New Delhi: Former Union Minister Sheila Kaul, a sister-in-law of Jawaharlal Nehru and oldest surviving former parliamentarian, died after a brief illness in a hospital here. She was 101.
President Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the passing away of Smt. Sheila Kaul, former Governor of Himachal Pradesh.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi condoled the death of former Himachal Pradesh governor and ex-union minister Sheila Kaul, saying her absence would be felt by the party for a long time.
Mrs Gandhi said Ms Kaul's "absence will be felt by the Congress party for a long time to come", said another tweet.
A former Himachal Pradesh Governor, Kaul had been unwell for the past few days and was admitted to the hospital last evening where she breathed her last at 8 pm.
A five-time MP, Kaul was born on February 7, 1915. She was an arts graduate from Lahore Women’s College and had a degree in teaching from Sir Ganga Ram Training College, Lahore.
She was married to renowned botanist Kailash Nath Kaul. Kaul is survived by sons Gautam Kaul, a retired IPS officer, and Vikram Kaul, an international sports administrator, besides daughter Deepa Kaul, a former Information Minister in UP.
Her mortal remains were consigned to flames at 4.30 p.m. in the presence of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and several other party leaders.
Urban Development Minister in the Narasimha Rao Cabinet, Ms. Kaul was accused of making out-of-turn allotment of government accommodations in return for monetary gain between 1992 and 1995.
In a condolence message to his daughter, Smt. Deepa Kaul, the President has said, “I am saddened to learn about the passing away of your mother, Smt. Sheila Kaul, who was the oldest surviving former Parliamentarian at the time of her death.
" Smt. Kaul was a distinguished Parliamentarian and able administrator who served the nation in various capacities.
" A multi-faceted personality, Smt. Kaul worked with distinction as member of the Union Council of Ministers and Governor of Himachal Pradesh. The nation will always remember her valuable contributions and pursuit of excellence in public life.
" Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey the same to members of your family. I pray to the Almighty to give you and your family the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss”.
