Veteran journalist Dileep Padgaonkar dead; PM Modi condoles

He was admitted to the Ruby Hospital in Pune on November 18 following a massive heart attack

Veteran journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, a well-known author and former editor of Times Of India, died at a private hospital in Pune on Friday morning, officials said.

He was 72. He was admitted to the Ruby Hospital on November 18 following a massive heart attack.

Later, he suffered multiple organ failures and was on dialysis after his kidneys stopped functioning.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his death through tweet.

Mr. Dileep Padgaonkar was a leading public thinker whose contribution to journalism will always be remembered. Pained by his demise. RIP: PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 25, 2016

Born in Pune and educated at St Vincent High School and Fergusson College in Pune, he went to France and studied for a doctorate at the University of Paris-Sorbonne.

In 1978, he served with the UNESCO at Bangkok and later in Paris in different capacities with its Information Section.

Earlier, he was the Paris correspondent for Times of India and later, after coming to India, became its editor.