New Delhi, March 4 HK Dua, a distinguished journalist and a veteran of Indian public life who held the rare distinction of heading editorial operations at three of India's leading newspapers, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 88.
He passed away peacefully this afternoon at a private hospital, a family member said.
His cremation will take place at the Lodhi Road crematorium on Thursday.
Dua was admitted to the hospital about three weeks ago. He is survived by his wife, Adity, and son, Prashant.
In a remarkable career spanning over four decades, Dua worked in journalism, served as a media advisor to two prime ministers – Atal Behari Vajpayee and HD Deve Gowda – and transitioned into the roles of a diplomat and parliamentarian.
A Padma Bhushan recipient, Dua was known for his affable personality, sharp political insight, and unwavering commitment to editorial independence. He commanded respect across the political spectrum.
Dua served as editor of The Hindustan Times (1987-94), Editor-in-Chief of The Indian Express (1994-96) and The Tribune (2003-09) and Editorial Advisor for The Times of India (1997-98).
Born on July 1, 1937, Dua also served as India's ambassador to Denmark (2001-2003).
He was a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha (2009-2015), where he made significant contributions to debates on foreign affairs and national security. He was also a member of several high-profile parliamentary committees, including the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Home Affairs.
A two-term president of the Editors' Guild of India and a steadfast defender of democratic values, Dua also served on the National Security Advisory Board and received honorary doctorates from Punjab and Kurukshetra Universities for his contributions to the Fourth Estate.
Besides the Padma Bhushan, he received several awards, including the Durga Ratan award and the Bal Gangadhar Tilak award for excellence in journalism.
Leaders across the political spectrum and members of the media fraternity expressed their condolences over Dua's demise.
"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 Singh 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."