Former Indian President R. Venkataraman dies age 98

January 29, 2009

The 8th President of India, Ramaswamy Venkataraman has died at the age of 98. Venkataraman served as President from 1987 to 1992, he was also the Vice President of India from 1984 to 1987. He was admitted to hospital on the 12th of January and stayed there until his death on the 27th. He was complaining of Urosepsis, a condition caused by the extravasation of urine. His condition turned critical on January 20.

Born in Pattukkottia he graduated from Madras University studying Economics.

In 1980 he succeeded Choudhary Charan Singh as the Union Finance Minister of India and then Vice President under President Zail Singh. He later became the 8th President of India. During his run as President he faced troubles such as the Sri Lanka crisis, the Bofors Gun deal and the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi. He was succeced by Shankar Sharma.

With the death of Venkataraman, Abdul Kalam becomes the only surviving former Indian President. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India had lost an outstanding figure. A state funeral will be held says the cabinet.