Death of former Indian President-President sends condolence message |29 January 2009

President Michel’s message reads:

“It was with profound sadness that we learned of the passing away of former Indian President Mr Shri R. Venkataraman
“Mr Shri Venkataraman was a distinguished public personality, versatile parliamentarian and adept administrator who served the country with distinction in various capacities
“The government and the people of the Republic of Seychelles join me in conveying to you, to the government and to the people of India, as well as to the bereaved family of Mr Venkataraman, our heartfelt sympathies and deepest condolences.

“May the Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace.”
Mr Venkataraman, who was India's eighth president, died on Tuesday in a New Delhi hospital of multiple organ failure at the age of 98.

He was admitted to the Army Hospital January 12 after complaining of urosepsis , a toxic condition caused by the seepage of urine into the body's tissues.

Before his election as president, Venkataraman served nearly four years as vice president. A member of the Indian National Congress party, he held several ministerial positions during his political career.

Mr Venkataraman paid a state visit to Seychelles from September 23-25, 1989.