Kuldip Nayar an institution in himself: Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore

New Delhi: The mortal remains of veteran  journalist and author Kuldip Nayar, who died on Thursday, were consigned to flames, as grieving friends, families, admirers and a large number of public figures bid farewell to a man, who was often described as an “institution in himself”.

Nayar, 95, died  at a private hospital at about 12:30 am and his funeral at the Lodhi Crematorium was attended by former vice-president Hamid Ansari, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia, veteran photo-journalist  Raghu Rai, artist  Jatin Das, and several journalists and former colleagues.

Mr Rai, who worked with him during the 60s and 70s at the The Statesman, described his departure as an “end of an era”. He said : “Kuldeep Naar  was last of those editors, who stood for truth, honesty and commitment in their profession. And, till the last days, he stood for integrity and commitment for his country that he loved so deeply.”

Born in Sialkot in Pakistan in 1923, Nayar began his journalistic journey with the Urdu press and went on to serve as editor of several newspapers, including Indian Express and The Statesman. He was arrested during the Emergency. Mr Rai said Nayar  fought fiercely for press freedom and civil liberties and to improve the ties between India and Pakistan, Rai said.

Union Sports Minister Rathore said Nayar was not just an eminent journalist, “he was an institution in himself”, in every aspect. Mr Rathore said : “He stood steadfast in what journalism stands for, a true definition of it in every aspect, intellect-wise or the ability to keep people informed without any prejudice. And, I hope and pray that his legacy.

Delhi CM Arvind  Kejriwal described Nayar’s death as a “great loss to the nation”. “His absence will be sorely felt,” the chief minister said.