New Delhi: Zafar Agha, editor-in-chief of Qaumi Awaz and former editor of the National Herald passed away early on March 22, 2024. He was 70.
Agha was born in 1954 at Allahabad and studied at the Yadgaar Hussaini Inter-College and Allahabad University. A student of English literature, it is at the Allahabad University that he was drawn into the progressive student movement. He remained allied to left and democratic politics throughout his life.
Agha began his career as a journalist with the Link magazine in 1979 and was active in the profession for more than 45 years. During this time he worked with the Patriot and the Business and Political Observer, with India Today as political editor, and at ETV and the Inquilab Daily.
His final stint was with the National Herald group, first as editor of the Qaumi Awaz and later, as editor-in-chief of the National Herald.
Agha was active with the Delhi Union of Journalists. He also served as member and later as officiating chairman of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions till 2017.
Several on social media have posted messages of condolence.
The Press Club of India expresses profound grief and sorrow at the passing away of veteran journalist and Group Editor of National Herald, Zafar Agha
He had worked with several publications, including the Patriot, and India Today
We stand in solidarity with the family & friends pic.twitter.com/XrIL9VM1dU
Advertisement— Press Club of India (@PCITweets) March 22, 2024
I was saddened to learn about the passing of Zafar Agha ji, a veteran journalist, columnist, and former Editor-in-Chief of the National Herald, Navjivan and Qaumi Awaz.
He was a stalwart in the world of journalism, was a friend, philosopher, guide and inspiration to many. He… pic.twitter.com/mkR0pG4L9L
Advertisement— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 22, 2024
#RIP soon after losing Sujata Anandan, a friend and colleague from National Herald, this morning we lost another much respected and loved colleague Zafar Agha. A close personal friend Zafar Bhai was a rarity in these times : a fine, honest journalist w a quiet sense of humour.
Advertisement— Mrinal Pande (@MrinalPande1) March 22, 2024
Sad news: Zafar Agha, veteran journalist passed away this morning. In the 1990s when I first moved to Delhi, Zafar bhai was very kind to introduce me to a number of politicians especially those from the Janata Dal which was a major force in those days. Gentle to a fault, he also… pic.twitter.com/C76FC8qbNu
Advertisement— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) March 22, 2024
Zafar Agha passed away at 5.28 am today. He was a veteran journalist to the world , but Zafar bhai to us , Gauhar’s first cousin, the most gentle , caring person . He was passionate and very optimistic . One thing which I share with him was emanating optimism , even when… pic.twitter.com/TFYzJIVKNG
— Shabnam Hashmi (@ShabnamHashmi) March 22, 2024
