In Memory of Dr. V. S. Bhatt (Vidya Sharan Bhatt)

Obituary

Dr. V. S. Bhatt (Vidya Sharan Bhatt), 87, of Utica, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.

He was born in 1938, in Bahawalpur Mistini, U.P., India.
Dr. Bhatt received his Master’s degree and Ph.D. from AMU in Aligarh, U.P., India, where he graduated at the top of his M.Sc. class. During his doctoral research, he discovered two new species of bacteria, a scientific accomplishment that reflected his sharp intellect and deep curiosity about the natural world.

On November 25, 1969, he married Kavita Bajaj.

Dr. Bhatt worked as a scientist at the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in Goa and later served as the Director of Publications and Information at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in New Delhi. After he retired, he moved to the United States, where he owned and operated Subway on Genesee Street in Utica for 24 years, until he turned 80 years old.

From a young age, Dr. Bhatt shaped his character and ideals around the example of Lord Ram, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The values he admired—discipline, integrity, devotion to duty, and steadfast commitment to family—guided his entire life. Those principles defined who he was: a man of extraordinary hard work, deep loyalty, and unwavering dedication to everyone connected to him by blood and by bond.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kavita Bhatt; his sons, Arvind Bhatt of Southport, CT, and Alok Bhatt and his wife, Charul, of Trumbull, CT; and his grandchildren, Josh, Jai, and Jeyna Bhatt.

He is also survived by his siblings and their spouses: Shakuntla Sharma; Dr. Shiv and Sukeerti Bhatt; Subodh and Dr. Abha Bhatt; Vinod and Uma Bhatt; and Usha and Dr. Virendra Sharma; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, November 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.
Cremation will follow at The Crematory at Forest Hill.