Veteran journalist and author Inder Malhotra passes away at 86

New Delhi: Veteran journalist, editor and political observer Inder Malhotra passed away in a New Delhi hospital on Saturday last. He was 86.

Malhotra complained of respiratory problems and had been on ventilator for some time. He was admitted to the hospital on May 18 and breathed his last at 1455 hours following a cardiac arrest.

One of the most deferential journalists of the country, Mr. Malhotra had worked with ‘The Statesman’ and ‘The Times of India’ as resident editor. He started his career with the 'United Press of India'. He joined it soon after graduating from the University of Punjab. He also wrote for 'The Guardian' in 1965 – 95.

Highlights:

• Malhotra was one of the few remaining ‘political observers’ of the country, who were born before and active since India gained freedom from colonial rule in 1947.
• He received the ‘Ramnath Goenka’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.
• His publications include Indira Gandhi: A Personal & Political Biograpy (1989), Dynasties of India And Beyond (2003), and a fresh biography of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi (2006).

Senior journalists and politicians across the country took to Twitter to pay tribute to the 'lost gem of journalism':

In his death, the nation has lost a veteran journalist who served as a role model for others in the profession # PresidentMukherjee — President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) June 11, 2016

Saddened to know of passing away of Inder Malhotra ji - one of the finest political commentators of our times. May his soul rest in peace.

— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) June 11, 2016

RIP #Inder Malhotra. Wise, generous, you tracked India with such insight. Editor, commentator but always a reporter at heart. Godspeed sir — Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) June 11, 2016

Sad loss Inder Malhotra, among finest of a golden generation of editors & most big-hearted by far. RIP and gratitude for all you taught me

— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) June 11, 2016

Terrible news. Family friend, guiding light for generations of young reporters. RIP https://t.co/egLdVnsIbr

— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) June 11, 2016