Like every week, I received a trademark letter typed with an old fashioned Remington typewriter. As usual I was expecting a column, self-typed, neatly written and edited by none other than veteran MV Kamath. The letter was from the ailing veteran journalist to an editor, half of his age, written gently to request ‘support and sympathy’, just to excuse him writing regular columns for a weekly. That was also on medical advice. That shows the professional commitment and zeal of the journalist.
Last year, while working on a special issue dedicated to Uttarakhand Tragedy, we took an editorial decision to hold all regular columns. A call came from the legend asking me whether he should stop writing if I don’t find his columns useful. The moment I explained him the situation and about the editorial plan, he pleasantly supported me.
His sudden demise after a promise of returning after two weeks is big loss to the readers who eagerly wait for his master comments through Organiser. We have lost a journalist of highest caliber and a thorough gentleman. We are going to miss a “NARAD” who use to keep an eye on the world through “Media Watch” and a “Moving Finger” who use to write prolific commentary on contemporary issues. A solemn tribute to the soldier of democratic values.
-Prafulla Ketkar (Editor, Organiser)
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