Help Vinay & Sameer

Sameer’s Memorial Service

We understand that quite a few people were unable to view the previously posted video of Sameer’s Memorial Service. Please try this one. Note, that using fast-forward may cause the audio and video to be out of sync.

17 Responses

Anonymous Says:
April 2nd, 2008 at 7:02 am
No it still doesn’t work…
Shalini Says:
April 2nd, 2008 at 9:53 am
Thank you for putting up the second video so those of us who had difficulty with the first one could get a chance to see the memorial service. I had missed the first hour of the service and was able to catch it here. Rest in Peace Sameer.
Madhu Krishnan Says:
April 2nd, 2008 at 10:54 am
Such a beautiful memorial service for Sameer! It was done with so much poise and grace and it was a true celebration of his life. I don’t know Sameer personally, but what I gather is he wouldn’t have liked this any other way. Sameer has achieved so much in such a short time. I lost my mom few years ago and thats when I realized that people close to you never go away, they live within you. Sameer lives on in all our hearts!!

As science is advancing in so many avenues, I hope a cure is found for leukemia.
Anupama Says:
April 2nd, 2008 at 11:41 am
Thank you so much for putting this video online. I have been to sameer’s website almost daily since I have known. I really felt very sorry for Sameer’s family and his friends. But after seeing this I really feel bad for myself for not getting a chance to meet sameer. I am pregnant and people say I should have good thoughts and listen to good things. many have restricted me to look into this site for many reasons but I always wanted to learn abt sameer’s health and learn the positive attitude he has shown. After watching this video I see sameer is in all of you people whoever met him or experienced him which is really great. I learnt a lot from this video .Thanks everyone to share your experiences. Sameer has taught me a lot for sure. May his soul rest in peace. I also really appreciate Reena for her strength.
ruhpreet Says:
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Someone so true to his word, beautiful inside and out. Sameer is a true inspiration in every way, to his family, his friends, and even a complete stranger. Sameer’s passing has been a loss to everyone, there is a thin line of people who are truly touched by anyones death, Sameer has crossed this line being able to touch hearts of people that have never even met him, like me. I loved reading his blogs, I admired his strength, I wish that I could have even half of the courage as him. He has taught me to be a better person, not only towards those in my circle but to anyone. He has taught me to step outside of the line, even erase this imaginary line that we draw slowly letting people in and out of it completely. People with traits similar to Sameer are rare, I have yet to meet someone so genuine. I appreciate very much that I was able to learn a great deal about Sameer, and also apply his thinking into my life. I really do miss him, but after watching the memorial service I learned that the memories you all have of him will last a lifetime.
Sowmya Ramineni Says:
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Thank you for sharing the memorial service web cast.

I don’t know sameer in person…but there is not a single day for me without checking this website and vinay’s website. Definitely Sameer and his family, Vinay and his family made a huge difference in the community and for the future of many other patients with this horrible disease.

Reena…you definitely has inspired lot of us.

May god bless you with strength to face this tragedy!
Aparna Says:
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Dear Bhatia Family,

I wanted to thank you so much for giving us a chance to watch Sameer’s memorial service. Although I did not know him while on this earth, I am truly blessed to at least know of his essence through the beautiful words of his family and friends. I wanted to share with you some thoughts.

It is clear that Sameer came to be from a family rooted in love, his father’s hugs, they are so generous and all-embracing, his mother’s care and humility are something to be emulated. In Reena, Sameer not only found his rock but his sustenance. Love brought them together and in such a short time she was called to perform duties that are difficult to imagine for those who have lived together for 50 years. I pretty much lost it when I saw the photo of her kissing him in the hospital room. He was so lucky to have you too.

From Samba’s friends I learned of his great sense of humor, his persistence, and that he always had a grand vision of how things should be. He will be missed but you were all correct, he is still here. I saw him through all of you. You are all in my thoughts.

Aparna
Amishi Says:
April 2nd, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Dear Bhatia family and Sameer’s friends. I pause as I write this. You all are such a strong family. It is natural that you all, especially Mr Kumar, Ms Sunita, Prashant and Reena are deriving all their strength from Sameer. Reena, you sure have more than a rock. To be so composed through all this is amazing. I really really appreciated how you spoke of love on Sameer’s memorial. Takes deep courage and strength to do that, which I strongly feel comes from Sameer.
Thank you to all of you who made it possible to either watch the live telecast or the recorded version. His life has touched so many people in so many different ways - be it by showing courage, showing genuine concern for family, friends and even strangers, showing the importance of humor and most so, showing the meaning of selfless and utmost genuine love. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Divya Says:
April 2nd, 2008 at 10:42 pm
This video gives a good insight into the amazing incredible personality of Sameer.

