Maha CM announces state funeral for Babasaheb Purandare; PM Modi says 'pained beyond words'

Padma Vibhushan Babasaheb Purandare died at 5 am on Monday morning at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune. He was 99 years old and on life support.

The last rites will be performed at 10.30 am at Vaikunth crematorium in Pune.

Babasaheb Purandare, a historian and author, was admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital on Saturday after he fell in the bathroom.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray announced state funeral for the notable historian and author Babasaheb Purandare, according to a statement by the Chief Minister's Office

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences on the demise of Babasaheb Purandare. He tweeted, “I am pained beyond words. The demise of Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare leaves a major void in the world of history and culture. It is thanks to him that the coming generations will get further connected to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His other works will also be remembered.”

I am pained beyond words. The demise of Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare leaves a major void in the world of history and culture. It is thanks to him that the coming generations will get further connected to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His other works will also be remembered. pic.twitter.com/Ehu4NapPSL — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 15, 2021

“Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare was witty, wise and had rich knowledge of Indian history,” PM Modi said.

He added, “Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare will live on due to his extensive works. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti.”

AMIT SHAH, MAHARASHTRA GOVERNOR CONDOLE PURANDARE'S DEATH

Union Home Minister Amit Shah condoled the death of noted historian Babasaheb Purandare and said “his death is the end of an era.”

Amit Shahe tweeted,"I am deeply pained to learn about the passing away of Babasaheb Purandare ji. He has done the work of taking the glorious life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to the masses. Through his play 'Janata Raja', he instilled in the hearts of the younger generation the valor stories of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the protector of religion."

. . . — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 15, 2021

"His energy and ideas were truly inspiring. His death is the end of an era. My condolences to his family and countless followers," the home minister added.

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari also expressed grief over the demise of Padma Vibhushan Babasaheb Purandare in Pune. In a condolence message Governor Koshyari wrote,“The news of the demise of Shiv Shahir Babasaheb Purandare who dedicated his entire life to narrate the saga of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to generations of people is extremely saddening.”

The Maharashtra governor added, “In his demise, Bharat Varsh has lost one of the brightest stars on the horizon. Fulfilling his vision Shiv Srushti and spreading the history of Shivaji Maharaj to the nook and corner of the world will be a real tribute to him.”

Union minister Nitin Gadkari and NCP chief Sharad Pawar also condoled the demise of 99-year-old historian.

In a video message, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said Purandare explained about Shivaji Maharaj and his works to contemporary students and youth and because of this, the feeling of patriotism got infused in people.

"As a youth, I was among several such people who got inspired from Purandare and we came to know about the persona of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. I will never forget him (Purandare)," he said.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar also expressed grief over Babasaheb Purandare's death.

"With the demise of Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare, Maharashtra lost its luster in the field of literature and art. A heartfelt tribute to them!" Sharad Pawar tweeted (in Marathi).

, .
! — Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) November 15, 2021

WHO WAS BABASAHEB PURANDARE?

Babasaheb Purandare was a celebrated author, historian and theatre personality. He was known for his work on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He wrote several books on the king, his administration and the forts from Shivaji’s era. Babasaheb Purandare also directed ‘Jaanta Raja’, a popular play on Chhatrapati’s life.

In 2015, he received the state government’s Maharashtra Bhushan award. In 2019, he received the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award.

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