Obituary of Kunjali Shah

April 30, 2024

Kunjali Shah, a passionate voting rights advocate and traveler, passed away peacefully in her home on April 30, 2024 at the age of 51. Born on May 31, 1972, to Pallavi Shah born in Bombay (now Mumbai) and Sanu Shah (of Nepal) , Kunjali was a longtime resident of New York City.
Educated at the Chapin School in New York, Kunjali’s early love for culture and societies flourished. Her academic journey led her Lugano, Switzerland, where she attended the TASIS School. These formative years abroad and her annual trips to India with her family further ignited her passion for global cultures and set a lifelong trajectory of exploration and understanding.

After high school, Kunjali pursued a BA in Political Science and Government at Columbia University. Her academic pursuits honed her understanding of civic mechanisms and instilled in her a commitment to civic engagement.

Kunjali’s professional life mirrored her personal passions. She was Vice President at Our Personal Guest, a luxury travel and cultural services company founded by her mother. Most recently, she served as the South Asia Specialist for Globe Bleu.

Her commitment to civic participation was evident in her regular volunteer work at polling sites. An ardent supporter of voting rights, Kunjali believed deeply in the power and responsibility of voting as a pillar of democratic society.

Predeceased by her loving parents, Kunjali’s legacy is carried forward by her family in India, along with a wide circle of friends and colleagues who were touched by her warmth and indomitable spirit.

A private memorial service will be held in New York City. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kunjali’s memory to organizations dedicated to promoting voting rights and crosscultural understanding.