Veteran trade union leader Sharad Rao breathed his last on Thursday, following a prolonged illness. He was 77 and is survived by his wife Shanta, son Shashank and daughter Shilpa.
Veteran trade union leader Sharad Rao breathed his last on Thursday, following a prolonged illness. He was 77 and is survived by his wife Shanta, son Shashank and daughter Shilpa. Rao’s cremation will be held at the Oshiwara crematorium in Goregaon on Saturday, after Shilpa arrives from Canada.
Rao had taken over the control of trade unions run by veteran socialist leader George Fernandes after the latter moved to national politics.
“My father had been diagnosed with stomach cancer in November 2014, following which he underwent a surgery and his oesophagus was extracted. Since then, a tube had been inserted in his stomach and he was kept on a liquid diet. On Thursday, he was being taken to Nanavati hospital for his regular physiotherapy session, when he suddenly fell ill. We immediately admitted him to the casualty ward of that hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival,” Mr Shashank said. He added that his father’s body would be kept in the hospital till Saturday, after which it will be taken to his residence for family members and associates to pay last respects. Later the same day his last rites will take place.
Political leaders including chief minister Devendra Fadnavis termed Rao’s demise as the great loss of trade union movement.
