Many fondly recall Jaitley's helpful nature, love for food as they bid him farewell

Friends and admirers bid an emotional farewell to former Union minister Arun Jaitley on Sunday, remembering him a leader without the pretensions of his high position who helped many in need and loved to talk about cuisine at length.

The 66-year-old passed away at AIIMS here on Saturday and was cremated with full state honours at Nigambodh Ghat on Sunday afternoon.

Scores of people thronged the cremation ground with wreaths and flowers in their hands, hoping to get one last glimpse of the leader.

While some knew him since college days, a few said they grew up learning the nuances of public speaking from him.

"We have lost a great parliamentarian. I would participate in debates in college days and would listen to Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj to learn from them," a government employee said.

Jaitley held high positions but it never came in the way of him helping others, he said.

Many others also shared stories of Jaitley helping people in their hour of need.

H N Sharma, 74, political ...