India mourns the loss of Gitanjali Aiyar, one of the country’s first English news presenters, who passed away on Wednesday. Aiyar, a distinguished anchor, succumbed to complications from Parkinson’s disease. Throughout her career, she received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award for Outstanding Women in 1989. Her remarkable presence on television screens and her contributions to the field of journalism will be fondly remembered.
Gitanjali Aiyar Death
The death of Gitanjali Aiyar, one of India’s pioneering English news presenters, has left a profound void in the world of journalism. Aiyar, who battled Parkinson’s disease, collapsed after returning home from a walk. Known for her remarkable talent, professionalism, and articulate delivery, she made an indelible mark on viewers’ news-watching experiences.
Aiyar’s passing serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those living with Parkinson’s disease and the need for continued support and awareness. Her legacy as a trailblazing news presenter and her contributions to the field of journalism will be cherished and remembered fondly.
A Prominent Career in Journalism:
Gitanjali Aiyar embarked on her journey in journalism after graduating from Kolkata’s Loreto College, joining Doordarshan in 1971. With her articulate delivery and commanding presence, she quickly became one of India’s best news anchors. Aiyar was honored with the title of best anchor four times, testament to her exceptional talent and professionalism.
Battling Parkinson’s Disease:
Despite her illustrious career, Aiyar faced a challenging battle with Parkinson’s disease. A close friend of the anchor revealed that she collapsed after returning home from a walk. Her struggle with the illness had led her to rely on medication, but her condition ultimately took a toll on her health. Aiyar’s passing is a reminder of the importance of raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease and supporting those affected by it.
Multi-Faceted Talents:
Beyond her role as a news presenter, Aiyar showcased her versatility by engaging in various other forms of media. She was a familiar face in print advertisements and even ventured into the realm of acting. Notably, she appeared in Sridhar Kshirsagar’s television drama “Khandaan.”
Aiyar’s commitment to honing her skills led her to obtain a diploma from the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD), further highlighting her dedication to her craft. Gitanjali Aiyar’s contributions to the field will continue to inspire future generations of news presenters and serve as a reminder of the importance of integrity, professionalism, and dedication in journalism.
Condolences and Tributes:
Following the news of Aiyar’s passing, an outpouring of condolences flooded social media platforms. Congress leader Netta D’Souza took to Twitter, reminiscing about the impact Aiyar had on viewers’ news-watching experiences.
Journalist Sheela Bhatt also expressed her condolences, recognizing Aiyar as one of India’s finest newsreaders and praising her warm and elegant persona. The heartfelt messages from prominent figures in politics and journalism reflect the profound impact Aiyar made during her career.
Leaving a Legacy:
Gitanjali Aiyar’s legacy extends beyond her remarkable career in news presenting. She leaves behind a son and daughter, including Pallavi Aiyar, an accomplished journalist herself. Pallavi’s success stands as a testament to the passion for journalism that ran in their family.
The passing of Gitanjali Aiyar marks the end of an era in Indian journalism. Her exceptional talent, commanding presence, and unwavering commitment to her craft earned her a well-deserved place among the country’s best news presenters.
As the nation mourns her loss, Aiyar’s contributions to the industry will be remembered with deep admiration and gratitude. Her legacy will continue to inspire and serve as a guiding light for aspiring journalists seeking to make their mark in the field. May her soul rest in peace.
