India mourns the loss of Gitanjali Aiyar, one of the country’s first English female news presenters, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of mid-70s. Aiyar, who had a remarkable career in broadcasting, collapsed at her residence after returning from a walk. Sources close to the family revealed that she had been battling Parkinson’s disease.
A close friend of Aiyar shared, “She had Parkinson’s disease and was on medication. She collapsed after returning home from a walk.” The news of her untimely demise has left her loved ones and the media fraternity in shock.
A graduate of Kolkata’s prestigious Loreto College, Gitanjali Aiyar joined the national broadcaster Doordarshan in 1971 and quickly became a prominent figure in the industry. Known for her impeccable presentation skills, she received the Best Anchor award four times for her outstanding work. In recognition of her contribution to broadcasting, she was honored with the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award for Outstanding Women in 1989.
Beyond her news presenting role, Aiyar, who held a diploma from the renowned National School of Drama (NSD), made appearances in various print advertisements and even showcased her acting skills in Sridhar Kshirsagar’s TV drama “Khandaan.” Throughout her illustrious career spanning several decades, she was also actively involved with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), showcasing her commitment to environmental conservation.
News of her passing sparked an outpouring of condolences from notable personalities across the country. Congress leader Netta D’Souza expressed her sadness and shared fond memories of Aiyar’s presence on television screens. Journalist Sheela Bhatt paid tribute to Aiyar’s warm and elegant personality, recognizing her as one of India’s finest news presenters.
Gitanjali Aiyar is survived by her son and daughter, Pallavi Aiyar, who is also an award-winning journalist. The loss of this talented and accomplished media personality leaves a void in the industry, but her contributions and impact will always be remembered.
As India remembers Gitanjali Aiyar’s remarkable achievements and the indelible mark she left on the broadcasting landscape, her family, friends, and the nation grieve the loss of a beloved icon. May her soul find eternal peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire generations to come.
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