Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 11: Former Haryana MLA and Arya Samaj leader Swami Agnivesh, passed away on Friday evening due to liver cirrhosis. He was admitted to hospital in a critical condition.
The 80-year-old social activist was in a serious condition following which he was admitted to the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences in New Delhi. He was on a ventilator since Tuesday due to multiple organ failures.
Swami Agnivesh founded a political party, Arya Sabha, that was based on the principles of the Arya Samaj in 1970. He was involved in various areas of social activism including campaigns against female foeticide and the emancipation of women. Agnivesh was also a prominent associate of Anna Hazare during India Against Corruption's campaign in 2011.
Expressing grief over his death activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan said, "The demise of Swami Agnivesh is a huge tragedy. A true warrior for humanity and tolerance. Among the bravest that I knew, willing to take huge risks for public good. Was brutalised in Jharkhand by a BJP/RSS lynch mob 2 yrs ago. Liver got damaged. RIP Agnivesh ji."