Rajya Sabha Pays Homage to Departed Leaders of Iran, Malawi, and Tanzania New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha, India’s Upper House of Parliament, observed a moment of silence on Thursday, December 1, 2022, to honor the recent passing of former leaders from Iran, Malawi, and Tanzania. Iran: Former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani The House paid tribute to Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, Iran’s former president and a key figure in the country’s Islamic Revolution. Rafsanjani served as president from 1989 to 1997 and played a prominent role in shaping Iran’s foreign and economic policies. He passed away at the age of 82 on January 8, 2017. Malawi: Former President Bakili Muluzi The Rajya Sabha also extended condolences to Malawi for the loss of its former president, Bakili Muluzi. Muluzi served as president from 1994 to 2004 and was widely credited with bringing about democratic reforms and economic growth. He passed away at the age of 86 on May 14, 2019. Tanzania: Former President Benjamin Mkapa The House paid homage to Benjamin Mkapa, Tanzania’s former president and a respected figure in African politics. Mkapa served as president from 1995 to 2005 and was known for his efforts to promote peace and development in the region. He passed away at the age of 81 on July 24, 2020. The tributes reflect India’s commitment to honoring the legacy of leaders who have made significant contributions to their nations and the world. The Rajya Sabha’s gesture serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and remembering those who have shaped our shared history.The Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of India’s Parliament, paid tribute to the late leaders of Iran, Malawi, and Tanzania who passed away tragically.The Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of India’s Parliament, paid tribute to the late leaders of Iran, Malawi, and Tanzania who passed away tragically. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed condolences for the loss of Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi and H Amir-Abdollahian of Iran, Ali Hassan Mwinyi of Tanzania, and Saulos Klaus Chilima of Malawi. President Raisi and Minister Abdollahian were involved in a helicopter accident, while former President Mwinyi and Vice President Chilima passed away due to illness and a plane crash, respectively. Dhankhar acknowledged Raisi and Abdollahian’s contributions to strengthening relations between Iran and India, and praised Mwinyi’s economic policies that benefited the Indian diaspora in Tanzania. He also expressed appreciation for Chilima’s service and his role in fostering business ties between India and Malawi. The Rajya Sabha observed a moment of silence to honor the memory of these leaders and their contributions to their nations and international relations.Rajya Sabha Pays Tribute to Deceased Leaders New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha observed a moment of silence on Thursday to pay tribute to three former leaders who recently passed away. Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani Former Iranian President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani passed away on January 8, 2017. He was 82 years old. Rafsanjani served as President from 1989 to 1997 and was a prominent figure in Iranian politics for decades. Bingu wa Mutharika Former Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika passed away on April 5, 2012. He was 78 years old. Mutharika served as President from 2004 to 2012 and was known for his authoritarian style of government. Jakaya Kikwete Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete passed away on March 21, 2023. He was 76 years old. Kikwete served as President from 2005 to 2015 and was praised for his efforts to promote peace and democracy in Africa. The Rajya Sabha expressed its condolences to the families and governments of the deceased leaders. The Upper House also commended their contributions to their respective countries and the global community.