Obituaries in April 2025

🕯️ Obituaries in April 2025

🔖 Introduction to Notable Deaths in April 2025

April 2025 marked the passing of several iconic figures from diverse fields including cinema, literature, environmentalism, law, dance, sports, and spirituality. These individuals left an indelible mark on their respective domains and continue to inspire generations. In this section, we will explore the lives, achievements, and legacies of those who passed away in April 2025, making it a significant period in current affairs.

🎬 1. Manoj Kumar – Legendary Actor & Padma Shri Awardee (1937–2025)

Field: Cinema
Awards: Padma Shri (1992)
Notable Films: Sholay, Upkaar, Purab Aur Paschim
Age at Death: 88
Cause of Death: Age-related illness

Manoj Kumar was one of Indian cinema’s most respected actors and directors. Known for his patriotic roles and socially relevant films, he contributed significantly to Hindi cinema during its golden era.

Key Contributions:

Popularized the concept of “Bharat Ek Hai” through his films
Directed and starred in classics like Roti Kapda Aur Makaan
Advocated for clean living and social values in cinema

Legacy:
His death marks the end of an era where cinema was used as a medium for national consciousness. He is remembered fondly by fans and peers alike.

📜 2. Venu Gopal Panicker – Eminent Linguist & Malayalam Scholar (1940–2025)

Field: Language & Literature
Contribution: Promoted Malayalam language and culture
Awards: Sahitya Akademi Award
Age at Death: 85
Cause of Death: Illness

Venu Gopal Panicker was a celebrated linguist who played a crucial role in preserving and promoting the Malayalam language. His work spanned decades, influencing generations of writers and scholars.

Key Work:

Authored numerous books on Malayalam grammar and literature
Led efforts to modernize linguistic studies in Kerala
Advocated for multilingual education policies

Cultural Impact:
He was instrumental in elevating Malayalam to a prestigious position among Indian languages and was honored by various literary institutions.

💃 3. Ram Sahay Pandey – Chhau Dance Maestro & Padma Shri Awardee (1933–2025)

Field: Folk Dance
Specialization: Chhau Dance
Awards: Padma Shri (2022)
Age at Death: 92
Cause of Death: Natural causes

Ram Sahay Pandey was a legendary exponent of Chhau dance, a traditional martial dance form from eastern India. His performances were known for their vigor, precision, and storytelling.

Achievements:

Revived and popularized Chhau dance across India and abroad
Trained hundreds of students in the art form
Represented India in international cultural festivals

Legacy:
He played a pivotal role in bringing recognition to regional folk arts and was a torchbearer for cultural preservation.

🧘‍♀️ 4. Dadi Ratan Mohini – Spiritual Leader & Administrator of Brahma Kumaris (1924–2025)

Field: Spirituality
Organization: Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University
Age at Death: 101
Cause of Death: Old age

Dadi Ratan Mohini was a revered spiritual leader and administrator of the Brahma Kumaris movement. She dedicated her life to spreading peace, self-awareness, and women’s empowerment.

Contributions:

Guided millions through meditation and moral teachings
Promoted gender equality and education for women
Played a key role in expanding the global outreach of Brahma Kumaris

Global Influence:
She inspired countless individuals across continents and was a symbol of compassion and wisdom.

🎭 5. Kumudini Lakhia – Kathak Maestro & Padma Vibhushan Awardee (1925–2025)

Field: Classical Dance
Specialization: Kathak
Awards: Padma Vibhushan (2025)
Age at Death: 99
Cause of Death: Illness

Kumudini Lakhia was a pioneering figure in Kathak dance. Her innovative choreography and expressive storytelling redefined the classical dance form.

Artistic Journey:

Introduced contemporary themes into traditional Kathak
Founded the Kadamb Centre for Dance and Music
Performed globally, earning accolades from critics and audiences

Recognition:
Her posthumous Padma Vibhushan award was a fitting tribute to her lifelong dedication to dance.

🌳 6. Daripally Ramaiah – Environmentalist & ‘Tree Man of India’ (1950–2025)

Field: Environmentalism
Awards: Padma Shri (2017)
Known As: Tree Man of India
Age at Death: 75
Cause of Death: Heart attack

Daripally Ramaiah devoted his life to afforestation and environmental conservation. He single-handedly planted over 50 lakh trees in Andhra Pradesh.

