(15 January 1982 – 5 November 2024)
It is with profound sorrow that we remember and celebrate the extraordinary life of our dear friend, Sachin Kumar Suman, who left us far too soon at the age of 43. For nearly 20-25 years, Sachin was a beacon of joy, wit, and unwavering support in our lives—a soul who could light up the dullest room and solve the trickiest problem with his resourceful mind and infectious energy.
Sachin was the kind of person who lived fully, laughed freely, and gave generously. Known for his ever-present smile and razor-sharp humour, he had a way of transforming every moment into a story worth cherishing. Whether it was fixing a situation or making everyone laugh, he did it with effortless charm and an unparalleled wit.
One of the most vivid memories of Sachin was during our time as part of the CHAOS logistics team. A bus full of guests had entered from the old campus gate at IIMA, and its towering carrier began snagging on the low-hanging branches near the Harvard Steps. While most of us stood in panic, Sachin acted instantly. Without a second thought, he climbed onto the roof of the moving bus, clearing the branches with remarkable agility—saving both the trees and the bus from damage. That moment encapsulated who Sachin was: a man of action, courage, and ingenuity.
Then there was the unforgettable “CT-Café Tanstaafl glasses incident.” Late one night, we ordered food and asked for extra disposable glasses. When the café staff refused, Sachin’s quick thinking turned a “no” into a “yes.” He simply ordered many glasses of Nimbu paani instead. When the staff asked how they’d deliver them, Sachin calmly pointed out they would have to send the glasses along. The brilliance of his jugaad left us in awe—and with plenty of glasses to go around!
Sachin had a knack for finding humour in every situation, yet he was also the one to lean on when times would get tough. Whether helping a friend recover after a bike accident or stepping up during chaotic Holi and Diwali celebrations at IIMA, Sachin was the glue that held everything together. From tearing clothes in good-natured revelry to drenching friends in Rasgulla syrup, he turned festivals into legendary memories. He carried the spirit of festivals, the energy of late-night conversations, and the warmth of a friend who would go to any lengths for those he cared about. His ability to balance fun, responsibility, and heart is something we’ll all carry with us. And who could forget his endless banter with friends like Sony Goyal and Sandeep Patil, or his unexpected but engrossing discussion about a 300-kg pig—a conversation that left everyone laughing and learning at the same time.
Sachin wasn’t just a friend; he was a problem-solver, a prankster (Santosh Mishra, would remember), a storyteller, and a reliable hand when you needed one most and a family man. When I used to ask him whom all you talk to among our common friends – he used to say not to many people, I used to ask why, his answer– Biwi-Bache-Ghar-Naukri.
As we bid farewell to Sachin, we hold close the countless memories he gave us—the laughter, the food (he was an excellent cook) and the love. He was, and always will be, our “logistics manager” in life: the one who could get things done, no matter what.
Sachin Kumar Suman, you were one of a kind. You leave behind a legacy of laughter, kindness, and adventure that we will treasure forever. Thank you for being the friend we were so lucky to have. Rest in peace, Sachin, knowing that you will always live on in our hearts and stories. Sachin leaves behind his beloved wife Payel and two young sons– 6 years and 13 years.
Forever remembered, forever missed.
— PGP ABM 2006
