VIJAY DASWANI
Those who lived at Killerton between 1971 and 1975 enjoyed the friendship of Vijay. That’s safe to say, because Vijay was everyone’s friend. Think of him, and you think good times. Laughs. Conversations. Curries. He studied English during his BEd(Hons) course and developed a lifelong love of creative writing and drama, particularly Shakespeare. He threw himself into every aspect of student life, and some will recall his performances and recitals. He himself rated his Bludgeon, the bargee in Sgt Musgrave’s Dance, as a triumph!
Vijay was born in Poona, India, and came to England as a child. After St Luke’s he studied at the London Business School, and he pursued a variety of careers. He taught English in the UK, Italy and France. He was the English translator for the Marseille Port Authority. He loved the English Lake District, and since 2004 he owned and operated care homes for the elderly in northwest England. He had a home in Keswick, but his main residence was in North London.
Often described as a driven businessman, Vijay was equally appreciated as a gentle and kindly man who received the loyalty and friendship of those who worked for him, the affection of his care home residents and the love of a close-knit family. He worked hard, and was rewarded with considerable business success and a comfortable lifestyle. He had a beautiful home, drove a Bentley, dressed immaculately – and supported Spurs! But alongside his business ventures he maintained a love of literature and a passion for writing.
His first novel ‘Fathers, Sons, Unholy Ghost’ was published in 1995. Writing as D.A.Swain, his second novel ‘Tom Spicer : A Still Small Voice’ was published in April this year. It is a gripping and fascinating tale, set in the two parts of the world close to Vijay’s heart, the English Lakes and India.
Shortly befo
re Christmas 2023, Vijay bought a beautiful beach house in Goa. Typically, he had already started to issue invitations to visit him there, just as he had been so hospitable with his London garden parties. One evening in March this year, he and Jeannie went for a swim. They got into difficulties when a strong current pulled them out to sea. Vijay did all he could to help Jeannie. In the event, lifeguards were able to save Jeannie but not Vijay.
Mourners at the funeral service at Golders Green were joined by ex-Killertonians Bob Harris, Derek Heath, Chris Heaume, Roger Herd and Jeremy Snow.
The Hindi word aaj means today. Kal means one day away from today.
In ‘Tom Spicer’, Vijay writes a conversation at a moment of loss in the story:
“The pain you are feeling aaj is for the happiness you had kal.
But kal not only means yesterday, it also means tomorrow.
And happiness will come again..”
VIJAY DASWANI
4.3.52 - 22.3.24