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Condolences pour in after senior scribe Padgaonkar’s demise
MUMBAI: Eminent personalities poured out their grief through social media after the passing away of the senior journalist Dileep Padgaonkar. The former editor of the Times of India died of renal failure this morning at the Ruby Hospital in Pune at the age of 72.
Padgaonkar began his career in journalism at the age of 24 and joined the Times as its Paris correspondent after receiving a doctorate in humanities from the Sorbonne in June 1968. He served as its editor for six years from 1988. Recently, he was among the Kashmir interlocutors appointed by the UPA.
Journalists and politicians took to Twitter:
Saddened by the demise of renowned Journalist, Shri Dileep Padgaonkar. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. RIP.
— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) November 25, 2016
Just heard that my friend and former editor, Dileep Padgaonkar, passed away in Pune. Terrible loss, feel gutted.
— Siddharth (@svaradarajan) November 25, 2016
Padgaonkar helmed TOI at a crucial time, a man of great culture and wit, he strived to raise the intellectual level of Indian journalism
— Siddharth (@svaradarajan) November 25, 2016
My first editor Dileep Padgaonkar, a man of culture and intellect, someone who encouraged young talent, has passed away. RIP
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) November 25, 2016
Sad to hear about d demise of senior journalist Dileep Padgaonkar. Condolences.
— Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) November 25, 2016
Sad to hear of the demise of senior journalist Dileep Padgaonkar. My condolences to his loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.
— Naveen Jindal (@MPNaveenJindal) November 25, 2016
Terrible to hear about the passing of editor & friend Dilip Padgaonkar. Erudite, always up for fine food, fine argument, always civil, warm
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) November 25, 2016
RIP Dileep Padgaonkar, too young to go. Truly young editor in an era of oldies, and among the most non-hierarchical. Generous, erudite & fun
— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) November 25, 2016
Dilip Padgaonkar gone. He was such a strong, consistent voice, so generous with his advice and help to younger journalists.
— Nilanjana Roy (@nilanjanaroy) November 25, 2016
RIP #DileepPadgaonkar . A distinguished editor, a thorough gentleman. In a world gone mad, his voice restored faith in the journalism of old
— Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) November 25, 2016
The passing away of #DileepPadgaonkar has left a void. He represented the old school of journalism. #RIP
— Sheila Dikshit (@SheilaDikshit) November 25, 2016
Very sad to know of the demise of veteran journalist Dileep Padgaonkar ji. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) November 25, 2016
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
