Kolkata, Oct 20 (IANS): Ramakrishna Math and Mission (RKM) vice president Swami Prameyananda passed away Thursday following respiratory complications. He was 79.

"Our beloved Swamiji passed away today (Thursday) at 8.25 a.m. at the city's RKM Sewa Pratisthan hospital," an organisation spokesperson said. "He was admitted to the hospital Oct 9 following respiratory complications. He was on ventilator since Monday."

His body will be kept at the Belur Math for his disciples and followers to pay their final respects. The final rites of the monk will be performed Friday.

Following the news of his death, people thronged the hospital to pay tributes.

"It is indeed a very sad day," famed litterateur Sanjib Chattopadhyay said. "We have lost a great servant of humanity and an equally great human being."

His body will be kept in the mission's headquarters at Howrah's Belur Math for people to pay their last respects, said a spokesperson of the organisation.

The RKM is a philanthropic, volunteer organisation which conducts extensive work in healthcare, disaster relief and rural management. It was founded by Swami Vivekananda on May 1, 1897.