Pictures sent by Ferzin

Happy Birthday, Bharat

This picture was taken on 20th September 1998, when Bharat turned 21, on the eve of the National Strategic Planning Meeting in Nainital.

At Poly Esther

MC Team Pics

From the top:
(a) First team days, Kihim. Please note the System Administrator diagram on the chart!
(b) Glycerine-induced solemnity at closing plenary, NSPM-NLDS 98, Nainital
(c) Team moment at NatCong 98, Jaipur
(d) On the way back from Team Days, Kihim

with friends

http://www.wretch.cc/user/danlon

Bharat in Shimla, 16th July, 2005

The smile we'll miss forever. Image sent by Bhavna, Bharat's wife.

Bharat’s considered an AIESEC HERO

"When you’re a new recruit in AIESEC you live and thrive on stories of the past. Such was a story told to us about a great man called Bharat Bhasin who everyone had a bond with, some connection even if were not directly related to him. For me Bharat was like a story you always wanted to listen to, everyone spoke of him in the best way. There were no mixed signals you got; Bharat was a great leader who left a mark in AIESEC that will always be etched in your mind.

When I finally met Bharat at an AIESEC conference there was fear that came over me. It’s like when you see a celebrity you like. I thought for hours how to approach the man and what to say to this great figure, it turned out to be easier than I thought. After that conference it became clear to me why Bharat’s considered an AIESEC HERO.

Bharat and his family will always be in my prayers."

Neesha Krishna- AIESEC in Pune

We will always remember his laughing smiling face

"We were colleagues of Bharat at HDFC -AMC and everyone here deeply misses him.

For Komal & me Bharat bonding really took off with "Indian Idol". I am not sure how many of you really know this but Mr. Bhasin was extremely clued into II. His favourite II moment being Farah Khan telling Aditi Paul, "Tum jab aayee thi to aunty lagti thi.......ab ekdum item lagti ho". I must add that his moral support was very reassuring for Komal & me as the rest of office had written us off as very giddy headed during that phase. We have spend several giggly moments exchanging II trivia and having intense discussions over who should win.

We will always remember his laughing smiling face and pray that he is at peace wherever he is."

Suruchi Yadav, Manager - Sales & Distribution
HDFC Asset Management Company Ltd.

Wonderful human being

"Bharat was an inspirational leader and a wonderful human being. He will be sorely missed and our hearts go out to his nearest and dearest. May his soul rest in peace."

Vivek V.S, AIESEC Alumnus

He will live in our memories always...

"My heart is so heavy in writing this... the memories of IPM'98 in Slovakia (where I first met with Bharat) was still fresh as if it was happened yesterday. I still remembered clearly so many cheerful moments during all the AIESEC conferences that we gather together.... like our first AP president meeting and we laughed at my poor pronunciation on Bharat's name, learning the AP dance, shouting "AP-IS-HOT TO GO, H-O-T-T-O-G-O....", making roll-calls, etc etc etc. Bharat has been one of the out-spoken NCPs among the AP!

My last met with Bharat was in Hong Kong and we were wandering around my campus before he left. The promise "We'll meet again sometime, somewhere" made at that time can never be realised now... It's really sad to learn our beloved friend has left us. Yet, his laughter and the moments we spent together will always be with us. My dear friend, Bharat, may you rest in peace."

Stella Poon
NCP of AIESEC-HK 98/99

Epitome of dynamism

"Bharat was LCP DU when I joined AIESEC in 1997. I was there when he was elected MC India President at Kodaikanal the same year. I met Bharat at each of the six National Conferences I attended between 97 and 99.

Bharat was easily one of the most charismatic people around. He had the ability to connect with people at an individual level. I remember, everytime he used to see me, he would start rattling off stuff in Punjabi. And everytime a punjabi number was on at the parties, he would pull me in to do bhangra, to the point that if I resisted any further, I ran a serious risk of losing my arm. Big and strong indeed he was in ways more than one.

He was definitely ambitious.We all know what he acheived at such a young age. He seemed like a man posesseed and in a hurry. And now he has left in a hurry, leaving behind a huge void. This was no time to sign off. Like all I am also trying to make sense of what has happened here. If this is a nightmare, I wan't to wake up to see him around. If only we could turn back the hands of time.

