Veteran Indian journalist Kuldip Nayar dies aged 95
He was among the first syndicated columnists in the country
Veteran Indian journalist Kuldip Nayar, who fell foul of the establishment and was jailed during Emergency and a peacenik on India-Pakistan relations, died at a hospital here. He was 95.
He breathed his last at the Escorts Hospital, where he was brought for treatment of pneumonia five days ago. He is survived by his wife Bharti and two sons, Sudhir and Rajiv.
Nayar, a multi-faceted personality, was among the country’s first syndicated columnists. He was an opinion columnist on South Asian issues for Gulf News for more than a decade. He had served as India’s High Commissioner to Britain in 1990 and was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 1997.
Eminent journalist and author Kuldip Nayar, who fiercely fought for press freedom and protecting civil liberties, passed away early yesterday. He was 95.
Nayar died at around 12.30am at the Escorts hospital, his elder son Sudhir Nayar said.
He was suffering from pneumonia and was admitted to the hospital five days back, Sudhir Nayar said.
The journalist is survived by his wife and two sons. His last rites was to be performed at Lodhi crematorium at 1pm yesterday.
Nayar, known as a crusader for civil rights and press freedom, worked in several newspapers including as the editor in the Statesman. He was an opinion columnist on South Asian issues for Gulf News for more than a decade.
He had also served as the Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in the 1990s and was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 1997.
He was arrested during the Emergency.
Bid to improve Pakistan ties
Nayar was also known for his efforts to improve frosty relationship between India and Pakistan including leading peace activists to light candles on the Independence days of Pakistan and India at the Attari-Wagah border near Amritsar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of Nayar, saying his 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.
Editor of the Week magazine Sachidanand Murthy remembered Nayar’s contribution in fiercely protecting press freedom and civil liberties.
“He had protested the infamous Defamation Bill which was brought by the Rajiv Gandhi government in late 1980s. He had also worked tirelessly to ensure protection of civil liberties in India,” said Murthy.
The Defamation Bill was seen as an attempt to contain free speech in India. Following public outcry, the then government had withdrawn it.
Number of books
Nayar had written a number of best-sellers including Beyond the Lines: An Autobiography and Between the Lines, a book on politics. Nayar was also one of the most respected syndicated columnists and his columns and op-eds were published in over 50 newspapers.
He was born in Pakistan’s Sialkot in 1923 and he began his career in journalism in Urdu press.