New Delhi, Sep 26: Veteran journalist and former Editor of The Statesman, M L Kotru, passed away on September 25 at the age of 91.
He leaves behind a rich legacy of fearless reporting, editorial integrity, and unforgettable anecdotes.
Widely regarded as a doyen of Indian journalism, Kotru combined rigorous professionalism for six decades with a deep affection for Kashmir, a land he revisited often and wrote about with empathy and insight.
Editor-in-Chief of Greater Kashmir, Fayaz Kaloo, remembered Kotru with deep affection, recalling both his warmth and his invaluable contributions to journalism.
“After Khawaja Sanaullah Bhat Sahab, Kotru Sahab stood by us as a true well-wisher, extending moral and professional support. He was more than a colleague. He was a friend, a guide, and a constant source of wisdom, generously sharing his vast experiences of journalism and always ready to help. His opinion pieces in Greater Kashmir used to be very realistic. We at Greater Kashmir will profoundly feel his absence,” he said.
Kotru served as the News Editor of The Statesman in Delhi and was also the India correspondent for The Sunday Times of London.
His published works include The Kashmir Story (1994) and Asia ’72: Official Guide (co-authored with Benoy Sarkar).
A familiar presence at the Press Club of India, where he was its 45th member and later Secretary General, Kotru often reminisced about its “heydays,” recalling interactions with legends of Indian journalism.
Celebrated Kashmiri artist Veer Munshi mourned Kotru’s passing with a heartfelt tribute, “Alvida, Kotru Saab – former Editor of The Statesman, a great friend, my neighbour both at the Media Centre in Gurgaon and in Shital Nath, Srinagar. A man who lived life on his own terms till his last day, at 91. I will forever cherish your stories and incredible anecdotes, treasures to remember for all time.”
Munshi also sketched a portrait of Kotru, symbolising the affection and respect he commanded beyond newsrooms.
Senior Kashmiri journalist Mohammad Sayeed Malik described him as both colleague and mentor, “Master of the craft, M L Kotru is no more. A lovable person and a towering colleague, Kotru Sahab leaves behind a rich professional legacy.”
Another veteran journalist, Bansi Raina, remembered Kotru’s frequent visits to Srinagar, “Even though his base was Delhi, he was regularly in Srinagar during his active service. A great Editor with great analytical and investigative skills, he was a very popular figure pre-1990 and had friends all around, from all cross sections. Rest in peace.”
Tributes poured in from cultural figures as well.
Indian Air Force officer and writer Sqn Ldr Anil Sehgal wrote, “A real grand old man of the journalistic world! And what a man! I have very fond memories of him. Sadgati, respected Kotru saheb…”
Businessman Pervez Bakshi said, “Another good friend left us. M L Kotru is no more. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Filmmaker Mushtaq Bala described Kotru’s passing as a deep loss to journalism and remembered him as approachable, insightful, and always encouraging to younger colleagues.
Colleagues recalled that during the tumultuous 1990s, Kotru frequently visited Kashmir, interacting with local journalists and reporting with honesty and courage.
His contributions to Greater Kashmir offered sharp, uncompromising analyses of political and social developments.
Even in his later years, he remained candid about the decline of newsroom culture and told Mint, “The culture has changed and honesty has disappeared from this place.”
Kotru’s career spanned nearly six decades, during which he mentored generations of journalists.
In 1959, he received the Watumull Award, instituted by the Watumull Foundation in Hawaii, for his evocative series of articles ‘The Other Side’, published in The Statesman.
The Press Club of India, in a message on X, said, “Deeply saddened at the demise of veteran journalist and former Editor of The Statesman, M L Kotru. During his nearly six-decade-long stint in media, Kotru mentored generations of journalists. His passing away is an irreparable loss to journalism. We pay our heartfelt tributes to him.”
A prayer meeting would be held in memory of Kotru on Sunday, September 28, at Yagyashala (2nd Floor), Arya Samaj Mandir, Greater Kailash Part 1, New Delhi, from 11 am to 12 noon.
