Former Indian Prime Minister I K Gujral passed away today at around 3:30 PM. He was 93 years old and was Prime Minister of the United Front government from 1997 to 1998.
Today Morning his Son Naresh Gujral said that he had lost all his hopes.
He was admitted to Medicity Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon for lung infection on November 19. He was on dialysis for over a year now and had contracted a serious chest infection some days ago.
Too days ago, his condition was very critical. “His condition is the same as yesterday — very critical,†K.L. Sehgal, a doctor from the Medicity Medanta Hospital said.
On Monday, doctors said medicines were not showing much effect and his condition worsened.
On Tuesday, Gujral fell unconscious and his urine output was blocked. His last rites would be performed tomorrow.
He is survived by his two sons, Naresh, and Vishal Gujral, who was till recently a professor in the US, and three grandchildren. His younger brother is the famed artist and sculptor Satish Gujral. His wife Sheila predeceased him in July 2011.
Gujral, known for his impeccable dressing and manners and his trademark goatee beard, will be remembered as the proponent of the Gujral Doctrine which advocated that India, being the larger neighbour, should do twice as more for its smaller neighbours for the sake of regional peace and prosperity.
Since retiring from active politics in 1999, he wrote his autobiography “Matters of Discretion” (Hay House) and was an active figure in the strategic and literary circles.
Condolences have started pouring in from all corners of the Country.
Gujarat CM Narendra Modi Tweeted,”Sad to hear about the demise of former PM Shri IK Gujral. My deepest condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.”