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New Delhi, June 14 (UNI) The body of Mahatma Gandhi's grandson and noted writer-philosopher Ramchandra Gandhi, who died here yesterday, was consigned to the flames this morning with several writers, relatives and well-wishers in attendance.

Conspicuous by their absence were prominent figures from political parties and representatives from Central and State governments.

The last rites were performed at about 1000 hrs at the Lodhi Road crematorium where his daughter Leela lit the pyre.

Besides his brothers West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi and noted journalist and former parliamentarian Rajmohan Gandhi, his sister Tara Bhattacharya was also present at the cremation ground along with several eminent people of the city.

Among those present were Gandhi Peace Foundation secretary Surendra Kumar, Gandhi Memorial Trust secretary Ramchandra Rahi, Savita Singh of Gandhi Smriti Darshan, well-known Gandhian Anupam Mishra, writer Ashok Bajpayi, journalist Prabhash Joshi and danseuse Shovana Narayan, among others.

Popularly known as 'Ramu' to his friends, 70-year-old Ramchandra Gandhi was found dead in his room at the prestigious India International Centre here yesterday reportedly succumbing to cardiac arrest.

UNI