Veteran journalist P. Ramaiah passes away at 92

Veteran journalist and former Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council P. Ramaiah, 92, passed away in Bengaluru at a private hospital on Tuesday night.

He leaves behind wife Jaya and three children. His family sources said that he was hospitalised for the last two weeks. He will be cremated in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

Born on September 12, 1933, he was a native of Bindenahalli, Nagamangala Taluk, Mandya district.

Mr. Ramaiah, who joined The Hindu in the early 1950s, had served the organisation for nearly half a century, and retired as the Chief of Bureau of Karnataka in 1998. He was later nominated by the then Janata Dal government as MLC and served in the Karnataka Legislative Council till 2004. He headed a committee that recommended measures to strengthen small newspapers in the State.

During his five decades as journalist, he covered a wide range of beats, from sports to politics. “He was an all-rounder. His language was simple and straight. He was a very good team leader. Mr. Ramaiah had vast contacts among leaders across the political spectrum,” said A. Jayaram, former Chief of Bureau of The Hindu.

He had served as member of Karnataka Patrika Academy, State Accreditation Committee, Telecom Advisory Committee, Board of Visitors, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, among others.

He was awarded the Rajyotsava Award, Bangalore City Corporation Kempegowda Day Award and Karnataka Media Academy Award. He had in 2022 released a memoir in Kannada, Naanu Hindu Ramiah. Speaking during the book release function, Mr. Ramiah had said his main achievement in the nearly five-decade-long journalistic career was the love and affection received by people from all classes and sections. “I consider this love and affection as my main asset,” he had remarked.

Many political leaders condoled the passing away of Mr. Ramaiah, including Chief Minister Siddaramiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Leader of Opposition R. Ashok, and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.

“He was associated with The Hindu for over five decades, always working in the interest of the State. His deep knowledge of politics, history, culture and social issues was admirable. As a Member of the Legislative Council, he also worked sincerely to address the concerns of small newspapers,” said Mr. Siddaramaiah. Mr. Shivakumar called his passing away a big loss to journalism. Mr. Kumaraswamy described him as “the best representative of value-based journalism” who had guided him through difficult times.