Janaki Venkataraman passes away at 89

Mrs Janaki Venkataraman, wife of former President R Venkataraman, passed away at a private hospital in the capital this afternoon after a brief illness.

She was 89. She is survived by three daughters - Padma Venkataraman, Vijaya Ramachandran and Lakshmi Venkataraman. Her husband had passed away in January 2009. The funeral will be held here tomorrow, sources said.

Vice-President M Hamid Ansari was amongst those who condoled the death of Mrs Venkataraman.

"I am deeply grieved to learn of the sad demise of Smt. Janaki Venkataraman wife of former President of India, Shri R. Venkataraman. My wife joins me in sending our heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family. We pray to the Almighty to grant them the strength and fortitude to withstand this loss," he said.

NNN