The Hindu : Front Page : Santha Narasimhan passes away, aged 85

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Oct 31, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Front Page

Front Page

Santha Narasimhan passes away, aged 85

Special Correspondent

June 16, 1923-October 30, 2008

Photograph from the 1970s

Chennai: Santha Narasimhan, wife of the late G. Narasimhan, Managing Director of The Hindu, passed away at her home in Chennai on Thursday.

She was 85, and is survived by her four children: Usha Narayanan, N. Ram, N. Murali and N. Ravi. Daughter of S. Venkatesa Iyengar and V. Pattammal, granddaughter of Sir K. Srinivasa Iyengar and niece of S. Srinivasa Iyengar, a Congress President, she grew up in a liberal and freedom-loving environment. She travelled widely with her husband. She was an accomplished tennis and badminton player and represented Madras State in the latter sport. She was also a golfer and won several club-level prizes.

For more than three decades, Santha Narasimhan struggled to overcome the effects of multiple sclerosis. She bore the burden of her illness stoically, retained her sweet tooth, and used to joke that M.S. improved and fine-tuned one’s sense of humour. Although confined to her house, she connected with the world at large through newspapers, television and the radio. Her courage and sense of independence were an inspiration to all who came into contact with her. Friends and relatives of all ages visited her and her special quality was to forget her own illness, empathise with their problems, and rejoice in their successes and good fortune.

Her health deteriorated sharply three months ago and the end came at 11.45 a.m. on October 30. In keeping with Santha Narasimhan’s wishes, her eyes were donated to Sankara Nethralaya.

Condolences poured in from people belonging to various walks of life, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and Governor Surjit Singh Barnala, Union Ministers A. Raja and E. Ahamed, CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat, West Bengal Left Front Chairman Biman Bose, Kanimozhi, MP, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, Prince of Arcot, the Union and the entire staff of The Hindu group of publications, and media leaders from across the country. Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa telephoned personally to convey his deepest sympathies and sent a wreath.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page