Rajiv Ahuja Deepankar and I started our consulting career together in E&Y in 1998. Spent 6 months in Glasgow,Scotland together. We shared an apartment and worked on the same project. We took the train to work together, hung out in the evening and traveled extensively in UK on weekends. He was passionate about history and was a good card player !! We took a two week backpacking trip through Europe (France, Italy) in December 1998. We stayed in touch but I wish I had stayed in touch more. It was so great to see you and Ritu in January this year at our home in New Jersey. You still kept this picture that you shared with me. You were a wonderful human being- kind, smart, intelligent and a history buff. Rest In Peace, my friend. I will always miss you
A few months back myself and a few other colleagues from Capgemini visited IIM Bengaluru for a training and saw your name listed as an "All rounder" for your batch on the college board. It seemed that they had pretty much summarized ‘you’ on a small piece of wood. What we saw of you at Capgemini was just a corroboration. You stood out as a role mo...
Saleel Nair This was my first overseas trip with Deepankar, to Zurich. We went to a traditional Swiss restaurant where he had introduced me to Fondue and Raclette. His penchant for perfection extended to food as well, and he never hesitated to try out new cuisines..
Aashish Sharma Deepankar, me and Saleel - probably reviewing a PPT circa 2005.
Anjalika Sengupta Enjoying the Toto's bar celebrating a Cricket match victory that neither of us actually played. Deepankar however was the Captain of the team. As was he for a lot of us in life.
Nishath Usmani This was a picture taken at one of the first leadership programs we ran at Capgemini where Deepankar was one among the top 100 selected to go through the program. All through the five days of training, I remember how his brilliance and quiet maturity shined through. He was a class apart.
Vijay Shanbhag I knew Deepankar as one of the bright Management talent that Capgemini hired in 1998. We were less than 100 at the time. Even in those days, Deepankar stood apart as someone who was "driven" and who "punched above his weight"- always up for a challenge. I am using his own words to describe DK as he was very articulate and I would struggle to find more apt words. He was sensitive and thoughtful and as he went about his global career in Capgemini, our meetings would be restricted to offsite or VP meets or brief catch-ups in one of our cabins. He left too soon but he lived a full life. I was shocked to hear the news. When I heard that he was taking a sabbatical, I just assumed that he was planning for the next chapter in his journey. Rest In Peace, DK. P.S. I am posting the picture of the participants of the New Horizons course in November 2006. DK became VP in Capgemini shortly after.
Saleel Nair Deepankar in the corner office of Alexandre Haeffner in Tilsitt, an office that overlooked the Arc de Triomphe. It was a portent of his meteoric rise in Capgemini, and the impact he left on the organization
I first met Deepankar in 2008 and became his fan boy from day 1. I had many of my professional first times with him. He was and will always remain my first mentor. My first and second trip abroad was with him. My first few client meetings was with him and frankly since then his guidance has helped shaped most of my professional career choices. Du...
Saleel Nair The "Mancation" in Goa in 2009 was one of the best trips...we laughed, we ate, we got drunk, we shared fun and challenges...
Vishwa Nath In a workshop!
Anjalika Sengupta This was a fun night at Corniche in 2012 with a mixed group of friends when Deepankar, Nitish, and I disappeared much to Aa's dismay. The sheer pleasure in DK's eyes of the prank going as planned was priceless.
Deepankar was an inspiration for many of us in the way he guided and provided us insights in many challenging situations be it personal or professional. He would always meet me with a smile and ask me kya chaal raha hai Harinder. His memories and thoughts will remain with us for many many more years to come...
Harishri Babuji So many shared meals and so many shared conversations. I will miss you forever and a day.
Harishri Babuji One of Deepankar’s many superpowers was to build teams that would do anything for him and each other. This is from a few days in Paris where we had a Radical Rightshore meeting in Paris in 2013...
Sumita Chakrabarty Long Island Iced Teas (LIITs) at Ivy restaurant in Chembur (in Mumbai) - that was "our thing", our time together to catch up on "stuff" - work, family, everything. He'd enjoy his favourite Thai green chicken curry and I'd have the spicy prawns... we'd part (having stuffed ourselves silly) knowing that we'd meet up again soon. These past 17 years have gone by too soon, there were so many more adventure to share! His larger-than-life personality, warm smile, wicked sense of humour, bear hugs and his calling out "Chakra! Chakkar! Chakrabarty!"...there will never be another dK! He was my friend and i will miss him terribly. Lots of love always dK, till we meet again. So glad our paths crossed in this lifetime.
Deepankar, as were going through dark times on an account and client you cared deeply for, you came on the floor.. we on the ground were despondent as the client lead was extremely hostile.. you spent an hour and told us... that hostile clients will not last, the work we do with passion and integrity will always outlast.. you brought sunshine to th...
