With the passing of M.L. Kotru, Indian journalism has lost one of its most illustrious voices, a man whose life and work exemplified the highest ideals of the profession. Kotru Sahab, as he was affectionately known, was not just a journalist but a conscience keeper, a mentor, and a proud son of Kashmir whose legacy will resonate for generations. His fearless commitment to truth, unwavering integrity, and deep connection to his homeland made him a towering figure in the world of media. As we mourn his loss, we celebrate a life lived with purpose, passion, and an unyielding dedication to journalistic ethics.
### A Storied Career of Courage and Conviction
M.L. Kotru’s career was a masterclass in journalism. As the Editor-in-Chief of *The Statesman*, India’s oldest newspaper founded in 1875, he steered the publication to new heights during the 1990s, cementing its reputation as a bastion of credible and courageous reporting. His incisive columns, sharp political analyses, and fearless commentary on India’s external affairs—particularly on Pakistan—earned him a reputation as an authoritative voice. Kotru’s work transcended mere reporting; he shaped public discourse with clarity, conviction, and a rare ability to call a spade a spade, holding the powerful accountable without fear or favor.
His professional journey was marked by a commitment to pluralism, tolerance, and transparency—values that defined his writing and his interactions. Whether covering foreign affairs for *The Statesman* or serving as a news advisor to United News of India (UNI), Kotru Sahab brought an old-fashioned charm, intellectual rigor, and a commanding presence to his craft. His Russian-like features, light brown hair, and penchant for puffing a cigar or cigarette left a lasting impression, as did his resonate voice, which carried authority and warmth in equal measure.
#A Kashmiri Heart, A Global Outlook
Born with “true Kashmiri blood in his veins,” as Mohammad Syed Malik described, Kotru Sahab’s love for his homeland was profound. His writings often reflected his deep emotional connection to Kashmir’s landscapes, culture, and people. Even when based in Delhi, he remained a frequent visitor to Srinagar, where he was a beloved figure across communities before the turmoil of the 1990s. His conversations, whether at the Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar or the Press Club of India, were steeped in nostalgia for the Kashmir of his childhood, as Fazal Mehmood Qari poignantly recalled during a chance meeting where Kotru listened to Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s ghazal, *“Gulon Mein Rang Bhare”*.
Kotru’s Kashmiri identity was not just a backdrop but a driving force in his work. As Pamela Dhar Anand noted, he was a “proud Kashmiri with a global outlook,” whose office at *The Statesman* was a hub for Kashmiris seeking connection and guidance. His ability to bridge his regional roots with a broader worldview made him a unique voice in Indian journalism.
#A Mentor and a Gentleman
Beyond his professional achievements, Kotru Sahab was a mentor and a friend whose warmth and generosity touched countless lives. His guidance was a source of strength for young journalists like Ashok Ogra, whom he mentored during his early days at *The Statesman*, and Pamela Dhar Anand, whom he encouraged to pursue a bright future in Delhi. His interactions were marked by kindness, humility, and a genuine interest in others, as Shabir Jalib described, likening him to a “big-brother-like friend” whose wisdom and affection were boundless.
Kotru’s integrity shone through in personal and professional moments alike. Yousuf Jameel recounts a defining moment when Kotru offered him a position at *The Statesman* as its Jammu and Kashmir correspondent. When Jameel declined out of loyalty to his editor M.J. Akbar, Kotru responded with admiration, saying, “I admire your loyalty and thankfulness.” This exchange, later reflected in a heartfelt Facebook message in 2017, underscored Kotru’s respect for principles and his ability to forge lasting bonds.
# A Legacy of Fearless Journalism
Kotru Sahab’s commitment to truth was unwavering. As Yousuf Jameel noted, his silence from prominent political figures in Jammu and Kashmir following his passing was a missed opportunity to honor a journalist who “never shied away from speaking truth to power.” His writings exposed falsehoods and held influential figures accountable, earning him admiration across generations. Mushtaq Bala described him as a journalist whose “sharp analysis, honest commentary, and fearless reporting” inspired countless others, while Naeem Akthar praised his mastery of communication, from “small sentences to long editorials.”
His legacy is not just in the stories he told but in the values he upheld. As Fayyaz Sheheryar eloquently stated, “Integrity was his compass, truth his constant pursuit, and fairness his enduring legacy.” Kotru Sahab’s work reminded us that journalism is a trust, not a trade—a principle that continues to guide publications like *Kashmir Pen*, which paid tribute to him as a “legendary journalist” whose fearless voice set the gold standard for the profession.
