In a condolence message to his wife, Darshan Katyal, he said "Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey the same to the rest of your family members. I pray to the Almighty to give you and other members of the family strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss."
"Shri Katyal was a much loved and admired personality in the world of media. He had a long and distinguished career, especially with 'The Hindu', 'The Statesman' and 'Hindustan Times'," a statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan said.
Mukherjee said Katyal was widely travelled and had extensive contacts in political and diplomatic circles." His services as President of the South Asia Free Media Association will be remembered by members of the media across the region," he said.