Deepankar was a batch mate at IIM Bangalore (1996-98). He was a calm dignified presence. While our paths rarely crossed as I was mostly on the sports fields or tennis courts and he was pursuing academics , there was always a smile when we met and he would call me, "Kalra" in his impeccable diction. A few years ago our paths crossed again. I calle...
Aashish Sharma My friend Deepankar loved gifts - giving and receiving. Here he is waiting excitedly to open his Secret Santa gift during a Christmas party.
Dear Deepankar, No words can describe the impact you have made on people's life and careers. You inspired me at Capgemini and trusted me to be part of your team. I have had few personal interactions with you, but I cherish the take aways from those interactions. I owe a lot in my career to you. RIP Deepankar, we will miss you Love, Samradha
Pradeep Nadar Beautiful soul, mentor, all time role model for me and many of us. Every opportunity he got to spend time with all of us has been a memorable and fun filled with he sharing with us his experience & knowledge. Will miss him forever for the care & support he provided through out last 12 years!
Anjalika Sengupta Deepankar was not only someone who was supremely popular himself but he thrived on bringing people together... not just like minded people but people who complement each other and make each other richer and grow. He got a whole bunch of us together over a decade and a half back, and we have been a herd since... so while deepankar is not there in this picture, he really is... because this set of people are those he united to be happier stronger and successful together... And from here on forth whenever we all get together he will always be present... and as long as we are together he is here with us... this was his surprise birthday party that Ritu and Rara organised in 2017...
Mahesh Pinge One great moment together captured in print... a million other moments captured in my heart and imprinted on my mind.
Irene Ducroizet Christmas in Burgundy with you and Rara. I enjoyed the time you spent with us. I discovered better who you were and the love you had for people in your heart.
Some interactions, acquaintances and people often leave a mark in your life. My interaction with Sir (Couldn't muster the guts to call him by name) was that which I will cherish for a lifetime. As a young professional who had only heard about his leadership from Aashish and aspired for an opportunity to interact or work or just hear him share his...
Kiran Shah Spent a wonderful evening at his apartment in Paris, on his birthday having a few drinks and listening to songs from the movie Haqeeqat. It’s one of the most wonderful evenings I’ve spent with him. Stay well DK wherever you are
Gaurav Sharma This is from July ,2018 during Swiss market unit event in Geneva. I had returned from 1 year sabbatical and was about to leave the company when out of nowhere I got a call from Deepankar asking me what I was doing and if wanted to work with him in Switzerland and there I was . I had known Deepankar since 2005 and he was the only person I , a reluctant careerist , could ever call my Boss and with pride. We all knew and admired his leadership and business acumen but for me what set him apart was his humane side that made him connect to people that worked with him with empathy and genuine respect , a rare trait in fast moving corporate world. I was fortunate to work with him in Switzerland during his last working stint and have fond memories of spending time with him discussing history, mythology and poetry.
Deepankar, just once our paths crossed in March-2019, even during those 10 minutes of one-on-one conversation, you left a life long impression of your warmth and profound knowledge!! Deep Respect!!
Aashish Sharma Always the eloquent speaker - I asked Deepankar to come and address my team during our annual #TLCUnplugged event. Old colleagues were delighted to meet him and new team members were mesmerized by his words.
Amit Jambhle Met Deepankar after a while at the TLC Unplugged event exactly a year back in March 2019. Some of us who had been associated with him earlier were pleasently surprised to meet him. Deepankar recruited me in Capgemini in 2009 and i always feel very blessed to have got a chance to work with him. Someone i've learnt so much from, including ppt skills :-) Thankyou for everything. You were a great human being Deepankar. I still feel there would be a random email from you asking for something.
Alan Hamilton I barely knew this man at all. I sold him an antique on Etsy...a Royal Doulton toby jug "the Cardinal". I sent him a thank you message when he purchased it and joked that maybe I'd come visit the jug in Paris someday....Deepankar messaged me back saying, and I quote: "Dear Alan, thanks - I’m very glad to get the nice message. The Cardinal will be treated with appropriate reverence and we’ll take good care of his getting a good view out from the shelves. And you’re quite welcome to drop in on him." I'd never have actually taken him up on that offer but the fact that he made it was very memorable to me. That was in April of 2019. I just went and looked him up to see if there might be a photo of the jug anywhere in his social media and was shocked to see he'd passed on. The world needs more people like him in it, not fewer. I'm so sorry to all that knew him for your loss.
Kiran Shah It was such a privilege to have been invited to attend Rara’s graduation ceremony - and was so much fun!
