MYSURU — Naren Kaushik, a 44-year-old engineer and son of Prof. R.N. Padmanabha, former Head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Maharaja’s College, Mysuru, tragically passed away on a trek near Leh on September 7.
Naren, who was on a trek from Haryana to Leh, had embarked on his journey on September 2. He started the trek with seven friends, two doctors, and two Sherpas on September 4. Unfortunately, he experienced severe breathing issues at an altitude of 18,000 feet and could not be saved despite medical efforts.
His family was informed of his death on September 8 evening. After the completion of necessary formalities and autopsy, his body was handed over on September 9 evening. The family chose to conduct the last rites in Leh due to the time elapsed, performing them on September 10 morning. His ashes were immersed in the Sindhu River at Leh.
Local officials including Mysuru District In-Charge Minister H.C. Mahadevappa, Chief Minister’s media advisor K.V. Prabhakar, and Mysuru DC G. Lakshmikanth Reddy coordinated with Leh’s DC Santosh Sukhadeve to facilitate the process. IGP CRPF Vipul Kumar, Mysuru City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar, and other officials provided additional support for the last rites.
Naren Kaushik was a Deputy Manager at GE Electricals-Medical Equipment in Bengaluru. A third rank holder in BE Polymer Science and Technology from SJCE Mysuru, he had previously worked with Toyota, Philips, and internationally in the US, Middle East, UK, and Germany. A passionate nature lover, he had undertaken several trekking expeditions and was a skilled flutist.
He is survived by his wife Radhika, daughter Varuni, parents Prof. R.N. Padmanabha and Nagarathna Padmanabha, and brother Pavan Kaushik, who resides in Brisbane, Australia. His 12th and 13th-day rituals will be held at Vyshnava Sabha in Saraswathipuram, Mysuru, on September 18 and 19.