New Delhi, 20 July (H.S.):

The Rajya Sabha on Monday paid tributes to its departed former members and former Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, at the beginning of the Monsoon Session.

Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan expressed profound grief over the demise of former Rajya Sabha members Balbir Punj, Swapan Sadhan Bose (Tutu Bose), Rangasayi Ramakrishna and H. Hanumanthappa.

The Chairman said Balbir Punj was a distinguished journalist, author and thinker who made significant contributions to public discourse. He described Swapan Sadhan Bose as a key figure in the development of Indian football and sports administration.

Rangasayi Ramakrishna was remembered as a dedicated public servant and an efficient administrator, while H. Hanumanthappa was recognised for his notable contributions to rural development, irrigation, farmers' welfare and social service.

The Chairman said the nation had lost eminent parliamentarians and committed public servants with their passing.

C.P. Radhakrishnan also expressed condolences on the demise of former Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. He noted that Sheikh Hamad played a pivotal role in laying the foundations of modern Qatar and made a significant contribution to strengthening bilateral relations between India and Qatar.

Following the obituary references, all members stood in silence at their respective seats and observed a moment of silence in memory of the departed souls at the request of the Chairman.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar