Noted educationist Ranchan dead

Renowned educationist Som P. Ranchan died here in this Himachal Pradesh capital Saturday after a brief illness, his family members said. He was 82.

In a condolence message, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh expressed grief over his death, and described Ranchan as an educationist, poet, scholar, novelist and literary critic.

Governor Urmila Singh prayed to god to give peace to the departed soul.

Family members said Ranchan was hospitalised Friday. He was cremated here Saturday.

In April 2011, Ranchan's book on Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama titled "Dalai Lama: A Talkathon Scroll" was released.

The book questions the Dalai Lama's absolute categorical imperative regarding peaceful struggle at all costs against China's bestial hegemony.

Ranchan had taught English and American literature in colleges and universities in India and the US.

He was also a fellow at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study in Shimla.

After his postgraduation in English literature, Ranchan went to the US, where he stayed for about a decade. He retired as head of the English department at Himachal Pradesh University in Shimla in 1992 after serving the institute for 15 years.