A loss for the media: Chandy

Kasturi and S. Parthasarathy, Publisher, The Hindu, with Jesse Owens when hevisited The Hindu’s office in 1955.

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly V.S. Achuthanandan have condoled the death of the former Editor of The Hindu , G. Kasturi.

In their messages issued here, they described Mr. Kasturi’s death as a major loss for both Indian journalism and all those who have known him. He conducted himself with dignity as a journalist and a human being.

Mr. Chandy said Mr. Kasturi’s death was not only a great loss for the newspaper industry but also for those who followed the course of journalism in India, especially during the past 60 years. “A man with a penchant for seeking the best in technology for the betterment of the industry, Mr. Kasturi led from the front in strengthening the tenets on which

The Hindu was founded. At this moment of grief and sorrow, the people of Kerala join me in expressing our deepest condolences and prayers.”

Mr. Achuthanandan recalled that Mr. Kasturi’s efforts during the quarter century of his editorship was to make

The Hindu the most credible and excellent newspaper in the country. He also played a pivotal role in the modernisation of the newspaper and his death was a huge loss for the Indian media.

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Ramesh Chennithala said Mr. Kasturi’s life-long mission was to make The Hindu the most dignified newspaper.

Socialist Janata (Democratic) president and

Mathrubhumi managing director M.P. Veerendra Kumar said Mr. Kasturi was a great editor who was imbued with the glorious spirit of journalism. He was far-sighted and uncompromising in his editorial principles. He was also a wonderful human being and very communicative person.

Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs K.V. Thomas said Mr. Kasturi maintained dignity in both journalism and the newspaper industry. He was a rare newspaper owner who had preserved the values and legacy that The Hindu had all along stood for even in these times of change.