Impact:

Inspired youth and communities to participate in tree plantation drives
Advocated for sustainable development practices
Was featured in multiple documentaries on environmental heroes

Legacy:
His efforts continue to influence ecological movements in India.

📚 7. Mario Vargas Llosa – Nobel Prize-Winning Author (1936–2025)

Field: Literature
Awards: Nobel Prize in Literature (2010)
Nationality: Peruvian
Age at Death: 89
Cause of Death: Cancer

Mario Vargas Llosa was a towering figure in world literature. His novels explored political and social issues with depth and nuance.

Major Works:

The Time of the Hero
The Green House
Conversation in the Cathedral

Influence:
His writings remain essential reading for students of literature and political thought.

🏀 8. Hardeep Kaur – Former Indian Basketball Captain (1942–2025)

Field: Sports
Awards: Arjuna Award (1969)
Age at Death: 83
Cause of Death: Illness

Hardeep Kaur was a trailblazer in Indian women’s basketball. She captained the national team and inspired many young athletes.

Career Highlights:

Represented India in multiple international tournaments
Advocated for women’s participation in sports
Received the Arjuna Award for outstanding performance

Inspiration:
She broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of female athletes.

⚖️ 9. Dr. Mathew Samuel Kalarickal – Father of Angioplasty in India (1948–2025)

Field: Medicine
Specialization: Cardiology
Awards: Padma Shri (2000)
Age at Death: 77
Cause of Death: Illness

Dr. Kalarickal introduced angioplasty to India and revolutionized heart care. His contributions saved countless lives.

Medical Legacy:

Pioneered minimally invasive cardiac procedures
Trained thousands of cardiologists
Published extensively on interventional cardiology

Tribute:
He remains a beacon in the field of medical innovation.

⚾ 10. Keith Stackpole – Australian Cricket Legend (1940–2025)

Field: Cricket
Role: Vice-Captain of Australia
Age at Death: 84
Cause of Death: Illness

Keith Stackpole was a prominent cricketer and vice-captain of the Australian team during the 1970s. He was also named Wisden Cricketer of the Year.

Cricket Career:

Scored over 10,000 first-class runs
Played in Ashes series and World Cups
Influenced cricket administration post-retirement

Legacy:
Remembered for his leadership and batting finesse.

🪖 11. Lieutenant General Sundarajan Pariaman – Veteran Army Officer (1947–2025)

Field: Military
Rank: Lieutenant General
Age at Death: 78
Cause of Death: Illness

An esteemed officer of the Indian Army, Lt. Gen. Pariaman served with distinction and mentored many junior officers.

Service Highlights:

Held key command and staff positions
Contributed to strategic planning and operations
Served in multiple conflict zones

Respect:
Honored for his service to the nation throughout his career.

⚽ 12. Jair da Costa – Brazilian Football Legend (1940–2025)

Field: Football
Team: Brazil National Team
World Cup: 1962 FIFA World Cup Winner
Age at Death: 84
Cause of Death: Illness

Jair da Costa was part of Brazil’s iconic 1962 World Cup-winning squad. He played for top clubs and represented Brazil with pride.

Football Journey:

Played alongside Pelé and Garrincha
Key member of Brazil’s midfield
Inspired generations of footballers in South America

Memorial:
Celebrated for his role in one of football’s greatest teams.

📊 Summary Table: Obituaries in April 2025

Name	Field	Awards	Age	Notable For
Manoj Kumar	Cinema	Padma Shri	88	Patriotic films like Sholay
Venu Gopal Panicker	Literature	Sahitya Akademi	85	Malayalam linguistics
Ram Sahay Pandey	Dance	Padma Shri	92	Chhau dance revival
Dadi Ratan Mohini	Spirituality	—	101	Brahma Kumaris leadership
Kumudini Lakhia	Dance	Padma Vibhushan	99	Modern Kathak innovations
Daripally Ramaiah	Environment	Padma Shri	75	Afforestation champion
Mario Vargas Llosa	Literature	Nobel Prize	89	Political novels
Hardeep Kaur	Sports	Arjuna Award	83	Women’s basketball captain
Dr. Mathew Kalarickal	Medicine	Padma Shri	77	Father of angioplasty in India
Keith Stackpole	Cricket	Wisden Cricketer	84	Australian vice-captain
Lt. Gen. Sundarajan Pariaman	Military	—	78	Veteran army officer
Jair da Costa	Football	World Cup Winner	84	1962 Brazil legend