RS adjourned for Day after obituary reference to Nirmala Deshpande

New Delhi, May 5 (UNI) The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day today after obituary reference to noted Gandhian Nirmala Deshpande, who died on May 1.

As soon the House began proceedings for the day, Chairman Hamid Ansari expressed sorrow over the death of Deshpande, a distinguished sitting member of the House.

In his obituary reference to the noted Gandhian, Mr Ansari mentioned her efforts to propagate the ideology of non-violent revolution as also her tireless efforts for maintaining peace and communal harmony in militancy-ridden Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.

''A true disciple of Vinoba Bhave, Kumari Deshpande joined his Bhoodan Yatra in 1952 and walked more than 40,000 km to propagate the ideology of non-violent revolution. She was also involved in efforts to bring about peace, especially between India and Pakistan.

''A recipient of Padma Vibhushan and the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Puraskar, Kumari Deshpande won many laurels for her dedicated social service and efforts to promote communal harmony,'' the Chairman said.

''In the passing away of Kumari Nirmala Deshpande, the country has lost a renowned Gandhian and an eminent social activist,'' Mr Ansari said.

The House observed two minutes' silence as a mark of respect to the memory of the departed.

Deshpande was a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha from August, 1997 to August, 1999 and again from June, 2004 till her untimely demise.

After the obituary reference, the Chairman adjourned the House for the day.

UNI AR PK GC1139