Life story of Daya Singh Khera

Born on September 20th, 1936, in the village of Agoul (Punjab), the 2nd son of Tej Kaur Khera and Babu Singh Khera. He was blessed with 3 siblings; an older brother and sister and one younger sister. Shaped by the natural cadence of farm life, driven by the seasons and the weather, he learned not only the values of hard work and perseverance but the magic of farming; planting seeds in fertile soil and watching them grow. This theme of “sowing seeds and watching them grow” would become a big part of his life’s story and ultimately, his legacy to us. Education was at the heart of his entire life, starting from an early age, when his mother set him on a course to get the highest education possible – which he did. He overcame obstacles and grew from every experience, gaining wisdom and determination, along with his formal education. While pursuing his education, he was married to his wife, Sukhdev, and she would become a pillar of strength and faith throughout his life.

As a newly married young man, he set out to build a career and life for his family. He left the comforts of his loving family in Agoul and pursued a career in the Army, which required mastery of English. Not a small task at the time as it was not a part of his earlier formal education.

He dedicated his life to educating, helping, inspiring, and providing guidance to thousands of students, friends, strangers, under-privileged kids and family members across the world. He believed in continuous learning throughout his life and would selflessly pass on his teachings to all those who were lucky enough to cross his path. As an eternal learner and teacher, he took up the roles of:

• Officer Army Education Corp (AEC)
• Headmaster, Sainik School Nagrota
• Principal, Sainik School Rewa
• Headmaster, Punjab Public School Nabha
• Principal, Thai International School Bangkok
• Chairman, MaxVal Technologies Pvt Ltd
• Advisor to, Nirmal Ashram Education Institutions
• Advisor to, JK Memorial
• Advisor to, Nabha Foundation Prep Schools

While his passion for education was articulated so beautifully through his words and in his generous actions, it was his ability to truly connect with people from all walks of life that set him apart. A wise and fun-loving man, he touched the lives of every person he encountered. He made time for all who needed encouragement, a helping hand, a listening ear and/or sage advice. He had uncanny skill to connect with people of different ages at the personal level.

He was a keen observer of nature, humanity, and any kind of system, process, or device. Through his inquiry, even experts were humbled by his knowledge and inspired to dig deeper to better understand or explain their area of expertise. Asking questions that caused the person being asked to learn more about the related topic. Planting the seeds of wisdom and encouragement to all whom he met was his legacy.

Once retired, he and Sukhdev traveled regularly between Chandigarh, Mumbai and Pittsburgh (US) to enjoy time with their sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and extended family and friends. He walked each morning and evening, did yoga, met all the neighbors and within a short amount of time became more in-tune with the neighborhood, neighbors, grandchildren and their friends than the sons and daughters-in-law. A citizen of the world, he made friends easily and became a sage advisor for each person he met. A ready smile, twinkle in his eye, and just the right question to get a lovely conversation rolling. He could as easily sit with saints or prime ministers as he could with a neighbor. He loved to ask questions, engage in lively conversation, and laugh heartily at the first opportunity. And he’d remember each person he met, what they discussed, and be in touch to see how things turned-out. An ambassador of goodwill. A friend for life. A storyteller. A wiseman. An angel. A Saint. A man of the greatest humility and the highest integrity. A champion for girls’ education. A believer in education as the means to change the world.

He led an exemplary life and raised the bar for all of us - to live life in a way that leaves a mark on the world. He truly lived twice for his age - had millions of heart-to-heart interactions, endless pursuit to learn and ask questions, and extensive travel experiences around the world right before his passing.

Predeceased by his parents, Tej Kaur and Babu Singh Khera, his wife, Sukhdev Kaur Khera, his brother, Surjan Singh, his sister, Hardev Kaur

Survived by his sister Gurbachan Kaur (Col Gurcharan Singh); his son Balbir (Harveen) Khera in Mumbai and grandchildren, Hriman Khera in Chandigarh and Prealene Khera in Melbourne, Australia; his son Harbinder (Holly) and grandchildren, Sophia and Rohan Khera in Pittsburgh (US).