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The Union Cabinet at an emergency meeting on Saturday observed that in the death of Vice-President Krishan Kant the country had lost a great patriot who had made outstanding contributions to public life, Information and Broadcasting Minister Sushma Swaraj told reporters.
"He imbibed the spirit of patriotism very early in life, having been imprisoned by the British when he was only 15 for his participation in the Quit India Movement," a resolution adopted by the Cabinet observed.
According to Swaraj, Krishan Kant advocated progressive and democratic ideals as a member of the Congress and later the Janata Party.
He was imprisoned for his opposition to the Emergency in 1975. Later, he served with distinction as governor of Andhra Pradesh before being elected vice-president in 1997.
"His performance as chairman of the Rajya Sabha will long be remembered for the sagacity, dignity, and sense of purpose he brought to the proceedings," the resolution said.
Swaraj said the Cabinet recorded its deep appreciation of Kant's services to the nation and offered its heartfelt condolences to his wife Suman, herself a prominent social worker, and other members of bereaved family.
She said Kant would be accorded a state funeral at 1600 IST on Sunday at the Nigambodh Ghat.
The Cabinet also decided that state mourning would be observed for three days and the national flag would fly at half-mast.
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