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PERSONS IN NEWS - March 2022

Mar 2022

Jan 08, 2025

French Far-right Politician Jean-Marie Le Pen Dies

Jean-Marie Le Pen, a towering yet controversial figure in French politics, passed away at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy that has significantly influenced the far-right landscape in France. He was the founder and long-time leader of the National Front (now National Rally).
Le Pen's political career was defined by his provocative stances on immigration, nationalism, and Euroscepticism. His rhetoric often included xenophobic and antisemitic remarks, which made him a polarising figure both in France and internationally.

Jan 06, 2025

World's Oldest Person, Tomiko Itooka, Dies at 116 Years

Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest person, passed away at the age of 116 in January 2025. Born in May 1908, she experienced an extraordinary life, living through major historical events, including both World Wars, technological advancements, and societal changes. Her legacy continues to inspire through her resilience and longevity.
She managed her husband's textile factory office during World War II. She lived alone in Nara after her husband's death in 1979.
Tomiko married at age 20 and had two daughters and two sons. She was survived by one son, one daughter, and five grandchildren.
She was verified as the world's oldest person in September 2024, following the passing of Maria Branyas Morera, the previous record holder. She received the official Guinness World Records (GWR) certificate in September 2024.
She was honoured during Japan's Respect for the Aged Day, a national holiday dedicated to celebrating and recognising the contributions of elderly citizens.

Former Greek Prime Minister Simitis Passes Away

Former Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, who ushered the country into the European Union's single currency in 2001, died aged 88.
Simitis, a law professor and a reformist, assumed leadership of the PASOK socialist party in 1996 and was Prime Minister until 2004.

Jan 05, 2025

Veteran Scientist R. Chidambaram, Architect of India's Nuclear Programme, Dies

Eminent physicist Rajagopala Chidambaram, who played a key role in the nuclear tests of 1975 and 1998, died at the age of 88.
Chidambaram held numerous prestigious positions throughout his career, including Principal Scientific Adviser to the government of India (2001–2018), director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (1990-1993), chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, and secretary to the government of India, DAE (1993-2000).
He also served as chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (1994–1995).
Chidambaram played a pivotal role in shaping India's nuclear capabilities.
He was honoured with prestigious accolades, including the Padma Shri in 1975 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1999.

Jan 03, 2025

Veteran Journalist S. Jayachandran Nair Passes Away

Renowned writer and senior journalist S. Jayachandran Nair, known for redefining Malayalam magazine journalism with a focus on literature and culture, passed away at the age of 85.
Nair authored numerous books, including his autobiography 'Ente Pradakshina Vazhikal,' which won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2012.
His work 'Mounaprararthana Pole,' a study of filmmaker G. Aravindan, won the National Award for Best Book on Cinema in 2018.
Nair received several accolades, including the K. Balakrishnan Memorial Award, M. V. Pylee Journalism Award, and the C. H. Mohammed Koya Award.
Born in Sreevaraham in Thiruvananthapuram district, Nair began his career with the Kaumudi weekly under the editorship of K Balakrishnan.
He later worked with Malayalarajyam, Kerala Janatha, and Kerala Kaumudi.
In 1975, he joined Kalakaumudi Weekly as associate editor and later became its editor.
In 1997, when the New Indian Express Group launched Samakalika Malayalam Weekly, he became its editor, holding the position until 2013.

Jan 02, 2025

Renowned Botanist K. S. Manilal Dies

Eminent botanist and Padma Shri awardee K. S. Manilal, celebrated for translating the ancient Latin text "Hortus Malabaricus" into English and Malayalam, passed away at the age of 86.
Manilal, was a former head of the Department of Botany at the University of Calicut.
His decades-long contributions to botany, particularly his efforts to translate Hortus Malabaricus, a 17th century botanical treatise documenting the rich flora of Malabar region (south-western coast of India) into English and Malayalam, earned him widespread recognition.

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