Aashish Sharma We were both in Goa and decided to meet at Zebop by the beach, where we had a wonderful lunch and talked about how he was managing his time during his sabbatical.
Arjun Rajendran Rest in Poetry, mon ami!
Jasmine Bharucha A mentor and a dear friend. He touched a lot of lives. This pic was taken in Dec 2019, the last time I saw him. Deepankar, will open the wine bottle you gave us and raise a toast to you and the wonderful memories together.
Fond memories remain of your loving welcome and gracious acceptance, as though I've always been a part of the family. Fuelling a love for food, humour and delightful conversation, you'll were there for me in a real time of need. Your magnanimity and presence will be with me always, with affection, gratitude and awe.
Loving memories remain, of sharing a joy of food. Specially the sweet kind. The loving welcome and gracious acceptance, as though we've always known each other. To immerse me in such comfort, as to be part of the family. You are always in mind, with deep affection and awe.
Obituary - Deepankar Khiwani Having arrived late at IIMB, as compared to others - kind of second innings in life - my primary competition was against myself. And this afforded me lots of opportunities to observe others, including their intense competitive spirit and their zeal to forge ahead in life. But, there was one who always stood out. Seeme...
He inspired me many a times during complex and difficult personal situations. Will always be there in our memories...
Prashant Sachdeva 2005 at an offsite. That’s our Papa, looking after us, always.
Dinesh Prasad I enjoyed travelling with Deepankar and we travelled much.. this was in Barcelona on the beach in April 2018... we had walked from our Apartment through the roadside stalls, we bought matching catalonian bracelets, then through the bazaars to the beach where we were meeting Rara and her friends. We spent the bright afternoon with beer and seafood as we spoke about greek mythology...
Deepankar had a chariasmetic personality which I experienced working with him. A star which will twinkle always in poetry, memories.....
I joined Capgemini in 2010, and my first memory about Deepankar was an email he sent complimenting the work I was did for an Austrian account. I was new and oblivious, did not know who he was, and more importantly that he was a big deal! Then few weeks later, we met at one of the “lunch with leadership” session. I don’t remember the topics we talk...
When there is so much to say that words fail to do justice. When there is nothing else to say other than I will miss him. A mentor, a guide, a leader, a boss, a friend. He knew exactly what he needed to be to me whether I knew it or not. Wishing him all the peace and comfort.
Words fail me.. DK has touched so many lives and how.. Rest in eternal peace Dear DK.. You shall always be with us... A cherished part of us...
Very rarely one meets someone like Deepankar at work .. a person of wide knowledge and learning, and who shows the rest of us how to be a human being in workplaces crowded with business suits. A fine example of what leaders at organizations should be, sad to see him go away too soon. My condolences with his family & friends.
A fantastic and amazing person... May he Rest in Peace...
I first met Deepankar 20 years ago when I joined E&Y at Nariman Point. He was a Sr.Consultant who had been recruited from IIM. Even then, there was something special about him - I knew that he would go places. And he did! His charisma, energy and leadership qualities were evident even then. He loved to live life to the fullest and he certainly did ...
Deepankar, you were an amazing person who has influenced our life positively, you will always live in my memories my role model
Pintu Patel 2013 , At an event with client. Thank you Deepankar for everything you have done for so many of us. You will be missed always
I joined Capgemini in 2005 coming from an organisation where I found it tough and I was really circumspect. But all my doubts were put to rest when the big boss Deepankar himself came and welcomed me. We all looked up to him for his leadership, guidance and will miss his smile and his thoughts. May your soul rest in peace DK.. we will remember you ...
Hard to miss your charisma in school days. Your wit and intellect was inspiring. Death comes to us all, but life..came to you.
DK was one of the most inspirational leaders... someone I always looked upto and wanted to be like... Have fond memories of working with him during the RR days . You will truly be missed DK!!! RIP
Asavari Bagayatkar A true Leader and great inspiration !!! He had interviewed me when I entered CG and was selected for the PILOT Batch for a project. All the pilot batch members have had a special bond with Deepankar as he was so humble. It was always a learning for me to watch him deal with the client and difficult situations. Had just met him in Dec'19, but never imagined that could never get to see him again. He will always be my inspiration and a true role model!!! May his soul RIP and may god give give his family all the strength during this time of distress.
My first memory of Deepankar, is from 2015 (when I had just joined Capgemini). He had returned to M6 after some extensive travelling and even with his packed schedule, he went around the floor and said hello to everyone. I had joined the Radical Rightshore BU so I knew what a big deal that was! The image of Deepankar warmly shaking everyone’s hand ...
