FORMER vice president of VHP Mahant Ramprakash Dass passed away at Fortis hospital in Mohali on November 13 where he had been admitted after sustaining injuries in an accident recently. He was 81. Born on March 20, 1934 at Bhumbitad village of Hoshiyarpur Mahant Ramprakash Dass was handedover to Baba Bharat Das of Baba Lal Dayal Darbar in his childhood. He became Shri Mahant of the Darbar at the age of 16 and remained on this post continuously for 61 years. He also served as Health Minister of Punjab in the Cabinet of the late S Lachhman Singh Gill. He was associated with many religious and social organisations. He actively participated in agitations for cow, Ganga and Sri Ramjanmabhoomi. Paying tribute to the departed soul joint organising secretary of the VHP Shri Champat Rai described him a true ‘Ramanandi’. He said Mahantji dedicated his entire life for the uplift of downtrodden and the welfare of the Hindu society.
