This is certainly the most difficult post I have ever had to write. I was hoping to share happy thoughts – to offer tales of our Cinco de Mayo parties or tell you that AS220 and the Pawtucket Red Sox are now listing on our site. Unfortunately, I have tragic news. I was in Newport yesterday, setting PK from The Landing up with a QuickWhatsUp.com account. He left the room for a moment to check his email and while he was gone, I received an e-mail that said this:
“I wish to pass on some bad news: Michael Bhatia was killed in Afghanistan.”
For twenty minutes, I managed to push it out of my mind and finish my meeting. As soon as I left The Landing, I fell apart.
As the day went on, I talked to other friends and colleagues of Mike’s and gathered more information. Apparently Mike was killed by a roadside bomb in Khost. He was stationed at FOB Salerno and advising the 82nd Airborne Division as part of the Human Terrain program. It was a controversial program and Mike told me he faced some criticism from colleagues for his decision to participate, but ultimately he believed he could do some good.
Mike and I were classmates at Brown, but we didn’t know each other well then. He came back to Providence in 2006 to become a visiting professor at the Watson Institute at Brown and we reconnected. If you google Mike, you’ll read a lot about his scholarly work around the world, especially in Afghanistan. Mike was a true academic, but in many ways he was more like Indiana Jones. Mike didn’t sit around and do research. He spent his time in the field: in Kosovo, East Timor, Afghanistan and more. Mike was a genius. He was an Oxford scholar, his book The Gun in Afghanistan was just published and there’s no doubt he knew his stuff when it came to international relations. You can find academics and experts around the globe who will sing his praises. They can do a far better job than I can explaining exactly why Mike’s research was so important.
I knew Mike in a far different capacity. To me, he wasn’t an author or a professor or a scholar. To me, he was a friend. For about a year Mike and I hung out on an almost daily basis. Last summer, Mike would come over to my place and we’d drink scotch and play Halo 2 until three in the morning (he’d routinely kick my ass). I would listen to him complain about his job and he’d endure my endless moaning about the trials and tribulations of starting a new company. We would go to the Wickenden Pub with our friend Chris and debate religion or head to the Wild Colonial to commiserate about women. We watched Entourage and Firefly together. Mike was a guy’s guy, a partner in crime. The kind that you could call any day of the week and he’d be down to go out at a moment’s notice.
Mike’s hookah is still stashed away beneath my kitchen sink. We used to smoke apple tobacco in it and he asked me to keep it until he returned. I still haven’t been able to figure out how to make it work. I was hoping he’d show me when he returned to visit in July.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mike’s family. More than anything in the world, Mike cared about his little sister Trish. He talked about her all the time and even though he didn’t always approve, he always looked out for her. So as you read about Mike’s academic accomplishments, know he was much more than that. He was also one of the best big brothers I have ever seen.
I can’t tell you too much about Mike’s academic work. My eyes glossed over if he started using words that were too big. It’s only now that I wish I had a better understanding of it. But I can tell you that he was a solid human being. “One of the good guys,” as they say. I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to get to know him so well last summer, and I am deeply saddened by the fact that I’ll never have that opportunity again. We’ll miss you, Mike. Thanks for everything. -Seth
Michael Bhatia’s Photo Essay on Afghanistan in The Globalist
Choices Program Interview with Michael Bhatia (video)
Human Terrain System on the Passing of Michael Bhatia
The Watson Institute on the Passing of Michael Bhatia
Marshall Scholarship on the Passing of Michael Bhatia
Ghosts of Alexander blog on the Passing of Michael Bhatia
Xinhuanet Report on the Attack
Voice of America Story on the Attack
Coming Back to Kabul blog on the Passing of Michael Bhatia
Chronicle of Higher Education on the Passing of Michael Bhatia
The Providence Journal on the Passing of Michael Bhatia
The Boston Globe on Michael Bhatia
The Boston Herald on Michael Bhatia
Daily News Tribune on Michael Bhatia
Boston.com on the Passing of Michael Bhatia
Brown Alumni Magazine on the Passing of Michael Bhatia
Wired Magazine on the Passing of Michael Bhatia
WCVB-TV, Boston on the Passing of Michael Bhatia (video)
Complex Terrain Laboratory on Michael Bhatia
Kings of War on Michael Bhatia
Minneapolis Media Dude blog on Michael Bhatia
Small Wars Journal on the Passing of Michael Bhatia
05/09/2008 at 9:11 am |
[...] moving personal tribute at The QWU Blog If you google Mike, you’ll read a lot about his scholarly work around the world, especially in [...]
