Dr. Kashyap Vishnuprasad Vasavada Ph.D

Dr. Kashyap Vishnuprasad Vasavada, Ph.D., age 87, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed peacefully at home on December 22, 2025. His life was filled with a strong sense of duty, family, and seeking of higher truth.

Born in Gujarat, India, he was a studious and ambitious child. At an early age, he developed the enthusiasm for pursuing excellence in any endeavor. He was the valedictorian ("Gold Medalist" is the title given in India) of his class at the University of Baroda, and left home in 1960 to pursue higher education. It was the field of physics that captured his imagination, hopes, and dreams.

He was the first in his family to come to the U.S. and paved the way for many other family members who would follow. He was awarded a graduate position at the University of Maryland where he pursued a Ph.D. in Physics, followed by a career at NASA then in academics, growing his career to Emeritus Professor after over 30 years at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis. He had an unwavering belief in the importance of science education, promoting it in the early educational years of Nina and Mona, and later writing numerous editorials in the local newspaper concerning its importance.

After retirement, he became a beloved “Nana,” (maternal grandfather) to Sonia, Sammy, and Ricky. Their younger years were filled with competitive games of Monopoly and chess (which he rarely let them win but beamed with pride when they did). In their older years, he loved giving them complicated math riddles and discussing next steps in their own educational pursuits. His time with his grandchildren filled his heart and soul with joy. Every conversation over the last several years of his life was filled with excitement about their activities and efforts.

Dr. Vasavada is survived by his caring wife, Shraddha Kashyap (Munshi) Vasavada, devoted daughters Nina Vasavada Panchal (Vipul) and Mona Vasavada Patel (Samit), and beloved grandchildren Sonia Panchal, Sammy Panchal, and Ricky Panchal. Preceding him in death were his brother, Dr. Kiritbhai Vasavada, and sisters, Mrs. Pushpabhen Antani and Ms. Jaivaitibhen Vasavada, who will be dearly remembered.

The funeral service for Dr. Kashyap Vasavada will be held on December 26, 2025, at 12:00 PM, at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary, 11411 N Michigan Rd, Zionsville, IN 46077. Please join us in honoring a remarkable life filled with love, wisdom, and dedication. The service will be livestreamed at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc2NjUwNzY5NjE4Mzc1MDcmb25lcm9vbS1hZG1pbiZjb3B5X2xpbms=.

Though our time with him has passed, his loved ones will continue his legacy, guided by his examples of life and work, as well as the love and support that he gave to us all.