The Indoustribune family mourns the passing of Om Prakash Asija jee, who was a pillar of our Hindu community, in the local temples, for last twenty years. He passed away on December 2nd, surrounded by his loving family. He was 89 years old, who lead a life of giving generously, to everyone who came in his contact, in the local temples. 

He was born in Dera Ismail Khan in British India, which is located in Pakistan now, on June 1st 1936 to Multani Hindu family. When he was eleven, his family had to move to Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, due to partition of India in 1947. Family opened a general merchandise shop, to start the life all over again. Young Om jee continued his education during the day and helped his dad in the evening. After 10th grade (Matriculation) he opened his own Bike repair shop to help the family. While working at his bike shop, he would listen to popular filmy music on the radio. That created a fascination in him about, working in the film industry in some capacity. Secretly he wanted to become an actor. 

One day he told his father, he is going to Bombay. With his blessings and his lovely motor bike under his command, he started a long journey towards Bombay alone, fully determined, and with heart full of dreams. After reaching Bombay, he landed his first job as movie projector operator. While watching the thru the peep hole of projector room he would imagine himself in many different roles on the big screen. Soon, he founded a permanent Govt.  job in the Bhabha Atomic Research Center. But this did not diminish his interest in the films. And soon he landed some ‘Extras Roles’, in the movies. He became a groom in one movie, and Panditji in another. One director offered him a role of a Dacoit (daku) who was bent on taking the revenge on the behalf of villagers. He did that superbly.  

In 1963, his parents found a nice girl Padmavati, in Lucknow and he was summoned to come and get married. He happily obliged and brought his bride to Bombay. He became a great family man. Over the period, they were blessed with three Sons, named Sanjay, Ajay, and Sunil along with a lovely daughter Sunita. Though he himself was not much educated, but he had realized the value of education. He gave his children freedom to study as much as they wanted, to achieve, their desired goals. He worked tirelessly to provide for their childrens education. The result is that all his children have achieved great success and moved from Bombay to Chicago, and settled very well, here in Chicago area. 

Following his children OmPrakash jee also migrated to Chicago in 1995, when he was 59 years old. Though he could have retired, but he chose to work and remain independent finacially. After work, he devoted most of his time to the community service. He had his own transportation, so he started visiting local temples frequently. His hobby to make movies came back and he converted that hobby in to making small movies of temple’s special occasions. He became a regular attendee of Devi Chouki’s lead by Avi Verma, now the Publisher of Indoustribune. Om jee will make the movie of the Chowki and go home, and copy them into several other copies and distribute them among other devotees free of charge. He spent good amount of money doing this good deed, which was very much appreciated by everyone. Sometimes he went beyond his means. He also donated money to several other Temple projects. He sponsored lots Sunday Meals on special occasions. On his passing, someone asked Mr Avi Verma, what kind of person was Om jee? He replied, “He was blessed soul”. This reflects, the true nature of Om jee. His constant smile was infectious. His life was simple and an open book. Very pure hearted, and always blessing people with, lots of affection. He was man of few words and lots good deeds.  

Om jee also loved traveling. Visiting new places, just excited him, like a child.  His children often accompanied him on his excursions. When he became older, his children took him Mexico, Europe and Alaska, about which he used to praise his children.  He had tremendous love for his grandchildren, whom he used to spoiled with unexpected gifts. 

He was also an active member of an organization, Share- a- Smile, which is run by Sushma Bhanot. The association met at least, once a month, for the welfare of seniors. Their activities, brought a big a smile on their faces outside of their mundane life. Om jee used to volunteer as a photographer, to capture the happy moments of those meetings. He would then make copies of those happy moments and distribute them free and freely. Occasionaly he would also give ride to other seniors, so that they could enjoy the pleasure of senior social life.

In the end he suffered thru some ailments which weakened his body, He was confined to home, under the care of his lovely wife. Even in that state he continued to teach his grand kids, some great Sanskara (valuers) thru his funny stories. He became their best buddy.  

Om jee will be missed by his wife, Padma jee, of 62 years, and by his family. He will specially be missed by, the lots of people of Temple congregations, who were touched by his amazing selfless service. Om jee always said “Khao Piyo aour Khush Raho “and we at Indoustribune tribune, pay our humble tribute to this great soul and wish him the same “Khushi and Masti, in the Supreme Abode “Vaikuntha Dham”. “Jai Mata Di, Om Jee”

There will be a Prayer Meet in his remebrance at:

Radhey Shyam Temple 

245 S. Bloomindale Road, Bloomingdale, IL, 60108 –     Ph- 630-307-1200

On December 13^th  at  12:00 to 2:00 pm

Prasad (lunch) will be served after the Prayer meet.

Contributed by:  Asija Family and Friends

Compiled by     :  Rajendra Kapail