Good bye ... Mr. 'Citizen President'

Former Indian president KR Narayanan has died at the aged of 85. Mr Narayanan was the first member of the Dalit or 'untouchable' caste to become president, a position he held from 1997 to 2002.

Mr Narayanan had been suffering from poor health for some time. Obituary on BBC.

Shri Kocheril Raman Narayanan was the President of India from July 25, 1997 - July 25, 2002. Shri Narayanan was born on October 27, 1920 in the village of Uzhavoor in Kottayam district, Kerala. Eminent scientist APJ Abdul Kalam had taken over as India's eleventh president after Mr Narayanan's 5 year term.

A scholar and writer, Shri Narayanan has authored these books:
- Nehru and his vision [D.C. Books, 1999]
- India and America: essays in understanding [Asia book corporation of America, 1984]
- Images and insights
- Non-alignment in contemporary international relations (Joint authorship)

He has also contributed a number of articles on social, political, international and literary matters in various magazines and periodicals.