President Ram Nath Kovind paid tributes to Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who passed away on Sunday evening, terming him an "epitome of integrity".
"Extremely sorry to hear of the passing of Shri Manohar Parrikar, Chief Minister of Goa, after an illness borne with fortitude and dignity. An epitome of integrity and dedication in public life, his service to the people of Goa and of India will not be forgotten," the President, who was among the earliest to offer his condolences, said on his official Twitter account.
The 63-year-old, four-time Chief Minister was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in february last year and in and out of hospitals in Goa, Mumbai, New York and Delhi since then.
--IANS
vn/vd