Mohan Lal Arya

Mohan Lal Arya passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at the age of 81. He died peacefully, surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Sham Daas and Vishan Devi; his brother, Gian Chand; and his grandsons Kunal and Vishwas. Mohan Lal ji is survived by his wife, Sarla; his two sons, Puneet and Vineet; and his five grandchildren, Sandhya, Namrata, Saagar, Tamanna, and Sarthak. He is also survived by his brothers Madan Lal, Om Parkash, and Ved Parkash. Mohan Lal was born in Kot Addu (then India, now Pakistan) on Diwali in 1938. He was born to parents Sham Daas and Vishan Devi and was the eldest of five brothers. His family migrated from Pakistan during the partition in 1947. They started their journey in India with nothing and worked hard to improve their lives. Mohan Lal pursued his education vivaciously, earning multiple degrees at various colleges. He received his Bachelor’s in Mathematics with honors, along with a minor in English, and went on to earn his Master’s in Mathematical Statistics and in Psychology. During this time, he had also begun what would be a 24 year long career with the National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT). Through NCERT, he was able to pursue his love for learning abroad in Europe. He visited many places, including Hungary, Cairo, Beirut, Vienna, Paris, and London. In 1968, he married Sarla Devi, a sister of one of his professors in college. At this point, they were in Delhi, where their sons, Puneet and Vineet, were born. Following this, Mohan Lal pursued his law degree and continued his educational journey in England, where he learned of an opportunity at the University of Zambia. He lived and taught there for three and a half years with his wife and younger son. They then moved back to Delhi in 1982. The family’s final move was to the USA in 1985 with his wife and two sons. Here he nearly finished a PhD in Education and Measurement and continued to study law. He also took several Computer Science courses in his sixties so he could hold intelligent conversations with others on these topics. Mohan Lal was passionate about transforming lives through education, mentorship, advice, and guidance. He was dedicated to the welfare of his friends and family. He mentored and tutored several children in his community. He always had a kind word and helpful advice to offer to everyone with whom he crossed paths. He formed social welfare groups in underdeveloped areas in Delhi and focused on educating their underprivileged youth. He was always proud of their success and stayed in active touch with them until the very end. To continue this philosophy, he also participated in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America program in the US. After retiring, Mohan Lal turned his attention to spending quality time with his grandchildren. He would take his older grandchildren to the library, zoo, school, grocery shopping. He played sports with them and played a role in teaching them how to drive. As he got older, he played cards and board games with them. He was an avid bridge player; he taught his grandkids how to play and regularly played with friends at the senior center. During the pandemic, he played cards with his family every day, and passed on his love of card games to his grandchildren. Mohan Lal’s interests spanned past his educational endeavors. He was passionate about keeping up with reading and watching the news. He was able to bond with people of all age groups with his varied interests and grasp of current affairs. He was also passionate about movies and music; if he wasn’t watching the news, he was watching a different movie every day. He had a way with words that allowed him to truly appreciate lyrics and poetry. He really did know a bit about everything. In the last week of his life, he kept up with politics, the Super Bowl, and the cricket match between India and England. Mohan Lal always provided helpful advice to those with whom he crossed paths. He formed long lasting friendships and bonds that lasted his entire life. He will always be remembered and we will cherish his memories for the rest of our lives. The following are some quotes from his grandchildren: “Dadaji has been an unwavering part of my life for almost 25 years. He kept up with my education, asked me about my day, and was just always there for me. He was incredibly patient through everything, including the barrage of dogs I bring home, every one of whom immediately loved him. It’ll be a while before I get used to not seeing him sitting on his spot on the couch or in front of the computer, playing Solitaire.” “‘Can you warm up this little bit of tea for 30 seconds?’ ‘Why are you reading that novel? Read something non-fiction instead.’ ‘How are your med school applications coming?’ - while huffing and puffing on oxygen support. Dadaji had lots of little quirks that I already miss. It didn’t matter what else was going on, his focus was always on his family. He was always ready to brag to everybody about his grandchildren and I hope to do him proud.” “Dadaji was a strong, hard working, caring grandpa who I could turn to for non-judgemental advice. He never lost his smile and sense of humor, and was able to enjoy every moment we had together. I just don’t know how to put his impact on me into words.” “I will always miss dadaji when I bake his favorite foods, he always loved smores cookies and carrot cupcakes. He was always there for everyone and was ready to help and give advice. When he was at the hospital, I gave him a painting and he showed everyone. Everyone will remember him in a positive way just like he always had a positive outlook.” “Dadaji was an amazing grandfather. He cared about everyone in his family, friends, and people he did not know. He loved everyone regardless of their flaws. He was a great grandfather and an even better human being and everyone that knew him will miss him.” “Every week, I would ask him about new inquiries of the world. We would sit down and discuss whether that discussion was short or long, it would always brighten my week.” In lieu of flowers, The family requests that gifts be made in memory of Mohan Lal Arya to Mayo Clinic in the area of Rheumatoid Arthritis Research. Donate online at https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donatemc (Under “tribute information” please indicate the gift is in memory of Mohan Lal Arya) or call 1-855-852-8129 to talk with a Gift Processing Associates who can take a donation securely over the telephone.

Mohan Lal Arya

April 10, 1939 - February 14, 2021