PM Modi expresses his condolences on the demise of Babasaheb Purandare, that his efforts will live on.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences on the loss of Babasaheb Purandare, a prominent historian-writer and Padma Vibhushan awardee, who died on Monday morning (November 15, 2021) at the age of 99. PM Modi said he is "pained beyond words" and that Babasaheb's legacy will live on thanks to his considerable works.

The Prime Minister commented on his official Twitter account, "I am pained beyond words. The demise of Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare leaves a major void in the world of history and culture. It is thanks to him that the coming generations will get further connected to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His other works will also be remembered."

Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare, according to PM Modi, was "witty, knowledgeable, and had a wealth of knowledge" about Indian history.

"I had the honour of interacting with him very closely over the years. A few months back, had addressed his centenary year programme," the Prime Minister said in another tweet.

Balwant Moreshwar Purandare, also known as Babasaheb, died on Monday morning about 5 a.m. in a private hospital in Pune, Maharashtra. Due to age-related problems, he was hospitalised to the Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital a few days ago.

In 2019, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, and in 2015, the Maharashtra Bhushan. He had also written several books about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and had devoted his life to research and history.

Babasaheb also wrote and directed "Jaanta Raja," a play that has reportedly been staged by over 200 artists and translated and enacted in five languages.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has expressed his sympathies and declared that Babasaheb Purandare will be honoured with a state funeral.