Deepankar is one of the most inspirational persons, I have interacted with at close quarters. He was in one person - a friend, a colleague, a boss, a leader, a guide, a scholar, a coach, a mentor, a teacher and many more things – who selflessly doled out 'guidance’ (a word which he used so often and so effectively). Over the years, there were so ma...
His TAS interview and selection before joining E&Y and he summarized - "Nothing works on its own, make it Happen"
We have lost a great visionary leader. The concept of Radical Righshore was his creation that really brought India in the driver's seat and propelled growth in Europe. Still remember he was in the panel of my first promotion interview from M2 to M3 (SM) and his questions were completely out of the box that would need thoughful answers. One thing I ...
RIP Deep ...."Om Shanti " ! for your soul
DK is what I used to call him .. DK was amongst the first few B School talents we had hired in EY Consulting days around 99-2000 Having seen him reach different heights in his career was never a surprise for me as he was always ambitious, talented ,articulate and professional in his approach . I had many opportunities to work with him but the la...
My words will go to Ritu, Rara and Deepankar's family and loved ones, to tell them how proud they can be of the great human being Deepankar was. Let me remember a person with magic, a truly inspiring soul for others. Thank you Deepankar
It is difficult to comprehend that you left us Deepankar. When I joined Capgemini you were the one that, patiently and over and over again, explained to me the Capgemini business and how to work with India. Always patient, I felt smart, good and needed. I am sure you thought differently but I did not notice. Later we worked in Switzerland and I enj...
My deep condolences to Deepankar Khiwani family and may his soul rest in peace.
RIP Deepankar. Gone too soon.
Deepankar has touched so many lives in such a positive way that God also felt the need to have him around himself. Deepankar was a lovely person who wears many hats with so much ease that you sometimes wonder how is it possible for a person to excel is so many areas. Thank you Deepankar for having touched my life too in your journey.. You have been...
Like everyone knows, DK was an inspirational leader and even more an admirable person! I remember him as someone who always strived for perfection. If I got an assignment from him, I would do multiple rounds of spell and grammer checks before sending him an email 😊. I learnt many management and work life lessons from just observing him and working...
RIP DK. We will all miss your presence in this world!!
I have multiple interactions with DK over past 8 years. A charismatic leader, good orator and great presenter, and most importantly, a kind and caring human being. In Dec last year, DK walked few steps along with me and came to my cabin and thanked for all the work our team has done for organization growth. All of us will miss him. I am blessed to...
I am still in disbelief. You were first to help me firm my feet in Capgemini. Gone too soon . Thank you for everything . I cant thank God enough for having given me the opportunity to meet you and know you . RIP .
I felt humbled by his kindness and compassion to everyone around him. Deepankar always acknowledged presence of people around him, responded to greetings and made time to exchange a few words. I offer my condolences to the family. May his soul rest in peace.
Like his name, Deepankar was a beacon of knowledge and rightness in our batch at IIMB. Intelligent and illuminating, he was an embodiment of all that is noble and good in humanity. Though his soul has departed, his aura will stay forever. He will be deeply missed by all who have known him.
Very few people touch your life in such a lasting, enriching and inspirational way and Deepankar was one such for me. He left too soon, but he left me such rich memories and life moments that they would never leave me. He cared and he cared deeply. Every single time I met him since I had a health issue 5 years ago, DK would ask me how are you Sur...
Anil Agarwal The news of Deepankar’s passing away was a huge shock and very very difficult to absorb. He was a batch mate in IIMB and a colleague at Capgemini. He represented the best that India has to offer to the professional world. Deepankar was super smart, very intelligent, the best person to put in front of sr client executive and great at creating loyalty among his team members. He will be remembered for many many years to come and his memories cherished by his colleagues and clients.
Sreedhar Krishnan No words can express my gratitude to you for all the help you did during the days when i was hospitalized in Zurich. You will be fondly remembered. RIP
Larger than life! Go and get it done, do not wait for anyone. A good heart has stopped beating, but a heart that has touched so many lives can’t help but live on in those it loved.
I as a growing up professional at Capgemini have many professional and personal memories with Deepankar , we call him DK . Talk about transformation , starting something new and challenging or always going beyond the status quo , DK has that all in him and always with a smiling face . One can learn a lot from him just observing his outcome based bu...
Vividly remember meeting DK at the EY Office in Mumbai on my first day over lunch. Big Smile and very welcoming. May his soul find eternal rest. Gone to soon, you will be missed DK.
Hi, I met Dipankar during AMCOR deal and was really impressed with his simplicity, no-nonsense attitude and acute business acumen. Great loss for the Capgemini Team
I first met Deepankar during an offsite in 2007. I had always wanted to work for a dynamic leader like him. One day I sent him a mail at the end of the day asking him for opportunities in Appstwo. I assumed that he will take time to respond and I expected a reply from him sometime later that week. I was pleasantly surprised to see a response in les...
