Santhalal Pradhan Death & Obituary: The Upper Marlboro community is grieving the unexpected passing of Santhalal Pradhan, a highly respected Mathematics teacher originally from Bharatpur, Nepal. Affectionately known as “Santa Sir,” Santhalal’s sudden death has left his family, friends, and former students in a state of shock and deep sorrow. A dedicated educator and resilient individual, his passing marks a significant loss to all who knew him.

A Life of Resilience and Dedication

Santhalal Pradhan moved to the United States in 2015 with hopes of securing a better future for his family. Despite the many challenges he faced—including a traumatic robbery at gunpoint in Texas and a debilitating neurological illness in 2019 that left him bedridden for over six months—Santhalal never wavered in his commitment to his loved ones. He continued to support his family financially, all while holding onto the dream of one day returning to Nepal to reunite with them.

A Family’s Heartbreak

Santhalal is survived by his wife, who had been eagerly awaiting his return, and their two children—a daughter still in school and a son who has just started his career. His sudden passing has left his family devastated, now facing the overwhelming task of bringing him back to Nepal for a proper farewell. The emotional toll on his family is immense, compounded by the logistical and financial challenges of repatriating his body.

Community Support and Fundraising Efforts

In response to this heartbreaking loss, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched by Ramesh Acharya to raise $50,000 to cover the costs of transporting Santhalal’s body back to Nepal. The funds will allow his family to say their final goodbyes and perform the last rites according to their cultural traditions. So far, the campaign has raised $750, with contributions pouring in from friends, former students, and community members who were touched by Santhalal’s kindness, dedication, and resilience.

Outpouring of Grief and Condolences

The news of Santhalal’s passing has prompted a wave of grief and condolences on social media. Debaki Thapa, a close friend and former colleague, shared on Facebook, “Everyone, please support Santhalal Pradhan Sir! We are heartbroken by his sudden passing. He was a great friend and a teacher at Small Heaven School, Kalyanpur. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and eternal peace to the departed soul. Rest in peace, Santa Sir.” Former student Nistha Shrestha also expressed her sorrow, writing, “Heartbroken by the sudden loss of Santhalal Sir. May his soul find peace. Please help us bring him back home for a proper farewell.”

Conclusion

The sudden death of Santhalal Pradhan, fondly known as “Santa Sir,” has left a profound void in the Upper Marlboro community and beyond. His life was marked by resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to his family and students. As his family and friends work to bring him back to Nepal for a final farewell, the community’s support continues to grow, reflecting the deep impact he had on those around him. Santhalal’s legacy will live on through the many lives he touched, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him.