President Mukherjee condoles demise of S.H. Raza

President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday condoled the passing away of veteran artist S.H. Raza, who died yesterday in New Delhi at the age of 94 following prolonged illeness.

In a message to his close friend, Poet Ashok Vajpeyi, the President has said, "I am sad to learn about the passing away of veteran artist, S.H. Raza. In his death, the nation has lost a highly creative and acclaimed artist."

President Mukherjee said Raza's contribution to Indian arts was recognized through a number of awards including Lalit Kala Akademi Fellowship, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, adding that his death leaves a void in the world of art and creativity which will be difficult to fill.

"I convey my heartfelt condolences to his fans and friends. I pray for peace of the departed soul," he added.

Raza popularised globally the Indian concepts and iconography and built a towering legacy of modern art.

The acclaimed painter depicted concepts like 'Bindu', 'Purush-Prakriti' and 'Nari' in his instantly recognisable abstract works.

He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1981, the Padma Bhushan in 2007 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2013.

He was conferred in 2015 the Commandeur de la Legion d'Honneur, the highest French honour for his artistic contributions.