News Archive
In Memoriam: Swadesh Singh Kalsi
09/29/2020
A long-serving adjunct professor and dear friend of IU McKinney, Swadesh Singh Kalsi died in Columbus, Indiana, on September 27. He was 77 years old.
Kalsi began his legal career at Cummins Engine Company in Columbus, Indiana, and later was a founding partner of the international law practice group at Krieg DeVault in Indianapolis. He served for over three decades as an adjunct professor at IU McKinney, teaching international law. In the photo is Swadesh Kalsi, left and his wife, Sarla Kalsi.
"Swadesh Kalsi was a true friend of the law school," said IU McKinney Dean Karen Bravo. "The McKinney community, including generations of students, benefited from his generosity, dedication, commitment and knowledge. Our community mourns his loss."
Kalsi was born in Nairobi, Kenya, on April 10, 1943. He completed his undergraduate education, cum laude, from the London School of Economics, and was an English barrister, having studied law at Lincoln’s Inn in London. He received an LL.M. in environmental and international law from George Washington University. He also received certificates in international law from the Academy of American and International Law in Plano, Texas, and from The Hague Academy of International Law in The Netherlands.
Kalsi served as board president of the Columbus Senior Center. He was a founding Director and first President of the International School of Indiana in Indianapolis and served as co-chair of the capital campaign to raise funds for the India Studies Program at Indiana University in Bloomington. He also contributed to his community through service on multiple not-for-profit boards and pro-bono engagements.
A private memorial service was planned for family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Columbus Regional Hospital Foundation.
