Kuldeep Nayyar
Veteran journalist Kuldeep Nayyar passed away aged at the age of 95 at a Delhi hospital on Wednesday night.
Nayar breathed his last at the Escorts Hospital at 12.30 a.m., and his cremation will take place at 1 p.m. on Thursday afternoon.
Born on August 14 in the year 1923, Nayyar kick-started his career in Urdu journalism. Nayar, who was also a human rights activist, served as High Commissioner to the UK in 1990 and was also nominated to the Rajya Sabha.
A syndicated columnist, he has written several books including "Beyond the Lines" and "India after Nehru".
Kuldeep Nayyar was also a member of India's delegation to the United Nations in 1996. He was appointed High Commissioner to Great Britain in 1990 and nominated to the upper house of Indian Parliament, Rajya Sabha in August 1997.
Offering condolences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Nayyar an "intellectual giant" and recalled his work, backed by frank and fearless views.
"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," he 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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 23, 2018
Here's what the President 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."
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 #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 23, 2018
#KuldeepNayyar I lost a very good & close friend. He was a patriotic,straight forward & great human being. A veteran journalist champion on secularism who used to write without any fear. I am deeply saddened & in his death, we have lost not only a great writer but a true guide.
— SHARAD YADAV (@SharadYadavMP) August 23, 2018
Very sad to hear about the demise of Veteran Journalist #KuldeepNayyar. May the departed soul rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to the entire nation and his family & friends. #RIP pic.twitter.com/XF4S8fPLpF
— N.K Sharma (@nksharma112) August 23, 2018