Dr. Ajit Singh Randhawa

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Sardar Ajit Singh Randhawa on June 16th, 2024.

Dr. Randhawa was a very loving son, husband, Father, Uncle, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather. He served as a young Cadet in India’s National Cadet Corps in Amritsar, Punjab. He was an educator and scientist with higher education at Punjab University and as associate professor at Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana. He received his Doctorate Degree in Philosophy and Developmental Biology at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. He would begin to change, mentor, and influence the lives of young college students when he began his journey as an educator at Voorhees College in Denmark, SC. He was named a South Carolina Professor of the Year in 1987 by Governor Caroll Campbell. His academic, scientific and research love was in the field of Botany. After over 30 years serving as professor in various capacities, he retired as Chairman of the Division of Natural Sciences from Voorhees College.

Following retirement from Voorhees College, Dr. Randhawa joined their family business, Exotica International, full time where they grew the company over 36 years. Dr. Randhawa embraced life and served others with dedication. He was instrumental in building Gurdwara Nanaksar and his love of God’s word led him to write 3 books on religions, faith and spirituality. Dr. Randhawa was one of the initial members of the Interfaith Partners of South Carolina (IPSC), an organization formed in 2010 to promote better understanding among people of the many religious, spiritual and secular-ethical traditions throughout South Carolina. Dr. Randhawa loved his family and cherished every moment the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were with him and Raj. It was only fitting that he passed on Father’s Day 2024 to be with his “Father”.

Dr. Randhawa was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Raj, for 64 years. His legacy includes four children, Mitti Randhawa (Sonya), Simran Singh, Nikki Randhawa Haley (Michael), Gogi Randhawa (Amber) and nephew, Mandeep Singh Randhawa (Manpreet). He was blessed with nine grandchildren, Hunter Randhawa (Jennifer), Alyssa Randhawa, Nicholas Fleming (Lauren), Rena Haley Jackson (Josh), Nalin Haley, Sajan Singh, Krish Singh, Charan Jeet Randhawa and Abby Randhawa. He was also blessed with three great grandchildren, Arie, Ivery, and Naraya Mae Randhawa. 

He was a founding member of Gurdwara Nanaksar in Columbia, SC where he served as Past President and member of the Executive Board. His commitment to community service has seen this temple and congregation flourish. He will be remembered by sangat for his Sewa and dedication to Gurdwara.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 22nd, 2024, at 10:15 AM at Shives Funeral Home - Colonial Chapel, 5202 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC, followed by a Celebration of Dr. Randhawa's life at their Sikh Temple, Gurdwara Nanaksar, 11419 Broad River Road, Chapin, SC. 

In lieu of flowers, the Randhawa family respectfully asks that donations or offerings be made in his honor to the Sikh Religious Society of South Carolina, c/o McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.