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Prof Pradeep Mathur

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New Delhi | Saturday | 17 May 2025

Recalling their association with him old colleagues have paid glowing tributes to  well-known journalist-editor and writer Mr Hari Jaisingh  who passed away in New Delhi after a brief illness  last month. He was 85  and  is survived by his wife Neena, son Rahul and daughter Bhavna

 Known as a soft-spoken gentleman journalist who always helped his junior colleagues,  had the longest spell of 20 years of his career in The Tribune, Chandigarh, He worked in The Tribune from 1966 ton1977 as Assistant Editor and then from 1994 to 2003 as its Editor. Mr N.N. Vohra, Chairman of the Tribune Trust, expressed deep sorrow at his demise and extended condolences to his family.

Mr Vohra said Hari Jaisingh was a fearless journalist who never hesitated to speak the truth. As Editor, he steered the newspaper through turbulent times, remaining true to the original journalistic values set by the visionary founder of The Tribune, Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia.

Blurb In Box

In his final editorial, he wrote:

“Freedom of the press cannot be seen in isolation, nor is it an end in itself. It has social relevance... Freedom is tied to the support of just causes, building liberal and egalitarian governance, and holding those in power accountable.”

 

Article at a Glance
Hari Jaisingh, a renowned journalist and editor, passed away in New Delhi at the age of 85, leaving behind his wife Neena, son Rahul, and daughter Bhavna. Colleagues remembered him as a compassionate and fearless journalist who dedicated over 20 years to The Tribune, serving as Assistant Editor and later as Editor. N.N. Vohra, Chairman of the Tribune Trust, praised Jaisingh for his unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and his ability to navigate turbulent times while upholding the values of the newspaper's founder. His final editorial emphasized the social relevance of press freedom. Jaisingh's legacy includes impactful writings, such as "No, My Lord," and a commitment to the common man, which resonated with readers and influenced public discourse. A memorial meeting held in his honor highlighted his exceptional qualities, both as a journalist and a human being, with tributes celebrating his empathy, leadership, and dedication to truth.

 

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Hari Jaisingh was a staunch advocate for the rights of the common man and public welfare. His courageous writings resonated deeply with readers and often echoed through the corridors of power.

Under his leadership, The Tribune scaled new heights and strengthened its role as “the voice of the people.” Remarkably, in 1998 — when most media houses had not even begun contemplating the digital space — The Tribune launched its online edition under his visionary leadership.

A memorial meeting  was held on April 26 at the National Media Centre in Gurugram, New Delhi, where former colleagues, friends, and admirers turned up  in large numbers.

Speakers remembered him not only as an outstanding journalist but also a fine human being. They mentioned the fact that he edited reputed newspapers like The Tribune, Indian Express, and National Herald, and never compromised with  his professional values under pressure.Several speakers said that he was a compassionate human being, always ready to support colleagues in difficult times.

 

Mr Prabhjot Singh, an old Tribune hand now settled in Canada, remembered his association with  Hari Jaisingh, said that he  was a Professional Giant Who Valued the Common Man.

In an article paying tributes to his former boss Prabhjot Singh wrote : Hari Jaisingh  was a professional stalwart who always prioritized the common man. His work and outlook showed deep empathy and respect for pedestrians, struggling educated youth, and those neglected by government apathy. He stayed away from political circles and preferred the company of long-time friends from various walks of life. He never let hierarchy influence his behaviour and always trusted and supported his subordinates.

I worked with him for eight years and maintained warm relations with him and his family thereafter. Even after his passing away , the cherished memories of those professional and personal moments remain alive.

He was Hari Jaisingh — who will long be remembered for his historic editorial “No, My Lord.” It was among many impactful writings that rattled the corridors of power. Committed to journalistic ethics and a staunch defender of press freedom, he was a natural leader, always leading from the front.

His clear directive was to ensure that the “Chandigarh Tribune” remained people-centric and focused on youth. He always welcomed suggestions and new ideas. A simple, grounded man, he enjoyed immense popularity among both readers and journalists. His column “Frankly Speaking” was among the most widely read, said Prabhjot Singh.

 

Another colleague at The Tribune  Syed Nooruzzama , in his tribute said that Hari Jaisingh  Was Compassion Personified.

 

In his obituary note he wrote : Hari Jaisingh will be remembered for his exceptional qualities of head and heart. His greatest quality was his humanity — helping others was second nature to him. He was truly “a symbol of compassion.”

He wrote with emotion and took clear stands when needed. He authored several important books, including India and the Non-Aligned World, Kashmir: A Tale of Shame, India after Indira, Pitfalls of Indian Democracy, and No, My Lord.

Mr Gopal Mishra, who worked as a special correspondent in National Herald , when Hari Jaisingh was its Editor , in his obituary note said :Among his contemporaries, Hari Jaisingh stood out. When Ramnath Goenka appointed him Editor of Indian Express (Ahmedabad), he perhaps didn’t realize he was grooming a journalist who would never compromise on principles. His popularity stemmed from his fearless and impartial writing. He never sought favours from those in power. He never aligned with any political ideology or political party . For him, journalism meant revealing the truth.As his colleague at The Tribune  Ashwini Bhatnagar pu,t it: “The values he embodied in life will continue to inspire us”, concluded Gopal Misra

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