Dr. Satya P. Agarwal

Dr. Satya Prakash Agarwal, was born on December 14, 1924 in Sadulpur, Rajasthan, India to Shri Ram Swarup Agarwal and Shrimati Sita Devi. He was raised in Rajgarh, India by a family of entrepreneurs, scholars, lawyers, and freedom fighters who instilled in him a profound dedication to education, scholarship, and service to humanity. 

Receiving numerous awards and accolades as a brilliant young student, Satya won a scholarship from the newly independent India to pursue higher education in the United States. In 1948, he traveled from India to the University of California, Berkeley, and was joined there in 1953 by his wife Urmila. Together, Satya and Urmila left a lasting impact on UC Berkeley and the movement to expand understanding of Eastern philosophy in the West. They befriended luminaries like Alan Watts, Joan Bondurant, and Karl Potter and helped found the Hindi department at UC Berkeley. Satya received his PhD in Statistics in 1956, while his wife Urmila completed her Masters. He then returned to India with Urmila and his infant son, Nishkam, who was born in San Francisco. His daughter, Seema, was born shortly after their return to India. 

In 1970, he joined the United Nations as Chief Technical Advisor at the International Labor Organization where he served with distinction in Thailand, Nepal, and Libya. Among the many professional documents he wrote and published during this time were two books on the concepts and methodology of Manpower Supply (1969) and Manpower Demand (1971). A lifelong scholar and academic, Satya retired from the UN in 1986 and began his “second career” as a Sanskrit scholar and prolific author of philosophical investigations. He wrote 17 books in Hindi, Sanskrit, and English, presenting a modern perspective and practical application of ancient Hindu and Buddhist scriptures and South Asian philosophies. His greatest contribution to the field was the popularization of the Bhagavad Gita’s ethical message of Lokasamgraha, or “the good of all”, which was the guiding principle of his own life and work. He received numerous accolades and recognition for his philosophical messages, including from the President of India, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma and Governor of Maryland, Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.

Satya was also deeply committed and devoted to his family. He was a proud and ever-present husband, father, and grandfather. In his retirement, he and Urmila moved to Columbia, Maryland where they played a major role in raising their grandchildren Kiran, Isha, Priya, and Maya. He was a gentle caregiver, patient teacher, and a true pillar of wisdom and support for us. His values of equality, justice, and service will guide us always.

Satya, our beloved Daddy/Nana, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones at home in Columbia, Maryland. He will be missed intensely and remembered always by his wife, Urmila; son, Nishkam, and daughter, Seema; daughter-in-law, Kokila and son-in-law, David; his grandchildren Kiran, Isha, Priya, Maya, their partners; and his great-grandchildren Arnav and Jiyo. His memory will be a blessing to all who knew him and benefited from his wisdom and scholarship. His love will continue to abound in all that is beautiful in life.

Memorial services will take place on Tuesday, March 21st, from 12:30-3:00pm at Claret Hall in Clarksville, Maryland. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Satya’s name to The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Foundation in Bethesda, MD.  

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