Thank you Deepankar for all that you've bestowed onto the Capgemini family, touching innumerable lives! You played every role to the best including pranks that eased stress out of people in difficult business situations. You garnered respect that's beyond imagination from each human being that you interacted with. Continue smiling where ever you ar...
I always feel very proud to have been picked up by DK in Capgemini way back in 2005. Like many others, I owe a lot of my professional success and personal attributes to this great human being. I am blessed our path crossed!
Aashiq Nagda Thrill of going for a spin with Papa....and destiny is shaped for success....(Paris 2008)
My heartfelt condolences to the family of Deepankar. May you rest in peace..
Gone too soon... May your Heart and Soul find peace and comfort <3 My heartfelt condolences are with his Family...
Rarely one comes across a leader who influenced so many lives in such a great way. I met Deepankar for the first time in 2003 few days after joining Capgemini as a management trainee. He offered me a 3 week assignment and was my first manager in the company. He was then a young manager but one could make out then that he was cut out for much bigger...
A Great, Charismatic, People's Leader...
Aashiq Nagda We were simply there to paint the town red with Papa!
Such a pleasure to read this tributes. Deepankar, you have left a legacy of mentorship, friendship and intellect. I knew you not in adulthood but in childhood where your endearing smile lit up a thousand candles. It is a memory that has stayed with me through the years. RIP my friend, and thank you for the poetry.
You are a role model and a mentor to many of us. A very professional yet affectionate person, full of life. My close association with you goes back in 2014-15 when we were running campaigns for BISC across Europe. Your sharp organization around the initiative resulted in serious audience from several tough customers across Europe, and converted som...
Amazing leader, very approachable inspite of his crazy schedule. I was fortunate to have many interactions with him including city boat ride in Amsterdam. Remember him mentioning about interests in Archaeology.. RIP DK, it's difficult and painful to believe that you are not around.
A great leader. Always found time for his team. Lost a great mentor. Still can't believe you are not here. RIP Deepankar Khiwani
Deeply shocked to hear this, I still remember in 1999 when I had just joined I was seeing a small group of passionate youngsters creating the larger group we are today Deepankar was leading from those days as a sr consultant, he was always ready to take new challenges While I was working on the Technicalities of putting in our first ODC , Deepan...
We have lost a great thought leader, guide and a great Human being. Still remember your last mail to me – “Do spend time with self and family and friends. Nothing is worth as much as health and family“ Deepankar, we will miss you and remember you always!
DK has left a lasting legacy of positive experiences, influence, compassion and wonderful intellect
Dear Deepankar you have been a unique leader and person. Thank you for your good advice, great sense of humour and time that I could spent with you.
DK, We will miss you and your coaching! I always got valuable advice and guidance from you. Rest in Peace ...
Dear Deepankar, You are a force to reckon with - exceptionally intellegent , emotionally grounded, empathetic and clinical at the same time, a great mentor and a ground breaking visonary ....I have experienced the pleasure and pain of working with you across my roles the past decade... we cant say goodbye to memories and I like many others are t...
Deepankar, you will be missed not only by those who know you closely but people like me who admired you from distance. You were a role model to many of us. RIP my friend.
Will miss the warm smile and reassuring nod. Rest in peace !
Dear Deepankar, I am not one of the privileged ones who can claim to have worked with you very closely, or one who was one of your close friends. But I am definitely one of those who is privileged to have known you for over 15 years. I still remember our days at Capgemini India, Vikhroli office, when we were still a small family and everyone knew...
A great leader and a great human being who will be missed by all who knew him.
You were a true leader and inspiring human being. You influence so many people in their life that our memories will all be positive while remembering you. I offer you and your family my thoughts, prayers and well-wishes during this dark time in your life.
A human at a higher level of evolution. Worked for him for less than a year, 17 years ago and met him just 2 times after that, but his voice keeps echoing and will keep echoing. -
Sunny afternoons in LF, warm spot outdoors during session breaks, your smile and our little ritual "let's talk about poetry!" or "remember that ancient Greek myth where ... " or "can you tell me the name of that tiny Renaissance chapel in Trastevere often overlooked by tourists ..." This is how I'll remember you for ever. A beautiful mind endowed w...
Jyoti Mary Chacko Nagme hain, shikwe hain, Kisse hain, baatein hain Baatein bhool jaati hain, Yaadein yaad aati hain We all have a bit of YOU in us DK. We will continue to love and cherish you forever!