His candle burn't out long before his legend ever will. May his soul rest in peace. I pray for him. I pray for his family. Words can't describe the extremity of their loss. May God give them all the strength.

Adeus Amigo Bharat"

KULJEET KOHLI, AIESEC Alumnus

True power of one ...

"Dear Bharat, the flame of your inspiration is with all who experienced the leadership and vision that shared with us.

True power of one ...our love and prayers are with you and your family,
as you usually ended your e.mails

Peace, Love & AIESEC"

Your friend Daniel Tagata , (Peru / Chile)

I had nothing but the deepest admiration and the most genuine fondness for Bharat

"My generation of AIESEC in India grew up on stories of Bharat Bhasin - his charisma, his legacy, the famed MC team he led.

I got to really know Bharat much after his AIESEC career. Straight out of B-School, Bharat had just moved to Bombay to start work with HDFC Bank - I had just started my year on AIESEC India's MC. Over the months that followed, Bharat was to become a very close friend and earn a permanent place on my list of all-time favourite persons. Especially the last 6 months of my MC term, when there was hardly a day when my life was not touched in some way by his magic.

Bharat had a number of special and endearing qualities. Warmth. He may have seemed larger than life, but it didn't take me long to feel like I'd known him for years. His Colaba apartment was to become like a second home in Bombay. Confidence. He exuded it, at all times. I remember watching videos of ABD'98 (homework for us rookies) - watching the 20-yr-old Bharat alongside Ratan Tata and Adi Godrej, running the press conference with an incredible ease. I remember the same feeling of awe his presence inspired, as Bharat walked into an AIESEC conference, even as an alumnus. Humour. He could always make me smile, and on many an occasion, he would have me rolling on the floor with his hilarious Delhi-style humour. Balance. He really worked hard, played hard. His pursuit of professional excellence was relentless, yet he never seemed to lose sight of the simple pleasures of life. Intellect. With Bharat around, boredom was hardly an option. Bharat could carry on a conversation with anyone about anything - with terrific insight. Professionalism. While I didn't get to see him while in AIESEC action, I was part of the MC team that inducted Bharat to our Board of Directors - I remember being extremely impressed by his involvement at this forum - as an alumnus of AIESEC, he always come across as passionate, constructive and balanced. He played his part perfectly - always well prepared, always added value. Spontaneity. He was always up for some fun. I remember calling him one afternoon saying 'hey, we're off to Goa for a few days, leaving tonight, wanna come?'... and the lovable man says 'give me a couple of hours to get out of the office, get my stuff and I'll see you at the bus station!' My year in Bombay is filled with great memories of time spent together with Bharat.

My last contact with Bharat was a couple of months ago - when he sent me an invitation to his wedding. I remember vividly, that feeling of elation - the rush of joy the news brought. I thought Bharat and Bhavna made a beautiful couple. (It was heartbreaking to have missed the wedding, on account of being so far from India). And to think that here I am, writing this some days later, struggling to come to terms with the fact that Bharat is no longer. Tragic, and simply unfair.

I had nothing but the deepest admiration and the most genuine fondness for Bharat. The Bharat Bhasin I knew was a great friend, and a truly special, lovable human being.

My deepest sympathies to his parents, Bhavna, both families, his friends - and everyone whose lives were touched by Bharat - God knows that's a long list."

Naaz Kazi, AIESEC India MC 2002-03

Passionate without showing it, and inspirational without knowing it.

"Bharat Bhasin was passionate without showing it, and inspirational without knowing it. How else would you explain the time he would make for people that needed him, workwise or otherwise?

My relationship with Bharat was purely professional. After having heard SO much about him, and after having gotten the opportunity to have worked with him at very close quarters, I can’t help but regret why I didn’t follow-up on that beer we always wanted to go out for. His advice was never failing and his instincts were almost supernatural. He is one person I truly respect and I will continue to emulate the characteristics he had, MANY of which I wasn’t gifted with.

Like many others in this world who loved and respected him so much, I still cannot come to terms with his demise. I believe in God, and I beiieve in Karma. I pray that his soul rests in peace.

My deepest sympathies are with his wife, his family and everyone else who has, like me, suffered this loss."

