Hetesh Riga passes on after a full life
Born with Down syndrome, he defied medical expectations, challenging those around him with his humour, discipline and creativity.
Hetesh Riga – beloved eldest son of Manjula Riga and the late Anand Riga, and brother of Hema and Manoj – passed away on Sunday, June 7, at the age of 63 years old. A cherished son of Ladysmith, Hetesh leaves behind a family and community still reeling, yet richer for having known him.
Defying medical expectations
Born with Down syndrome, Hetesh defied medical expectations with 63 years of a full, disciplined and creative life. His longevity alone became a quiet triumph – proof that dignity, routine and love can rewrite what is possible.
Hetesh lived without apology for his differences. Respectful, humble and attentive, he earned the favour of all who met him. He lived for his family and they placed him at their centre, treating him as equal in every way. To his mother Manjula (85), he was her life; to his late father Anand, he was a daily companion and hero. In the family’s words, “Hetesh was a gift from God, always seen as a child of God.”
Love for order
A devout Hindu, he approached prayer with sincerity and respected all faiths. His love for order was remarkable – rising, meals, TV time and bedtime ran like clockwork. He took pride in neatness, personal hygiene, and dressing stylishly. Pyjamas had to be ironed with a pleat; nothing less would do. He walked daily for fitness; travelled to the UK, USA and India; attended Wimbledon and met Princess Diana; and danced with natural rhythm that drew people in.
Ability not defined by diagnosis
Hetesh taught Ladysmith that ability is not defined by diagnosis. His sharp humour, wisdom and discipline challenged those around him. He lived independently in spirit, depended on love in practice, and gave back compounded joy.
The Riga family has long served Ladysmith through community and religious work. In Hetesh, they raised a son whose life will now serve a greater purpose: to give hope and strength to others living with Down syndrome and to remind us all that every life, fully lived, is a triumph of the human spirit.
He is survived by his mother Manjula, sister Hema, and brother Manoj.
Gone, but never forgotten.
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