Award winning journalist and litterateur Amitabha Chowdhury died after a prolonged illness here today. He was 87.
Chowdhury died at his residence in south Kolkata due to prolonged illness in the morning. He is survived by his only son, family sources said.
He began his career in 1948 with Jugantar, an influential daily in the city at the time. Later, he worked for Anandabazar Patrika and Aajkal.
Chowdhury received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1961 for journalism and literature for his reportage on individual rights and community interests in India.
Later, he became the director of the International Press Institute, an umbrella organization for editors and publishers of the world, from 1965-1968.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled Chowdhury's death describing him as a "front-ranking journalist of his times."
"I convey my profound grief on the demise of eminent journalist Amitabha Chowdhury, who breathed his last at daybreak today," Banerjee said in a message.
Chowdhury also authored 40 books and wrote on the life and works of Rabindranath Tagore, she said.
"State government conferred upon him in 2013 the Banga Bibhushan Award in recognition of his achievements. In 1983, Chowdhury had also been awarded the Padmashri award," Banerjee said.
"May his soul rest in peace. I convey my heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family", Banerjee said.
