NEW DELHI: President A P J Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh condoled the death of Ramachandra Gandhi, grandson of father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi.

In his message to Gandhi's brothers -- West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi and Rajmohan Gandhi -- the President said Ramachandra Gandhi was a well-known personality, philosopher, visionary, writer and an outstanding scholar. Condoling his death, the Prime Minister said that he was "deeply sad to learn" about the passing away of Ramachandra Gandhi.

Terming him as a distinguished academic and a learned scholar, Singh said "he was also a truly devoted teacher who was held in high regard and with great affection by his students. "As a symbol of simple living and high thinking, he came to epitomize the message of his grandfather," the Prime Minister said in his condolence message to his family, friends, admirers and his many students.

The 70-year-old philosopher and academician was found dead in a room at the India International Centre (IIC) yesterday. His last rites were performed by his daughter Leela Gandhi today. His widow Indu, brothers Rajmohan and Gopal Krishna, sister Tara and niece Amrita and other close family members were present.