Journalist, trade unionist Vasant Pradhan passes away

MUMBAI: Noted journalist and trade unionist Vasant Pradhan passed away here after a prolonged illness.

He was 90. Born on June 16, 1924, Pradhan, a freedom fighter, was arrested in 1942 for participating in the Quit India movement.

Pradhan began his journalistic career in Chitra, a Marathi daily and later became its Editor. He joined Loksatta in 1969 and retired in 1984.

Pradhan authored several books on labour law. He was also the President of Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya, Honorary Secretary of Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, Mumbai, and President of Gandhi Film Foundation.

He is survived by wife Kisan, daughters Justice Nishita Mhatre of the Calcutta High Court and Deepti Pradhan, a scientist attached to the Yale University, and son Aneesh Pradhan, a musician, who is married to classical vocalist Shubha Mudgal.