Imphal, October 02: The news of the death of ISKCON International Director Swami Damodara at Kolkata early morning today has plunged the peace loving people of Manipur in deep sorrow and have described it as a great loss not only for ISKCON but also for the entire humanity.

In his condolence message, Governor of Manipur Dr SS Sidhu said Damodara was an epitome of peace, love, friendship, forgiveness and understanding who stood by these principal till his last.

�Manipur is a pluralistic society and his call for peace and understanding was at the most appropriate time for the State, which is now in turmoil.

But it seems that the Supreme Being desires him to be at His side and the void left by his demise will be difficult to fill�, Dr Sidhu said, while sharing the grief and sorrow of all his near and dear ones.

Describing the death of one of the most illustrious sons of Manipur who attained international fame in the realm of humanism, Chairman of Bharat Sevak Samaj, Manipur State Branch H Kangjamba Singh said his death is an irreparable loss for the entire humanity.

Despite being a man of science, Damodara accepted the calling of Shri Krishna and devoted his entire life towards the cause of humanity, he added.

Mourning over the death of the spiritual leader, members of Manipur Peace Committee, SMMM, NYP and NYO prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed soul in its heavenly abode during a condolence meeting held at Shanti Bhavan here today.

A condolence meeting was also held at the office of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad to condole the death of Swami today.

Apart from acknowledging the contribution made by Swami for humanity during his lifetime, the meeting also observed a two minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

Aggrieved at the sudden and sad demise of Swami, members of Kasturba Gandhi Kendra, Imphal observed a one minute silence in respect of the departed soul and prayed to God for the peace of the soul during a condolence meeting held at the Kendra today with eminent scholar and retired Principal of LMS Law College, Imphal RK Jhalajit Singh in the chair.

A condolence meeting was also reportedly held at the Babupara official residence of Corporation and Veterinary Minister W Leima Devi with ex-MP W Angou Singh in the chair .

A two minute silence was also observed to show respect to the departed soul and the mourners present prayed to God for the peaceful repose of the soul in its heavenly abode.

Members of Patsoi East Development Committee have also expressed their sorrow and grief over the death of Bhaktiswarup Damodara Swami Maharaj.

CPI (M), Manipur State Committee; National Congress Party, Manipur Pradesh; National Youth Congress, Manipur Pradesh, etc have also expressed their condolence over the death of His Holiness Bhaktiswarupa Swami Damudara Swami Maharaj.