Madhukar Vasudev Kulkarni

In the serene embrace of Orland Park, Illinois, Madhukar Vasudev Kulkarni, at the age of 90, commenced his final journey on March 30, 2024. Born into the vibrancy of Indore, India, on August 16, 1933, to Vasudeva and Saraswati Kulkarni, his life unfurled as a narrative rich with wisdom, love, and an unwavering commitment to service. Madhukar's story is one of traversing vast distances, not just in miles but in experiences—from the heart of India to the academic halls of the University of Michigan, where his pursuit of chemical engineering was not merely academic but a quest for deeper human connections. His marriage to Sadhana in 1962 was a testament to such bonds, a union that flourished through decades, blessed by the presence of their children, Mandavi and Kunal, and further sweetened by the arrival of his granddaughter, Karina, and the cherished partnership with his son-in-law, Kamal Hans. In moments of reflection with Karina, Madhukar shared the wisdom of life as a mala, a string of beads, each representing moments of joy and sorrow, held together by the invisible yet unbreakable thread of love. Echoing the Vedas, he imparted, "Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma - all this is indeed Brahman" (Chandogya Upanishad 3.14.1), teaching her that life's diversity is bound by a singular divine essence, encouraging a view of existence that is interconnected and sacred. His professional realm was marked by innovation, securing patents and maintaining an impeccable safety record. Yet, it was his volunteer service at the local temple that truly captured the essence of his spirit—a dedication to communal and spiritual upliftment. He is fondly remembered by his surviving sister, Usha, while Kashi, Leela, Nisha, and Vasant have passed on, their spirit and collective memories continue to inspire and guide. To celebrate Madhukar's enduring impact, a gathering will be held on April 2nd at McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am, followed by a Puja Service at 11:00 am. His journey will be honored further through cremation rites, as per his wishes. The Kulkarni family extends an invitation to those whose lives were touched by Madhukar to commemorate his legacy through contributions to Doctors Without Borders, reflecting his spirit of service, in lieu of flowers. Contributions can be made in tribute to his life of service at Doctors Without Borders Donation Page. Madhukar's life, interwoven with the cultural tapestry of his Indian heritage, the profound connections he fostered, and the wisdom of the Vedas, serves as a profound reminder of the legacy we have the power to create. As we reflect on Madhukar's journey, we are inspired to live with depth, cherish our connections, and dedicate ourselves to making a positive impact in the world around us. In remembering him, we are comforted and inspired to embody the virtues he lived by—compassion, integrity, and the pursuit of a life well-lived. Om Shanti. Service will Be Livestreamed at 10:15 am Tuesday . Please click Link Below https://livestream.funeralscreen.com/mccauley-sullivan/madhukar-vasudev-kulkarni/

Madhukar Vasudev Kulkarni

August 16, 1933 - March 30, 2024