Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 28: Former Rajya Sabha member, veteran journalist and the last surviving Dogri Sanstha’s founder, D C Prashant, passed away at his residence in Jullaka Mohalla locality this morning.
His last rites were performed in the evening and people from all walks of life participated in the funeral procession.
Prashant was 96 and is survived by three sons and four daughters.
A veteran journalist, Prashant joined journalism in 1946 from Lahore and remained associated with Associated Press of India before independence. He, later, worked with Press Trust of India (PTI). He was also Bureau Chief of Kolkata based Hindustan Standard Delhi Edition.
He became member of Rajya Sabha in 1982 as an independent candidate supported by a united opposition. He was one of the founder members of Dogri Sanstha and fought relentlessly for the inclusion of Dogri language in Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
After the inclusion of Dogri language in Eighth Schedule, he campaigned for introduction of Dogri language in educational institutions up to post graduation level. He was also associated with many social, cultural and religious organisations.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has condoled the sad demise of veteran journalist. In his condolence message, the CM has conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has also expressed grief over death of former Rajya Sabha member and veteran journalist.
In his condolence letter, Kumar described Prashant as a veteran leader and renowned journalist. His demise is a great loss in the field of politics as well journalism, he added.
The Bihar CM prayed to the God to provide strength to family of the departed personality to overcome the loss.
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