Senior socialist leader and writer Professor G.P. Pradhan died of old age in a city hospital on Saturday. He was 88.
Mr. Pradhan, former Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, had been in the forefront of the socialist movement in the State, working closely with stalwarts like S.M. Joshi and N.G. Gore.
Known as a gentleman politician, Mr. Pradhan had participated in the 1942 Quit India movement and later underwent imprisonment during the emergency rule in 1975.
He wrote a number of books, including one on Tolstoy, presenting the socialist thought in the Indian context.
Mr. Pradhan’s body is donated for medical research.
Mr. Pradhan breathed his last at Sane Guruji hospital in Pune on Saturday.
Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, Union Ministers Vilasrao Deshmukh and Sushil Kumar Shinde have condoled the demise of the senior leader and freedom fighter.
“People like Pradhan Sir had a great impact not only on the society but on generations. He led his entire life on ’simple living high thinking’ principle. It is a big loss for all,” Mr. Deshmukh said.
“We have lost a living legend. He instilled the power of simplicity in today’s youth. His name will be remembered respectfully by coming generations,” Mr. Shinde said.
Mr. Bhujbal said Mr. Pradhan’s simplicity and richness of thought was unique.
“One of the stalwarts who knew the political and social nerve of Maharashtra has gone behind the curtains of time,” he said.
