Monday, January 31 2005 13:59 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Veteran Gandhian and noted educationist H Narasimaiah died at a private hospital in the early hours today (Jan 31, 2005), hospital sources said.

84 year-old Narasimaiah, a bachelor, was ailing for over a month.

The noted Gandhian who participated in the freedom struggle was instrumental in building the reputed National group of educational institutions.

A former Vice Chancellor of Bangalore University, he was a rationalist who took up the cause of promoting scientific temperament among people challenging superstitious beliefs.

He was instrumental in launching the "Bangalore Science Forum" in 1962, which organises the most popular science lecture series in Bangalore.

He was a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan award.

Karnataka Chief Minister Dharam Singh, former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, freedom fighters and hundreds of students paid homage to the departed Gandhian.

His body will be cremated at his birth village, Hosur in Gowrbidanur, 85 kms from Bangalore later today.