(Editor’s note: Following the publication of this obituary, India New England News received a moving tribute from Syed Ali Rizvi, a longtime friend of Dr. Yogeshwar Dayal. Mr. Rizvi’s reflections offer a deeply personal glimpse into Dr. Dayal’s warmth, intellect, humor, and enduring love of poetry—qualities that endeared him to so many throughout his life. We are honored to publish Mr. Rizvi’s tribute in its entirety as a testament to the friendships, memories, and human connections that defined Dr. Dayal’s remarkable life.)
“I knew Dayal Sahab for a very long time. He was a man of remarkable warmth, generosity, and spirit. One of the many things I admired about him was his deep love for poetry. He had an extraordinary memory for fine verse and took immense joy in sharing it with others.
When he was hospitalized, I visited him several times and spent time by his bedside. Though frail and physically weak, his intellect, charm, wit, and sense of humor remained as vibrant as ever. During one visit, we spent over an hour enjoying and discussing poetry together. As I was leaving, I mentioned that I was attending a literary event at MIT where an author would be reading excerpts from his new book. After hearing about it, Dayal Sahab said, “Ali, please get me an autographed copy of the book.”
At the event, I approached the author and explained that I wanted a signed copy for a dear friend. He had only his personal copy with him, but graciously signed it and gave it to me. A few days later, I brought the book to Dayal Sahab at the hospital. He was overcome with joy. Holding the book, he said he would read it and hoped that, when I returned, we could enjoy discussing it together. I happily agreed.
Not long afterward, an elderly couple who had known Dayal Sahab for many years asked me to take them to visit him. We sat together by his bedside, and true to form, he entertained us with jokes, humorous stories, and delightful memories. We laughed throughout the visit. Even the nurses seemed happy to see such joy and companionship filling the room.
Before leaving for a trip to Europe, I promised Dayal Sahab that I would return in a few days. Sadly, that promise will now remain unfulfilled.
May Dayal Sahab rest in peace. He was a kind, spirited, and wonderful human being whose presence enriched the lives of so many. He will be dearly missed.
My heartfelt condolences to Shyama Ji, his three daughters, and all his friends and loved ones during this difficult time.” –Syed Ali Rizvi.
The medical and Indian-American communities are mourning the loss of Dr. Yogeshwar Dayal, a respected physician, educator, researcher, and philanthropist, who passed away peacefully on June 3 at the age of 86.
Dr. Dayal is survived by his beloved wife, Shyama; daughters Anisha, Ashima, and Deepika; son-in-law David; grandchildren Sukanya, Maya, Jasper, and Bennett; and a large extended family in the United States and India, along with countless friends, colleagues, students, and admirers whose lives he touched over many decades.
Funeral and Memorial Services
Family, friends, colleagues, former students, and members of the community are invited to celebrate the life of Dr. Yogeshwar Dayal.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at:
Carrier Family Funeral Home
38 Range Road
Windham, New Hampshire
The service will include a puja (prayer service) followed by eulogies from family members and close friends.
Following the memorial service, guests are invited to join the family for lunch and remembrance from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at:
Clay Oven
1666 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington, Massachusetts
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Vision-Aid, a charitable organization that Dr. Dayal and his wife, Shyama, supported for many years. Vision-Aid provides critical eye care, rehabilitation, education, and support services to individuals with visual impairments in underserved communities.
Donations may be made through the Vision-Aid website:
Vision-Aid
