Nayar donned many hats in his decades of public life: Manmohan

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh today condoled the demise of veteran journalist and author Kuldip Nayar, while recalling the many hats the former diplomat had donned in his decades of public life.

In a letter to the late journalist's wife, Bharti, Singh said Nayar had served the country in various capacities and with great distinction.

"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 author. He wore many hats in his decades of public life.

"I write to convey to you and members of your family my heartfelt condolences on this sad occasion. May God give you strength to bear this great loss with courage and fortitude," he said in his condolence letter.

Eminent journalist and author Kuldip Nayar, who fought fiercely for press freedom and civil liberties, died here early today. He was 95.

Nayar died around 12.30 am at the Escorts hospital here, his elder son Sudhir Nayar said. He was suffering from pneumonia and was admitted to the hospital five days back.

The veteran journalist, a proponent of India-Pakistan peace, is survived by his wife and two sons. His last rites were performed at the Lodhi crematorium in New Delhi at 1 pm.

Nayar, who was born in Sialkot in Pakistan in 1923, began his career in journalism in the Urdu language press and went on to serve as editor of several newspapers, including Indian Express and The Statesman.