NEW DELHI: President Ram Nath Kovind and leaders from various political parties paid tributes to eminent journalist Kuldip Nayar , who passed away at the age of 95 on Thursday, describing him as an intellectual giant and a “champion of democracy” whose contribution to the cause of free speech was unparalleled.

Nayar, who fought fiercely for press freedom and civil liberties, died around 12.30am at a hospital in Delhi. He was suffering from pneumonia and was admitted to the hospital five days back.

Nayar, in fact, worked till the end — his last column appearing in a newspaper, hours after he breathed his last. He was born in 1923 in Sialkot, Pakistan, and began his career in journalism in the Urdu language press before going on to serve as editor of several English dailies.

“Sad to hear of the passing of Kuldip Nayar, veteran editor and writer, diplomat and parliamentarian, and a determined champion of democracy during the Emergency,” the official Twitter account of the Rashtrapati Bhavan posted.

“Kuldip Nayar was an intellectual giant of our times. Frank and fearless in his views, his work spanned across many decades. His strong stand against the Emergency, public service and commitment to a better India will always be remembered. Saddened by his demise. My condolences,” PM Narendra Modi tweeted.

BJP chief Amit Shah said Nayar was a committed social worker, pillar of journalism, deft diplomat and an excellent author.

The veteran journalist, a proponent of India-Pakistan peace, is survived by his wife and two sons. Pakistan’s I&B minister Fawad Ahmed Chaudhry expressed deep grief and sorrow over his demise. He said Nayar was a “shining star of lofty journalistic traditions and used the power of his pen for ending hatred and bringing the people of the entire region closer to each other”.

