M. L. Kotru: A Grand Old Man of Journalism Bids Adieu

New Delhi, Sept. 26: Veteran journalist and former Editor of The Statesman, M. L. Kotru, passed away on September 25 at the age of 91, leaving behind a rich legacy of fearless reporting, editorial integrity, and unforgettable anecdotes. Widely regarded as a doyen of Indian journalism, Kotru combined rigorous professionalism with an abiding affection for Kashmir, a land he frequently revisited and wrote about with depth and empathy.

Fayaz Kaloo, Editor-in-Chief of the Greater Kashmir fondly remembers Kotru Sahibs warmth and his several articles he wrote for his newspaper. “He was a friend, guide and would always share his experiences of journalism, ready to support and help. We at Greater Kashmir will miss him.”

Kotru served as the News Editor of The Statesman in Delhi and was also the India correspondent for The Sunday Times of London. In addition to his distinguished editorial career, he authored The Kashmir Story (1994) and co-authored Asia ’72: Official Guide with Benoy Sarkar. A familiar face at the Press Club of India, he often recalled its “heydays” when, as the club’s 45th member, he interacted with legends of the craft.

“A man who lived life on his own terms”

Tributes have poured in from across the media and cultural spectrum. Celebrated Kashmiri artist Veer Munshi mourned his passing with personal warmth: “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 times.”

Munshi remembers him by sketching Kotru Sahib’s portrait, a gesture that reflected how he was loved by his fellow journalists, colleagues and neighbours, his eclectic personality beyond newsrooms.

“Master of the craft” Senior Kashmiri journalist Mohammad Syeed Malik remembered Kotru as both a colleague and a towering figure: “Master of the craft ML KOTRU is no more. A lovable person & a towering colleague, KOTRU SAHEB leaves behind a rich professional legacy.”

Bansi Raina, another veteran journalist, highlighted Kotru’s frequent presence in Srinagar during his career: “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.”

“A real grand old man of the journalistic world” Air Force officer and social and cultural figure Sqn Ldr Anil Sehgal added his tribute: “A real grand old man of the journalistic world! And what a man! I have very fond memories of him. Sadgati, respected Kotru saheb...”

Mushtaq Bala, a film maker and TV artist, in his message, described Kotru’s passing as a deep loss to journalism, remembering him as approachable, insightful, and unfailingly encouraging to younger colleagues.

Colleagues recall that during the tumultuous early 1990s, Kotru frequently visited Kashmir, interacting with local journalists and reporting with honesty and courage. For young reporters then, his visits were a moment of pride. He also contributed articles to Greater Kashmir, offering sharp analysis on political and social developments. His integrity never wavered. As he once told Mint, lamenting the decline of newsroom culture: “The culture has changed, honesty has disappeared from this place.”

Kotru leaves behind not only published works and editorials but also an oral archive of stories, memories, and mentorship cherished by those who knew him. At the Press Club of India, he was known to pause and encourage younger journalists, sharing anecdotes about colleagues, bridging generations with warmth and wit. As tributes continue to pour in, one theme stands out: M. L. Kotru embodied journalism as vocation, not profession. Veer Munshi very aptly said “Treasures to remember for all times,” may well be the epitaph for a man whose life enriched Indian journalism.