NEW DELHI, Aug 23: Eminent journalist and author Kuldip Nayar, who fought fiercely for press freedom and civil liberties, died here early today. He was 95.
Nayar died around 12.30 am at the Escorts hospital, his elder son Sudhir Nayar said. He was suffering from pneumonia and was admitted to the hospital five days back.
The veteran journalist, a proponent of India-Pakistan peace, is survived by his wife and two sons. His last rites were performed at the Lodhi crematorium in New Delhi at 1 pm.
Nayar, who was born in Sialkot in Pakistan in 1923, began his career in journalism in the Urdu language press and went on to serve as editor of several newspapers, including Indian Express and The Statesman.
Known not just as one of India’s most respected journalists but also as an advocate for human rights, Nayar served as India’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom in the 1990s and was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 1997. The journalist-author was arrested during the Emergency.
Condolences poured in as news of his death came in.
Describing Nayar as a veteran editor and writer, diplomat and parliamentarian, President Ram Nath Kovind said he was “a determined champion of democracy during the Emergency” and would be missed by his readers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Nayar’s strong stand against the Emergency, public service and commitment to the country will always be remembered.
“Kuldip Nayar was an intellectual giant of our times. Frank and fearless in his views, his work spanned across many decades. His strong stand against the Emergency, public service and commitment to a better India will always be remembered. Saddened by his demise. My condolences,” Modi said in a tweet.
The Editors Guild of India said in its message that Nayar’s many legendary news scoops will continue to inspire generations of young journalists for their sharpness, credibility, speed and standards of due diligence.
Nayar, a founder member and president of the Guild, was one of the doyens of Indian journalism, it said in a statement.
Terming him a “reporter’s editor”, the Guild said he held many leadership positions in news organisations, providing both edge and depth to their formidable team of reporters and editors.
“An exemplar, Kuldip Nayar fought through his writings the oppressive Emergency regime that had imposed curbs on media freedom and as a result of which he was also arrested,” it said. The Guild, it said, will also soon consider a proposal to honour Kuldip Nayar’s memory and contributions to journalism. (PTI)
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