India, July 20 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
CHAIRMAN: Hon'ble Members, it is with profound sorrow that I refer to the passing away of Shriman Balbir K. Punj Ji, Shriman Swapan Sadhan Bose Ji, Shriman Rangasayee Ramakrishna Ji, Shriman H. Hanumanthappa Ji, former Members of this House and His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Father Amir of the State of Qatar.
Shriman Balbir K. Punj Ji, passed away on the 18th of April, 2026 at the age of 76. He was a Member of the Rajya Sabha representing the State of Uttar Pradesh, from 2000 to 2006 and Odisha, from 2008 to 2014.
Born on the 2nd of October, 1949 at Lalowal in Gurdaspur District of Punjab, Shriman Balbir Punj Ji was an eminent journalist, author, thinker and public intellectual.
He began his professional career in journalism and earned recognition for his incisive writings and analytical commentary on issues of national importance. Shriman Balbir Punj Ji also authored widely acclaimed books, reflecting his deep interest in India's civilisational heritage, public policy and national affairs.
He also served as the Chairman of the National Commission for Youth under the Government of India.
In the passing away of Shriman Balbir K. Punj Ji, the country has lost an eminent parliamentarian, a distinguished journalist and an accomplished author.
Shriman Swapan Sadhan Bose Ji passed away on the 12th of May, 2026, at the age of 78 years. He served as a Member of the Rajya Sabha representing the State of West Bengal from 2005 to 2011.
Born on the 23rd of January, 1948, at Howrah in West Bengal, Shriman Bose Ji earned widespread recognition for his distinguished contribution to the promotion and development of football and sports administration in the country.
Popularly known as 'Tutu Bose', Shriman Bose Ji was associated with the historic Mohun Bagan Athletic Club for over three decades and also served as its President. His visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to the cause of sports earned him immense respect across the sporting fraternity. He also served as a Member of the FIFA Club Task Force, representing Indian football in international sporting forums.
In his passing, the country has lost an eminent sports administrator, an able parliamentarian, and a devoted public figure.
Shriman Rangasayee Ramakrishna Ji passed away on the 4th of June, 2026, at the age of 92 years. He served as a Member of the Rajya Sabha representing the State of Karnataka from 2012 to 2018.
Born on the 15th of March, 1934 at Chidambaram in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu, Shriman Ramakrishna Ji had a distinguished career in public service spanning several decades.
A member of the Indian Administrative Service (Rajasthan Cadre:1957), he held various important positions in the Government of Rajasthan and Government of India. He was also connected with the Economic Commission for Europe in Geneva and was a consultant to GATT and UNCTAD. Later, he assumed the office of Secretary General of the Association of Synthetic Fibre Industries.
In the passing away of Shriman Rangasayee Ramakrishna Ji, the country has lost a dedicated public servant and an accomplished parliamentarian.
Shriman H. Hanumanthappa Ji passed away on the 12th of July, 2026, at the age of 94 years. He served as a Member of the Rajya Sabha representing the State of Karnataka for three consecutive terms during 1982 to 2000.
Born on the 13th May, 1932, at Guddada Rangavvanna Hally village in the Chitradurga District of Karnataka, Shriman Hanumanthappa Ji actively participated in the Indian National Movement during his student days and remained associated with constructive social work throughout his public life.
An advocate by profession, he served in several important capacities, including as the Chairman of the Railway Service Commission, Bengaluru, and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
During his long public career, he worked tirelessly for rural development, irrigation, farmers' welfare and the promotion of village industries.
In the passing away of Shriman H. Hanumanthappa Ji, the country has lost an eminent parliamentarian, a dedicated social worker and a public servant par excellence.
Hon'ble Members, I also refer with profound sorrow to the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Father Amir of the State of Qatar.
His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, passed away on the 12th of July, 2026 at the age of 74. He served as the Amir of the State of Qatar for 18 years from June 1995 to June 2013.
He was a visionary leader who laid the foundation of modern Qatar and took it to great heights of development and prosperity. He also played a pivotal role in nurturing India-Qatar relations.
The House joins the bereaved family, the Government, and the people of the State of Qatar in mourning the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
We deeply mourn the passing away of Shriman Balbir K. Punj Ji, Shriman Swapan Sadhan Bose Ji, Shriman Rangasayee Ramakrishna Ji, Shriman H. Hanumanthappa Ji and His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
I request Members to rise in their places and observe silence as a mark of respect to the memory of the departed.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
