The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the passing away of Prof. U.R. Rao.

In a message to his wife Smt. Yashoda Rao, the President has said, "I am sad to learn about the passing away of your husband, Prof. U.R. Rao.

An internationally-renowned space scientist, Prof. U.R. Rao will be long remembered for his services to the nation in various capacities including Chairman of ISRO, Secretary, Department of Space and Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Science and Technology at Thiruvananthapuram. For his exemplary services to the nation, Prof. Rao was honored with numerous prestigious awards including Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. His demise is a great loss for our country and the scientific community.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey the same to the rest of your family members. I pray to the Almighty to give you and other members of the family strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss”.

This release issued at 2010 hrs.