Mulayam pays tribute to Nirmala Deshpande

Lucknow, May 1 (UNI) Samajwadi Party supremo and former UP chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav today expressed profound grief over the demise of celebrated Gandhian Nirmala Deshpande, who died in sleep in New Delhi early this morning.

Mr Yadav said Deshpande had spent her entire lifetime espousing grassroots causes and communal harmony. She believed in Vinoba Bhave's philosophy and joined his social movements, he added.

Popularly known as 'Didi' Deshpande had stayed away from electoral politics till the end, however, was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 1997 and again in 2004.

Mr Yadav said didi had given a new direction to society by establishing ''Rachnatmak Samaj'' organisation.

She had always worked for good cause of society and would remain icon for grassroot workers, Mr Yadav maintained.

Deshpande will always be remembered for her noble deeds he said while praying for the departed soul.

UNI PDM RSC RL AS1811