Stock photo of Swami Agnivesh. (AND ME)
The 80-year-old social activist was admitted to the New Delhi Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences and had been on ventilation since Tuesday due to multi-organ failure.
- News18.com
- Last update: September 11, 2020 11:45 PM IST
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Swami Agnivesh, former Haryana MLA leader and Arya Samaj, who was hospitalized due to cirrhosis of the liver and was in critical condition, died in a New Delhi hospital. The 80-year-old social activist was admitted to the New Delhi Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences and had been on ventilation since Tuesday due to multi-organ failure.
His last rites will take place on Saturday at Agnilok Ashram in Behelpa, Gurgaon at 4pm. Before that, his body will be kept in his office at 7 Jantar Mantar Road so that people can pay their last respects. Those who come to pay their last respects have been urged to follow the COVID-19 protocols.
Agnivesh founded a political party, Arya Sabha, which was based on the principles of Arya Samaj in 1970. He was also an advocate of interfaith dialogue. He was involved in various areas of social activism, including campaigns against female feticide and the emancipation of women.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Congressional Leader Rahul Gandhi, and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot were among those who condemned his disappearance. “Deeply saddened to hear about the disappearance of social activist and women’s rights advocate Swami Agnivesh Ji. My condolences to his fans and supporters. RIP,” Puri tweeted.
“Grieved by the passing of Swami Agnivesh, who left his teaching career in Calcutta to fight for many causes. My condolences to his friends and followers,” Banerjee posted on Twitter.
Gandhi called his disappearance an “irreparable loss” for the country. “Swami Agnivesh, the founder of Bandhua Mukti Morcha and revolutionary leader of Arya Samaj passed away today. His disappearance is an irreparable loss for the whole country and for Arya Samaj. My humble tribute to him,” he posted on Twitter in Hindi.
Mourning the loss of the leader of Arya Samaj, activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan said: “Swami Agnivesh’s disappearance is a great tragedy. A true warrior for humanity and tolerance. Among the bravest I have ever met, willing to take enormous risks for the public good. He was brutalized in Jharkhand by a mob of BJP / RSS lynchers 2 years ago. His liver was damaged. RIP Agnivesh ji. “
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