Chennai, Wednesday, August 10, 2011: Former governor of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu and senior diplomat Dr PC Alexander passed away this morning at the Medical Mission Hospital in Chennai. He was 93.

Alexander, who hails from Mavelikkara, was undergoing treatment for various ailments at a private hospital here for the past two weeks. His death came at around 8.30 a.m Wednesday.

Dr Padinjarethalakal Cherian Alexander was born in Pathanamthitta, Kerala on March 20, 1921. His body would be brought to Kochi on Friday and will be kept here for the people to pay homage. His body would be buried on Saturday in Mavelikkara.

He was considered as a candidate for the post of the President of India in 2007. During his time in Maharashtra, he had additional charge of Goa from 1996 to 1998. He was also a member of Rajya Sabha representing Maharashtra as independent candidate from July 29, 2002 to April 2, 2008.

His career includes extended stint with the United Nations and Ministry of Commerce and his high profile appointment as the powerful Principal Secretary for former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and later to Rajiv Gandhi. He also served as the Indian High Commissioner to the Court of St James.

Dr. Alexander has authored several books, articles and research papers and enjoys as high a reputation as a writer as he does as a speaker.