Obituary of Sri Ram V. Bakshi

BAKSHI, SRI RAM. Passed away peacefully on December 4, 2016. Predeceased by his wife Sushila Devi. He is survived by his daughter, Sudha Bakshi (Steve Kirsh), and son, Srikar Bakshi; grandchildren, Michelle, Daniel, and Emily; brothers Lalith Ram, Jagath Ram; and sister Vijaya Lakshmi. Born in 1933 in Alwal, Hyderabad, India. Sri Ram grew up during the Indian Independence, becoming involved in both social and political activism. At the age of 16, he proudly helped organize local barbers and other workers into guilds. Soon after marrying Sushila in 1963, Sri Ram came to America to attend the University of Kansas, becoming the first Indian ever to obtain a doctorate in Theatre. In 1970, he joined the Department of Theatre at SUNY Brockport, with a scholarly focus on Asian Drama studies. But Sri Ram’s greatest love was teaching. He wanted most to convey to his students that theatre is an important reflection of a culture and society. Upon retiring, he continued to be active in the community: he was on the Board of Trustees of Seymour Library and Western Monroe Historical Society; he was a member of The Historical Preservation Board of Brockport Village, and he was involved in the Democratic Party. Sri Ram also shared his love of sitar with others, organizing classical Indian music lessons for people in the area. Sri Ram was a kind and thoughtful man who embodied the meaning of spontaneous generosity. He made friends everywhere and was interested in everyone. As patriarch, Sri Ram made every effort to attend all weddings, graduations and events. Sri Ram was close to children of many generations and will be remembered for birthday cards, personal notes, and flowers. He spent his last days in peace at the Shepherd Hospice Home and was cared for by the most loving of people. Sri Ram will be very missed. Calling hours at the Fowler Funeral Home 340 West Ave, Brockport, NY 14420; Saturday, December 10th from 1-4pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Shepherd Home 1959 Five Mile Line Rd. P.O. Box 33 Penfield, NY 14526.