Kusum Rawat

Mrs. Kusum Rawat September 3, 1937- July 31, 2010 Resident of Columbia, Maryland.
Kusum was born in Agra, India and was the eldest of five children of the legendary family of
Seth. Tara Chand ji. She was a devoted wife to Dr. Pramud Rawat, and the doting mother to Dr.
Alok Rawat of Columbia, MD. Kusum was a lawyer, an artist, sculptor, potter, photographer,
and lover of music and dance. With a will of steel, she was the embodiment of high values,
pride, integrity, dignity, and love.

Kusum was deeply involved and made significant contributions to the Columbia community.
For her passionate commitment to raise funds and help victims of domestic violence, she was
bestowed a special Maryland Public Television Award and the Rotary Foundation's Paul Harris
Fellow Award for her contributions.

Kusum was a gem to the local Indian community. She served as a role model for integrating traditional Indian and solid American values. Kusum continuously reached out to younger Indians to mentor and guide them in everyday choices. She was also a perpetual matchmaker. Matchmaking ignited her passion.
She enriched the lives of her American friends by educating them on Indian customs, jewelry, and clothes - all her passions. For several years, she chaired and organized the Miss India-USA Pageant to bring to Columbia the music, food, and colors of India.

Although Kusum was a twenty-year patient of Parkinson's disease, she was the charm of every
party; Kusum inspired joy and fun wherever she went. Spirited, she would be the first one to get
on the dance floor and assured us that regardless of her condition, in two months, she would
be driving again. She leaves behind her brand of infectious enthusiasm in her son, husband,
brothers, sisters, grandchildren, and friends - whomever she has touched.

Kusum will be missed and remembered for her unconditional and unrestrained love for all. Her
sudden departure leaves us in shock, but inspires us to live with her strength, passion, and
style; and in spite of life's ups and downs, to live and enjoy life to its fullest.

Following the funeral services, a reception will be held at the Hickory Ridge Community Association, Inc., 6175 Sunny Spring, Columbia, MD, 21044 Phone: 410-730-7327