Friends and community members gathered Tuesday at Resthaven Gardens of Memory for a solemn service held in memory of Sarvnipun Chawla, the physics and astronomy graduate student who committed suicide last week by jumping off the Life Sciences Building. Those in attendance sat cross-legged on the floor in a semi-circle around Chawla’s open casket with cloth covering their heads. Pinki Diwan, volunteer at the LSU Foundation, organized the memorial after being contacted by Chawla’s mother to help with the preparations. A Sikh religious leader began the ceremony by singing a solemn song while playing a harmonium and tabla. After the prayer, key figures in Chawla’s life shared a few words with those in attendance. A. Ravi P. Rau, physics professor, taught one of Chawla’s physics classes and said he knew Chawla before he attended the University. Chawla contacted him in the summer of 2006, right before he moved from India to get his Ph.D. at the University, to learn what books he should read to prepare for the start of school, Rau said. “He was an exceptional student who had a passion for physics,” Rau said. Chawla’s friends knew he was having problems at home, specifically with his marriage. Sumir Chehl, a close friend of the Chawlas, said Chawla’s wife had recently filed for divorce. “He was very much in love with her, and he couldn’t stand the idea of being separated,” Chehl said. Friends said Chawla had been reaching out to friends, who counseled him and suggested he visit the Student Health Center, which they believe he was doing. “We tend to look back and wish we had done more to help,” Rau said. “But ultimately, there was only so much we could do for him.” Michael Cherry, chair of the Physics and Astronomy Department, said Chawla was an exceptional student who performed well in his courses and was well liked by his students while he was a teacher’s assistant. “He had enormous potential, and we will miss him,” Cherry said. Robinjeet Singh, physics graduate student and Chawla’s close friend, said he first met Chawla at the University. Singh said the two of them had been planning a road trip to Seattle. “This is very difficult for me,” Singh said. “I don’t have any siblings, but he was like an older brother to me. He took good care of me, and I learned a lot from him.” Chawla was an intelligent student who was passionate about his work, Singh said. “His death is a great loss for society,” he said. Chehl said Chawla will be remembered for the joy he spread and the lives he touched. “He was quite a remarkable guy,” she said. “There was nothing usual about him. He did everything intensely.”–Contact Sarah Eddington at [email protected]