Kolkata, July 23: C R Irani, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of The Statesman, who got national and international recognition for his relentless fight for press freedom, especially during the Emergency, died in the city today.
He was 75. He is survived by wife Threety and three daughters.
Irani was admitted to the hospital on July 5 with complaints of acute respiratory trouble. He developed renal problems within a few days. He breathed his last this evening following multiple organ failure.
Irani’s body will be kept at The Statesman House, Chowringhee Square, till noon tomorrow for people to pay their respects. It will then be taken to Rawan Ghar for Parsi prayers. At 4 pm, the cortege will leave for the Tower of Silence.
Born on October 29, 1930, Cushrow Russy Irani graduated from St Xavier’s College, Mumbai and Government Law College, Mumbai. In the course of his illustrious career, he held many important postions in various press organisations. He was also a member of the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution of India. In 1980, Irani was the first Indian to become the chairman of the International Press Institute. He was also the chairman of the Press Trust of India for three terms.
Many awards were conferred on him, including Freedom Award’’ of Freedom House, New York, Astor Award of the Commonwealth Press Union, London. He was made the Knight Commander of the Order of Isabella Catholica’’ by the King of Spain.
Describing Irani as a doyen of Indian journalism, former Prime Minister A B Vajpayee and Leader of Opposition L K Advani said during his long career in the media, Irani earned a name for himself on the strength of his independent thinking, incisive commentary on events and individual and sharp style of writing.
Union I&B Minister S Jaipal Reddy said Irani was a fearless journalist who championed the freedom of press. In his death, the country has lost an astute journalist with democratic values and an ardent advocate of the free press.
Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee condoled the demise of Irani. Bhattacharjee, who came to attend the foundation day function of the Kolkata Press Club, joined a two-minute silence as a mark of respect.
