Tags: Manmohan , Pratibha

New Delhi: President Pratibha Patil and the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today condoled the death of Gyan Patnaik, widow of legendary Biju Patnaik.

The President, in her condolence message to her son and Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, said, "she was a woman of substance who had a will of steel."

"In a time when women were still struggling to gain widespread acceptance in society, to make up careers, she ventured into a career full of adventure, by training to become a pilot," Patil said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has expressed profound grief at her demise.

Terming her as a role model for the woman when they were trying to make their mark in the Indian society, Singh said, "her exemplary career as a pilot and a dedication to ensure the reach of science for the benefit of masses through Kalinga Foundation will be remembered for years to come." Gyan Patnaik died last morning at her residence here yesterday. She was 90-years-old and is survived by two sons - Naveen Patnaik and Prem, besides writer-daughter Geeta Mehta.

A Punjabi from Lahore, Gyan married Biju Patnaik, former Chief Minister of Orissa, in 1938.

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