Educationist Amrik Singh cremated, PM mourns his death

NEW DELHI - Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday mourned the death of leading educationist Amrik Singh, who was cremated here in the presence of galaxy of people.

Amrik Singh, who was in coma for a fortnight, breathed his last Monday. His last rites were performed here at the Lodhi Road crematorium.

Vice President Hamid Ansari, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and many people from the field of education and academia attended the cremation.

Singh, who was in his eighties, was a teacher for more than 25 years and later became vice chancellor of Punjabi University in Patiala, Punjab. He was also the president of the International Congress of University Adult Education for 10 years, a foum that exchanges information and opinions about activities in adult education.

The prime minister in his condolence message to Harsharan Amrik Singh said: “I am deeply grieved to learn of the passing away of your husband.”

He said Amrik Singh’s death was “a great personal loss” for him.

“He was one of my most dear friends, and one for whom I had the highest regard and affection. Prof. Amrik Singh was a scholar who had a deep understanding of our culture and values. He was one of our most distinguished educationists, the prime minister said.

He wrote extensively on higher education and published about a dozen books. His achievements are indeed remarkable, the prime minister said.

Prof. Amrik Singh will be missed deeply by his friends and colleagues as a great educationist and a very fine human being.”

I offer my heartfelt condolences on your loss. I pray for peace of the departed soul, the prime minister said.