In Padgaonkar's demise India has lost an outstanding journalist: President Mukherjee

President Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the passing away of Veteran journalist and former managing editor of the Times of India Dileep Padgaonkar

In a condolence message to his wife, Latika Padgaonkar, the President said, "I am sad to learn about the passing away of your husband, Shri Dileep Padgaonkar.

Stating that Padgaonkar was a scholar, columnist and Editor who maintained the highest standards of journalism throughout his career, the President emphasised that in his demise the nation has lost an outstanding journalist, great human being and a well known public figure.

"He will always remain a role model for the younger generation in the profession," President Mujherjee said.

"Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey them to the members of your family. I pray to the Almighty to give you and your family the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss," he added.

Padgaonkar passed away in Pune on Friday. He was 72.

Soon after news of his passing was circulated, several people took to Twitter to express their condolences.

Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted, "Very saddened by passing away of dear friend, veteran journalist Dileep Padgaonkar. Condolences to the family. RIP @dpadgaonkar."

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia tweeted, "Sad to know about the passing away of Dileep Padgaonkar, one of the most well known editors of our time. #RIP."

"My first editor Dileep Padgaonkar, a man of culture and intellect, someone who encouraged young talent, has passed away. RIP," India Today anchor Rajdeep Sardesai tweeted.

Times of India journalist Sagarika Ghose tweeted "Terribly saddened to hear that my first boss at @timesofindia and old friend Dileep Padgaonkar has passed away. RIP."

The veteran journalist was part of a three-member interlocutors' team that was chosen by the Centre in 2010 to hold a dialogue with all sections of the people in Jammu and Kashmir.

He began his career in journalism at the age of 24 and joined Times of India as its Paris correspondent after receiving a doctorate in humanities from the Sorbonne in June 1968.

He served as its editor for six years from 1988. From 1978 to 1986, he worked with UNESCO in Bangkok and Paris.