PM condoles Birla's death

New Delhi, Aug 30 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today expressed his grief over the passing away of noted industrialist and public figure K K Birla.

" Mr Birla's passing away is a great loss to our country. He leaves behind a void that will be difficult to fill," he said in a codolence message.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and to the wide circle of his friends, admirers and associates.

"I am deeply grieved to learn of the sad demise of K K Birla, a leading industrialist and a well known public figure of our country.

I pray for the peace of the departed soul," he said.

Acknowledging the contribution of Birla to the development of the country, Dr Singh said his was a multifaceted personality and he ranked among the greatest industrial leaders that India had produced.

In this context, he recalled the efforts of Birla in promoting technical education and Hindi literature in the country. He set up the K K Birla Foundation for the promotion of Hindi literature.

He said Birla was a member of the Rajya Sabha for 18 consecutive years and was known for his active participation in the debates of the House. He provided exemplary leadership in making "The Hindustan Times", a leading daily newspaper in the country. Everything he did was touched with compassion and understanding, Dr Singh said.

UNI SH SB RK1940