New Delhi/Pune: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray grieved the demise of eminent litterateur and historian Balwant Moreshwar alias ‘Shivshahir’ Babasaheb Purandare, who passed away aged 100, in Pune early Monday.
“I am pained beyond words. His demise 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,” said Modi.
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
“Even if you search, you will not find such a devotee of Shiva immersed in his meditation… The Shiv devotee is now at Shiva’s feet… My deepest respects to the family and admirers on the passing of Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare,” said Thackeray.
शिवचिंतनात रमलेला असा शिवआराधक शोधून सापडणार नाही. या अलौकिक शिवसाधकाने शिवरायांच्या स्तुतीसाठीच प्रयाण केले असावे, अशा शब्दांत मुख्यमंत्री उद्धव बाळासाहेब ठाकरे यांनी शिवशाहीर पद्मविभूषण, महाराष्ट्र भूषण बाबासाहेब पुरंदरे यांच्या निधनावर तीव्र शोक व्यक्त करत श्रद्धांजली वाहिली.
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) November 15, 2021
The PM described Babasaheb Purandare — with whom he had the honour of interacting very closely over the years, including his birth centennial in July — as “witty, wise and had rich knowledge of Indian history”.
Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare was witty, wise and had rich knowledge of Indian history. I had the honour of interacting with him very closely over the years. A few months back, had addressed his centenary year programme. https://t.co/EC01NsO1jc
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 15, 2021
In a special gesture, the CM has directed that the last rites of Babasaheb Purandare — conferred the Padma Vibhushan — should be performed with full state honours, later in the day in a Pune crematorium.
Besides, top leaders across the political, theatre world and literary spectrum have condoled the death of Babasaheb Purandare, who breathed his last around 5 a.m. at a private hospital after a brief illness.
