Inder Malhotra a stalwart of journalism: Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today described eminent journalist Inder Malhotra as a "stalwart" of journalism and expressed sadness at his death.

Malhotra, who helmed a string of top publications and was an accomplished political commentator, passed away yesterday at the age of 86.

President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Congress President Sonia Gandhi have expressed grief at Malhotra's demise.

Malhotra began his career at the United Press of India news agency and went on to hold editorial positions at leading dailies.

Malhotra was Editor of The Times of India, New Delhi from 1978-86. Before that he worked for The Statesman for 15 years, first as the Political Correspondent and Chief of the Bureau and then as Deputy Editor.

Shri Inder Malhotra was a stalwart of Indian journalism, whose work will always be respected & remembered. Saddened by his demise. RIP.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2016

In his later years, Malhotra turned a columnist for various publications and offered deep insights into India's political history through his writings, most notably through his column 'Rear View'.

Malhotra, a recipient of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Award (Lifetime Achievement), also authored few books including former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's biography, 'Indira Gandhi: A Personal & Political Biograpy (1989)'.