In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the media fraternity, senior journalist and media executive Umesh Upadhyay passed away in New Delhi on Sunday. The 64-year-old media veteran died after accidentally falling from the fourth floor to the second floor of his building in southwest Delhi’s Vasant Kunj while inspecting renovation work. The news of his sudden demise has left the journalism community mourning the loss of one of its stalwarts.
According to Delhi Police, the unfortunate incident occurred around 10:30 AM on Sunday when Upadhyay was overseeing renovation work in his building. Despite being rushed to the Indian Spinal Centre shortly after the fall, Upadhyay succumbed to his injuries. His passing has been described as an irreparable loss to the world of journalism, with tributes pouring in from across the nation.
PM Narendra Modi expressed his condolence and took to X wherein he said that the demise of Umesh Upadhyay is an irrepaerable loss. His contribution to the field of digital, print and television is invaluable.
Sunil Ambekar, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh, RSS too expressed his grief over the untimely demise of Umesh Upadhyay. Taking to X, Ambekar ji said, The sudden demise of senior journalist, writer and our friend Umesh Upadhyay ji is extremely sad for everyone. He has left a deep mark in the media world by playing an active role for more than four decades. He always worked with a cheerful attitude.
वरिष्ठ पत्रकार , लेखक व हमारे मित्र उमेश उपाध्याय जी का अकस्मात् निधन सभी के लिए अत्यधिक दुखद है । उन्होंने मिडीया जगत में चार दशक से अधिक सक्रिय भूमिका निभाते हुए, अपनी गहरी छाप छोड़ी है । वे सतत हँसमुख रहते हुए कार्यरत रहे । उनकी पवित्र स्मृतियों के साथ उन्हें भावभीनी… pic.twitter.com/5oCXexKp82
— Sunil Ambekar (@SunilAmbekarM) September 1, 2024
The media fraternity took to X to pay tribute to Upadhyayji who has left an indelible mark in the field of journalism. The Press Club of India expressed its shock over the tragic death of Umesh Upadhyay.
We are shocked and saddened at the untimely demise of veteran journalist, Umesh Upadhyay.
May the almighty give his family and friends enough strength to bear the irreparable loss.
He will be missed by his friends in the media fraternity. #RIP pic.twitter.com/uFPcPD4kdo
— Press Club of India (@PCITweets) September 1, 2024
Rajesh Padma, who is RSS Pranth Prachar Pramukh too expressed his grief over the passing away of Umesh Upadhyay.
One of our Chief Mentor for several Karyakartas of Prachar Vibhag, Senior Journalist, Author Sri Umesh Upadhyay @upadhyayumesh no more. #OmShanti pic.twitter.com/nBGG8H80tq
— Rajesh Padmar (@rajeshpadmar) September 1, 2024
Hitesh Shankar, who is editor of Panchjanya stated that he was extremely shocked to know that Umesh Upadhyay ji has left for the heavenly abode.
It's deeply shocking to learn that Umesh Upadhyay ji is no longer with us.
Profoundly saddened by the sudden passing … A knd-hearted and gentle soul, a true reservoir of knowledge who was always generous in sharing his wisdom. My heartfelt condolences to family.
Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/dVemvgRCiP— Hitesh Shankar (@hiteshshankar) September 1, 2024
J Nandakumar ji who is Pragyapravah descibed Upadhyay ji as a kind and a gentleman who was a storehouse of knowledge and always willing to share.
Shocking..
Umesh Upadhyay is no more,Very much saddened to hear of the unexpected passing away of Umesh ji. A kind and gentle man who was a storehouse of knowledge and always willing to share. My deepest condolences. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/Mdlz4fFH3g
— J Nandakumar (@kumarnandaj) September 1, 2024
Umesh Upadhyay’s illustrious career spanned over 25 years, during which he made significant contributions to the media industry. He held prominent positions in leading media organizations, including serving as President and Director of Media at Reliance Industries Limited and President of News at Network 18. Upadhyay’s influence extended across various platforms, having worked with Zee News, Janmat TV, Doordarshan, Press Trust of India, and Sab TV, where he left an indelible mark with his expertise and leadership.
Born with a passion for journalism, Upadhyay began his professional journey after graduating from the University of Delhi. He pursued his Masters and M.Phil in International Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), equipping himself with a deep understanding of global affairs. His education was further enriched by training at the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India in Pune, the Asian Institute for Broadcasting Development in Kuala Lumpur, and Thames Studio in the UK.
Upadhyay’s career began as a lecturer at Delhi University, but his love for media soon drew him to the world of journalism. He became a commentator with All India Radio and a respected member of the Editors Guild of India. His contributions were not limited to traditional media, as he also played a pivotal role in the digital media landscape, guiding the industry through its evolution.
Umesh Upadhyay will be cremated at the Nigam Bodh Ghat in Delhi at 12 pm on September 2, 2024. As the journalism world bids farewell to one of its brightest minds, his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of media professionals.
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