New Delhi, Nov 23 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday condoled the death of distinguished physicist and former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief M.G.K. Menon, terming his demise a "great loss for the country".

In a condolence message to Menon's wife Indu Menon, the President said, "I am sad to learn about the passing away of Prof. M.G.K. Menon."

"An acclaimed physicist and administrator, Prof. Menon will be long remembered for his service to the nation in various capacities including as MoS (Minister of State) for Science and Technology and Education, member of Planning Commission, member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), President of Indian Statistical Institute and Director of TIFR."

The President said that Menon distinguished himself through investigations in the field of cosmic rays and in particular on the high-energy interactions of elementary particles.

He was a fellow of all the three Science Academies in India and President of each one of them. An asteroid 7564 Gokumenon was named in his honour in 2008. 

The President said that Menon played a prominent role in the development of science and technology in our country.

"For his exemplary services to the nation, he was honoured with numerous awards including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. His demise is a great loss for our country and its scientific community.

"Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey the same to the rest of your family members. I pray to the Almighty to give you and other members of the family strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss," the President said. 

Menon, 88, who was ill for some time, passed away at his residence here on Tuesday. He is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.