Prem N. Bajaj
Dr. Prem N. Bajaj, 89, passed away on December 30, 2021.
Born in Ferozepur, India on October 6, 1932, Prem was a lifelong learner. He moved to the United States in 1965 with $50 in his pocket, completing his graduate studies in mathematics at Case Western Reserve University. He saved enough money to bring his wife, Raj and three children from Punjab, India to Wichita, Kansas, where they welcomed twins in 1969.
After receiving his Ph.D., Dr. Bajaj took a mathematics teaching position at Wichita State University. At WSU, Dr. Bajaj taught thousands of students during his 33 years of service to the University. He was very involved in the WSU academic community: he founded the India Association of Greater Wichita, the Indian Students Association, and the Association of Hindu Students in America.
At the time the Bajajs moved to Wichita, there were seven or eight families of Indian origin in Wichita. “Papa Ji” looked for Indian names in the phone book, and whenever a new Indian family came to Wichita, a get-together was held to introduce them to others. Dr. Bajaj helped build a sense of community among South Asians within Wichita.
After retiring in 2001, he became a committed volunteer, serving on numerous community boards including AARP, Kansas Authors Club, and Habitat for Humanity. He was very proud to be elected president of the Kansas Authors Club, and he received a service dedication award. Dr. Bajaj delivered Meals on Wheels and assisted in tax preparation for senior citizens. When he wasn’t volunteering, he kept busy playing racquetball, bridge, and checkers.
Prem was generous in saying “Thank you” and quick with notes of encouragement to family members, colleagues, students, and friends. He did not let the past bother him, and he believed in living in the present. He would say, “It is alright” even in seemingly unhappy situations. Now that he has passed, his loyal friends and loving family know that, “It is alright.”
Dr. Bajaj is survived by his wife of 65 years, Raj Bajaj; children Ravi Bajaj (Jill), Arvind Bajaj (Sheila), Ajay Bajaj (Lyn), Anita Bajaj Newton (Dean); grandchildren Brian, Kevin, Matthew, Ashley, Sophie, John, Cameron, Anna, Spencer, and Sydney. Prem was preceded in death by his son Ashok Bajaj and daughter-in-law Trish Bajaj.
A service honoring his life will be at 11:00 am, Sunday, January 9, 2022, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary, 6555 East Central. All are welcome, but the family requests masks be worn. The funeral service will be live streamed and available to access by clicking "Watch Event" below.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances be made in the form of a donation to The
Bajaj Family Scholarship Fund intended to support need-based graduate students attending WSU https://foundation.wichita.edu/memorials-honors/. Alternatively, checks can be mailed to WSU Foundation, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita, KS noting that the intended use is The Bajaj Family Scholarship.
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Kevin and Brian, I am so sorry to hear of your grandfather’s passing. I think of you both often, and send you sympathy and best wishes from the whole Cornett family.
I extend my deepest condolences to the entire Bajaj family! Our connection began in 2005 as one of the employees of his son Dr. Ashok K Bajaj. Dr. Prem was an absolute jewel, a sweetheart who offered to help me with my Algebra struggles as a returning nontraditional student. Thank you so much for sharing this precious jewel with us Mrs. Raj Bajaj, Dr. Ashok & Trish, Dr. Ravi & Jill. Rest easy Dr. Prem! Connie Nash
Dr. Bajaj was a faculty colleague and mentor over my 25 years here in Wichita. I am deeply grateful to him for the interactions I had with him. Whenever he talked with anyone, he would focus 100% of his attention towards that interaction, making it feel special. He was a man of profound grace and dignity, who went out of his way to give back to society unstintingly, and brightened the lives of those around him day in and day out with unfailing good cheer. May he rest in peace, at one with the Almighty.
My name is Dr. Buddy Johns. Dr. Prem Bajaj began teaching at WSU shortly after I began teaching mathematics there. Thus I was acquainted with him during his entire teaching career at WSU. I had the privilege of teaching some of Dr. and Mrs. Bajaj’s children in my math classroom. I soon regarded Dr. Bajaj as a valued colleague. He impressed me with his integrity and sincerity. He was an excellent and popular teacher who was alert and cheerful and had a sense of humor. He demonstrated his hopeful and courageous attitude with his practice of saying, “It is all right”. After he retired he was a frequent volunteer on campus. His name appeared in the student newspaper in connection with campus activities. I recall seeing him in the office reserved for emeritus faculty where he was teaching a student the solution to a math problem. He was a man of faith. Just after the tragic death of his son Ashok and daughter-in-law Trish, he asked me to pray for his family. I will miss Dr. Prem Bajaj. I very much enjoyed the many talks we had over the years. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family.
I worked with Dr. Bajaj in 1984-85 when I was employed as a receptionist in the Dept. of Mathematics & Statistics. Dr. Bajaj was one of my favorite professors. He was always so kind and personable. I will always remember him and was so sad to learn of his passing. Praying for the family as they deal with this difficult time of sorrow.