Dr. Manmohan Singh condoles the demise of Usha Narayanan

New Delhi, Jan 25 : The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has condoled the passing away of the former first lady of India, Usha Narayanan.

"I am deeply grieved to learn of the sad demise of Usha Narayanan, former First Lady of India," said Dr. Singh.

He described her as a gracious and gifted personality and said she was one of the outstanding First Ladies of our Republic. She was really passionate about reading and writing which was reflected in her numerous literary pieces, including translation of several Burmese stories to English. A book named "Sweet and Sour" is the collection of her translated, which testifies to her rich literary taste and bent of mind.

Dr. Singh further described her as a caring and compassionate person. She met the representatives of the victims of Gujarat riots of 2002 when they visited New Delhi and personally attended to them.

"Well known for her passion for gardening she took the novel step of introducing several European flowers such as Tulip to the Mughal Gardens of the Rashtrapati Bhavan," said Dr.Singh.

He said she was a constant source of inspiration to Late President K.R. Narayanan and played a key role in several aspects of his remarkable life and career. An indomitable fighter for the rights and empowerment of women, she will be long remembered for her profound pronouncements on gender equality.

He added that in her unfortunate passing away, the country has lost one of the cultivated, cultured and civilized persons, whose commitment to Indian values shaped her personality, universal outlook and identity.

Dr. Manmohan Singh extended condolences to Chitra and Amrita, her worthy daughters, and other members of the bereaved family, her countless friends, associates and her admirers. May the Providence rest her soul in peace and give strength and fortitude to her family members to bear this irreparable loss."

ANI