Santhalal Pradhan Death: The Upper Marlboro community is in mourning following the sudden death of Santhalal Pradhan, a beloved Mathematics teacher known affectionately as “Santa Sir.” Originally from Bharatpur, Nepal, Santhalal’s unexpected passing last night has left his family, friends, and former students in profound shock and grief. Santhalal Pradhan moved to the United States in 2015 with the hope of creating a better future for his family. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a traumatic armed robbery in Texas and a debilitating neurological illness in 2019 that left him bedridden for over six months, Santhalal remained steadfast in his dedication to his family and his profession.
Throughout these trials, Santhalal continued to support his family financially and held onto his dream of one day returning to Nepal to reunite with his loved ones. His resilience and unwavering commitment to his family were hallmarks of his character, and his passing has left a significant void in the lives of those who knew him. 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 recently embarked on his career. The sudden loss of Santhalal has been a devastating blow to his family, who are now faced with the immense challenge of arranging for his body to be transported back to Nepal for a proper farewell.
In response to this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched by Ramesh Acharya to raise $50,000 for the costs associated with bringing Santhalal’s body back to Nepal. This will allow his family to honor his memory and perform the final rites according to their cultural traditions. As of now, the campaign has raised $750, with contributions coming from friends, former students, and members of the community who were touched by Santhalal’s kindness and dedication. The news of Santhalal’s passing has sparked 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 added, “Heartbroken by the sudden loss of Santhalal Sir. May his soul find peace. Please help us bring him back home for a proper farewell.”
Santhalal Pradhan’s legacy is one of resilience, dedication, and deep personal connection. His contributions as a teacher and his impact on the lives of those he encountered will be remembered fondly by the Upper Marlboro community and beyond. As his family navigates this difficult time, they are met with an outpouring of support and sympathy from those who cherish his memory and honor his enduring spirit.
