Swaminathan aka Chom might be no more but his pleasant personality,
highly affable nature and indomitable spirit will forever 
linger in the minds of those who have known him during his short 
span of life.

As a person who has been Chom's classmate through school 
and college, for over 15 years, and one who was looking forward to 
meeting and staying with him at the University of Maryland within a 
month, I feel incredibly sad to be writing an obituary note on him. 

Chom was a true all-rounder in life, to say the least. His 
academic brilliance was never in doubt, I still remember his 
jubilation at having cleared the IIT-JEE, and his passion for sports was 
evident, since he excelled in whichever game he played. His tall, 
trim, strong and fit body, coupled with an unmistakably adventurous 
spirit saw him indulge in plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, 
camping, including the final, fatal trip to Elkins.

Every one of our friends, to whom I have spoken to, have 
been dumbstruck with disbelief and have been at a terrible loss 
of words, on hearing about the tragedy. Chom's life has been cut 
short by a cruel twist of fate and I hope and pray for his soul to 
rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to his parents, sister and 
relatives.

Prahalad Madhavan
22 July 2003