Poet and lyricist Gopaldas Neeraj passes away

New Delhi, July 19: Doyen of Hindi poetry Gopal Das Neeraj passed away at the AIIMS trauma centre on Thursday. He was 93.

A Padma Bhushan awardee, Neeraj had suffered a head injury in a fall at his house in Agra and was undergoing treatment at a hospital there, Dr Rajesh Malhotra, chief of the AIIMS trauma centre, said.

Neeraj's family was by his side during his last hours.

The poet, who also wrote songs for Bollywood films, was awarded the Padma Shri in 1991 and Padma Bhushan in 2007.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolence over the demise of Neeraj. "Saddened by the demise of noted poet and lyricist Shri Gopaldas 'Neeraj.' Shri Neeraj's unique style connected him with people from all walks of life, across generations. His works are unforgettable gems, which will live on and inspire many. Condolences to his admirers" tweeted Modi.