Van Dyke
May 12, 2008
As my chemistry professor at Berkeley, Dr. Jain always believed in me, more than anyone else. He guided me to where I am now, and I will be forever grateful. I know that he has touched so many other lives, and he will be truly, truly missed.
Steven Pedersen
May 12, 2008
I was very sad to hear this news. In the 6 years that Ahamindra was here at Berkeley, I always enjoyed our chemistry discussions and hallway conversations. Ahamindra's love of teaching and dedication to his research students will be missed. I hope that his family will find some comfort in acknowledging his accomplishments and recalling his passion for life. Ahamindra will be deeply missed.
Karen Rizman
May 12, 2008
I met Aha several years ago when he returned to Harvard and moved into an office just down the hall from me. He would visit our lab often to chat with former students. I found him to be a kind, caring man who always had a few minutes to talk with me about our respective families and life outside of CCB. We all grieve together at his loss and have been enriched by knowing him.
Karuna Jain
May 12, 2008
We are very very sorry to loose a very very nice and caring person. He adored his kids and I remember him when he visited us once and saw his constant attention to his daughter Divya (His son was not born then) and the love that showed so plainly on his face for his family. Our deepest condolences to Richa, kids and his parents and brother's family. He will be remembered fondly by us always. May God give courage to the family.
Leanna Whitaker
May 12, 2008
As a former student of Dr. Jain, I am so sorry to hear that he has passed. He was one of the most dedicated teachers I have ever met with incredible enthusiasm. I know he loved his family so much because he would come in to class everyday sharing loving anecdotes about them. My heart goes out to his children and wife, you were so loved and he knew you loved him too.
Lydia Carmosino
May 12, 2008
I knew Ahamindra first when he was a graduate student at Harvard, and was so pleased when he returned to the Chemistry Department not so long ago. Aha was a very friendly and kind person. Since his return to Harvard, every so often we would see each other exiting from the Red Line in the morning and would walk together to Chemistry. I got to hear the latest news about his wife and children, whom he adored. I am deeply saddened by Aha's death, and my heart goes out to his entire family. We have lost a very special person.
Patricia Gall
May 12, 2008
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Gabriel Fung
May 12, 2008
To the family, I offer my sincerest condolences. Dr. Jain's untimely passing is a great loss to Chemistry. He was a mentor, and a friend. I will forever miss his enthusiasm for life.
Joyce Leung
May 11, 2008
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I am wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow and comfort in the midst of pain. May the memories held deep within your hearts, help to soothe you. You and your family are always in my prayers.
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