Veteran Chhattisgarh journalist Govind Lal Vora dies

Veteran journalist from Chhattisgarh, Govind Lal Vora, died at a hospital in New Delhi, his family today said.

He was 86 and is survived by his wife, two sons and three daughters.

Vora was the younger brother of Congress Rajya Sabha MP and AICC treasurer Motilal Vora and uncle of Congress MLA from Durg constituency Arun Vora.

Family members said that Vora died last nightat Fortis hospital in New Delhi where he was admitted recently after suffering from pneumonia and breathing-related problems.

His final rites was performed here at Marwadi crematorium this evening, they said.

Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Gaurishankar Agrawal, AICC general secretary and Chhattisgarh-in-charge PL Punia, state Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel, senior BJP and Congress leaders, journalists and officials were present there.

Vora had a long association with journalism of about six decades and was the proprietor-editor of the Hindi daily "Amrit Sandesh" for the last 34 years.

Chhattisgarh Governor Balramji Das Tandon and Chief Minister Raman Singh today expressed grief at Voras death.

In his condolence message, Tandon said that Vora had made an invaluable contribution to journalism.

His demise is an irreparable loss to journalism in the state, the Governor said.

Chief Minister Singh said that, in Vora's death, a golden era in Chhattisgarh journalism had come to an end.

Vora was a simple man and was one of the finest and brightest journalists in the entire state, CM added.