Chitra Adarkar, a revered educator and mathematician, passed away on October 31, 2025, at the age of 91. She died peacefully at her home in Manhattan Beach, California, surrounded by her three children: Swati, Ashwin, and Sachin. Chitra’s family was a central part of her life, and her passing at home reflects the love and companionship she cherished throughout her years.
Early Life and Education
Born Chitra Joshi on September 25, 1934, in Pune, India, she was the daughter of Shridhar Sarvottam Joshi and Sontara Joshi. Chitra grew up primarily in Varanasi, where her father served as the principal of the Science College at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Her childhood was enriched by time spent at her maternal grandparents’ home in Pune, where she enjoyed the company of numerous relatives during summer gatherings.
Chitra’s passion for learning was evident from an early age. After graduating from BHU, she was awarded a gold medal for being the top student in the Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics Department. This achievement paved the way for her to sit for the Indian Civil Service Exam, where she was one of fewer than 100 selected from nearly a million applicants. Her first assignment took her to the Indian embassy in Vienna.
Life-Changing Encounter and Family
On August 4, 1959, while preparing to depart for Europe with her family, Chitra met Dilip Adarkar, a fellow passenger bound for Stanford University. Their fathers introduced them at the Mumbai docks, and the two quickly developed a deep connection. By the time their ship arrived in Marseille after a week at sea, both knew they wanted to spend their lives together. They were engaged shortly thereafter and married in Menlo Park on December 28, 1960.
Chitra left her government position to join Dilip at Stanford, where she earned an MSc in statistics while he pursued his PhD in mechanical engineering. In 1963, the couple moved to Southern California, where Dilip began a successful career in the aerospace industry, and Chitra took on the role of a math teacher at El Camino College. They settled in Manhattan Beach, where their three children grew up.
Chitra and Dilip’s family eventually included a son-in-law, two daughters-in-law, and seven grandchildren. Dilip passed away in 2019, but Chitra continued to embrace life and family in her later years.
A Life of Joy and Legacy
Chitra found joy in simple pleasures, including walks, watching tennis and movies, tending to her garden, and completing the daily crossword puzzle. She remained active in her community and kept abreast of current events, always valuing her time with family above all.
In her final days, her pride and joy were evident as she held her first great-grandchild, three-month-old Kavi. Throughout her life, Chitra spent 85 of her 91 years in two homes: her parents’ residence in Varanasi for the first 24 years and her own home in Manhattan Beach for the subsequent 61 years.
In honor of her memory, the family invites those wishing to make a contribution to consider donations to organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children, or the Sierra Club. Chitra Adarkar’s legacy as a dedicated educator and loving family member will continue to inspire those who knew her.