Dhanur Grandhi

Bharat represents one of the happiest times of my life

"I deeply regret Bharat's sudden death and I would firstly like to convey my condolences to his family and loved ones.

Thank you, NC team, for setting up this (blog)'shrine' which helps to channel a bit of emotions and memories on a great guy. My last e-mail contact with him was some weeks before his marriage to welcome him to Europe and to invite him to come over to enjoy Amsterdam with his wife. I feel very sad this will never happen.

It's strange how something so tragically as this event can also unite people (I met my team the other day by phone to share our feelings on Bharat) and how it can bring back so many good feelings.

My memories of Bharat during a fascinating NC 97-98 term and thereafter are still very vivid. I started that year as a foreign stranger but soon became one of the AIESEC India gang. And that's also thanks to Bharat. In a way he embodied the people of India I admire and feel close to. For one he was always very hospitable. My last night out with him was some years ago when he invited me to celebrate New Year's Eve with his friends in Bombay. We had a great night and he talked about his future in life with great passion. During our national conferences he appeared to me as one of the sharpest and most committed, even in those typical 'after 10pm' meetings that went on forever. And, as all these pictures on the blog show, we had an incredible amount of fun together, like in the plenary meetings joking with roll-calls, evening parties, and on post-conference tours (like the one time in Kodaikanal when we made a bike trip near the lake and discovered the Manna bakery with legendary applie pie).

All in all, Bharat represents one of the happiest times of my life, and I am grateful for that. I will miss him."

Nils Bal, NC 1997-1998
Nils.bal@lycos.nl

You touched a lot of lives, Bharat.

"I was on the organizing committee of Natcong 1997 at Kodaikanal, the conference where Bharat was unanimously and pretty gleefully declared National Committee President. This was a few months after I had joined AIESEC. I remember being in awe almost overwhelmed by his presence. That was the kind of respect he commanded. It was almost like he was born a leader, almost gifted in that department. I can never forget the attention he could retain in a plenary with the conviction of a CEO, even way back then. He was rare….one of those people you always set as an example for yourself when you lead a team. I am saddened by life‘s unfairness for here was a person who had so much to give, so much of a difference he could make. You touched a lot of lives, Bharat. We will always remember and draw inspiration from the life that was you".

Deepali Kumta

Friend,Mentor & all that

"As I write this I struggle to compose myself, but decide a few words are a must. Bharat was one of the two people who was my strongest influence in AIESEC. I met Bharat when I was on the Bombay LC and life changed, we started of as two people who argued about a lot of things and ended up as good friends. From the time I stayed in his house in Delhi and he took me to eat some great food to the time he came home to have lunch at my house in Hyderabad. I can still remember the look on my mom's face when Bharat consumed an entire tandoori Chicken in the span of an hour.

Whisky & Food were key drivers in my releationship with Bharat, along with bharats weird love for flop hinidi movies and making me sit in the front row with him and jeering away with the crowds. ( Of course bharat always paid). I remember when he came to my sisters wedding in Hyderabad how happy I was that he took the time out to come and say hello. Since then I maintained contact with him often, used to bump into him and bhavna at movies in bombay and sometimes we all would meet for dinner and drinks. Bhavna was from my batch in Sydenham and from what little I knew about her, I was sure that Bharat had found someone perfect for himself.

Lately my meetings with Bharat happened outside the HDFC building for a smoke and a lassi, I had met him sometime before leaving India and we both as usual were pulling each others leg and remembering old times.

For me Friday and the weekend were devastating personally. My heart goes to you Bharat's parents & Bhavna. For me I have not lost a friend he will always live on for me, and may he find peace and happiness whereever he is."

Amit Sood, AIESEC Alumnus

Bharat was one of the most creative, enigmatic and intelligent people I have known

Bharat was one of the most creative, enigmatic and intelligent people I have known. I grieve his absence and miss him.

Long before I even met him, I had heard so much about Bharat. Anyone who talked about him had awe for him in their eyes. I first saw him at NatCong 2000 and I knew why. Bharat was truly inspirational.Though I didn't know him well, there were times when he was the only person I could turn to for help – and he was always there to guide me.

