President of India Condoles the Passing Away of Shri R.s. Gavai

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the passing away ofShri R.S. Gavai, veteran Ambedkarite and former Governor of Kerala, Sikkim and Bihar.

In his condolence message tohis wife, Smt. Kamal Gavai, the President has said, "I am sad to learn about the passing away of Shri R.S. Gavai.

Shri Gavai was Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council from 1964 to 1994, Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council from 1968 to 1978, Chairman from 1978 to 1984, and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council from 1986 to 1988.

Shri Gavai served asMember of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from 1998 to 2000 and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) from 2000 to 2006. He served the nation with distinction as the Governor of Kerala, Sikkim and Bihar.

A close associate of Dr BR Ambedkar, Shri Gavai rendered yeoman service as Chairman of the Deekshabhoomi Smarak Samiti in Nagpur. The nation will always remember his valuable contributions.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey the same to the rest of your family members. I pray to the Almighty to give you and other members of the family strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss”.

This release issued at 2045 hrs.