Former governor A R Kidwai passes away

AMN

Dr-A-R-KidwaiNew Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Sonia Gandhi are among those who have expressed grief over the death of former parliamentarian and Governor of different state A.R. Kidwai.

A R Kidwai, 96, breathed his last at a private hospital in New Delhi on Wednesday.

“My condolences on the passing away of Dr A.R. Kidwai. His long career in public life included many roles and responsibilities,” Modi tweeted.

“Dr A.R. Kidwai distinguished himself in the fields of education and social welfare. May his soul rest in peace,” he added.

Kidwai, who served as the Governor of Bihar, West Bengal and Haryana, Rajasthan passed away on Wednesday at a hospital here after a brief illness. He was 96.

Sonia Gandhi said: “His illustrious career of dedication to academics, social service and politics will remain a guiding light to the younger generations for times to come. He touched many lives by his endeavours, leadership and initiatives and will always be remembered.”

Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the death of former Governor A R Kidwai today. In condolence message, Mr Kovind said Dr Kidwai who served as Governor of Bihar, West Bengal and Haryana was a popular politician, famous educationist and able and sensitive administrator. He said the country had suffered an irreparable loss due to his sudden demise.Mr Kovind prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and also adequate strength his family members to bear the loss.

A one minute silence was also observed at Raj Bhawan to pay respect to Dr Kidwai in presence of the Governor, his Principal Secretary Dr E L S N Bala Prasad and other officers and employees of Governor’s secretariat. Condoling the death, the Chief Minister said Dr Kidwai was a renowned educationist, social worker and popular politician. He said, “He has contributed to the cultural field immensely and his demise has caused irreparable loss not only to administrative, social and political fields but also to cultural and educational fields.” The Chief Minister also prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and enough strength to his family members, followers and admires to bear the loss.

Haryana government has declared a three-day state mourning from August 24 to 26 as a mark of respect to former state Governor A R Kidwai, 96, who breathed his last at a private hospital in New Delhi on Wednesday.

During the state mourning, the national flag will fly at half mast and there would be no official entertainment during this period, said a government spokesperson. Kidwai remained Governor of Haryana from July 7, 2004 to July 27, 2009. He also served as Governor of Bihar twice and once of West Bengal. He also served as Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission.

Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki and Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar have expressed deep grief over the demise of the former Governor. He is survived by two sons and four daughters. Dr Kidwai was born in 1920 in Baragaon village of Barabanki district in Uttar Pradesh. Solanki said the country has lost a great freedom fighter, Gandhian leader, an able administrator and educationist. He made remarkable contribution to the freedom struggle, especially in Quit India Movement, he added.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das yesterday condoled the death of A R Kidwai, former Governor of West Bengal, Haryana and Bihar.
The nation has lost an able administrator, reputed educationist and committed social worker, Das said in his condolence message.

Former governor AR Kidwai passes away