Former Guv Kidwai passes away at 96

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 24

The Haryana Government today declared three days of mourning in the state as a mark of respect to 96-year-old Dr AR Kidwai, former Governor of Haryana, who passed away in New Delhi today. The mourning would be observed from August 24 to 26 during which the National Flag would be flown at half mast throughout the state and there would be no official entertainment during this period, stated an order issued by the office of the Chief Secretary.

Kidwai remained the Governor of Haryana from July 7, 2004, to July 27, 2009. He also served as the Governor of Bihar and West Bengal. Dr Kidwai was born in 1920 in Baragaon village of Barabanki district in Uttar Pradesh. He is survived by two sons and four daughters.

In his condolence message, Prof Solanki said that in his demise, the country had lost a great freedom fighter, Gandhian leader, an able administrator and educationist. He made remarkable contribution to the freedom struggle, especially in Quit India Movement.

He had brilliantly discharged his constitutional responsibilities while serving as the Governor of Bihar two times and West Bengal and Haryana one time each. Similarly, he did appreciable work as Chairman of the UPSC.

Khattar, too, expressed deep grief over the sad demise of the former Governor who passed away at Escort Hospital in New Delhi. In a condolence message issued here today, the CM described Kidwai as a seasoned politician and great academician who worked relentlessly for promoting research and development and for elevating the status of women by education and self-reliance.