Renowned Historian And Padma Vibhushan Awardee Babasaheb Purandare Passes Away; Anil Kapoor And PM Modi Pay Their Condolences

Babasaheb Purandare, a renowned historian and recipient of the Padma Vibhushan Award, has passed away at the age of 99. The well-known and powerful man died at the Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune, where he was receiving medical care. A week ago, he was diagnosed with pneumonia.

Mr. Purandare, an author on Maratha warrior ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji of the 17th century, was diagnosed with pneumonia a week ago and was being treated at the city’s Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital. Since Sunday evening, his health had rapidly worsened, and he was in an extremely critical state after being placed on a ventilator in the intensive care unit.

Purandare published various volumes during his prolific literary career, practically all of them focused on Shivaii’s life and times, including a two-volume biography of Raje Shivchhatrapati. Maharaj, Shelar Khind, Gadkot Kille, Agra, Lal Mahal, Purandar, Rajgad, Panhalgad, Sinhagad, Pratapgad, Fulwanti, Purandaryanchi Daulat,’ Mujaryache Mankari, Savitri, Kalawantinicha Saj and many more.

Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor who received a Deenanath Mangeshkar award from the late author Babasaheb Purandare tweeted, “I was personally honored & humbled to receive the Deenanath Mangeshkar award from this great man. My sincerest condolences to his loved ones”

India’s current Prime Minister also paid his condolence and tweeted about the late legendary author. Narendra Modi praised the late legendary historian for educating the public about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He also sent his sympathies after mentioning how the late scholar brought to light some amazing pieces of work by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

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Modi, along with other political leaders, paid heartfelt honors to Mr. Purandare earlier this year, on the occasion of the historian’s 99th birthday, with the Prime Minister welcoming Mr. Purandare via video message. Among others who paid generous tributes to the historian were Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader Mohan Bhagwat and former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray personally visited Mr. Purandare’s residence to felicitate him.