Dubai: Krishnamurthy Kumar aka K Kumar, an award-winning former Indian expat community leader in Dubai, has passed away three days after his wife Brinda Kumar’s death in the US, according to his family.
They were childhood sweethearts married for 54 years. Both died at the age of 76, their elder daughter Arthy Kumar told Gulf News over the phone from California.
Widely known for their contributions to the Indian expat community in the UAE for nearly four decades, the couple died of natural causes, she said.
Arthy recounted that her father had been battling health issues in recent months. “Though he made some progress, his condition became worse again and he was hospitalised. My mother had become weak because of his health issues and suddenly passed away,” she said.
While their mother “died of grief and a broken heart,” they lost their father, who was in the ICU, during her funeral. “Mom passed away on Sunday. We were at her funeral services when we got the call from the hospital about dad taking his final breath. Though he was not told about mom’s passing I am sure that he knew in his heart that she had left,” she said.
The sudden demise of both the parents have left the family, including that of her younger sister Ramya, in immense shock and grief.
“It is a huge, huge loss. They have left an irreplaceable void in our lives and it is very devastating for all of us, especially for my children who were very close to them. It is really traumatic and it is going to be very hard for us. But I know their souls are so bonded that they might have decided to go together.”
Despite the irreparable loss, she finds solace in the thought that her parents, inseparable in life, are now together in eternity. “I am glad they are together and pain free now. They will be watching over us from heaven. But they will be missed so much every minute.”
Touching lives in Dubai
She said Dubai had a special place in their hearts though they moved to the US in 2016.
The devoted couple were known for their community services and had touched many lives here.
Fondly called KK, Kumar was the convener of the Indian Community Welfare Committee (ICWC), a former group of dozens of Indian expat associations and community groups registered under the Indian Consulate in Dubai.
In 2008, he won the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians by the President of India, for community service.
Brinda was a teacher who served The Indian High School in Dubai for 37 years and remained a staunch supporter of her husband in volunteering works, especially in empowering the families of children with special needs.
Though born in the South Indian state of Kerala, Kumar was raised in neighbouring Tamil Nadu. He came over to Dubai from Chennai in 1973 and worked with Dubai Ports for over 35 years. He retired from DP World before the couple moved to Arizona. After a brief break, Brinda joined Bank of America and retired in October, 2024.
“Burj Khalifa in family”
In her tribute to her parents on social media, Arthy recalled her father’s love for family, fashion, street food, and his larger-than-life personality.
“My dad, who called me his Golden Girl decided to leave this world during the services for my mom. He always and till the end said I will live on my terms and that’s exactly what he did when he decided the time he wanted to go … His eyes always lit up when anyone talked about Dubai and he was the Burj Khalifa in our family, tall and imposing,” she wrote.
Her mother was remembered for her resilience even after beating cancer earlier, her nurturing spirit, and staunch support for her family.
She shared heartfelt memories, including her parents’ move to California to live with her family after her mother’s retirement, where they found joy in their grandchildren and simple moments like enjoying the fall weather together.
She recalled that her father was a celebrated philanthropist who received numerous awards for his community service in Dubai and India. Known for his social activism, he connected with global leaders like former US President Bill Clinton and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Arthy said her parents’ legacy of love and service will continue to inspire those who knew them.
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