TRIBUTES | shalin-foundation

TRIBUTES

The White House | Peace Corps | USC | TEDx | The Accidentals

- THE WHITE HOUSE -

- THE PEACE CORPS -

Shalin Sworn in as a Peace Corps Volunteer

Peace Corps Memorial Wall

Global Message from the Peace Corps Director

TO: Peace Corps Global

FROM: Laura M. Chambers, Chief of Staff

SUBJECT: Passing of Shalin Shah

Message from Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet

I am deeply saddened to inform you that former Peace Corps/Peru trainee Shalin Shah, a beloved and inspiring member of the Peace Corps family, passed away on Saturday, May 16, in California. Shalin is survived by his wife, Frances, and his parents, Sanjiv and Bharati Shah. He was 22.

Shalin had nearly completed his training when he became gravely ill. He returned to the United States and, even while undergoing medical treatment, remained in close contact with Peace Corps staff and his fellow Volunteers in Peru. From his room in the UCLA Medical Center, he would write to those facing challenges in their service, sharing messages of support. He proudly wore a Peace Corps hat, and encouraged those he met to consider serving as Peace Corps Volunteers.

It was a true honor for me to meet Shalin in the late stage of his illness, and to ceremonially swear him in as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I knew Shalin only briefly, but I can honestly say he was one of the most courageous, purpose-driven, and extraordinary individuals I have ever met.

Peace Corps Volunteers around the world have recommitted themselves to service as a way to honor Shalin’s memory. His story has brought people together across borders and inspired our Peace Corps family to think more deeply than ever about the legacy that each of us hopes to leave behind. He is truly an example of the power of a single Peace Corps Volunteer to create change.

The Peace Corps family mourns the loss of Shalin and is inspired by his legacy. our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

"A Lesson in Love, Life and Sunsets"

Huffington Post Article to Shalin

by Peace Corps Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet

Note: Enjoy Every Moment

We wanted to share a very thoughtful note
that one of Shalin’s nurses from UCLA.

- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA -

2015 USC Baccalaureate Ceremony Tribute (YouTube)

"Let us emulate Shalin and vow to be here now, to be fully present in all the experiences,

moments, and sunsets that make up our lives."

- Dean Varun Soni, USC ‪

‬

Thank you to USC's Dean of Religious Life, Varun Soni, and the whole Trojan Family for sharing Shalin's life and perspective.

Read more about the USC Baccalaureate Ceremony and Dean Soni's words here.

- TEDx -

Watch out! Black Holes Ahead by Sameet Inamdar

TEDxValenciaHighSchool (YouTube)

Sameet Inamdar, a high school student and close family friend of the Shah Family,

spoke at TEDx about his "Big Bang Moment" and how he was inspired by Shalin to appreciate the beauty of life.

- "CITY OF CARDBOARD" MUSIC VIDEO -

"City of Cardboard" by The Accidentals

directed by L'antonino

After being inspired by Shalin's story, L'antonino (www.lantonino.com) wrote the script for

The Accidentals's "City of Cardboard" music video around Shalin's message and ended it with a beautiful sunset tribute.

The video was filmed in the south of France near Shalin's second home, Paris, where he lived and

studied abroad for a semester in college.

- SUNSET FOR SHALIN "SONG" -

Sunset For Shalin

by Justin Nguyen

Justin, one of Shalin's closest friends since school,

made a track about their friendship and what it's meant to him.

Thanks for sharing it with us, Justin!

- Living Tribute Honors Shalin -

Following Shalin's passing, we received a heartfelt letter from President Barack Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama honoring Shalin and his remarkable service. We are deeply humbled by the compassionate support of The White House.