05/09/2008 at 10:58 am |
Seth -
Thank you for this touching post about Mike. I have been his close friend for more than twelve years, since the days of drinking too much at the grad center bar at Brown. Everyone will rightly talk about the tragedy of losing someone who has accomplished so much in a short life. But I am heartbroken at the loss of my loyal, kind,and beloved friend.
Sarah
05/09/2008 at 3:07 pm |
Michael and I missed each other at Oxford but I got to know him a few years later, at one of our traditional New Year’s meetings with a group of friends from those rainy days in England.
There were quite a few law schoolers in the group and Michael was my savior (I know nothing about law). I had been working on some study of security sector reform in Iraq, and he was looking at small arms in Afghanistan. We hit it off right away, fueled in part by a ferocious billiards game (although I think neither of us excelled at plotting next steps strategically over a pool table).
I have not gone back to Iraq. Michael went back to Afghanistan, committed to seeing his work through. His death is a terrible loss to those he helped, helped protect through his insights, and to those who got to know him as a friend.
Christoph
05/09/2008 at 5:12 pm |
Seth –
Thank you for this informative and moving post. I also wrote something on my blog at this link:
http://www.rifuture.org/showDiary.do?diaryId=2608
-Matt
05/09/2008 at 6:56 pm |
Seth – Thank you for collecting this very difficult information. I am keeping all of Mike’s friends in my thoughts, but especially his family. What a horrible tragic loss. – Jen Kay
05/09/2008 at 7:32 pm |
Wednesday this world lost one of the more amazing people on the face of this planet. His name was Michael Vinay Bhatia. He was 32 years old and already an accomplished scholar and author. He dedicated his life to trying to understand conflict.To me
he was one of the most gentle people I knew. He loved: old book stores, photography, British apparel, grilled cheese, cafe au laits, art, hot pots from phonetics on angle street, he loved Red Stripe on Wayland square. He did a lot of writing at that Wayland square starbucks…at least that’s what he said he was doing. he couldn’t take been tickled too much. He loved Elizabeth’s on North Main because it was romantic. He loved the Cable Car, the Avon, and all cinema. He loved Brooks Brothers on sale. He loved to teach, his syllabus was always an amazing feat to read. He love my dog Noodle no matter how gross she is from time to time. He loved walking around Jamestown with me. We loved being with each other.
05/09/2008 at 8:07 pm |
FOR MICHAEL’S FRIENDS AT OXFORD: The following comes from the St. Anthony’s College website:
“We have heard with very great sadness of the death of Michael Bhatia, a student at the College since 2001. Michael died while working as a Social Scientist in Afghanistan. The loss of someone with such great potential is particularly sad and our thoughts are with his family and friends. St Antony’s will be holding a celebration of Michael’s life in the Buttery at 6pm on Friday 16 May. All are welcome.”
05/09/2008 at 8:39 pm |
[...] Update: Please visit The QWU Blog, where there is a personal tribute from a friend plus all the links to new about Michael [...]
05/09/2008 at 9:42 pm |
[...] Scientist Killed in Afghanistan – Danger Room In Memory of Michael Bhatia – Coming Back to Kabul Michael Bhatia – The QWU Blog Human Terrain Team Member Killed – [...]
05/10/2008 at 10:08 am |
Seth:
Thanks so much for your beautiful post. And, for collecting all this articles about Michael.
Could you give me a quick email (erictucker@urbandebate.org).
We’ve been organizing some memorial events, and I’d love to touch base with you briefly.
Thanks so much.
Eric
05/10/2008 at 12:57 pm |
seth, thank you so much for talking about the michael i miss and cry for, the friend. i have been so overwhelmed with articles that talked about his work but not how he lived, how he was gentle and kind, and goofy and funny. how he had some of the best stories, like when a monkey stole his glasses in east timor, and how he had such optimism in human kindness even though he faced and studied the cruelty humans inflicted upon eachother. I miss him ever so, and am heartbroken that such sweetness is no longer with us.
05/10/2008 at 1:30 pm |
[...] on May 8, 2008 May 10, 2008 8:31 AM Subscribe Michael Bhatia, Army social scientist, was killed in Afghanistan on May 8, 2008. posted by geos (10 comments total) the Boston Globe obituary posted by [...]
05/11/2008 at 12:23 am |
this is the mike i knew and i will miss. i think he would love the way he is bringing us all back on to the same page. i hope we can make sure he will be remembered in the way we knew and loved him. not the war hero, but as someone who always wanted and actually worked for peace.
05/11/2008 at 2:10 pm |
Thank you so much for honoring Michael. Michael was a dear friend — and he was an American hero who died in the line of fire in Afghanistan.
A 2001 Marshall Scholar and faculty member at Brown, he could have relaxed in a well-paying, comfortable job. Instead, Michael spent his life in far away places, helping poor, marginalized victims of violent conflict and protecting American troops.