Sameer Prakash I met Deepankar for the first time in 1998 on a project in the US, which later developed into a lifelong bond of friendship. Since then, we ended up working together in three different continents, briefly lived under the same roof, were lucky to be part of each other’s important life events, bonded over our love for food. music and other things great and were partners in crime on many pranks we pulled off on colleagues. Deepankar perfected everything he ever touched: From his professional life, his knowledge of world history, art and funnily even ordinary things like ironing clothes. I had a strong feeling that he had something very interesting up his sleeve after returning from Europe. That what’s you would expect from Deepankar. It's so unfortunate that he had to leave so soon. Farewell my friend, till we meet again on the other side! This picture is from his 31st Birthday after we sneaked out from an office offsite to celebrate his birthday in Pune.
Parce que tu étais si fier de partager tes progrès en français, de partager ton admiration pour les tiens, de blaguer, et de disserter sur les centaines de variétés de manguiers, c'est dans cette langue que je veux te dire combien ton sourire, ta malice et ta gentillesse resteront ancrés très fort dans mon cœur. La maladie t'a cueilli bien trop tôt...
Death, be not proud.. Deepankar, you will live on .. in the excellence each of your many admirers aspire to.. in our leadership trying to emulate you.. in our thoughts as you inspire us to do the best and be the best that we can be, in our own unique ways..
DK was one of the inspirational leader and role model for me... I had opportunity working with him on different deal opportunities. You will be truly missed and always remain with us in our heart...RIP DK 🙏🙏
One of the most intelligent, dynamic and amiable leader that I have come across. Om Shanti !
Deepankar, I am sad, I am shocked. You chose to take some distance. Until we learned that you passed away. Of course another testimony of your discretion, your dignity. We miss and will miss your wit, your passion. I remember the only real collaboration when you and I on Baru's recommendation shaped a Kick Off gathering. We worked together for a co...
Deepankar, I am shocked! You have been such a great leader and colleague, smart, intelligent and always caring for people. I will never forget what you have peached me about Alphonso mangos. RIP, my friend.
My friend Deepankar, it is incredibly difficult for all of us, who have worked and known you for years, to see you go so early in your life. But, even if way too early, you've done more than enough during your time to have an incredible impact on people around you. Your family and loved ones can be proud of you. We all are. You are a Great Man ! Si...
Amod Vijayvargiya Dreams, destinies, and desolation: diaries of a gang member [Deepankar Forever] Yesterday I received one of the most shocking phone calls of my life, it said – “Deepankar is no more”. While I cried after that for quite a while, upon reflecting a bit over the last 32 hours and meeting him in the dream last night, I believe this statement above is nonsensical. It is nonsensical because none of us feel or believe it. None of us, hired by Deepankar Khiwani into that magnificent tribe we called Papa’s gang, feel or believe he is gone. None of the crazy and cozy memories that we have with him over the many years have faded even a little bit. None of the lessons that we learnt through his warm and wicked smile will ever be forgotten. Those CGEY days of 2003 onwards are the most wonderful days of our life, architected by this extraordinary individual, always on the stage, who gave each of us dreams and destiny, with the sucker punch of desolation at the end. True to his character and his love of Shakespeare, he orchestrates his exit from the stage too in inimitable style. As a member of Papa’s gang, here are my personal reflections for our gang leader who is undoubtedly fixing what’s wrong with heaven now! Dreams The stories of Deepankar’s insane genius and meteoric professional trajectory are stuff of the folklore at Capgemini, as I am sure it is at Cathedral school, Xavier's, and IIM Bangalore. But at the core of it all, Deepankar is a dream merchant. He sold and then delivered dreams to businesses, clients and his teams. My first meeting with him was when he had to only talk to me about his plans and I was immediately hooked (something about him that clicked). I learnt later and observed how he understands motivations, connects to people, and intensely focuses on both human beings, and business drivers is what makes him successful in making the dreams real. I, and all the gang members, love him though for many others things too – we love him for his wit and repartee, for his kindness, for his allegiance to truth, for his vulnerability, for his crazy pranks, for all our offsites, his deep knowledge and interest in art, history, philosophy, poetry, and umpteen other topics and for his ability to fix everything that is wrong with everything and everyone. The dreams that we worked on were solid hard work but also more fun than fun coz they were with DK. He is not your usual business leader. Destinies As a boss, DK didn’t just create good performers, DK shaped destinies. For my own, I can safely say I owe many of my strengths and humble successes to DK. From how to draft great communications in 2003, to how to run businesses in 2006, to how lead worldwide transformation programs in 2009, I learnt everything from DK. Even, in the last six months when I hadn’t reported to him for more than 11 years, and as I was planning my significant career move, he has been talking to me every other week with his views, insights and intense interest in what I do. As I now know, he was also going through a lot during this same time. From a boss, he had converted into a dear friend, many years back. Desolation The gang is sad and desolate, but we cannot be sad and desolate. Because DK would not have wanted us to. This is why I say, "Deepankar is no more" is nonsensical. He is everywhere, he is in each of us – he is in what Dinesh Prasad writes, he is in Aashish Sharma's swagger, he is in Saleel Nair's trivia, he is in Brendin Dsouza's Jack Daniels, he is in my vulnerability, he is in Kiran Shah's and Anjalika Sengupta's craziness. To the well-organized mind, Death is but the next great adventure. And he has an extremely well-organized mind. I know DK loved Thoreau, so the final words from him: “On the death of a friend, we should consider that the fates through confidence have devolved on us the task of a double living, that we have henceforth to fulfill the promise of our friend's life also, in our own, to the world.” — Henry David Thoreau
I still cant believe you are not around, Deepankar... I have been always following you as a Visionary Leader... the way you managed and motivated each of us to achieve and excel in everything we did has really been unique of the way you managed business living the "people matter and result count" vision... I miss you and it will definitely not b...
