Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 25: Om Prakash Saraf, doyen of journalism in J&K and eminent public figure passed away at his residence here today.
He was 96 and had a legion of admirers in all sections of society and in all age groups on both sides of Pir Panjal. He had a sharp mind and memory till the end and was known as a noble soul.
His family members including his both sons-Subhash Saraf and well known journalist Pushp Saraf, were by his side when he breathed his last around 10 am.
As per his wish and pledge to the Government Medical College, Jammu in 2015, his family donated his body to the Anatomy Department of the College at 3 pm.
Dr Sangeeta Gupta of the Anatomy Department, who received the body on behalf of the College, described it as a ‘rare gesture’ saying it will help in “medical research and scientific learning”.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, in her condolence message, recalled the contribution of Om Saraf describing him as the “doyen of journalism” in the State. “His passing away has left a vacuum in the journalistic fraternity and public life, which would be difficult to fill,” she said.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, rang up the family members from Surat in Gujarat, where he is campaigning in the elections, to express sympathy and solidarity with the family in this hour of grief. He recalled his association between the two families and described Om Saraf as last of the giants in the State.
Dr Farooq Abdullah, NC president and former Chief Minister, who was among the first visitors to the Saraf residence immediately after learning about his death, said that to the best of his knowledge, it was the second time a public figure has donated his body for the noble cause. He recalled that Communist stalwart Jyoti Basu, former Chief Minister of West Bengal, was the first public figure to do so. NC leaders-Devender Singh Rana, Nasir Aslam Wani and Javed Rana also accompanied Dr Abdullah to Saraf family residence to pay their tributes to the veteran journalist.
Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved Saraf family and recalled his association with Om Saraf. He said the death of Saraf has created a void in the field of journalism.
Works Minister Naeem Akhter called Pushp Saraf from Kulgam in Kashmir to recall his association and ties with the Saraf family. He said the Saraf family has carried forward the journalistic legacy pioneered by Mulk Raj Saraf and then passed on to Om Saraf and now his son Pushp Saraf.
BJP veteran Prof Chaman Lal Gupta rushed to the GMC Jammu to pay his homage immediately on learning about Saraf’s death. Prof Gupta said his ‘old friend’ has left him. PDP leaders Nizam-ud-Din Bhat and State secretary Fallail Singh and many journalists and close family friends also visited the residence of Om Saraf.
CPM general secretary MY Tarigami, MLA, in his condolence message, described Om Saraf as “pioneer and highest personality” of the State. He said he used to talk repeatedly to Omar Saraf and learnt from his experiences.
Om Saraf, who was a man of great conviction, honesty and integrity, was founder of the first nationalist party-Praja Socialist Party in the State, which attracted large number of educated young men. He contested elections, which few dared to at that time, to strengthen democratic fervor. He was last surviving founder of National Conference in Jammu, contested first election from Amirakadal constituency and last from Udhampur. He was a key founder of Janata Party in the State along with Maulana Masoodi and was a nominated member of the Legislative Council.
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