Friends and Family Honor Life of Journalist HK Dua at Funeral

Family, friends, and admirers gathered on Thursday to pay their final respects to journalist and former diplomat HK Dua, who passed away peacefully on October 25, 2023, at the age of 88. His death followed weeks of hospitalization, prompting an outpouring of tributes from those whose lives he touched throughout his distinguished career.

The ceremony took place at the Lodhi Road crematorium in New Delhi, where hundreds attended to honor a man who held significant editorial positions at several major Indian newspapers. Notably, NN Vohra, the former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and President of The Tribune Trust, led the tributes, reflecting on Dua’s remarkable contributions to Indian journalism.

Dua served as the Editor of Hindustan Times from 1987 to 1994, followed by a tenure as Editor-in-Chief of The Indian Express from 1994 to 1996. He later worked as Editorial Adviser to The Times of India and returned to editorial leadership as Editor-in-Chief of The Tribune from 2003 to 2010. His career also included serving as media adviser to former Prime Ministers HD Deve Gowda and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, reflecting his ability to navigate both journalism and politics with ease.

Vohra expressed his sorrow, stating, “He served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Tribune Group of Newspapers with great elan for nearly seven years. Of amiable temperament and uncommon clarity, Dua possessed rare intuition in sensing an evolving event which would make great news at the domestic or international level.”

His influence was evident through the numerous prominent figures who attended the funeral, including former Union Law Minister Ashwani Kumar, former Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Gujral, and respected journalists like Shekhar Gupta and Harish Khare. Their presence underscored Dua’s impact not only in journalism but also in the broader intellectual community.

Tributes Highlight Dua’s Legacy

As tributes flowed, many remembered Dua for his integrity and commitment to truthful reporting. Justice SS Sodhi, a member of The Tribune Trust, noted, “He was known for his independence and was not one who would shy from expressing what he wanted to convey.”

Prominent Congress leader Shashi Tharoor remarked, “A journalistic giant has left us,” while former Union Minister P Chidambaram commented on Dua’s deep understanding of the social and political realities of the country, describing him as a fair commentator.

Dua began his journalism career with United News of India (UNI), covering significant events such as the funeral of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He gained recognition for his incisive political writing, breaking stories and interviewing global leaders, including former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

His editorials often tackled pressing issues, such as the controversial demolition of the Babri Masjid, which he labeled a “National Shame,” and urged political parties to stop fielding criminal candidates. His piece titled “India can’t be at war with itself” addressed the communal violence in Jammu in 2008, where he suggested that a lack of foresight had exacerbated tensions.

A Passion for Public Health

Dua was also a passionate advocate for health journalism. He played a key role in highlighting cancer care initiatives, commissioning stories about the “Cancer Train,” a service designed to provide patients from Punjab with affordable treatment in Bikaner. These stories raised awareness about the cancer epidemic in Punjab’s Malwa region, demonstrating his commitment to using journalism as a tool for social change.

The heartfelt tributes at Dua’s funeral reflect a life dedicated to journalism and service. As the gathering dispersed, many carried with them the memory of a man whose voice resonated in the halls of power and whose pen illuminated critical issues facing society. His legacy will endure through the countless lives he influenced and the standards he set in the world of journalism.