Central Tibetan Administration Mourns the Death of Former Indian PresidentWednesday, 28 January 2009, 6:00 p.m.

Mr R Venkataraman (1910-2009)

Dharamshala: The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) expressed deep condolence over the sad demise of Mr Ramaswamy Venkataraman, the former president of India.Mr R Venkataraman passed away on Tuesday, 27 January, in New Delhi. He was 98.As the mark of respect, the administration held a hour-long prayer service this afternoon, after which all the offices and departments remained closed.In his brief address, Kalon Tripa Prof Samdhong Rinpoche described Mr Venkataraman as a freedom fighter and lauded his steadfastness in his service to the nation.Kalon Tripa said the Tibetan people will also cherish the good religious and cultural association with the former Indian president.Mr Venkataraman met His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the inauguration ceremony of a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni at Buddha Jayanti park in New Delhi in 1983. The monument, as a token of the Tibetan people’s gratitude toward the people of India, was accepted on its behalf by Mr Venkataraman. His Holiness also met the former president in 2000, 2002 and 2008.Mr Venkataraman, who was elevated from Vice-Presidency, assumed the office of President on 25 July 1987 and his term lasted till 25 July 1992.   Earlier, as Minister in the Union Cabinet, he held the key portfolios of Defence and Finance. He was also Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission. He was a member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the Constitution.Mr Venkataraman is survived by his wife, Janaki, and three daughters.