Researcher remembered for commitment to family

Vijay Mahajan, 60, found dead in D&R Canal after police search.

By: Audrey Levine
   Though always committed to his chemistry work, to his family, Steeple Drive resident Vijay Mahajan was simply a loving father and husband who wanted the best for his children.
   Mr. Mahajan, 60, a research associate for National Starch & Chemical in Bridgewater, was found dead in the canal at Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park in Franklin Township on Friday, after police found his vehicle near the park entrance. Police are still investigating the incident.
   He had been reported missing by family on the evening of May 31, according to police.
   "As much as he was our life, he made us his life," said Ritika Mahajan, the youngest of his three daughters.
   Before beginning work at National Starch, Mr. Mahajan worked at Monsanto Co. in St. Louis, and Mobil Chemical Co. in Edison. Although his wife, Manju, said he enjoyed his work at Mobil, she said he proved he was a family man when he turned down a job offer from them that would force him to move to Texas.
   "When Mobil and Exxon merged, he was offered a job in Texas," she said. "But the kids were starting college at the time, so he wanted to stay nearby."
   Ms. Mahajan said her husband always took great care of their family, pushing their children to get the best education possible.
   "He would always help us with our schoolwork," said Rohini Mahajan, his second daughter. "And he would buy us anything if it was for school."
   Mr. Mahajan sought to further his own education when he moved to the United States from India at the age of 22 to accept a full scholarship to Rice University in Texas, where he earned his doctorate in chemistry.
   In addition to his strong beliefs in the value of education, Manju Mahajan said her husband was very religious and would attend temple services every week.
   "He always tried to show us the right path and make the right decisions," she said.
   Since his move to Hillsborough in 1981, Manju Mahajan said her husband also spent time enjoying certain hobbies, including walking and gardening.
   "He wasn’t very good at it, but he liked it," said Rohini Mahajan of his gardening skills.
   Manju Mahajan said that in addition to spending time in his neighborhood, he would often travel to India to visit his family there.
   "He had strong ties with his family in India," she said. "He loved going back home when he could."
   Mr. Mahajan is survived by his wife, Manju; three daughters, Ritika, Rohini and Raakhee; two brothers; and a sister.
   Funeral services were held Monday at Franklin Memorial Park Cemetery in North Brunswick.
   Manju Mahajan said that since she married Mr. Mahajan in 1976, she has seen how he liked to dote on his family and take care of the people in his life.
   "For him, everything was about other people," she said.