New Delhi, July 18 (ANI): An extra-ordinary general body meeting of the All India Jat Mahasabha, an apex consortium of Jats was held in New Delhi earlier this week to mourn the passing away of its President, Dara Singh, the veteran wrestler-turned-movie actor and former Member of Parliament.

Speakers recalled his yeoman's contribution to their association in various capacities and termed his death as a great loss for the community as well as the nation.

Dara Singh breathed his last at Mumbai on 12 July after a brief illness.

After paying rich tributes to the departed soul, the meeting nominated the prominent patron of the 117-year organisation, Ajay Singh as its Working President.

A graduate of Delhi University's St. Stephen's College and University of Canterbury, New Zealand, Ajay Singh (62) is a versatile public figure.

He was a legislator of UP between 1986 and 1989 before emerging on the national scene as a parliamentarian of Janata Dal in 1989. In the National Front government, he was the Minister of State for Railways.

A noted journalist and writer, Ajay Singh also served as India's High Commissioner to Fiji at a crucial period when the South Pacific island country witnessed political upheaval.

He will be the Working President till the next general body meeting of the Mahasabha is convened. By Suresh Panje (ANI)