Noted journalist Prabhash Joshi dies - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Noted journalist Prabhash Joshi died of a heart attack here last night. Joshi, 72, was admitted to a private hospital after he complained of chest pain where doctors declared him dead. Joshi, who began his career with Nayi Duniya, was the founder editor of leading Hindi daily "Jansatta" in 1983. He also worked with the Indian Express as the resident editor at Ahmedabad, Chandigarh and Delhi . He was also famous for his writings on cricket. He was a popular television commentator and mainly invited for his views and comments on national politics during the Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha elections. The Editors Guild of India mourned the untimely demise of veteran editor, columnist and Gandhian activist. Joshi was one of the active members of the Guild, who had strived hard throughout his career in journalism to uphold freedom of the press and worked for perfecting professional standards. He was one of the pioneers of Hindi journalism, who introduced new styles of writing both in political and sports fields. Joshi launched Jansatta and as its editors for 12 years, broke new ground in journalism. He continued as the chief editorial adviser. He was also very adept in English journalism, as he served the Indian Express as Resident Editor at Ahmedabad, Chandigarh and Delhi. Joshi's column Kagad Kare and his commentaries on proceedings of Parliament and state legislature were eagerly anticipated by readers of the newspapers he served. Recently he had launched the weekly column Aughat Ghat in Tehelka Hindi. Joshi has led the struggle against repression of press freedom during the Emergency. He always believed that freedom of the press was not only for journalists and editors, but it was a right enjoyed by the citizen. Hence he was always insistent that journalists should use press freedom only on behalf of the people, and on behalf of any vested interest. The Guild conveys its heartfelt condolences to Usha Joshi and other members of the bereaved family. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan in his condolence message to Joshi's wife Usha Joshi, said: "I am deeply grieved to learn of the sudden and sad demise of your husband Prabhash Joshi, a veteran journalist of our country. Joshi was a man of extraordinary intellectual courage and professional integrity. He acquired an iconic status as the founder-editor of the Hindi daily, Jansatta. A whole generation of journalists drew inspiration from him, especially in questioning the current orthodoxy. On this sad occasion, I convey my heart felt condolences to you and other near and dear ones of your husband. I pray for peace of the departed soul."