The general in charge of the social scientist program said on Boston television that Michael’s work was directly responsible for saving the lives of hundreds of American troops and Afghan civilians.
I miss him so much — and his loss is such a devastating one for our nation and for the cause of world peace.
05/11/2008 at 10:13 pm |
I had the pleasure and honor of working with Mike in the Human Terrain Systems. I trained with him and learned from him. We shared a Guinness and had great talks about history and culture. I also found Mike to have a ready smile and a pleasant demeanor.
It has been mentioned here that he shouldn’t be remembered as a war hero. I and my fellow soldiers honor his courage and commitment. His amazing knowledge, skills and abilities. His professionalism and dedication to finding a way to reduce violence and save lives. That is why he is a hero to us. We miss him. He was a very special friend and colleague. I always looked forward to getting emails from Mike.
He stood up when others remained seated. He stepped forward when others criticized from afar. He put into practice and helped people understand each other. Hopefully, his legacy will inspire others to take an active role in saving lives and not sit on the side lines.
05/12/2008 at 8:32 am |
This is shattering news. Not only was extremely intelligent and dedicated, but he was also warm, funny, outgoing, generous, and passionate about the social sciences. The world feels a little colder today. Mike, I know that you are safe in the circle of light, but we all miss you. Laura
05/12/2008 at 9:02 am |
Seth, thank you for writing such a heartfelt note about Mike. His death comes as a huge shock to all of us, his friends and family. It’s really hard to believe that we won’t get to hear his colorful stories or his worldly insights at reunion next year. I feel truly privileged to have known Mike and will miss him very much.
05/12/2008 at 11:26 am |
Mike’s funeral arrangements, which are not yet published, will be posted at http://www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com/
when complete. This is in Medway, Massachusetts.
There will also be a guest book posted there.
This is according to:
http://www.legacy.com/MilfordDailyNews/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStoryPrint&PersonID=109533653
There is also a guest book on line (and should also be accessible in the UK as well) here:
http://www.legacy.com/MilfordDailyNews/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=109533653
In sympathy and with blessings to all.
twe
05/12/2008 at 2:14 pm |
Seth,
Thanks for setting up this online community about Mike. All those who knew him are in shock and greatly saddened.
Those of us who are Brown 1998 and will be back for this year’s reunion have organized a candle light vigil in Mike’s memory at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 24th on the grassy area outside the Watson Institute. Please forward this information to anyone you know who knew Mike and would like to attend. I’ve made arrangements for all attendees of the class of 1998’s reunion to be notified via email.
Also, if any of you know of Jarat Chopra’s whereabouts, please let him know about this vigil.
05/12/2008 at 5:57 pm |
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Mass on Friday, May 16 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, 151 Village St. in Medway, Massachusetts. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4- 8 p.m. at the Ginley-Crowley Funeral Home, 3 Barber St. in Medway, Massachusetts 02053. Burial will take place at the family plot at the Valley View Cemetery in Ticonderoga, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s memory may be made to the Michael V. Bhatia Memorial Fund c/o Rockland Trust Company, 288 Union St., Rockland, MA 02370.
For the complete family placed obituary, go to:
http://www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com/Obituaries.html
Please pass the word along.
Thank you Seth
05/16/2008 at 5:32 am |
I was a 2001 scholar with Michael in Oxford, and we became friends quickly and firmly. He was as good a person as I can remember knowing, and I’m deeply saddened by his death. May his memory last many years!
05/19/2008 at 11:10 am |
Here is a link to a news article about Mike’s funeral (includes a picture):
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1192322128/Bhatia-held-up-as-caring-peacemaker
05/26/2008 at 6:38 pm |
Vale
We worked together in East Timor before, during and after the 1999 UN sponsored elections.
He was a good bloke with lots of courage.
Our sympathies to his family and friends from all of us here in Australia
06/01/2008 at 5:06 am |
[...] on May 8, 2008 May 10, 2008 8:31 AM Subscribe Michael Bhatia, Army social scientist, was killed in Afghanistan on May 8, 2008. posted by geos (10 comments total) the Boston Globe obituary posted by [...]
08/05/2008 at 3:52 pm |
I was using some of Michael Bhatia’s work for my own research when I googled his name recently and found this. I did not know him personally but was impressed and struck by his insights in his academic work. What a sad loss. My condolences to his friends and family.
08/06/2008 at 1:18 pm |
Michael was a good man who will be missed. My best wishes go out to his family and loved ones.
09/19/2008 at 3:30 pm |
Mike Bhatia’s father died yesterday, September 18th, 2008.
Details and guest book at:
http://www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com/Obituaries.html
10/17/2009 at 1:03 am |
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