I first met Deepankar in Jun 2008, a few days into my career at Capgemini in Mumbai and instanteously knew that I had chanced upon something rare and priceless. His ways to engage, motivate, provide feedback and support were unique, almost mysterious. I being the reflective overthinker, would analyze and wait for the right moment to execute plans....
Sumita Chakrabarty Just another Papa's Gang memory, a sweet moment captured forever. dK was my first real 'manager', from whom i learnt how to write corporate emails, structure a presentation and develop as a professional. The lessons that he taught me, and all of his team members, proved to be the foundation for our personal and professional development. He was our teacher, in so many ways, and has left us all in great debt. Till date, it amazes me just how he accepted all of us totally - he welcomed non-conformity and independence of thought, and appreciated each one's quirkiness. He was, truly, a friend, mentor, guide and to me, he was family. He never forgot to ask about my parents' health, and offered solace and a shoulder to lean on in tough times. So much gratitude for the many lessons, and kindnesses which he bestowed. dK was simply one of a kind - there will never be another. The way you touched all our lives, very few did.Thank you once again dK for everything. God bless you always.
Condolences to Deepankar's family and friends. I was Deepankar's batchmate in the PGP IIMB programme between 1996 and 1998. I was also in the C section with him in the first year of the programme. Some of my memories of Deepankar are as follows:- 1. He was humble; He even prostrated at my mother's feet, in North Indian style, on the day of our c...
Dearest Deepankar, We broke the Viking bracelet together. Let’s pick up on that when we meet next. Much Love, Arjun
Deeply sad to hear about Deepankar’s death. I knew him for business reasons but we also shared the taste for art. My deepest sympathy to his family, that he loved so much.
Visionary, A leader par excellence and mentor to many .His legacy will live on forever. Thank you for those wonderful memories , Rest In Peace
Dear Deepankar, you left too early. Far too early. I was shocked and very sad hearing the news. Just a few weeks ago we spend a whole day on the train from Zurich to Lausanne and back. Beautiful Switzerland passed by the windows, we had 6 hours of insightful discussion, shared experiences, strategies exchanged, opinions declared. I have enjoyed y...
I will always remember Deepankar for his sweetness, clarity of thought and as a remarkable person. RIP.
Deepankar, I will miss you, and I know that I am one of the many in Capgemini and outside that will do so. You gave us inspiration and you showed us what can be achieved if you believe in it and gather the right people around you. Despite being a great leader, your depth as well as your humor were remarkable, a discussion with you always was fruitf...
I was totally shocked when I received the terrible news. Deepankar and I met as part of doing business and kept in touch afterwards. I will never forget the lasting impression you left with myself and my team. When there was a problem early in the engagement Deepankar decided to immediately book a flight from Sweden and within a couple of hours ...
We go back 17 years. I was the COO in Capgemini India, and he was a young senior manager. It was a pleasure to talk to him on multiple topics - European history, poetry, Urdu Gazals, win themes for large deals and most importantly people. When I spoke with him in Dec/Jan for more than an hour, he talked about opening a restaurant with his personal ...
Cher Deepankar je préfère écrire en français (langueque tu comprenais)afin de mettre les bons mots. Je n’oublierai jamais le support que tu as apporté à mon fils et moi lorsque nous avons traversé de difficiles moments. Tu étais présent subtilement et tu faisais passer les messages avec finesse, intelligence et discrétion. Tu étais présent et c’éta...
No it’s not true!? My first reaction after I heard the news four weeks Ago. An extremely Nice, intelligent Guy, Full of humor. We met at Friesland Campina Where Deepankar personaly in his jeans and unshaven Closed the deal for a Large outsourcing deal. He was just landed on Schiphol coming from Sweden where he helped the team at Ikea. Deepankar was...
