"I am deeply grieved to learn of the passing away of Shri S.R. Sankaran. Shri Sankaran was a very fine human being and an outstanding civil servant. His commitment to public service, and to the disadvantaged sections of our society was deep and unswerving. His life and work, the very high moral standards he lived by and his simplicity will continue to inspire civil servants in the future. I offer my condolences to his family members and friends and pray for peace of his soul."