President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today condoled the death of veteran socialist leader and former Union Minister Mohan Dharia saying he was a paragon of selfless service.
In his message to the deceased leader's wife, Shashikala, the President said Dharia was a distinguished parliamentarian and an able administrator who served the nation in different spheres.
"His service to the nation as a Union Minister and as the Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission will always be remembered.
"He also made a valuable contribution as a dedicated environmentalist and as a champion of farmers' rights. In his death, the nation has lost an eminent public figure who made an immense contribution for the greater good," the President said.
In his message, the Prime Minister recalled he had known Dharia for many decades.
"His long public career is an inspiring example of selfless service. Dharia's contribution to the processes of nation building is immense... He deeply influenced the formulation of development policy in our country," Singh said.
Dharia, 88, breathed his last in Pune this morning.
A socialist at heart who was a member of both Congress and Janata Party ministries, Dharia also held the post of Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission from December 11, 1990 to June 24, 1991.
His successor was the President himself, who was then the Minister for Planning.
