I believe it was the year 2000 when I met Ashish.  While I was studying in my office, I suddenly began to see him entering Dr. Kalia’s office that was next to mine.  I had no idea who he was at that time.  Later, I learned that he was Dr. Kalia’s nephew and he had just started to do his master’s in the computer science department.  Somehow, we got to know each other and our friendship started. It didn’t take me long to realize that he was a very humble, naturally friendly, funny, and intelligent person.          

After passing the general exam in physics, I started taking courses from the computer science department. One of the first courses I took was the “Algorithm design and analysis” course at the doctoral level that was taught by Dr. Kundu.  Likely, he took this course a semester before me and passed it with a good grade.  Since then, we came to interact more frequently. Whenever there was a something that I didn’t understand, whenever I asked his help he kindly helped me. In the way he explained and discussed about for the related course, I still remember well that he had a delicacy, agility, and flexibility in his intelligence.

We have one more thing in common. We talked about the Indian and Turkish armies, warplanes, etc.  As a special and rare experience in my life as well as proud of myself, I enjoyed doing my military service as a commando officer in the Turkish army after graduating from the university. Ashish’s father was a high-ranking officer in the Indian air force. I used to tell him a joke like this, ”I’m wondering if you feel your father’s military discipline directly or indirectly at your home.” Maybe that’s why he was disciplined and humble. Naturally, he was at peace with himself as well as with other people all time.

I am honored to have known him, always remembering the experienced good memories with him in LSU. May he rest in peace.