The Tribune journalist Mahesh Sharma passes away at 71 after battle with cancer

Mahesh Sharma, a cherished member of The Tribune family, passed away around 9 am today after a battle with cancer. He was 71.

He is survived by his son, Venu Gopal, who was by his side when he breathed his last at Oswal Cancer Hospital in Ludhiana, and his daughter, Jasmine, who lives in Australia.

Sharma was diagnosed with cancer only about 6-7 weeks ago after he began experiencing persistent stomach pain and indigestion. Yet, the illness never dampened his spirit or his unwavering commitment to journalism.

His passion for reporting remained intact until the very end. He would often reassure us, saying, “Madam, main stories karda ravanga, fikar na kareo” (Madam, I will keep filing stories. Don’t worry). I would always reply, “Your health comes first, Mahesh ji. Don’t worry about work.” But true to his unwavering dedication, he filed a story even after undergoing his first chemotherapy session.

On July 9, he filed his last story for the Ludhiana edition’s sports page which highlighted the growing concern over sports injuries, noting that increased participation in sporting activities without proper guidance had led to a rise in such cases.

For The Tribune family, his loss is irreparable. During periods of staff shortage or demanding assignments, Mahesh Sharma was someone everyone could depend upon. He never hesitated to shoulder additional responsibilities and was always ready to help colleagues by sharing contacts, leads, and valuable sources to ensure the best possible reporting.

Mahesh Sharma was associated with The Tribune from 2001 until his final breath. Alongside his journalistic career, he served as a cashier with the State Bank of India and retired in 2017.

“My father never lost hope. Even when he was put on a ventilator yesterday, he fought with all his strength. His blood pressure suddenly dropped, and he passed away this morning,” said his son, Venu Gopal. The family is awaiting the arrival of his daughter from Australia before performing the last rites at Mandi Ahmedgarh.

Beyond his professionalism, Mahesh Sharma will be remembered for his warmth, and thoughtful nature. He never visited The Tribune office empty-handed. On one occasion, he brought packets of the famous Mandi Ahmedgarh milk cake especially for Editor-in-Chief Jyoti Malhotra and other colleagues, a simple yet heartfelt gesture that reflected the kind of person he was.

Mahesh Sharma’s dedication, humility touched everyone who had the privilege of working with him.

His stories may have come to an end, but the legacy he leaves behind will continue to inspire us all in The Tribune.