New Delhi, Feb 27 : Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has condoled the passing away of Prof. P. V. Indiresan, former director of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras.

"It is with a deep grief that I learnt of the passing away of your husband, Prof. P. V. Indiresan," Dr. Singh said in a condolence message to Mrs Jaya Indiresan.

"Prof. Indiresan was a respected educationist, an admired teacher and an exceptional human being. His contributions to higher technical education and policy issues related to innovation and education, in the country were invaluable," he said.

"During his long and illustrious career, especially the period of working at the IITs, he served the nation with great distinction. The awards and citations, both national and international, that he received are testimony to his unique qualities as a researcher and teacher. His passing away has left a void that would be very difficult to fill," he added.

Dr. Singh further said: "In this hour of your bereavement, please accept my heartfelt condolences. I pray that God grant you and the family the strength to bear this grievous loss."

Dr Indiresan, who had been honoured by the government with the Padma Bhushan, had passed away in Pune on Sunday. He was 85. (ANI)