Thousands bid tearful adieu to Bhimsen Joshi
By IANSMonday, January 24, 2011
PUNE - A sad nation and music lovers from all walks of life bade a tearful farewell to Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, whose mortal remains were consigned to the flames here Monday with full state honours.
A sea of humanity descended at the Vaikunth Crematorium to offer last respects to the legend who passed away in the morning after a long illness.
Earlier, Joshi’s body was brought from the hospital to his residence, Kalashrit, where thousands of grieving Pune citizens turned up to pay homage to him.
Around 3 p.m., his body was taken in a procession to the Vaikunth Crematorium, in the heart of the city, for the last rites.
Present on the occasion were Chief Minster Prithviraj Chavan, several other cabinet ministers, union Minister for External Affairs S.M. Krishna, who represented the central government, Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, prominent personalities from the world of music and thousands of music lovers.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the guardian minister of Pune, could not attend while union Minister of State for Home Gurudas Kamat sent a condolence message to the bereaved family.