Dear Deepankar, I got the chance to work with you as a colleague, as a client and moreover as a friend. It has been amazing for me and I’ve learnt so much from you on India, art and being SMART. I’m gonna miss you and I’ll try to bring your legacy with me. Ciao my dear friend.
Deepankar, I never got an opportunity to work or interact with you. Always use to adore you from distance...you are truly missed
I can count on my fingers how many times I have spoken to Deepankar. In fact, I think I have met him far more times but never spoken much with him than say 'Hi Deepankar' and he would say 'Hi Vijeesh'. He would ask me something about work and I would answer back. I would just about manage to ask him something back and then kept quiet lest I end up ...
‘We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will’ - Chuck Palahniuk Deepankar, Your life, conduct, wit, work style, fun style, intelligence, aura was magnetic and will be celebrated. The personal impact you had on people you knew to shape their thinking towards work and life was magic! You were a gifted motl...
Had the privilege to interact with Deepankar a few times, what come to mind when I think of him, “An Officer and Gentleman…”
I knew Deepankar as a colleague from 2002 when I joined CGEY. At that time he was part of a small group of young "people to watch" and over the years, that is what I did. The first major project that I got exposed to was when he set up the global KPO practice in Mumbai through which he brought on-board some very capable young people cut, as it were...
Mikko Valorinta Deepankar, I had the pleasure of working with you for more than 10 years. You were always the first person I wanted to meet in our global gatherings. Thank you for all the camaraderie and the great moments. Will miss you. RIP DK.
Missing dear Deepankar on my birthday today. His message from this day last year - "Happy Birthday Mayank. Hope you emerge older and a little, but not too much wiser – and have fun-Best wishes for the day and for the year ahead of you."
DK always acknowledged presence of people around, welcomed them with a smile, responded to a problem with lot of interest and an intent to solve. You would be surprised that he would have solved the problem with ease and left you happy at the end of the meeting. Leader who can't be forgotten, may his soul rest in peace.
Dear Deepankar, I'm very sad. You were so smart and sensitive. I've always appreciated your modesty and your caring in treating everyone with respect Rest in peace. Andrea
One of the finest person and a thorough professional i met in 13 years at Capgemini. While i did not work with Deepankar directly but happened to interact a few times, i distinctly remember one such discussion, post the scheduled discussion he had shot the key points in our mailboxes even before i was back on my desk. Rest in peace!
DK was a true inspiration and someone i always will admire. I still remember the first time i met him was around 2006-2007 when we shared a cab from our Kolkata office to the airport, to be honest initially i was a bit overawed sharing the ride with one of the stars from the office but was amazed at how easy it was to get comfortable as we chatted...
Deepankar was well known for his ability to be a good leader with a vision, and also someone who could step away from that track, to say a kind word, share a joke or enquire after family and life in general. One thing that would shine through all the seriousness of work, was his generosity and wicked sense of humour. All of these wonderful memorie...
I've been struggling to find words or come to terms these past months and indeed it took me a while to get here...Its DK's 50th birthday today! Feels like he's still somewhere here.. I'd joined his team back in 2005 and he instantly became an idol for me who I very deeply admired for so many qualities all packaged into one person. Right from his ...
We had nothing in common other than graduating from the same IIM batch. And nothing to gain from each other's connect. But I always looked up to you. So whenever I visit Paris, all I had to do was to send a message, you will accommodate a slot amidst your busy schedule, you will arrange a coffee shop nearby, always arrive in advance, such humility ...
I vividly remember being in the same class as Deepanker in std’s 9 and 10. The ICSE years. He would inevitably end up in an argument with Dr Krishnan our English teacher about some literary figure, poet or the like. Neither would back down, and we, as a class were witnesses to these heated conversations, relishing every moment of instruction time t...
Happy Birthday Deepankar. Remember you almost everyday. Am sure you are Happy and smiling where ever you are! Miss u. Lots of love to Ritu and Rara.
Had the privilege of spending some time with Deepankar while in Stockholm during one of his visits. He use to say a small prayer before every meal and I will never forget this humbleness. A great people person and a great human being. His passing away is a big loss for the society.
I have known DK since 2012 during my intetactions with him at Capgemini. Very nice person, bold and ambitious and seen him lead from the front to win new work. In my one to one interaction, the last one, he personally met me and took a walk and infact came to my cabin and appreciated the work. He is one person that will always cherish in my memorie...
I had the luck to spend time with Deepankar and I very often think about this exceptionnal mn. Of course regarding business ( I had spent many years with Capgemini) but also life: kids, nature, arts, … I am sure Rara will continue the way…
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