Veteran journalist Dileep Padgaonkar passes away in Pune; tributes pour in

Pune: Veteran journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, a well-known author and former editor of The Times Of India, died at a private hospital here on Friday morning, officials said. He was 72. He was admitted to the Ruby Hospital on November 18 following a massive heart attack.

My last touch with Dileep Padgaonkar. He dropped me to my Reuters office. "Agriculture is now a part of the knowledge economy," he said. RIP

— Madhavan Narayanan (@madversity) November 25, 2016

The passing away of #DileepPadgaonkar has left a void. He represented the old school of journalism. #RIP — Sheila Dikshit (@SheilaDikshit) November 25, 2016

Very saddened by passing away of dear friend, veteran journalist #Dileep Padgaonkar Condolences to the https://t.co/l5ITu7AR0F @dpadgaonkar

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) November 25, 2016

RIP Dileep Padgaonkar, too young to go. Truly young editor in an era of oldies, and among the most non-hierarchical. Generous, erudite & fun — Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) November 25, 2016

My first editor Dileep Padgaonkar, a man of culture and intellect, someone who encouraged young talent, has passed away. RIP

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) November 25, 2016

My sincere condolences on the sad demise of eminent journalist #DileepPadgaonkar May the soul of the departed rest in peace. — Dr. Misa Bharti (@MisaBharti) November 25, 2016

Later, he suffered multiple organ failure and was on dialysis after his kidneys stopped functioning. Born in Pune and educated at St Vincent High School and Fergusson College here, he went to France and studied for a doctorate at the University of Paris-Sorbonne. In 1978, he served with the UNESCO at Bangkok and later in Paris in different capacities with its Information Section. Earlier, he was the Paris correspondent of the Times of India and later, after coming to India, became its editor.