Vice President Ansari condoles demise of Vinod Mehta

Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari has condoled Vinod Mehta's demise and said that he was amongst those eminent journalists and writers, who expressed their views and opinions in a fearless and outspoken manner, especially on issues of public interest and concern.

"I am deeply saddened at the passing away of Shri Vinod Mehta, one of the senior-most journalists of our country and founder-Editor-in-Chief of the 'Outlook' Magazine," Vice President Ansari said in his condolence message.

"Shri Mehta was amongst those eminent journalists and writers of our times, who expressed their views and opinions in a fearless and outspoken manner, especially on issues of public interest and concern," he added.

Vice President Ansari further said that Mehta remained firmly wedded to the principles of secularism and democracy during his long and illustrious career in journalism.

"In his departure, a bold and sane voice has been silenced which will be missed by one and all," Vice President Ansari said.

"I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. I pray to the Almighty to give them strength and fortitude to bear with their loss," he added.

Senior journalist Vinod Mehta, who was the editorial chairman of Outlook India magazine, breathed his last earlier in the day after prolonged illness. He was 72 years old.

Mehta was one of the most influential editors and had launched a number of successful publications such as the Sunday Observer, Indian Post, The Independent and The Pioneer (Delhi edition).