The city of Pune mourned the loss of one of its most prominent public figures on Tuesday, as former Member of Parliament, Union minister, and Congress veteran Suresh Kalmadi passed away after a prolonged illness. He was 81 years old.
A Final Farewell for a Political Stalwart
Suresh Kalmadi's mortal remains were kept at his residence for the public to pay their last respects. A steady stream of political leaders, citizens, and well-wishers visited throughout the day. Prominent among them was Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, who joined others in offering condolences to the bereaved family.
The final rites were conducted with full traditional rituals at the Vaikunth crematorium in the afternoon. The ceremony saw attendance from politicians across the political spectrum and hundreds of supporters, all paying heartfelt tributes to the man they affectionately called 'Suresh Bhai'.
A Legacy Spanning Aviation, Politics, and Sports
Paying rich tribute, Ajit Pawar highlighted the multifaceted journey of Suresh Kalmadi. He began his professional life as a pilot in the Indian Air Force before embarking on a long and influential career in public service. As a long-serving MP from Pune, a Union minister, and the president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Kalmadi left an indelible mark on the city's political, social, sporting, and cultural landscape.
"He played a key role in shaping the city's identity," Pawar stated, adding that Kalmadi's contributions would be remembered for generations and that his death signifies the end of an era of experienced leadership.
Nationwide Condolences and Recognition
Condolences poured in from leaders of all major parties, underscoring the respect he commanded. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, extended his sympathies to Kalmadi's family, friends, and supporters.
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar described Kalmadi as an experienced public figure moulded by struggle and defined by decades of service. He noted that while political life inevitably involves differences and criticism, Kalmadi never compromised on democratic values and firmly believed politics was a responsibility towards the people, not a mere pursuit of power.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor remembered him as a stalwart of Pune's politics and a pivotal figure in the administration of Indian sports during his tenure at the IOA.
The passing of Suresh Kalmadi has created a void in Pune's public life, marking the conclusion of a significant chapter where one individual's work profoundly influenced the city's development across multiple spheres.
