Mr Ramamohan Rao's passion for news could be seen through his work with ANI: PM

Expressing his sadness over the demise of former Principal Information Officer to the Government of India I. Ramamohan Rao, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the former's passion for news and information could be seen through his work with ANI (Asian News International) after a rich career in government.

"For Shri I Ramamohan Rao, there was nothing like retirement. After a rich career in Government, his passion for news and information could be seen through his work with ANI," Prime Minister Modi said in a letter to Mr Rao's wife Rajeshwari Rao.

Stating that the demise of Mr Rao has saddened all, Prime Minister Modi said his pioneering contribution in the field of journalism and his exemplary service to the nation would always be remembered.

"Shri I Ramamohan Rao had very rich experience in Government. His professionalism and commitment endeared him to successive governments and Prime Ministers. He witnessed many historic events unfold at very close quarters. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Rajeshwari Ji, and the rest of the family in this time of grief. May Almighty give you all the strength to bear this irreparable loss," he added.

Mr. I. Ramamohan Rao, Editor (Print) Asian News International, passed away on 13 May 2017 after a brief illness. His final rites were performed at Lodhi Crematorium in Delhi on May 15.

A widely respected personality, he was the harbinger of the vision that sustained the information spectrum of the country since independence.

Mr. Rao was actively involved with journalism and communication from 1956 to 2017. During his over six decade long career, he was witnessed to important events in post-independent India, including the Indo-China war in 1962 and the Indo-Pakistan Wars of 1965 and 1971.