Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – April 13, 2025: The expatriate community in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is mourning the sudden loss of Abdulaziz Kushalnagar, a highly respected member of the community from Kushalnagar, Karnataka, who passed away unexpectedly on April 10, 2025, at the age of 57.
A Sudden Collapse Following Iftar
Abdulaziz Kushalnagar had spent over 35 years in Saudi Arabia, working tirelessly for a private company in Riyadh. His life was marked by dedication, hard work, and a strong sense of community. On the evening of April 9, Abdulaziz was attending an Iftar gathering during the holy month of Ramadan in the Al-Shifa area. The event was a regular occasion for friends and fellow expatriates to come together to break their fast, engage in meaningful conversations, and offer prayers together.
After enjoying Iftar and performing Maghrib prayers, Abdulaziz participated in a conversation with his friends and fellow attendees. At the conclusion of the gathering, he proceeded to a nearby mosque for the Isha prayers. Tragically, shortly after leaving the mosque, he began feeling unwell and collapsed due to a sudden cardiac arrest.
Abdulaziz was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in the Al Rabwah area, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Doctors worked tirelessly to stabilize him, but despite their best efforts, Abdulaziz remained in a coma until his passing on April 10.
A Community Leader with a Heart of Gold
Abdulaziz Kushalnagar’s contributions to his community over the decades were immeasurable. Known for his generosity, humility, and commitment to social causes, Abdulaziz became a well-loved and trusted figure in both his local and expatriate communities. He actively participated in numerous cultural, charitable, and social organizations that were aimed at strengthening the bonds within the expatriate community.
One of the organizations he was particularly passionate about was the Malanadu Gulf Trust (MGT), which works to assist and uplift underprivileged communities in both Saudi Arabia and his home state of Karnataka. His involvement in the organization, as well as his participation in local events, showed just how deeply invested he was in making a positive difference for his fellow expats and the wider society.
Abdulaziz’s warmth and sincerity in helping others earned him the admiration and respect of people from all walks of life. His selflessness inspired many, particularly the younger generation of expatriates who looked up to him as a mentor and role model. His sudden passing has left a void in the hearts of many.
The Final Farewell
Following the completion of legal formalities, including receiving clearances from both the Indian Embassy and the Saudi authorities, Abdulaziz’s family and friends were able to hold his funeral in Riyadh. On the night of April 10, 2025, after Isha and Janazah prayers, Abdulaziz was laid to rest at Naseem Cemetery in Riyadh. His funeral was attended by a large number of relatives, friends, and members of the expatriate community who came together to pay their last respects.
The funeral ceremony was a somber occasion, with heartfelt tributes from attendees who shared fond memories of Abdulaziz’s kindness, dedication, and integrity. His family, including his wife and four children, were surrounded by the support of friends and well-wishers who expressed their sorrow and offered their condolences. The grief of losing such a respected and beloved individual was felt deeply by everyone present.
Messages of Condolence from Across the World
Abdulaziz is survived by his wife, four children, and a large extended family, who are now left to cope with the loss of a husband, father, and pillar of strength. His passing has deeply affected not only his family but also the many people who had the privilege of knowing him during his decades-long stay in Saudi Arabia.
Messages of condolence and tributes have poured in from across the globe, especially from his home state of Karnataka and the larger expatriate community in the Gulf. Those who knew Abdulaziz well have praised him for his unwavering commitment to social causes, his efforts to bring people together, and his ever-present humility.
Several organizations, including MGT Malanadu KSA, KNRI (Karnataka NRI Forum), Karavali Welfare Association, KSF Riyadh, and KCF Riyadh, have also issued statements of deep sympathy. These organizations fondly remember Abdulaziz as a dedicated member of the community who worked tirelessly for the welfare of others. Their heartfelt condolences highlight just how significant his contributions were in improving the lives of those around him.
In his memory, these organizations have pledged to continue the social initiatives and community work that Abdulaziz was so passionate about, ensuring that his legacy will live on in the form of his impactful work.
A Loss That Will Be Felt for Years to Come
Abdulaziz’s sudden departure has left a deep hole in the community, and his passing will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. He was not only a friend to many, but also a leader, a mentor, and a guiding force for those who looked to him for advice and support. His life and work exemplified the values of compassion, dedication, and service to others, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who remain behind.
In this time of grief, many are choosing to remember Abdulaziz not by his absence, but by celebrating the life he lived and the countless lives he touched. His family, friends, and the broader community will continue to honor his memory through their actions, carrying forward his vision of a caring, supportive, and united expatriate community.
As his family comes to terms with their loss, they find solace in the outpouring of love and support they have received. In the words of one of Abdulaziz’s closest friends: “Abdulaziz was one of a kind – a true pillar of the community. His loss is a great sorrow for us all, but his spirit will live on in the good work he leaves behind.”
Abdulaziz’s memory will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing him. May his soul rest in peace.
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