Former Times of India editor and RK Laxman chair professor Dileep Padgaonkar passed away on Friday in Pune.
The 72-year-old former journalist was admitted at the Ruby Hospital in the city on November 18. He was admitted as he had suffered from a heart attack, later he had multiple organ failure. He was on dialysis after his kidney stopped functioning.
Born on May 1, 1944, Padgaonkar, a native of Pune, matriculated from St Vincent's College and graduated in Political Science from Fergusson College, Pune.
Starting his career at 24, Dileep Padgaonkar received a doctorate in humanities from the Sorbonne in June 1968. He then worked for The Times of India as a Paris correspondent before being appointed as editor in 1988. He was at the post for six years.
He also worked as international civil servant in UNESCO in Bangkok and Paris between 1978 and 1986.
Not just with The Times of India, he has also worked as the Editor of The Gulf Today- a Sharjah-based daily.
He was part of a three-member panel appointed by the government in 2010 to suggest how India can go ahead for a political settlement in the Jammu and Kashmir problem. In April 2002, France honoured him with its highest civilian distinction, Legion d'Honneur, for his services to journalism.
Condolences have been pouring for Padgaonkar from the journalism community and from others as well.
Just heard that my friend and former editor, Dileep Padgaonkar, passed away in Pune. Terrible loss, feel gutted.
— Siddharth (@svaradarajan) November 25, 2016
My first editor Dileep Padgaonkar, a man of culture and intellect, someone who encouraged young talent, has passed away. RIP
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) November 25, 2016
Senior journalist and fmr TOI Editor Dileep Padgaonkar passes away. #RIP
— Zakka Jacob (@Zakka_Jacob) November 25, 2016
Very saddened by passing away of dear friend, veteran journalist #Dileep Padgaonkar Condolences to the https://t.co/l5ITu7AR0F @dpadgaonkar
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) November 25, 2016
Sad to hear of the demise of senior journalist Dileep Padgaonkar. My condolences to his loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.
— Naveen Jindal (@MPNaveenJindal) November 25, 2016
Oh ... this is really sad news. RIP #DileepPadgaonkar. https://t.co/s5tLbpGdQU
— Anna MM Vetticad (@annavetticad) November 25, 2016
Sad to hear about d demise of senior journalist Dileep Padgaonkar. Condolences.
— Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) November 25, 2016