Senior journalist and former Rajya Sabha member Kuldeep Nayar died around 1 am on August 23 at Escorts hospital in New Delhi. He was 95.
Elder son Sudhir Nayar said that he was suffering from pneumonia and was admitted to the hospital five days back.
His cremation will take place at Lodhi Road crematorium at 1 pm. Eminent journalist is survived by his wife and two sons.
Nayar fought for civil rights and press freedom, he worked in several newspapers, including as the editor of Statesman.
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.
In 2015, Nayar was honoured with ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the eighth edition of the Ramnath Goenka Excellence awards for his contribution to the field of journalism.
While sending condolences Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “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.”
President Ram Nath Kovind said: “Sad to hear of the passing of Kuldip Nayar, veteran editor and writer, diplomat and parliamentarian, and a determined champion of democracy during the Emergency. His readers will miss him. Condolences to his family and associates.”