I remember calling him frantically the night before I had to submit the IC budget; he was in office. Half an hour later, he was home with his laptop in front of him and me on the phone. He patiently listened to me and helped me with the budget. He had me laughing by the end of it and the budget was done and sent.

I will remember him for the person he was and the support which he extended to me during my time in the Indian MC.

His family is in my prayers.

Avneet, AIESEC Chandigarh

His personality and charisma made everyone look up to him

"I have been following this blog for a few weeks now and still can’t believe that Bharat is no more. I would have liked to know Bharat better than I did but I was one of the many who stayed in AIESEC and wanted to be in his place one day. I remember going to his house as a new EB member and coming back smiling to myself just because I had had the chance to meet Bharat and talk to him in person. His personality and charisma made everyone look up to him. He continues to remain my role model AIESECer as he will be for many others. I am shocked at how cruel life can be and wish strength to his family and all those close to him. May his soul rest in peace".

Ripun Jai Mehta, AIESEC Alumnus

..people listened to him, they followed him

"For me, Bharat will always be the guy who convinced me to stay in AIESEC. I was still a rookie AIESEC'er ready to move on but he and Ankush convinced me (one of those long long nights at Natcong 98) to stay a little longer, give a little more and get a whole lot more. And thanks to that chat, I ended up at AI!

Bharat was a great guy and he had that rare ability - people listened to him, they followed him. I cannot believe that it was only a few months back when we were all sitting in his room at Sahil's wedding, playing cards and talking about those good old times. Cannot believe that he is no more with us. His memory, though, will never leave us. We'll miss you."

Karan Khanna, AIESEC

He will always be an inspiration

"I didn’t know Bharat as well as I would have liked – I met him at a couple of conferences, the most memorable of which for me was International Presidents Meeting in Slovakia ’98. But I do know that he made a difference to the lives of literally hundreds of young people in India and around the world. That is more than most people get to do in a lifetime that is not cut short so tragically. I offer my condolences to those of you who have lost him as a family-member, as a colleague, and as a friend – he will always be an inspiration. He was a star that burned ever so brightly, but not for long".

My warmest regards to you all,

James Shaw, AIESEC New Zealand NCP 1996, AIESEC International 1997

My dear friend

"You were one of the great man that I had a chance to meet in AIESEC. I always remember the conversations we had about AIESEC and the state of developing economies.

It will always keep those great memories we had and never leave you. HAve a good rest my friend our souls will meet in the future".

always your friend, Muratcan Ustunkaya.

A great leader, and a great guy

"I knew Bharat from numerous international conferences and conversations... we were MCPs together. I remember his jovial nature: he was the one to teach me the Hamma, Hamma song and dance (he really made me dance it) in Slovakia. We were embarking on our term as president, and he exuded confidence, intellect, and leadership. I know we as fellow MCPs looked up to him as a charismatic leader among leaders. Reflecting on all the incredible words that have been shared about Bharat here, it is clear that the way he led his life is an example for us all. I know I'm grateful for the time we were able to share together.

God bless. We'll all miss you very much".

Fletch, Fellow MCP, AIESEC US

...he stands at the very top of the list

"Bharat and I joined AIESEC together as new recruits in August 1995. A month later we were in Ooty for NLDS. What immediately struck me was how his heart was bigger than him and his gummy, infectious smile. Within that one week I knew I had found a friend for a lifetime. He became my closest friend and we had so many wonderful expereinces together - becoming AIESECers in Ooty, Our first international conference in Sri Lanka, being a part of his EB, Celebrating in Goa and more recently Partying in Mumbai. We found love together, lost it together and then found it again together...

I am glad I managed to attend his wedding recently since thats the last time I saw him. We danced at his Sangeet and in his Baraat. He was to come back from his honeymoon and join LBS for his Master's in Finance. He was to start a fresh new stage in life full of dreams and ambitions. And then he was'nt there anymore. It was the worst news I had heard in my life. I still can't get over it because I still dont know what REALLY happened.

Most people knew him as the larger than life figure, a role model, a great guy with a big heart and a big smile. But I also knew the man behind all that and consider myself truly blessed to have had that opportunity.

