(November 04, 1940 – December 06, 2025)
PGP 1966-1968
It came as a profound and sudden shock to learn of the passing of Suresh Mehendale on 6th December 2025 in Mumbai. The news felt especially unreal, as I was getting ready to meet him in Pune within the next couple of days, following his recent return from the United States. Having shifted to Pune to live with his daughter, there was a renewed sense of closeness and many anticipated opportunities to reconnect—plans that fate, sadly, did not allow to unfold.
Suresh spent most of his formative years—his schooling, college life, and early professional career—in Mumbai. Raised in a modest chawl near Kennedy Bridge, his journey was marked by determination and quiet resilience. He went on to graduate in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering, Pune. After spending about five years in professional work post-graduation, he joined the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad along with us.
At IIMA, Suresh stood out instantly. Endearingly talkative, blessed with exceptional practical wisdom, and armed with an extraordinary network of social connections, he was fondly known as the “wise man” of our freshers’ group. His insights, humour, and grounded understanding of life made him a cherished presence among peers.
In later years, Suresh emerged as a successful entrepreneur, steering his company, AK Instruments, with dedication and vision until the very end of his life.
His Marathi book, आठवणी दाटतात (Emotions with Memories), remains a deeply moving and reflective chronicle of his life’s journey and experiences. Notably, he devoted an entire chapter to his days at IIMA, enriched with many evocative photographs, such as the one that captures him with his housemates against the backdrop of dormitories under construction or another one taken on convocation day. These images are priceless keepsakes, carrying a lifetime of memories and shared moments.
Suresh Mehendale’s life was a testament to humility, intellect, enterprise, and enduring friendships. He will be remembered not only for what he achieved, but for the warmth, wisdom, and authenticity he brought into every life he touched.
We miss you dearly, Suresh.
Written by Vijay Palkar (PGP 1968)
