Veteran Journalist HK Dua Passes Away at 88, Leaving a Lasting Legacy

HK Dua, a revered journalist and Padma Bhushan awardee, has passed away at the age of 88. His remarkable career spanned over four decades, during which he served as a media advisor to prime ministers, editor of leading newspapers, and a member of the Rajya Sabha. Dua's commitment to editorial independence and democratic values earned him respect across the political spectrum. Tributes have poured in from political leaders and colleagues, highlighting his significant contributions to journalism and public discourse. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 4, 2026, 19:18 IST

Tributes Pour in for HK Dua

New Delhi, Mar 4: HK Dua, a prominent journalist and a stalwart in Indian media, has passed away at the age of 88. He died peacefully on Wednesday afternoon in a private hospital, as confirmed by a family member.

The cremation is scheduled for Thursday at the Lodhi Road crematorium.

Dua had been hospitalized for approximately three weeks and is survived by his wife, Adity, and son, Prashant.

With a career spanning over four decades, Dua made significant contributions to journalism, serving as a media advisor to two prime ministers—Atal Behari Vajpayee and HD Deve Gowda—and later taking on roles in diplomacy and politics.

A recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Dua was celebrated for his engaging personality, keen political acumen, and steadfast dedication to editorial freedom, earning respect from all political factions.

He held editorial positions at major publications, including The Hindustan Times (1987-94), The Indian Express (1994-96), and The Tribune (2003-09), and served as Editorial Advisor for The Times of India (1997-98).

Political leaders and media colleagues have expressed their condolences following Dua's passing. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge shared his heartfelt tributes on social media, highlighting Dua's dedication to truth and public service.

Sukhbir Singh Badal, President of the Shiromani Akali Dal, praised Dua for his integrity and commitment to democratic principles, noting the lasting impact of his journalistic work.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor remarked, "A journalistic giant has left us."

Born on July 1, 1937, Dua also served as India's ambassador to Denmark from 2001 to 2003 and was a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha from 2009 to 2015, where he actively participated in discussions on foreign policy and national security.

His involvement extended to various high-profile parliamentary committees, including the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Home Affairs.

A two-term president of the Editors' Guild of India, Dua was a staunch advocate for democratic values and served on the National Security Advisory Board. He was honored with honorary doctorates from Punjab and Kurukshetra Universities for his contributions to journalism.

In addition to the Padma Bhushan, Dua received numerous accolades, including the Durga Ratan award and the Bal Gangadhar Tilak award for excellence in journalism.