NEW DELHI (AP) — Rajanish Kakade, an Associated Press photographer whose images documented India ’s politics, culture and everyday hustle and bustle of the city of Mumbai for nearly two decades, has died. He was 55.
Kakade died at his home in Mumbai on Monday following an illness, his family said.
He joined the AP in 2008 and was based in Mumbai, from where he helped shape the visual record of India's financial capital. Before joining the AP, he worked with the Sakal Group media conglomerate and the Hindustan Times newspaper.
“Through his work, he captured defining moments with integrity and sensitivity. Through his mentorship, he shaped countless careers, always encouraging young photographers to pursue the truth with courage and compassion,” the Mumbai Press Club said in a statement.
A third-generation photographer, Kakade followed his grandfather and father, both of whom were photojournalists.
At the AP, Kakade covered a wide range of assignments across India — from major political events, elections and sports to the deadly 2008 Mumbai militant attacks and the coronavirus pandemic. His images of ordinary life in Mumbai captured the rhythm of a rapidly evolving city, conveying both its vast scale and quiet intimacy.
AP colleagues described Kakade as a soft-spoken professional who was deeply committed to his craft.
Manish Swarup, AP’s chief photographer for South Asia, said Kakade “possessed that rare, quiet grace of a true observer.”
"He didn’t just take pictures; he earned the trust of those in his frame. That is why his photographs always stand out — they carry an intimacy and a truth that only a person of his character could capture," Swarup said.
Swarup, who worked closely with Kakade for many years, said he was “more than a talented eye for The Associated Press,” describing him as “a steadfast friend and a cherished colleague.”
“We haven’t just lost a great photojournalist; we have lost a beautiful soul, whose kindness was as luminous as his work,” he said.
Yirmiyan Arthur, who oversees photos and storytelling for the AP in the Asia Pacific region, said Kakade “helped us understand everyday Mumbai, a city of contradictions, with utter honesty," by chronicling its wealth and poverty, the joys and the heartbreaks of annual monsoons, and life inside its always hustling local trains.
“He was a son of Mumbai and made sure he told its story the right way,” said Arthur.
Kakade is survived by family members.
Associated Press photographer Rajanish Kakade works, watched by children in Mumbai, India, Aug. 23, 2023. (AP Photo)
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 23, 2026--
Contact information on release dated February 20, 2026, should read: info@puertoricoicehockey.com (instead of scottlvargas@gmail.com ).
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260220477891/en/
The updated release reads:
Arenales Summit Becomes Home to Puerto Rico's First Hockey League Thanks to Landmark Renovation Funded by Risk’s Rewards LLC
Arenales Summit, in partnership with the Puerto Rico Ice Hockey Association (PRIHA), today announced the launch of Liga Boricua, the island’s first-ever hockey league. This historic milestone was made possible by a comprehensive renovation of the Arenales Summit facility, funded by a leadership gift from Risk’s Rewards.
The initiative provides a powerful counter-narrative to the significant challenges facing education and community spaces in Puerto Rico. In the last decade, over 670 schools have been forced to close across the island, with 428 of those closures occurring since 2017, according to the Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley. This project ensures Arenales Summit is not only a vibrant center for the community but is now also a hub for a groundbreaking island-wide sports movement.
The transformation of Arenales Summit was extensive. Risk’s Rewards’ funding enabled the installation of professional-grade sport court flooring, official hockey dasher boards (92 ft x 52 ft), advanced sound systems with Bluetooth capabilities, and specialized volleyball net systems to ensure multi-sport use. Additional improvements included crucial roof repairs, fresh paint, mounted air circulation fans, and a professional scorekeeping system.
David Risk said, “We are thrilled to partner with PRIHA and Arenales Summit on this landmark project. The ultimate team sport, hockey has been part of my family’s heritage for three generations, spanning more than 80 years. Puerto Ricans have a passion for education and sports, so combining hockey with a dynamic school such as Arenales Summit is a natural fit. We hope this facility can have a lasting impact on the community for generations to come.”
Scott Vargas, President of the Puerto Rico Ice Hockey Association, shared his excitement for the league’s launch. “We have been active with floor and inline hockey in San Juan since 2022. It has been a challenge to find a stable location, but we have continued to grow our program. The growth is due to the genuine interest and passion for hockey here. With Risk’s Rewards’ support and dedication, we now have a permanent home here at Arenales Summit. This facility is a place where we will develop athletes from youth to the international stage - athletes that will represent Puerto Rico.”
Carmen “Santy” Cardona Rosado, Director of Arenales Summit, added, “As an innovative school focused on providing a different approach to learning, we view this as an amazing opportunity. We view Hockey as diversification - a new sport in Puerto Rico and this is exactly why we are so excited. As a team sport with a dynamic skill set that requires teamwork, communication, hand-eye coordination, strength and agility we believe this partnership fits right in with our core values at Arenales Summit. This could not be possible without the help of Risk’s Rewards. We look forward to our partnership with them and PRIHA."
Thanks to the revitalized facility, Liga Boricua is set for its inaugural season with four founding clubs, each celebrating Puerto Rican heritage: C.H. Coquí (Puerto Rican frog), C.H. Fortaleza (El Morro fortress), C.H. Gallito (honoring boxer Sixto Escobar), and C.H. Vejigante (reflecting vibrant carnival traditions). The league will use a hybrid inline hockey ruleset combining International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and World Skate regulations, laying the groundwork for the future of ice hockey on the island.
Anyone interested in registering can go to juegahockey.com for more information and access to the registration link.
About Arenales Summit
Arenales Summit is a premier community and recreational facility located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Dedicated to providing a safe and enriching environment, it offers diverse programs in sports, education, and the arts to foster personal growth and community engagement for all ages.
About the Puerto Rico Ice Hockey Association (PRIHA)
The Puerto Rico Ice Hockey Association is the official governing body for hockey in Puerto Rico. As a non-profit organization, PRIHA is dedicated to promoting and developing inline and ice hockey across the island. Through initiatives like Liga Boricua, PRIHA aims to build a sustainable hockey ecosystem, from grassroots programs to competitive leagues, for athletes of all ages.
Ribbon cutting ceremony
Ribbon cutting ceremony
Ribbon cutting ceremony
Ribbon cutting ceremony
