his daughter's wedding on 29 January 2005 and slipping into a coma. He was 56 yrs of age. His body was cremated on 18 March 2008 at noon. A public prayer was held in his remembrance at Kutchi Bhuvan, Paldi, Ahmedabd on 19 March 2008. Also a similar prayer session was held in his hometown, Gandhidham on 21 March 2008. On 25 March 2008 there was a special condolence session was taken in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly. Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat and Speaker Ashok Bhatt conveyed the condolences to the family among others, and the house was adjourned for the day. It was a historical moment wherein a high honour was posthumously given to a former speaker of the assembly. On 20 December 2011 Narendra Modi honoured the statue of Dhirubhai Shah in Gandhidham, Shah's hometown, in Kutch district, a function attended by over 10,000 people. Modi described the late Shah as a man full of life, who lived a fulfilled life. Unveiling his portrait at a function in town, Modi said "Dhirubhai was one of the rare political leaders who combined values, and who never cared for posts or offices of profit or projecting political heirs. His contributions to the Sindhi community in the Gandhidham-Adipur-Kandla belt in Kutch district will be remembered for long." Modi related how Dhirubhai, even after 1,158 days illness, bore a smile of contentment while departing. His death was compared to that of the late Arvindbhai Maniar, Vasantbhai Ganjendra Gadkar and Makarand Desai. References 1952 births 2008 deaths Speakers of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly People from Gandhidham Gujarat MLAs 1998–2002 Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Gujarat