President, PM Lead Twitterati In Showering Tributes On Kuldip Nayar

Created: Aug 23, 2018, 11:50 IST | Updated: Aug 23, 2018, 13:31 IST

Kuldip Nayar Twitter tributes: Veteran journalist Kuldip Nayar(95), who passed away in a Delhi hospital last night, served as an inspiration for legions of journalists and laymen alike. His presence straddled many generations and has been remembered for his writings and reportage as also his activism. Nayar, a former editor of The Indian Express, who was one of the few journalists to raise his voice against the Emergency imposed by the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, was also a civil rights activist. He was keen that India take the peace process with Pakistan forward. His syndicated column Between The Lines was very widely read and has few parallels in the history of post-Independent journalism for its incisive analysis and keen observation.

Also Read: Veteran Journalist Kuldip Nayar Influenced Youth Through Writings: YS Jagan

President Ramnath Kovind led the nation in remembering the contribution of the veteran journalist. Describing him as a champion of democracy during the Emergency, President Kovind in his tweet, added that his readers will miss him.

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

Condoling the death of Nayar, Vice-President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu observed in his tweet that nation had lost a fearless journalist and a media veteran who was keen observer of Indian politics.

Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of senior Journalist Kuldeep Nayyar. In his death, the nation has lost a fearless journalist and a media veteran, who was a keen observer of Indian politics. My condolences to bereaved family members. #KuldeepNayyar #Obituary pic.twitter.com/7spzzRJ9K3

— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) August 23, 2018

Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed Kuldip Nayar "an intellectual giant of our times. His strong stand against the Emergency, public service and commitment to a better India will always be remembered", he added.

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

Finance Minister and BJP stalwart Arun Jaitley hailed Nayar's contribution to the cause of free speech, describing it as unparalleled.

Saddened by the death of the veteran Journalist Sh. Kuldip Nayar. His contribution to the cause of free speech is unparalleled. He is credited with breaking some of the most exclusive news stories. Will be best remembered for his struggle against the emergency.

— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) August 23, 2018

BJP President Amit Shah recalled the veteran journalist's firm stand against the Emergency.

My condolences on the sad demise of veteran journalist & former Rajya Sabha member, Kuldip Nayar ji. I had met him a few months back, he was full of energy and humor. Nayar ji's firm stand against Emergency can never be forgotten. His passing away is a loss to India’s journalism. pic.twitter.com/G0wCk2nsNZ

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 23, 2018

West Bengal chief minister, Mamata Banerjee condoled the death of the former editor and senior journalist.

Saddened at the passing away of fearless, popular veteran journalist and author Kuldip Nayar. My condolences to his family, admirers and colleagues

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 23, 2018

Rajya Sabha MP and senior leader of YSR Congress party, V. Vijayasai Reddy described Nayar as a veteran journalist, great writer and amazing intellectual and added that he was the king of fearless and unbiased journalism, in his post:

Saddened to know that veteran journalist, great writer and amazing intellectual Kuldeep Nayar is no more. King of Fearless and Unbiased Journalism ...RIP Kuldeep Sir.#VijayaSaiReddy #RIP #KuldipNayar #KuldeepNayyar #RIP_Kuldeep_Nayyar

— Vijayasai Reddy V (@VSReddy_MP) August 23, 2018

Magsaysay award winner Kailash Satyarthi said that Kuldip Nayar was a pillar of support and that he was among the very few journalists who recognised the anti-child labour movement in the 80s.

Kuldip Nayar ji was a strong pillar of support for me. He was one of the very few journalists who recognised #AntiChildLabour movement in 1980s. His guidance has always been extremely valuable for us. His conviction for democracy, human rights, and peace will live forever.

— Kailash Satyarthi (@k_satyarthi) August 23, 2018

Senior journalist Shekhar Gupta described Kuldip Nayar as India's first reporter to have become an editor at a time when newsroom jobs were reserved for editorialists. His tweet further reads, "a genuine scoop-man, and Ind-Pak peace visionary ....you will be missed by journalists and peace activists."

RIP Kuldip Nayar, India’s first reporter to become editor in an era when top newsroom jobs were reserved for editorialists. A genuine scoop-man, and Ind-Pak peace visionary. You will be missed by journalists and peace activists

— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) August 23, 2018

Journalist Rajdeep Sardesai characterised Kuldip Nayar as an inspiration to several generations.

A journalist and editor who was an inspiration to several generations, who was committed to peace and democracy, who resisted all forms of authoritarian tendencies, and challenged the sword with the pen, Kuldip Nayar is no more.. RIP

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) August 23, 2018

1988 :: Journalist Kuldip Nayar Protesting Against Press Defamation Bill #RIP pic.twitter.com/Bcma2QWxtP

— indianhistorypics (@IndiaHistorypic) August 23, 2018