President, PM condole passing away of Orissa CM's mother

New Delhi, Feb 18 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today condoled the passing away of Gyan Patnaik, the mother of Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who died here last night after a prolonged illness.

In here message, the President said, " Gyan Patnaik was a woman of substance who had a will of steel. In a time when women were still struggling to gain widespread acceptance in society, to take up careers, she ventured into a career full of adventure, by training to become a pilot.

"She was also aware of the need to popularize science and using it for the upliftment of society, which she did through the Kalinga Foundation," Patil added.

In his message Dr. Singh said, " Gyan Patnaik was a role model for women at a time when they were trying to make their mark in the mainstream of Indian society."

'Her exemplary career as a pilot and dedication to ensure the reach of science for the benefit of the masses through the Kalinga Foundation, will be remembered for years to come', he added. (ANI)