Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his condolences over the death of veteran journalist, Zafar Agha. The 70-year-old former National Herald editor-in-chief died at Fortis Hospital in Vasant Kunj, south Delhi. The death was due to a brief illness.

Taking to his X (formerly twitter), Rahul Gandhi said Agha was a “stalwart in the world of journalism, was a friend, philosopher, guide and inspiration to many. He stood steadfastly for the values upon which our Republic is founded”.

He expressed his deepest condolences to the friends, family and friends of Zafar Agha.

 

I was saddened to learn about the passing of Zafar Agha ji, a veteran journalist, columnist, and former Editor-in-Chief of the National Herald, Navjivan and Qaumi Awaz.

He was a stalwart in the world of journalism, was a friend, philosopher, guide and inspiration to many. He… pic.twitter.com/mkR0pG4L9L

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 22, 2024

In his journalistic career that sprawled over 45 years, Agha worked with several renowned news outlet. Starting hi journalistic career with Link Magazine in 1979, he worked with The Patriot, Business and Political Observer, India Today, ETV, and Inquilab Daily. He also worked as the editor of Urdu daily Quami Awaz, which belonged to National Herald Group. his final stint was as the editor-in-chief of the National Herald.

Zafar Agha also served as the member and officiating chairperson of The National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions till 2017.

Taking to their X account, National Herald also voiced their sorrow in the veteran journalist’s demise.

 

With deep sorrow we inform you of the demise of Zafar Agha, editor-in-chief of @Qaumi_Awaz in New Delhi this morning. The veteran journalist and columnist in English, Urdu and Hindi joined us in 2017. He was formerly editor-in-chief of the Associated Journals (including Navjivan) pic.twitter.com/dFmxjY7lm4

— National Herald (@NH_India) March 22, 2024

Other than Rahul Gandhi, other prominent figures like Mrinal Pande and Rajdeep Sardesai posted condolences on the death his death.

 

#RIP soon after losing Sujata Anandan, a friend and colleague from National Herald, this morning we lost another much respected and loved colleague Zafar Agha. A close personal friend Zafar Bhai was a rarity in these times : a fine, honest journalist w a quiet sense of humour.

— Mrinal Pande (@MrinalPande1) March 22, 2024

 

Sad news: Zafar Agha, veteran journalist passed away this morning. In the 1990s when I first moved to Delhi, Zafar bhai was very kind to introduce me to a number of politicians especially those from the Janata Dal which was a major force in those days. Gentle to a fault, he also… pic.twitter.com/C76FC8qbNu

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) March 22, 2024