I was surprised at how Sameer’s dad & Reena in particular handled their end of the service. I am very sure he will be with u guys - family & friends alike - in spirit - forever. What Reena spoke of luv & the five things she quoted which describe his luv for her and others - are soo heart warming. Such luv doesnt’ come by everyday indeed - and yes - its a huge lesson that one shud not ignore or take for granted the precious things on hand today.

God undoubtedly takes only the best !
Harsha Says:
April 3rd, 2008 at 11:02 am
I am so inspired to be a greater person after watching Sameer’s Memorial Service. I saw how one person can literally move the world and bring so much happiness. His spirit will live on among us and will go on and spread a lot more happiness and love in this world. We love you Sameer. Thank you for teaching us to live each day to the fullest. Reena and Sameer’s family and friends - please find comfort in the fact that Sameer has helped inspire so many people..continue his legacy..I know you will.
Asha Sen Says:
April 3rd, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Dear Sameer and the rest of the Bhatia family,

The love and courage you have shown is an inspiration to us all. I am particularly touched by your story as I lost my husband to AML in September 2006. All my love and prayers go out to all of you. I too would like to continue the fight against this horrible disease in any way I can. I’ve been inspired by your efforts to hold a minority drive in
Wisconsin. Please do keep me posted if you come up with any other ideas.

Asha
Paul Kim Says:
April 4th, 2008 at 12:08 am
Reena,

I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I feel blessed to have met the both of you and am simply at a loss for words.

Sameer was a class act. Incredibly caring, courteous, a true professional. He made an impact with everyone he met.

My memories of time spent with Sameer are crystal clear and shall remain so.

My deepest and sincerest condolences,

Paul
Dimple Says:
April 7th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Reena,

I am so sorry for your loss. May Sameer’s soul rest in peace. Reena, my deepest condolences to you and family.
Palak Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 1:01 am
Dear Sameer’s Family,

I have never met Sameer in my entire life but for some reason I feel this strong connection to him as well as the rest of your life. The first time I heard about the bone marrow drives, one of my friends asked me I wanted to volunteer and I was almost hesitant on agreeing because I had a lot of homework. Now when I look back at it, I think wow how much more self absorbed could I have been. But for some reason, I did end up agreeing more to make myself feel less guilty then anything else.

When I got to the drive, I actually learned about everything that was taking place and the cause behind the entire drives. That was the first time I had heard Vinay’s name and through him I got to know of Sameer as well. That day changed my life in more then one way. We were located outside of a company in the town and hoping that people would show up and a few did. That was the first time, I realized the importance behind these drives. We took the stand and bought a few lawn chairs and situated ourselves outside an Indian store hoping that more South Asians would come outside and register themselves.

I was immensly happy to see that so many had signed up after we told them about Sameer and Vinay. That was probably the first time in my life I realized what it is that I want to be.

I want to let you that Sameer changed my life in a very special way and I am sure he changed so many other lives as well throughout his life. Though his life may have been small, he achieved more then a lot of other people. He was loved and adored by so many that every person would want to be his friend.

I am sad about the fact that I was never able to meet him but I know that the difference he made in my life will always remain my heart. He will live on in the hearts of many including mine. What more can you want from life, right?

May his soul rest in peace. Keep him alive in all our hearts, I certainly will.

Palak K.
Amit Garg Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Dear Bhatia Family.

I felt something inside me break when I heard the news. I did not know Sameer, I only met him once briefly. But I want to let you know he made a huge impact in my life.

As a freshman at Stanford I was a volunteer for an organization he had started in college, Project Dosti (http://dosti.stanford.edu). I taught in a village in rural Bihar, in a remote eastern part of India. The experience cemented in me the spirit of service and compassion. Be proud to know we carried Dosti forward and it still strong and making a positive impact in many people’s lives.

I hope we all will find the strength to live by the values Sameer. He certainly lives in my heart.

- Amit
Madhu Krishnan Says:
April 16th, 2008 at 6:12 am
Sameer’s family is my thots and prayers.
ruhpreet Says:
June 8th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Just wanted you to know that you are all in my thoughts. I hope you are doing well.