Friday, 03 September 2021 | PNS | New Delhi
Tributes poured in for Dr Chandan Mitra, 66, who passed away late last night after being ill for some time, with the President, the Prime Minister, Union Ministers and senior party leaders recalling his robust contribution to journalism as his teary-eyed collegemate and fellow journalists remembered him as a good friend, mentor and for his “old-fashioned decency”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to condole Mitra’s demise. “Shri Chandan Mitra Ji will be remembered for his intellect and insights. He distinguished himself in the world of media as well as politics. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” the PM tweeted.
President Ram Nath Kovind said, “Chandan Mitra was an outstanding journalist and his stint as a parliamentarian added to his reputation. His understanding of Hindi heartland and its history was profound. His demise leaves a void in Indian journalism. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”
The distinguished Editor of The Pioneer was penning his biography. “I am on to it but there is no time to complete it..”, he once said in his office while detailing his love for dogs, here, there and elsewhere.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was sad to hear about Mitra’s death. “Mitra was a commentator on life and society. His death is a great loss for the world of journalism,” Mamata said in a message.
Expressing his anguish over the untimely demise of The Pioneer Editor, BJP president JP Nadda said Mitra would be remembered for his distinguished career in the field of media and service for people.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Mitra as an “immensely respected editor.”
“Anguished by the passing away Sh Chandan Mitra Ji. An immensely respected Editor, who led the @TheDailyPioneer & served as a Member of Parliament. His vast experience & insightful understanding of issues always gave readers a new perspective. A huge loss for journalism,” he said.
Senior BJP leader Ram Madhav described Mitra as his good friend and expressed his condolences saying “Very sorry to hear about the demise of former MP and senior journalist Sh Chandan Mitra. He was a good friend. Served on the India Foundation Board for many years until his health forced him to withdraw from public activism. Condolences to @kushanmitra and other near and dear. Om Shanti.”
Rajya Sabha MP Swapan Dasgupta and old college-time friend of Mitra also took to Twitter to express his grief. “I lost my closest friend- Editor of The Pioneer & former MP Chandan Mitra-this morning. We were together as students of La Martiniere & went on to St Stephen’s & Oxford. We joined journalism at the same time & shared the excitement of Ayodhya & the saffron wave,” he tweeted.
He posted a nostalgic photograph of Chandan Mitra and himself together during a school trip in 1972. “Be happy my dear friend wherever you are. Om Shanti,” he said in another tweet.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, a collegemate of Mitra at St Stephens, said, “Deeply saddened by this news. Chandan was my campaign manager in my successful race to be President of the St Stephen’s College Union Society, served in my Cabinet & succeeded me. We remained in touch over the years, ironically till I returned to Delhi & politics separated us. RIP.”
Another Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, “Dr Chandan Mitra had friends across the political spectrum and made very learned speeches in the Rajya Sabha. Apart from his professional qualifications, his knowledge of Hindi film music was awesome, which he used with great effect in his interventions and writings.”
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said he was anguished by Mitra’s death. He offered condolences to his family and followers.
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav said Mitra contributed immensely to the field of politics and journalism. “May his family find the strength to deal with the loss,” he added.
The Print Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta tweeted “too soon to go dear Chandan Mitra. You will be sharp, curious and large-hearted wherever you are. Among the finest reporter-editors of our generation. Never let political choices come in the way of professionalism, friendship or old-fashioned decency…”
Union Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted, “Deeply saddened at the passing away of former Rajya Sabha MP and senior journalist Shri Chandan Mitra ji. His contributions to the field of media and politics will be long remembered. May God give his family the strength to overcome this loss. Om Shanti!”.
Many of the journalists who were mentored by Mitra at different publications recalled his approachable attitude towards greenhorns.
Ashok Malik said, “Crushing to hear of Chandan Mitra’s passing. My first boss in Delhi when I moved here in ‘94, learnt so much from him. A very fine mind and trailblazer in Indian journalism, with a passion for politics and a lifetime of ishq with Hindi film songs. God give him peace. Om Shanti “.
“Very saddened to hear of the passing of senior colleague #ChandanMitra. Worked with him when I first joined @timesofindia, Chandan was brilliant and always encouraging, and always up for a joust. His knowledge of @INCIndia was unparalleled. Farewell Chandan. Travel well,” said journalist Sagarika Ghose in her tribute.
Senior journalist Kanchan Gupta who for a long time worked with the late Editor in The Pioneer said, “My dear friend Chandan Mitra, editor of The Pioneer, is no more. May happiness travel with him to the other side. Till we meet again, memories will remain”, he added in his tweet.
Insolvency Resolution Professional (IRP) of CMYK Ranjeet Verma expressed his condolence at the passing away of Dr Mitra saying, “It was an irreparable loss to The Pioneer family.”
