Padmashri Jagan Nath Kaul dead

Padmashri Jagan Nath Kaul, who was instrumental in the setting up of SOS Children's village in India and dedicated his life working for the welfare of the orphan kids and displaced Kashmiri Pandits, died on Tuesday.

Kaul was 84 and is survived by his wife Indira and four children.

Born in Srinagar in 1924, Kaul, popularly known as Papaji, was associated with the SOS Children's village since its inception in 1964. In 1989, Kaul became the president of the SOS village, a position he held till the end.

The SOS village has reached out to many thousands of children and families through 39 villages. The organisation is dedicated to the welfare and development of orphan children and strengthening disadvantaged families.

Kaul was also associated with a lot of philanthropic work for the Kashmiri Pandits who were displaced from the valley.

The construction of a replica of 'Hari Parbat', a famous temple in Kashmir, in Faridabad was his idea.

Among the awards conferred on him are Padmashri, Raja Rammohan Roy Teacher Award and Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva Award.

source : http://www.hindu.com/