Social, political and religious organisations and people from different walks of life have mourned Uthradom Tirunal Marthanda Varma, head of the royal family of erstwhile Travancore, who passed away here early on Monday.
In his condolence message, Governor Nikhil Kumar recalled that Mr. Varma was endearingly called the People’s Prince because of his pious and polite nature and spartan lifestyle.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said Mr. Varma had reached out to all people irrespective of caste, religion and politics.
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All-India Congress Committee president Sonia Gandhi said Mr. Varma’s long and full life was lived with dignity, honour and integrity.
Defence Minister A.K. Antony said Mr. Varma was the ‘king’ of humility and simplicity.
Speaker G. Karthikeyan termed Mr. Varma as a great man who practised austerity in his life.Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan, Union Minister of State for Labour Kodikunnil Suresh, State Ministers, Government Chief Whip P.C. George and leaders of various political parties also expressed condolences.
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CPI(M) State unit secretary Pinarayi Vijayan recalled Mr. Varma as a person of warmth and modesty.
Latin Archbishop Soosapakyam termed Mr. Varma as a sentinel of communal harmony who upheld democratic values. Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences.
The Sringeri Sharada Peetham, Kerala Brahmana Sabha, Viswa Hindu Parishad, Karunya Benevolent Fund and Federation of Residents’ Associations, Thiruvananthapuram have mourned his demise.
Employees of the State Bank of Travancore participated in a condolence meeting and silent prayer at the headquarters of the bank here.
The Margi forum for classical arts organised a condolence meeting.