New Delhi: The President, the Prime Minister, Governors and a host of political leaders today (Dec 12, 2004) mourned the death of doyen of Carnatic music M S Subbulakshmi describing her as a precious jewel of the music world and the Nightingale of India.

"In her passing away, we have lost an incomparable music exponent of our times," President A P J Abdul Kalam said in a condolence message.

Subbulakshmi's contribution to music, in particular Carnatic music, was unique, he said adding "her singing has spread divine happiness and peace among million of hearts around the world."

Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat said "she was the most precious jewel of the world of music, like of whom are born only once in ages."

Condoling Subbulakshmi's death, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said she was truly the Nightingale of India.

"It was not an exaggeration when Mahatma Gandhi said Subbulakshmi, while singing, comes closer to God and the same happens to those who listen to her," the Prime Minister said.

He also referred to what Jawaharlal Nehru had said "what am I, a mere Prime Minister, before the Queen of Music".

"I am deeply saddened by the passing away of this great soul, but everyone knows her voice will ring true for centuries to come," Singh said.