Dear Ranbir - I always counted Latika-ji as one of my favorite and most trusted colleagues. She gave me very important assistance a couple of times with some old Brajbhasha texts. But more than that she was always kind-hearted, smiling, and good to be around. I will always remember her smile and fine dinners at your house. Fred Smith

I was very sorry to hear of Latika's passing. She was a wonderful dancer, singer and co-worker, someone I appreciated very much when working at ACT. My sincere sympathies to you.

We are very sorry to hear this sad news. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. May Latika-di's soul rest in peace.

Dear Ranbir and Family,

I am happy I had the pleasure of knowing Latika. She is one of the reasons why I enjpy and love coming to my job at UIHC. She had a very warm and kind heart and was always full of such great stories. I always looked forward to seeing her every week and will truly miss her. Ranbir and family are in my deepest thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace.

Kind heart, warm smile and family oriented are some of the reasons why Latika and I became so close. She was like the grandmother that I haven't had pleasure to spend time with. Though I only new Latika for a short time it was enough for me to know her intimately. In her eyes I could see the joy she got from teaching others and with her stern voice u could tell when she meant business. Sharing stories was how Latika and I spend most of our afternoons. I will be missing our story time and your presences, but in my heart I know you are at peace. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

I first met Latika when I worked at ACT's outsourcing center on Gilbert Street where the Crowded Closet now resides. It was where the Pell Grant, then known as the BEOG grant was started in 1975. We became good friends and when she said she was going to India for a family vacation, I said, would you bring me back a souvenir, not for a minute thinking that she would. She brought me the prettiest silver bracelet that had been hand tooled and I wore it because my wrists were very tiny. I still have the bracelet and after 40+ years, still remember Latika fondly. She was a grand and lovely lady, and she gave me my first taste of Indian food that didn't upset my stomach. Thank you Latika for being such a lovely woman and good friend back all those years ago. To your family that are left bereft from your passing, you have my deepest sympathy. She was a lovely lady, and I wish we had stayed in touch more than we did.

Latikaji was the tutor for the Hindi class I took -- as a professor, sitting in with the students -- from Phillip Lutgendorf. She was a kind and gentle presence but also a tough teacher, insisting that we get things right because of her own love and respect for the language. I was delighted when, after my and Teresa's first trip to India, she was on our return flight, and as we wandered around the plane on the long flight home to Iowa we both shared the sweets we had purchased just before going to the airport, our attempt to take one last smell and taste of India with us. May she rest in peace, and my condolences to her family and friends.

I'm so sorry Ranbir

We express our deepest condolences to the family. May Latikadi's soul rest in eternal peace. We still remember her melodious singing of Bhajans at our get togethers.

Ranbir, my very deepest sympathy.

Latikadi,

May your soul rest in peace. We will never forget you. You were like a mother, an inspiration to us when we first came to Iowa.

Jayeeta and Jishnu

My thoughts are with Latika's family. Latika served as my Bengali teacher for several years. She was a wonderful teacher - warm and funny, full of stories and anecdotes, helping me not only to understand the language but the nuances of her culture as well. I appreciated her help very much. May her soul be at peace.

May Latikadi's sooul rest in peace.

Ranbir, My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Michael

My first memory of Latika was in Ranbir's lab at the Bowen Science Building. She had prepared and delivered a birthday cake for his lab personnel and other departmental friends to enjoy. I was new in the Department and was pleased to be invited to join in the celebration. Latika was a delightful person, full of love and with such a great personality! She will be missed.