Vijay Anant Palkar

Celebrating the Life of Dr. Vijay Anant Palkar

With heavy hearts but full of love, we celebrate the life of Dr. Vijay Anant Palkar, who passed away on March 3, 2026, in Dallas, TX, at 76 years of age. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, caring son, and cherished brother, uncle, and father-in-law. We find comfort in knowing that he lived a remarkable life – a testament to faith, service, and love for his family and friends.

Born in India on August 27, 1949, to Anant N. Palkar and Shobana A. Palkar, Dr. Palkar was one of four children. From humble beginnings in Thane, a suburb of Mumbai, he pursued his dream of a better life through education and eventually met his beloved wife, Ammini Cherian Padathu (“Aparna”), after medical school. Together, they immigrated to the United States in 1976, where their children, Anup and Anuja, were born. In 1985, his career led him to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he worked for over 20 years, forming lifelong friendships that continue to feel like family today. In his 50 years as a physician, Dr. Palkar provided care for members of his community, veterans, and royalty, across Mumbai, New York City, Buffalo, New Orleans, Riyadh, and Dallas, where he retired. His hard work and sacrifices provided his family with exceptional educational opportunities and a well-provided-for life.

Known for his kindness, humility, and readiness to help others, Dr. Palkar respected people from all walks of life and nationalities. He instilled in his children an appreciation of diverse cultures through memorable family vacations around the world. He would greet international friends in their native languages and even learned Arabic Bedouin poetry to comfort his Saudi patients, including the King of Saudi Arabia, reflecting his ability to deeply connect with others. Dr. Palkar uplifted many by providing the right guidance at the right time through his renowned lectures and entertaining stories. He also brought joy to all who knew him through his love of cooking, especially with his famous spring rolls and chicken corn soup!

Dr. Palkar's spirituality was his guiding light. Although raised Hindu, he embraced a spiritual openness, seeking common ground among all faiths. As a follower of the Dattatreya Sampradaya and a devotee of Sri Ganapathy Sachidananda Swamiji, Dr. Palkar was called to help establish the Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple in Frisco, TX, alongside fellow devotees and forged lasting connections within the community. His spiritual journey was inseparable from the love and care he devoted to his family, leaving a legacy that blended faith with everyday life.

His family was his pride and joy, with his grandson Zayn bringing him immense happiness in his final years. He is survived by his wife Aparna; son Anup; daughter Anuja; son-in-law Suhail; grandson Zayn; sister Neela P. Gupte; and brother Milind A. Palkar. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Chhaya S. Sonalkar.

Though he has departed this earthly life, his presence remains with us. We will miss him dearly and strive to carry forward the values he exemplified: kindness and humility, service to others, love for family and friends, deep faith, patience, and trust in God's will.

For those who wish to make a donation in his memory, please consider charities that feed the hungry or support the well-being of children, honoring his lifelong commitment to helping others.

“Indeed, to God we belong and to Him we shall return.”