[Obit] Nithesh Sanjeevi Saravanan: "Thank you, appa. Good Night"

The younger Nithesh and his Dad

He was a disciplined man. He was health-conscious, fasted intermittently and watched his BMI carefully. The pull-up bar that he installed by the kitchen was a daily reminder to him to watch his diet and to exercise regularly.

He had a bright future ahead of him. His passion for learning whilst staying humble was putting him in good stead to further his interests in coding, physics and mathematics after he completes his national service.



To his father, Nithesh strived to achieve everything he wanted with the utmost perfection. At the age of 19, the sky was the limit for him. At the same time, he continually set aside time to instill his work ethic and approach to learning to his younger sister and taught his father calculus.

A big brother to her younger sister - "I have your back"

Though he strives to be a perfectionist, he was not perfect. Whenever he was reprimanded by his parents, he listens, accepts responsibility and “give his parents a big hug from behind”. This was Nithesh’s way of saying “I am sorry”.

He knew what he wanted for his future and led an austere life, a rarity for someone of his age. On his book-out days, he loves his ice cream, a game of chess, the conversations he had with his elder brother and younger sister, his anime shows and the Rubik’s cube that sits on his study table.

An unbreakable bond between brother and sister

On the night before his death, he reminded his mother to keep some of rendang that he had for dinner – he wanted to have more of his mum’s cooking the next day.

On the night before his death, he was excited about the army bike and vehicle course that he was enrolled in – he can’t help but share his excitement, concerns and nervousness with his father.

On the night before his death, he thanked his father for making him the keseri (an Indian sweet delicacy) – it was “sweet”, “very nice” but a “tad too oily”.

On the night before his death, he complimented his mother – the last time he would do so.

On the night before his death, he told his father “Thank you appa, Good Night”. 

On the night before his death, his parents told him, “We love you so much Nithesh, please be careful as you embark on your motorbike course in camp tomorrow” Nithesh replied, “Ok, I will, Good Night”.

Little did they know that this was the last loving conversation that they will have with their beloved son.

With the Bang & Olufsen headphones (Nithesh used his NS pay to buy his daddy a birthday present) by his side, “Thank you appa, Good Night” were the last words that his parents cling on as they mourned his sudden passing from an unfortunate accident.

Memories, including watching F1 together as a family, flood their every waking moment. They have lost their son.

They missed his presence, his hugs and his cheeky appeals to them not to sleep so early. Alas, it was Nithesh who, unfortunately, went to rest, a tad too early.

To his son, Sam wants to say, “Please be my son forever, all I need is your presence and nothing else”.

The rendang that his mum kept for him remains untouched. It was his last dinner, only memories are left. 

Photo credit: Sanjeevi Saravanan

Death Kopiitiam would like to express our gratitude to Sam and his family for sharing their memories of Nithesh with us. It was intimate, heartfelt and heartbreaking. We hope that this simple but loving tribute can offer some solace to the grieving family. Nithesh led a brief but well-lived life. He was a gift to his family, yesterday, today and tomorrow. Nithesh is well-loved!

Read more about Nithesh Saravanan: https://www.deathkopitiam.com/remembering-nithesh-sanjeevi-saravanan-19