Noted author and Padma Shri awardee Manu Sharma died here following a prolonged illness.
He was 89.
Manu Sharma alias Hanuman Prasad Sharma died at his residence yesterday, his family sources said.
He was nominated as one of the 'navratna' of the Swachha Bharat Abhiyan by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency in 2014.
Sharma had donated his lifetime savings of Rs 20 lakh for the renovation of a 'ghat' in Varanasi to carry out a cleanliness campaign.
He was also the recipient of the prestigious Yash Bharti Award of the Uttar Pradesh government.
Sharma has authored several hindi books including 'Krishna Ki Atmakatha'.
His last rites were performed at the Manikarnika Ghat with full state honours, the family sources said.
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