President condoles journalist Arindam Sengupta's death

President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday condoled the death of senior journalist Arindam Sengupta.

"I am sad to learn about the passing away of Arindam Sengupta," he said in a message to the wife of Sengupta, who was managing editor at The Times of India.

In his death, the nation has lost an eminent journalist who made significant contribution to establishing new standards for quality journalism in the country, the president said in the message.

"I pray to the Almighty to give your family and you the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey the same to all members of

your family," he added.

Mukherjee noted that during a long and productive career, Sengupta made his mark through his writings on a range of issues including national politics, international affairs, popular films and music.

"He was warm, friendly, approachable and a source of inspiration to the younger generation of journalists," he added.

Sengupta, 61, who worked with publications like Probe magazine, The Patriot and The Sunday Observer, before holding senior editorial positions at The Economic Times and later The Times of India, died of cancer early on Thursday.