H. Narasimhaiah passes away

H. Narasimhaiah passes away

The Hindu


BANGALORE, JAN. 31. H. Narasimhaiah, freedom fighter and eminent educationist, died at a nursing home here early today after a prolonged illness. The death of the 84-year-old Gandhian and Padma Bhushan recipient triggered an emotional response from people across the State.

A former Vice-Chancellor of Bangalore University and architect of Bangalore Science Forum, Dr. Narasimhaiah knew the pulse of the people, young and old. And it showed in the huge turnout at National High School, where his body was kept for public viewing before being shifted to his native Hossur village near Gauribidanur in Kolar district.

Thousands of people from different walks of life paid their last respects to Dr. Narasimhaiah. Among them were the Chief Minister, N. Dharam Singh, the Ministers, M. Mallikarjun Kharge, P.G.R. Sindhia, and R. Ramalinga Reddy, the former Prime Minister, H.D. Deve Gowda, the former Chief Minister, M. Veerappa Moily, the Union Minister of State for Planning, M.V. Rajashekharan, the space scientist, U.R. Rao, the film actors, Srinath and C.R. Simha, the Vice-Chancellor of Bangalore University, M.S. Thimmappa, and several Bangalore Mahanagara Palike members, led by Mayor, R. Narayanaswamy.

Students of the National High School and college held a special prayer meeting as the citizens stood in long queues to have a last glimpse of Dr. Narasimhaiah.

Cremated

The mortal remains of Dr. Narasimhaiah were cremated with full State honours at Hossur in the evening.

Members of Dr. H. Narasimhaiah Last Rites Committee and his nephew, Hanumantharayappa, lit the pyre at Dr. H.N. National High Schools grounds around 6 p.m.

The funeral, which was delayed by two hours because of heavy rain, was attended by a large number of people, the Gauribidanur Taluk Panchayat President, H.V. Manjunath, told The Hindu over phone from Hossur.

"As soon as Dr. Narasimhaiah's body was brought to Hossur, it began to rain. The last rites were performed after the rain stopped," Mr. Manjunath said. The cremation took place in accordance with Dr. Narasimahiah's will. He had constituted a committee for conducting his last rites and had set aside Rs. 2,000 for it, he said.