Dr. Bhagwan Krishan Gaur

September 12, 1929 – May 9, 2026

Dr. Bhagwan K. Gaur passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Vimla, with whom he shared 39 years of marriage. He is survived by his son Arun, daughter Arti, son-in-law Mukul Sharma, and his granddaughters Shivani, Shikha, Vidushi, and Tejasi. The oldest of seven children, Bhagwan, was born in New Delhi, India to Din Dayal and Bhagwani Devi on September 12, 1929. A competitive field hockey player, he attended Birla Higher Secondary School, in New Delhi where along

with being a merit scholarship holder, he was a dedicated Boy Scout, and he rose to the rank of Scout Master, Bharat Scouts, and Guides. Bhagwan always attributed his lifelong acts of selfless service to the education he received during his formative years. He received his B.Sc. from Delhi University, his M.Sc. from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and his M.S. and Ph.D. from Purdue University. He enjoyed singing the official BHU anthem “Kulgeet” as much just as he loved roaring out the Purdue chant “Boiler Up!”

Bhagwan’s career as a world-renowned plant physiologist and an educator was spent at Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) in Mumbai, India and as a consultant for the International Atomic Energy Agency. His studies focused on utilizing ionizing radiation to understand plant biology and to mitigate harmful effects of radiation on plants. Following retirement, he moved to the US and came to Rochester, New York in 1990. There he spent time teaching English to immigrants through Literacy Volunteers of America and volunteered for the Hindu Temple of Rochester. He also learned sign language to work at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, Rochester Institute of Technology. He continued to help people by working at Lifespan well into his 80s when he also found time to author two books.

“Gaur sahib” or “BK” as he was affectionately called, lived his life with honesty and integrity, and devoted it to service, three values he referred to as “HIS” principles. To all who had the privilege of knowing him he had an indomitable spirit, quirky humor, disciplined lifestyle, insatiable curiosity and relentless lifelong pursuit of learning. He was also known for his diligent and methodical approaches to understanding everything, be it passing a field hockey ball, rolling a perfectly round chapatti, or complex biochemical reactions. Above all, Bhagwan valued education and service, constantly encouraging younger generations to educate themselves to their highest capabilities and improve the well-being of others.

Dr. Gaur practiced intentional kindness and left a positive impact on everyone and everything he encountered. During the last twenty-five years he donated his life’s earnings to build a school for under-privileged girls in rural Maharashtra, India, established scholarships to support visually impaired students, and supported a grant to fund cancer research. He fearlessly fought for equal opportunities and resources for women.

Baghwan was lovingly called “Papu” by his children and Nanaji by his granddaughters. To his kids he was a committed and caring father. For all who had the privilege of knowing him, he was always ready to lend an ear and even more eager to counsel, guide and find solutions. Bhagwan will be remembered by countless family members, colleagues, and friends across the globe with whom he kept up his scheduled weekly calls until the day he passed.

Viewing and services will be held 9-11 am on Tuesday, May 12, at Miller Funeral Home, 3325 S Winton Rd, Rochester, NY 14623. For those unable to attend CLICK HERE to view the livestream of the services. Following the services, cremation will be performed at Mount Hope Cemetery, 1133 Mt Hope Ave, Rochester, NY 14620