On August 2nd, 1962, a group of young boys, barely 18, arrived in Bombay to embark on their journey at DMET, filled with nerves and anxiety about the infamous ragging that awaited them. Among these boys was Vijay Jain, a tall, well-built figure, who stood out not just because of his stature, but because of the calm confidence he carried. While the rest of us were trembling with fear, Vijay walked in with a smile, unbothered by the looming challenges. That cheerful smile would become his trademark, one that never left his face through thick and thin.
Vijay was passionate about photography, often seen with his prized Rolliflex camera—one of the finest of our time. Whether it was a DMET event or a simple gathering, Vijay captured memories with enthusiasm and precision, freezing moments in time that would stay with us forever.
Beyond his love for photography, Vijay was known for his playful nature. His sense of humor shone through in even the simplest of moments. Once, his roommate Girish brought a picture of Swami Vivekananda from home, and Vijay, with his mischievous grin, hung it upside down. His reasoning? It would remind him to practice Sheershasan (a yoga headstand) every morning.
Music was another integral part of Vijay’s life. He had a voice that captivated, and his favorite song, "जलते हैं जिसके लिए..." from the film Sujata, became even more special when he sang it while proposing to Kalpana at the Taj Hotel in Bombay. That song marked the beginning of their love story, and soon after, they were married.
Vijay’s love for music went beyond just listening; he formed a musical group with Girish, Chiddi, Bhanu, Anil Mathur, and many others, often performing at various events. Even when his health began to decline, it was music that continued to bring him joy and keep his spirits high.
Vijay’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own venture in Mumbai. However, life took him to Canada and later to London due to his son Deepak’s health issues. Despite his successes, Vijay's trusting nature became both his strength and his Achilles' heel. Time and again, his kindness and belief in people were taken advantage of, resulting in significant financial losses. Yet, even through these setbacks, his smile remained unshaken.
After the tragic loss of his beloved wife Kalpana, Vijay’s focus shifted to philanthropy. He became an active member of the Lions Club in London, organizing charitable fairs and attending seminars worldwide, carrying forward the legacy of giving that Kalpana had inspired in him.
Travel was another one of Vijay’s great loves. He never missed a batchmates’ reunion, relishing every moment spent reconnecting with old friends. However, during our last get-together in Indore, it was clear that his health was failing. Despite his visible exhaustion, he spoke with his characteristic enthusiasm, mentioning how this would likely be his last trip. Yet, in the same breath, he expressed his desire to visit Lucknow, a city he had never been to. And true to his word, he made that journey and reunited with Khare and Shyamji Singh, fulfilling his wish.
Vijay also penned his autobiography DESTINY, which, unfortunately, was released while he was ill in the hospital. His life was a testament to resilience, joy, and a deep love for his friends and family.
Vijay Jain was deeply loved by his batchmates, friends, and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. His smile, his spirit, and his zest for life will always be remembered fondly. Though he may no longer be with us, his legacy lives on in the memories we cherish and the stories we tell.
Rest in peace, dear friend. You will always be missed.