Ramlal Parikh passes away

AHMEDABAD, Nov 21: Gujarat Vidyapith Chancellor and former Rajya Sabha member Ramlal Parikh died here early on Sunday morning. He was 72....

AHMEDABAD, Nov 21: Gujarat Vidyapith Chancellor and former Rajya Sabha member Ramlal Parikh died here early on Sunday morning. He was 72. Parikh is survived by his wife and four daughters.

Parikh breathed his last at the Sushrut Hospital where he was admitted on Saturday after he complained of acute abdominal pain. Subsequently, he developed internal haemmorhage leading to excessive bleeding and eventually a fatal cardiac arrest. Born on April 18, 1927, Parikh graduated from the Maharaja Sayajirao University in Vadodara. Later, he did his post graduation in law from the Gujarat Law Society in Ahmedabad. Parikh became active in the student movement from Vadodara. He joined the Gujarat Vidyapith in 1952 and in the meantime became active with the Youth Congress. He visited Russia, China and other countries as a youth representative. He also held the post of chairman of the World Youth Congress.

In 1960, Parikh was appointed as the Mahamatru of the Vidyapith and went on to become the Vice-Chancellor in 1971. He was appointed Chancellor of Gujarat Vidyapith in 1996 and held the post till his death.

Parikh was involved in the adult education drive in the State. He received several literacy awards for his contribution to the field of education. He was also awarded the Vishwa Gurjari award.

Several prominent citizens of the State paid homage to Parikh at the Gujarat Vidyapith where his body was kept for an hour till 2.30 pm. State Health Minister Ashok Bhatt, ex-chairman of IPCL Hasmukh Shah, former Rajya Sabha member Urmilaben Patel, former Education Minister Narhari Amin were amongst those who paid homage. The cremation took place at the Ellisbridge crematorium.

Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel has expressed his grief at the death. In his condolence message, Patel lauded the contribution of Parikh towards education and development of rural economy. State Education Minister Anandiben Patel, Bharatiya Janta Party8217;s state president Rajendrasingh Rana, All-India Congress Committee treasurer Ahmed Patel and activist Indubhai Patel also mourned the death of Parikh.