President pays last respects to Nirmala Deshpande

New Delhi, May 1 (UNI) President Pratibha Patil today paid her last respects to veteran Gandhian Nirmala Deshpande, who died here early today.

Soon after returning from Thiruvananthapuram, the President visited the departed leader's residence on Shahjahan Road and laid a wreath.

Offering condolences, Ms Patil said she was deeply saddened by the death of the veteran Gandhian, eminent social worker and MP.

She said the late leader was her ''close personal friend in whose passing away, the nation has lost a person who dedicated her life for bringing people together.

''She also relentlessly worked for communal harmony as well as peace, amity and understanding in the world.'' UNI SN-MMG GL KP1949