Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao on Monday condoled the death of Mr Girilal Jain, describing him as a distinguished journalist whose writings were “appreciated equally by his admirers and critics.”
In a message, Mr Rao said that Mr Jain maintained high professional standards throughout his long and illustrious career. “He was awarded Padma Bhushan in recognition of his meritorious service,” Mr Rao recalled.
Information and broadcasting minister KP Singh Deo described Mr Girilal Jain as a journalist who always gave new insight and set new standards for the younger generation of professionals. In a condolence message, Mr Singh Deo said Mr Jain’s editorials and articles fell into a class of their own, always giving new insight.
Meanwhile, the consultative committee of MPs attached to the I&B ministry said in a resolution that in Mr Jain’s demise, the world of Indian journalism has lost one of its outstanding spokesmen.
The All India Newspapers Editors Conference (AINEC) expressed deep shock at the sudden death of Mr Giri Lal Jain.
Mr Vishwa Bandhu Gupta, president of AINEC, said Mr Jain was a great free and fair writer who served Indian journalism for number of decades. His writing and editorials were fearless and straightforward till the end, a release said. Mr Jain was also honoured by the AINEC during its golden jubilee year in 1991 for his services to Indian journalism and society.
A report from Shimla says, Himachal governor Gulsher Ahmed has expressed deep shock and grief over the demise of Mr Jain. In his condolence message, he described Mr Jain as a prolific writer who served the country with his pen for nearly half a century.
Mr Nikhil Chakravartty, chairman, and trustees of Namedia foundation, said Mr Jain took a keen interest in the activities of Namedia.
He was the leader of the Indian delegation to the international conference on the New World Information and Communication Order organised by Namedia in New Delhi in 1983, and believed in free and balanced flow of news the world over.
In Chandigarh, Punjab governor Surendra Nath said that as chief editor of Times of India for over a decade, Mr Jain gave a new direction to the national daily.
Earlier, a wreath was laid on the body of Mr Jain by the resident financial commissioner, Punjab, on behalf of the governor.
Madhya Pradesh governor MS Qureshi in Bhopal said Mr Jain had set new standards in journalism.
The mortal remains of the senior journalist were cremated at Nigam Bodh Ghat on Monday evening.
The Observer of Business and Politics, New Delhi, 20 July 1993