New Delhi, Feb 9: Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today expressed his condolences on the passing away of the famous Gandhian leader, Baba Amte.

In his condolence message, Dr. Singh said: "It is with a deep sense of grief and loss that I heard about the demise of Baba Amte. A true Gandhian who worked hard to uphold Gandhian values in their true spirit, Baba Amte became a legend in his own lifetime. His life long struggle to unite people across the length and breadth of the country on national and Gandhian lines and to eliminate all forms of discrimination and bias truly make him a saint of our times."

"The work he did for the upliftment of leprosy affected people at Anandvan alone puts him in a unique class of great national figures who lived for the betterment of their fellow human beings. The footprints of Baba Amte will be permanently embedded in the sands of time and will be a guiding beacon for all those working for the common good," he added.

The Prime Minister said: "In this hour of sorrow, my heart reaches out to all those associated with Baba Amte and his millions of admirers across the nation. I pay homage to a truly great son of India and pray that his departed soul rests in peace."

Murlidhar Devidas Amte alias Baba Amte passed away at his 'Anandvan' ashram in Maharashtra's Chandrapur District at 4:15 a. m. He was 94.

He is survived by two sons.

Ramon Magsaysay Award winner, Baba Amte has devoted his life to the care and rehabilitation of leprosy patients.

His community development project at 'Anandvan' (Forest of Bliss) is recognised around the world and has done much to dispel prejudice against leprosy victims.

He also launched the 'Bharat Jodo' movements from Kanyakumari to Kashmir in 1985 and Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh in 1988, with the mission of establishing peace and raising environmental consciousness.

Trained in law, he started a practice at Warora, but moved by the poverty he saw around him and then decided to dedicate himself to social justice.

Baba Amte was born in Hinganghat in Wardha District on December 26, 1914. (ANI)