Kirit Somnath Shukla was born in Mumbai to Indira and Somnath Shukla, the first of their six children, in 1939. He studied at MS University in Vadodara, India and received his Civil Engineering degree. In 1962 he married Charulata Pathak. The couple had four children in the ensuing years. On a cold February 1974 night, he arrived in New York City, with nothing more than a few dollars and an engineering degree and experience. His wife and four children followed, joining him in New York, in September 1974.

Kirit Shukla worked as a civil engineer, and later in his life became a business owner. But his true dream was to be a professional touring musician and music director. Entirely self-taught, he played keyboard, harmonium, and string instruments, and could play any song or melody once he heard it. He was an improviser with the soul of a jazz musician and performed every chance he got, whether house concerts in living rooms, temples, Navratri garba nights, parks and other outdoor venues, small and large halls. Kirit Shukla was also the puzzle master for Saathee Magazine for many years. He created several original puzzles every month, beloved by Saathee readers, young and old.

He is survived by his wife Charu Shukla; Children: Samir (Yesha), Divakar, Nehal (David), Kruti (Himanshu); and Grandchildren: Sagar (Purvi), Taige, Liam, Mithi, Deven, Ethan, Milan.

In memory of his love of music and education, in lieu of flowers, please donate to: stringfieldmusiccamp.com/support-1.

A Memorial Service was held on August 24, 2026 in Charlotte. Below is the video of the service: