
A gentle life, a lasting legacy: a son’s tribute to Madan Lal Malhotra through the values he lived
By: Rakesh Malhotra
Some lives do not seek attention, yet they leave a lasting imprint. My father, Madan Lal Malhotra, who passed away recently, lived such a life—quiet, principled, and deeply rooted in values. He did not measure success by visibility or recognition, but by the integrity with which one lives each day. As his son, I have come to understand that his greatest legacy lies not in what he achieved outwardly, but in how he lived inwardly.
Shri Shyam Sharam, Member of Delhi Legislative Assembly giving Shrdhanjali at the Prayer Meeting
The foundation of his life was simplicity. He believed that clarity, restraint, and humility were strengths, not limitations. His simple living was not accidental, it was intentional. It reflected a deep understanding that peace comes from contentment, not accumulation.

Narendra Chawla former mayor of South Delhi Municipal Corporation paying tribute
Remembering this quality, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, former Hon’ble Governor of Assam, and Nagaland who knew my father since 1977, shared the following during the prayers meeting held on 12th January at the Sanatan Dharam Mandir in Janakpuri.
“I have known Madan Lal Malhotra for nearly five decades. His simplicity was not just a habit; it was a philosophy. In an age where people seek recognition, he sought righteousness. His life is a reminder that simplicity, when lived with integrity, becomes an inspiring value.”
My father was also profoundly authentic. There was no gap between who he was and how he behaved. Whether at home, in society, or in moments of challenge, he remained the same, honest, grounded, and sincere. From him, I learned that authenticity is not about being outspoken, but about being unwavering.
Discipline shaped his daily life. He respected time, commitments, and routines. He believed discipline was a form of self-respect and responsibility toward others. His commitment was absolute. Once he took responsibility, he followed through regardless of personal inconvenience. This sense of duty extended naturally into a deep understanding of responsibility toward family, work, and society. He carried responsibilities quietly, never seeking praise. He was deeply authentic, the same person in private as in public. There was no distance between his words and actions. From him, I learned that authenticity is not about asserting oneself, but about being truthful and consistent in all circumstances.
His sense of commitment and responsibility was unwavering. Whether toward family, work, or social obligations, he fulfilled his duties without complaint or expectation of recognition. His children, Jyoti Wadhawan, Vikas Malhotra, and Igrew up witnessing responsibility carried with quiet grace.
Reflecting on these qualities, Shyam Sharma, Hon’ble MLA in the Delhi Legislative Assembly, remarked:
“Madan Lal Malhotra ji embodied the values that strengthen families and society, discipline, responsibility, and loyalty. He showed that one can live a meaningful life without seeking the spotlight.”
One of his most defining traits was loyalty to people, principles, and relationships. His loyalty was thoughtful and rooted in trust, not convenience. He stood by those he cared for, especially when it truly mattered. He retired from the same company he joined at the age of twenty.Expressing condolences on his passing, Ashish Sood, Cabinet Minister in the Delhi Government, said:
“The passing of Madan Lal Malhotra ji is a loss to all who believe in simplicity, integrity, and quiet strength. My heartfelt condolences to the Malhotra family. His values will continue to inspire.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Narender Chawla, former Mayor of South Delhi, shared:
“Madan Lal Malhotra ji lived with dignity and moral clarity. He earned respect through humility. Such lives leave behind not just memories, but enduring standards.”
At the heart of his life philosophy was karma, action performed with sincerity, without attachment to outcomes. Remembering this, my mother Kamla Malhotra, former Chairperson of Health Committee, Municipal Corporation of Delhi,reflected on the spiritual essence that guided him, drawing from Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita (Karma Yoga):-
“He truly lived what the Gita teaches—that one must perform one’s duty with honesty and devotion, without craving reward. His belief was simple: right action is its own fulfillment.”
Today, his absence is deeply felt, yet his memories are a blessing. They do not weigh us down; they steady us. In moments of uncertainty, his life becomes a quiet compass.
The love and values he lived by have become our guiding philosophy. They shape how we think, decide, and act. Through them, Madan Lal Malhotra continues to live on, not merely in remembrance, but in daily conduct.His life stands as a gentle yet powerful lesson: that true greatness lies not in noise or recognition, but in simplicity, authenticity, disciplined action, and unwavering values.
Tribute by Prof Jagdish Mukhi, former Governor of Assam and Nagaland to Shri MadanLal Malhotra
Shraddhanjali (Tribute)
On behalf of the IndoUS Tribune Team
The IndoUS Tribune family mourns the passing of Shri Madan Lal Malhotra, a respected elder whose life was defined by integrity, humility, and strong moral values. His passing is a deep personal loss to his family and to all who were touched by his wisdom and grace.
A devoted father and guiding force, Shri Madan Lal Malhotra believed in hard work, ethical living, and responsibility toward family and society. His enduring values and quiet strength are reflected in the life and leadership of his son, Mr. Rakesh Malhotra, a valued member of the IndoUS Tribune Board.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Malhotra family and pray that the departed soul attains eternal peace. May his legacy continue to inspire, and may the family find strength and comfort in his cherished memories. Om Shanti.