New Delhi, Nov 27 (IANS): Hailing Constituent Assembly member Chaudhary Ranbir Singh as "a devoted Gandhian" and a "seasoned parliamentarian", President Pranab Mukherjee Thursday credited the late leader with taking the initiative for government pensions to freedom fighters.

Participating in the birth anniversary celebrations of Ranbir Singh, the president lauded the organisers for holding the event and said he joined them in offering homage to "this great soul" and "worthy son of India."

He described the late leader as "one of the architects of the constitution".

"He took active part in the making of the constitution as member of the Constituent Assembly. He was a true Satyagrahi. The great Bhakra Project, which was dedicated to the nation by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, was completed during his tenure as irrigation minister of Punjab," Mukherjee said.

He said Ranbir Singh had worked whole-heartedly to improve the lot of the people, noting he became member of the Rajya Sabha in 1972 and Mukherjee had then interacted with him on matters of national interest.

The president said though Ranbir Singh retired from active politics on completion of his term in the upper house in 1978, he remained involved in social work through a host of organisations.

"He also worked hard for the welfare of the freedom fighters. Due to his initiative, freedom fighters were given pension by the Government," the president said.

Ranbir Singh passed away in 2009.