But I know this much that in his 27 years on this planet, he touched our lives and inspired everyone who met him. He lived for loyalty, righteousness and for standing up and being counted... and he stands at the very top of the list".

Nikhil Madhok (Maddy)

Pictures from Thanneermalai Lakshmanan

Bharat was a good friend and a truly wonderful guy

"Bharat was a good friend and a truly wonderful guy.
I was shocked and numbed when I heard the news of Bharat's passing. I have been spending the last 3 hours contemplating. He was truly a wonderful guy with a great sense of humour, and a good friend too. I met him first at IPM 98 (Int'l President's Meet) in freezing cold Slovakia where I was new to international conferences and he was already a veteran. We duly elected him as the Asia-Pacific regional chair. What truly amazed me was his strong work ethics and great sense of humour. And that laughter - you can hear it 2 floors down!

It was a great one-year - he expressed good leadership during work, and when it came to party time, he didn't disappoint either. Trust him to make an Alcoholic Fruit Punch! We all parted ways at IPM 99 in Taiwan.But I hosted a reunion for AIESEC Presidents of our year in 2001 in Singapore & Malaysia when Bharat came over for 2 days and stayed at my place. We had a hilarious time, and that was the last time I saw him. There's another reunion this year where we will do something in his remembrance. I can go on and on but let me end with this sloka
Om, Asadhoma Satgamaya, Damasoma Jothigamaya, Mridhyorma Amrithamgamaya. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti he".

Thanneermalai Lakshmanan, MCP AIESEC in Malaysia 1998-99

Bharat Bhasin ---my friend from MSVV 1982 - 1995

"Words will not express my grief on the loss of Bharat. Bharat & I were friends since we were in junior school at Modern School, Vasant Vihar - New Delhi. We travelled every morning and aftrenoon in the same school bus for 10 years. Humble and polite - always willing to give up a seat and stand so that others cud sit thru the ride. Every now and then play pranks on fellow bus mates....intelligent and witty - very quick on the uptake, a genius.

Last I bumped into him at Hyderabad airport when he was coming to join ISB -- it was a pleasent surprise to meet a Delhi friend at Hyd airport -- meeting was short but we connected instantly -- the bond was always there!!!

Last friday nite (Jul 22nd, 2005) 2:30am EST ... came the shocking news ....left me shattered....putting everything in perspective - that LIFE is so uncertain, taking away Bharat from us - leaving this void -- but connecting us all in his memory --- his body left us - but the soul is doing it's duty - as Bharat was always a leader he continues to be ONE for us in our hearts forever !! Miss U Bharat !!!"

Sharan Bhavnani, MSVV - class of 1995

Bharat, I salute you man!

"Its unfair when young people don’t live long enough to accomplish what they want to. I didn’t know Bharat for too long. First and last time I met him was when he chaired a local DU conference. Over those two days, I remember him always being in control. I remember him playing a dialogue from “Any Given Sunday” where Pacino talks about “winning inch by inch”. I remember him for his supreme confidence.

I don’t know, in some ways, it’s a reality check of how much time there really is. I came across this speech by Steve Jobs sometime back. I know most here would’ve re-read it a few times by now, but it’s the first thing that I thought about after the weird numbness of hearing a young person passing away….. “Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.”

Few people in this world leave behind a legacy for the people they met. Even fewer when they die young. Bharat, I salute you man!"

Aditya Khanna
AIESEC alumnus

"AIESEC in India has been born and brought up on 'legends' and 'heroes' who defied the norm and did great things as leaders both in the organization and outside it. Bharat was one such individual...along with having played a mentoring role for both the organization and the International Congress this year (as a an advisory council member) he was a great human being who really cared for his role. He was an inspiration. In one of the best colleges in the country, he was LCP, MCP , got into ISB, then worked for HDFC and i learnt recently that he had got admission into LSE.

A handsome and charismatic person with the most characteristic 'delhi-sense of humour' that still brings a smile to my face. We wil miss Bharat, the Indians we dream of and speak of constantly, were embodied by him. My heart goes out to his family."

Dhruv Chitgopekar
http://chitgo.nomadlife.org

Bharat at IC 98

At IC 98 opening ceremony - Helsinki

At IC 98 global village - Helsinki

Thanks to Dips