President's address tabled, RS adjourned after obit references

New Delhi, Feb 25 (UNI) The President's Address was laid on the tables of the Rajya Sabha today which stood adjourned after paying its respects to sitting member Motiur Rehman (RJD), five former members, Everester Sir Edmund Hillary and social activist Baba Amte.

As soon as House sat, the President's Address was tabled.

The House condoled the deaths of Mr Rehman, former members Moem Moyong Deori, Yella Sesi Bhushana Rao, Keshavprasad Shukla and veteran journalist R K Karanjia.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari read out the obituary references about the departed members, highlighting their contribution to Parliament and national life.

Referring to Sir Edmund Hillary, Mr Ansari said he was a household name after he conquered Mount Everest. He also extolled the contribution of Baba Amte in helping hundreds of imprisoned heroes of the freedom struggle and thousands of leprosy patients in Independent India.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Leader of the Opposition Jaswant Singh exchanged cordial greetings minutes before the sitting commenced.

The House stood adjourned for the day as a mark of respect to Mr Rehman.

UNI MCN RR AS1329