Senior journalist Kuldip Nayar dead

Veteran journalist, author and human rights activist Kuldip Nayar died at a hospital in New Delhi early Thursday. He was 95.

Nayar breathed his last at Escorts Hospital at around 12.30 a.m., his family said. His cremation was scheduled for 1 p.m. on Thursday.

Born on August 14, 1923, in Sialkot, now in Pakistan, Nayar was one of India's pioneering syndicated columnists and remained an influential voice in journalism and public affairs for several decades.

He began his journalism career with the Urdu daily "Anjam" in 1948. He later joined the Press Information Bureau, where he served as Press Officer to former Home Ministers Govind Ballabh Pant and Lal Bahadur Shastri.

Over the course of his long career, Nayar held several senior editorial positions. He served as editor and General Manager of United News of India (UNI) and was also the editor of The Statesman. He contributed to and worked with publications including The Indian Express, The Times, The Spectator and the Evening Star.

Nayar was also a prolific author, writing 15 books covering Indian politics, history and public life. Among his best-known works were "Beyond the Lines", "India After Nehru" and "Emergency Retold".

His journalism was particularly associated with his willingness to pursue sensitive political stories and examine events beyond their official narrative. He remained active in public life well into his 90s.

Senior journalist H.K. Dua, who had known Nayar for 54 years, remembered him as a close friend and an exceptionally committed journalist.

"Till the last, he was working. At the age of 94, he kept his interest alive in the news world. He was a great chaser of news and broke many stories in his life," Dua told IANS.

Dua said Nayar had an ability to gather information from behind the scenes and remained deeply engaged with journalism throughout his life. He also recalled Nayar's efforts to promote peace between India and Pakistan, including organising candle-light demonstrations.

Nayar's career extended beyond journalism. He was appointed India's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in 1990 and was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 1997.

His death drew condolences from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Nayar as an "intellectual giant" and recalled his opposition to the Emergency.

"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," Modi said.

President Ram Nath Kovind described Nayar as a determined champion of democracy and paid tribute to his contributions as an editor, writer, diplomat and parliamentarian.

"His readers will miss him," Kovind said while conveying his condolences to Nayar's family and associates.

With his long career spanning journalism, diplomacy, politics and public activism, Nayar remained one of India's most recognisable public intellectuals and a prominent voice on democracy and civil liberties.