The text of the prime minister's condolence message:
I was deeply grieved to hear of the sad passing away of Shri P N Dhar, one of our most distinguished public servants. Shri Dhar was a well known economist in his own right and was one of the founders of the Delhi School of Economics.
He was a close adviser of Shrimati Indira Gandhi and served as her principal secretary in the 1970s during a difficult period of our history.
I had a long personal association with Shri Dhar. I gained immensely from my interactions with him and his insights on policy making and governance.
I will remember him as a public servant of the highest pedigree who embodied the finest values and principles of public service. I deeply mourn the sad demise of Shri Dhar and convey my deepest condolences to his family and well wishers and admirers.
