Kuldip Nayar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kuldip Nayar
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| Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) | |
| In office 1997–2003 |
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| Constituency | Rajya Sabha |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 14 August 1923 Sialkot, Punjab, British India (now Punjab, Pakistan) |
| Died | 23 August 2018 (aged 95) New Delhi, India |
| Education | Medill School of Journalism |
| Occupation |
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| Awards | Padma Bhushan 2019 (Posthumous) |
Kuldip Nayar (born August 14, 1923 – died August 23, 2018) was a famous Indian journalist, writer, and human rights activist. He was known for sharing his thoughts on politics for many years. He also served as India's top diplomat in the United Kingdom and was a member of the Indian Parliament.
Early Life and Education
Kuldip Nayar was born in Sialkot, Punjab, which was part of British India at the time. This was on August 14, 1923. His family was Punjabi Hindu.
He went to Murray College and then studied at Forman Christian College in Lahore. He also earned a law degree from Law College Lahore. In 1952, he received a scholarship to study journalism at the Medill School of Journalism in the United States.
Career
Kuldip Nayar started his career as a reporter for Urdu newspapers. Later, he became the editor of the English newspaper The Statesman in Delhi. He was even arrested during a tough time in India known as the Indian Emergency (1975–77). This was a period when strict rules were put in place. In 1978, he helped create the Editors Guild of India.
He was also a strong supporter of human rights and peace. In 1996, he was part of India's group at the United Nations. He became India's High Commissioner (a top diplomat) to Great Britain in 1990. In August 1997, he was chosen to be a member of the Rajya Sabha, which is the upper house of the Indian Parliament.
Nayar wrote many articles and opinion pieces that were printed in over 80 newspapers. These newspapers were published in 14 different languages. Some of them included the Deccan Herald, The Daily Star, The Sunday Guardian, and Dawn.
Peace Activist
Since the year 2000, Kuldip Nayar led peace activists to light candles. They did this on the Independence Days of Pakistan and India (August 14 and 15). This special event took place at the Attari-Wagah border between India and Pakistan.
He was good friends with a Pakistani politician named Ch. Jaleel Ahmed Khan. They both worked to promote peace between the two countries. Nayar also worked hard to help free Indian prisoners in Pakistan and Pakistani prisoners in India. These were people who had finished their jail time but were still held.
The candle vigil tradition started by Nayar in 1995 became very important. It was a way to celebrate Independence Day and remember people on both sides of the border. Even when he got older and could not attend, he inspired young people to continue this tradition. Just before he passed away, he supported a group of young people who marched for peace from Delhi to the Wagah Border.
Author
Kuldip Nayar wrote many books and articles about important topics and historical figures. He believed that India and Pakistan should talk to each other and be friendly. He dreamed of a new South Asia where these two countries would have a good relationship.
His autobiography, which tells his life story, is called Beyond the Lines. It was released in July 2012. In 1999, he received an award from Northwestern University, where he had studied journalism.
Personal Life
Kuldip Nayar was married and had two sons. He also had several grandchildren.
He passed away in Delhi on August 23, 2018. His funeral was held the next day. Many important people attended, including former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. As per his wishes, his ashes were placed in the Ravi River near Lahore in Pakistan. His family and friends, including Aitzaz Ahsan, were there.
Awards
- 2003- Astor Award for Press Freedom
- 2007- Shaheed Niyogi Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement
- 2015- Ramnath Goenka Jeevan Gaurav award.
- 2019- Padma Bhushan (Posthumous)
