New Delhi, Nov 6 : President Pratibha Patil has condoled the passing away of the President of Ramakrishna Mission, Swami Gahanananda.

In her condolence message, she said, “The Swami was dedicated to the welfare of the poor and needy throughout his life.”

Swami Gahanananda, 91 died on Sunday after a prolonged illness.

He was elected as the 14th President of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission in May 2005.

Born in Paharpur village in Sylhet (now in Bangladesh) in October 1916, Swami Gahanananda joined the monastic order in Bhubaneswar in January 1939.

He became the general secretary of the Math and Mission in 1989 and continued in that capacity till 1992 after which he became the vice-president of the Order.

Swami Vivekananda had founded the Ramakrishna Mission Association in 1897. The body received a legal status and was registered as 'Ramakrishna Mission' in 1909. (ANI)