The 98-year old former President of India, R.Venkatraman passed away this afternoon following multiple organ failure. He was in the Army Hospital since 12th Jan 009. His wife and son-in-law were beside him at the time of his passing away.
An out and out Congressman, he had held various posts at the State and also the Centre. Starting as a Minister of Industrial Development in Tamil Nadu, he shifted to the Central Government and it was during his tenure as the Finance Minister, India negotiated its first ever World Bank Loan. Besides, he held the Defence portfolio and also served as the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission.
Before becoming the President of India, he was also the Vice President of India. He was responsible for ushering in three Prime Ministers in the late 80’s at a time when the coalition politics was in its infancy stage.
He is also credited with the Industrial Development of Tamil Nadu.
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