#Tributes from Friends, Colleagues, and Well-Wishers
The outpouring of grief and admiration following Kotru Sahab’s passing reflects the profound impact he had on those who knew him. Below is a compilation of tributes from friends, relatives, and colleagues:
– **Yousuf Jameel**: “Goodby Kotru Sahab: A Beacon of Journalism and Integrity. His inspiring words and commitment to pluralism and tolerance were rare and profound… His fearless integrity made him a revered voice in journalism.”
– **Sheikh Manzoor Ahmad**: “He was among the last few iconic journalists of his generation, who believed in transparency and never compromised on principles… His deep resonate voice added a sense of authority.”
– **Mohammad Syed Malik**: “A lovable person & a towering colleague, KOTRU SAHEB leaves behind a rich professional legacy… It was a privilege to know him as a far more talented co-professional of high stature.”
– **Shabir Jalib**: “With deep sorrow, I bid farewell to my big-brother-like friend, Kotru Sahab… His guidance, affection, and generosity defined the bond we shared.”
– **Fazal Mehmood Qari**: “Mohan Kotru was more than a journalist; he was a conscience keeper, a voice of truth, and above all, a Kashmiri to his very core… His passing marks the end of an era.”
– **Parvez Bakshi**: “RIP M.L. Kotru, a fearless voice in journalism 
.”
– **Girjia Tickoo**: “So saddened to hear of his passing. May his noble soul rest in peace. Proud to call him a fellow native.”
– **Kashmir Pen**: “His fearless commitment to truth, fearless voice, and unwavering integrity set the gold standard for journalism… His legacy is a beacon that will continue to guide and motivate us.”
– **Bansi Raina**: “A great Editor with great analytical and investigative skills… A very popular figure pre-1990 and had friends from all cross sections.”
– **Sqn Ldr Anil Sehgal**: “A real grand old man of the journalistic world! And what a man! Sadgati, respected Kotru saheb.”
– **Ashok Kumar Handoo**: “What a great journalist he was… His deeply personal letter to Ashok Ogra showed his warmth and humanity.”
– **Ashok Ogra**: “He mentored me in my initial period in journalism! A legend in his field… A proud Kashmiri with a global outlook.”
– **Naeem Akthar**: “Kotru saheb was distinct even in his own class… A master of communication.”
– **Mushtaq Bala**: “Known for his sharp analysis, honest commentary, and fearless reporting, Kotru inspired generations of journalists with his unwavering commitment to truth.”
– **Mushtaq Burza**: “Kotru Sahib’s columns in *Statesman* newspaper in our college days reflected his professional craftsmanship.”
– **Pran Kishore Kaul**: “A trendsetter. Loved Kashmir. Fearless in projecting Kashmir happenings.”
– **Jaya Parimu**: “There was a time when veteran journalist M.L. Kotru was considered one of the authoritative voices on India’s external relations… He will be missed.”
– **Pamela Dhar Anand**: “A true journalist with conviction and rare ethics… He was that person who left an undeniable mark on your upbringing.”
– **Fayyaz Sheheryar**: “With the passing of Kotru Sahib, we lose not just a voice but a conscience… His example lights the path for all who believe journalism is a trust.”
– **Wajahat Khan**: “A soul whose warmth and wisdom touched everyone… His presence was a source of comfort, his laughter a light in difficult times.”
– **Hussain Shah**: “A dear friend… Rest in peace.”
– **Rubiana Sushil**: “My boss and mentor at *The Statesman*. A very knowledgeable as well as a tough taskmaster who took *The Statesman* to great heights in the 90’s.”
– **Ghulam Nabi Wani**: “The affectionate and lovable personality of *The Statesman*.”
– **Satya Prakash Sabherwal**: “May his legacy live on and continue to inspire future generations of journalists.”
– **Muzaffar Shah ANC**: “Kashmir lost a great son & Journalism lost a great voice & a great writer… A hard-core media man who put his views across very bluntly.”
– **Bashir Bawan**: “Deeply saddened. My heartfelt condolences to the family. RIP.”
– **Veer Munshi**: “ALVIDA kotru sb will miss you all times… Your absence is being deeply felt.”
# A Lasting Legacy
M.L. Kotru’s departure leaves a void in the world of journalism, but his legacy endures as a guiding light for those who value truth, integrity, and courage. His words, as *Kashmir Pen* noted, “enlightened minds and inspired countless journalists” to uphold the values of honest and fearless reporting. His life was a testament to the power of the pen to inform, challenge, and inspire.
As we bid farewell to Kotru Sahab, we carry forward his lessons of humility, sincerity, and an unwavering commitment to truth. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless readers who were touched by his words. May his noble soul rest in eternal peace, and may his spirit continue to inspire us to keep the pen strong and the truth alive.
— With heartfelt condolences and eternal respect,
Relatives,Friends, and the journalistic community
