Veteran journalist Kuldip Nayar dies at 95, Modi expresses condolence
What's the story
Veteran journalist and former editor of Indian Express, Kuldip Nayar died on Thursday, aged 95. A staunch voice of dissent during the Emergency, Nayar had written 15 books including 'Beyond the Lines', 'India after Nehru' and 'Emergency Retold.' He was given the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' for his contribution in journalism at the eighth edition of Ramnath Goenka Awards, 2015. His last rites will take place at 1 PM at Lodhi crematorium.
RIP
Nayar is survived by wife and two sons, cremation today
Nayar is survived by his wife and two sons. Apart from being a journalist, Nayar also served as Indian ambassador to the UK in 1990. He was also a Rajya Sabha member in 1997. Calling him an "intellectual giant", PM Modi expressed his grief over his death. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted Nayar will be missed for his fight for human rights.
Twitter Post
He was an intellectual giant: PM Modi
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 23, 2018
Emergency
One of the strongest voices against Emergency, Nayar was jailed
Nayar was among the voices to strongly oppose Emergency implemented by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He was jailed under Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) after he led a protest against administration's excesses. "Indira Gandhi switched off the lights of democracy to make us grope in the darkness of police raj," Nayar had once written for IE about those dark days.
Media disdain
Once, Nayar expressed concerns about current state of media
Once Nayar had also expressed his disdain for the current state of media. He had said the government didn't need to take any extra-constitutional measures as the newspapers and channels have themselves become pro-establishment. He had expressed concern over 'soft Hindutva' taking over print and electronic media. "What worries me is the increasing parochialism that is overtaking society," he wrote. May his soul RIP!