Swami Agnivesh Death: 'Never Looked, Sounded Or Behaved His Age,' Rahul Gandhi, Tharoor Others Condole Demise Of Arya Samaj Leader

Swami Agnivesh Death: Social activist Swami Agnivesh passed away at Delhi on Friday evening. He was suffering from liver cirrhosis and was critically ill.

**EDS: FILE IMAGE** New Delhi: In this Thursday, Sept 6, 2018 file photo Social activist Swami Agnivesh is seen at the Supreme Court in New Delhi. Agnivesh passed away Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 at a hospital in New Delhi. He was suffering from liver cirrhosis and was critically ill. (PTI Photo) (PTI11-09-2020_000171B)

A social activist and Arya Samaj leader Swami Agnivesh passed away on Friday September 11 after suffering a cardiac arrest in the evening at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences in Delhi. The 80-year-old suffering from liver cirrhosis, was critically ill and admitted to the ILBS on Tuesday after multiple organ failure. Put on ventilator earlier this week, Agnivesh's health deteriorated this evening and he suffered a heart attack at about 6PM. The unfortunate news of Agnivesh's death sent a shock wave across the nation with people from all walks of life mourning the untimely demise of the religious leader. Former Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi took to his Twitter account to extend condolences over Agnivesh's demise. "Bandhu Mukti Morcha founder and revolutionary leader of Arya Samaj Swami Agnivesh Ji has passed away today. Swami ji's death is an irreparable loss to the entire country including Arya Samaj. My humble tribute," Gandhi said in Hindi.

Another senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor mourned the death of the Arya Samaj leader, by saying, "I am shocked and saddened by his passing. A man of vigour and conviction, he never looked, sounded or behaved his age! The country is diminished by his passing & I mourn with the millions whose rights he fought to uphold. Om Shanti."

INC leader Salman Nizami condoled his demise and wrote: "Swami Ji's passing is a personal loss to me. We worked together. One of the finest humans beings, a truly honorable man is no more. Would be remembered for his tireless service to humanity. Om Shanti!"

Veteran actress Shabana Azmi also extended her heartiest condolences to over the unfortunate of death of former Haryana MLA who joined Arya Samaj and worked towards eradication bonded labour.

Agnivesh was the president of the World Council of Arya Samaj for a decade (2004 to 2014) which is the highest international body of the Arya Samaj movement originally established by Dayanand Saraswati in 1875. He led notable initiatives to foster peace and interfaith harmony in Kashmir at the height of militancy.