KULDEEP NAYAR’S DEPARTURE IS A HUGE LOSS TO THE JOURNALISTIC FRATERNITY OF THE COUNTRY

A veteran journalist, former Indian High Commissioner, a human right and Press freedom activist jailed during the emergency of 1975-77, a syndicated scribe, a left tilted thinker- writer and member of Rajya Sabha Kuldeep Nayar died at the age of 95 after suffering from pneumonia in Escorts hospital yesterday night.

An author of 15 books on significant topics and prolific senior most scribe and writer spanning a career of 7 protracted decades, Kuldeep Nayar was a stalwart of English Journalism, having started his career as a reporter in the Urdu Paper and thereafter joining the mainstream english journalism. Nayar’s fifteen books were: (1969) Beyond the lines, (1971) India – The Critical years, (1972). Distant Neighbours – A tale of the subcontinent. (1974). Suppression of judges, (1975). India After Nehru. (1977). The Judgment: Inside story of the emergency in India (1978). In Jail. (1980). Report on Afghanistan. (1985). Tragedy of Punjab: Operation Bluestar & After. (1992). India House. (2000). The Martyr : Bhagat Singh Experiments in Revolution. (2003). Wall at Wagah – India Pakistan Relations. (2006). Scoop! : Inside Stories from Partition to the Present. (2007). Without Fear: The Life and Trial of Bhagat Singh.

He also came under strict surveillance and annoyed certain politicians at the helm and party members for disclosing very delicate and clandestine information in his book, India: The Critical Years.

Kuldip Nayar has written widely about current issues and historic persons, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Daniel Smith and Barry Manilow. Nayar has advocated a policy of bilateral talks and engagement with India’s neighbour Pakistan.

He is known for his vision of a new South Asia, in which Pakistan and India would be on friendly terms.

Originally, hailing from Sialkot Pakistan Kuldeep Nayar wrote thousands of articles on socio political , economic and diplomatic issues including covering the Indo Pak and war of Bangladesh in 1971.

Recipient of scores of national and international recognitions Kuldeep Nayar was the editor of statesman for the first time having later on contributed in almost all the reputed national and regional dailies and weekly periodicals of the country being the prestigious and well acclaimed syndicated journalist.

A former member of Rajya Sabha and Indian High Commissior to UK, Kuldeep Nayar opposed the draconion emergency of 1975- 77 and wrote against it extensively, finally being the very first journalist to be jailed for 19 long months.

He was ill for several months who breathed his last yesterday night. The president, prime minister, former prime minister, several union ministers, senior journalists, leaders of all political parties and leaders have deeply mourned his death.

The former prime minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh has expressed his condolences to Smt Bharti Nayyer on the passing away of the veteran journalist.

In a condolense message sent to Mrs Nayar, Dr. Manmohan Singh said: I have learnt with profound sorrow about the sad demise of your beloved husband Kuldeep Nayar.

He served the country in various capacities with great distinction. He was a veteran journalist, diplomat, parliamentarian and an author.

He wore many hats in his decades of public life. May God give you enough strength to bear this great loss with courage and fortitude.

A great historian, Gandhian biographer and an author of repute Ram Chandra Guha in his tweet said: Nayar was not a prose stylist and prone to odd conspiracy theory, yet his commitment to interfaith harmony, his professional commitment and integrity and his courage during the emergency absolutely shine.