Governor, CM condole Baker's death

Thiruvananthpuram, Apr 1 (UNI) Kerala Governor R L Bhatia and Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan condoled the death of veteran architect and pioneer of the low-cost housing technology Laurie Baker here today.

In a condolence message, Mr Bhatia said Mr Baker, though English by birth, was more an Indian with a vision and mission to create low cost shelters for the common man.

''A Gandhian by word and deed, he revolutionised the very concept of building houses, making them affordable, eco-friendly, cute and cost effective,'' he said.

Mr Achuthanandan expressing his condolence to the bereaved family said Baker was a man who had revolutionised architecture.

He was a person, who worked for the common man and through his activities became a Keralite, he said.

State Housing Minister Binoy Viswom said Baker was a person who had great love for the environment and human beings. Throughout his life, the great architect had lived his life for the common man.

State Law Minister M Vijayakumar, Home Minister Kodieri Balakrishnan and several prominent persons also condoled the death of the great architect.

Mr Baker(90) was ailing from age-old illness for the past so many days. His end came this morning at his residence '' The Hamlet''.

His body would be cremated with full state honours at the Christ Church, Palayam.

UNI