HK Dua, former Editor-in-Chief of The Tribune, passes away at 88
A towering figure in Indian journalism, Dua was widely respected for his editorial independence and sharp political insight
Veteran journalist, diplomat and former parliamentarian HK Dua passed away on Wednesday.
He was 88.
He breathed his last peacefully this afternoon at a private hospital, a member of his family said. Dua was keeping unwell and was admitted to the hospital three weeks back.
He is survived by wife Adity and son Prashant.
His cremation will take place at the Lodhi Road crematorium on Thursday.
Born on July 1, 1937, Dua was also the media adviser to two prime ministers - Atal Bihari Vajpayee and HD Deve Gowda.
He also served as India's ambassador to Denmark (2001-2003).
A towering figure in Indian journalism, Dua was widely respected for his editorial independence and sharp political insight.
Dua served as Editor-in-Chief of The Tribune from 2003 to 2009, where he was credited with strengthening the newspaper’s national profile and editorial credibility.
Over a distinguished career spanning decades, he also held senior editorial roles at The Indian Express, The Times of India and The Hindustan Times.
In 2009, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, where he contributed to debates on media freedom and public policy.
He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2008 for his distinguished service to journalism.
Leaders across the political spectrum and members of the media fraternity expressed condolences, remembering Dua as a principled editor and a steadfast defender of democratic values.
"My deepest condolences on the passing of H K Dua, a distinguished journalist, diplomat, and Padma Bhushan recipient whose commitment to truth, editorial independence, and public service enriched public discourse," Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said on social media.
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Badal said Dua upheld editorial independence with unwavering integrity, sharp insight, and commitment to democratic values.
"His contributions as a journalist and an editor across leading newspapers leave behind an enduring legacy," he said.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said: "A journalistic giant has left us." With PTI
