New Delhi. Eminent journalist Hari Krishan Dua, widely known as HK Dua, passed away on March 4 at the age of 88, marking the end of a distinguished career that spanned journalism, diplomacy and public life.
Born on July 1, 1937, HK Dua went on to become one of the rare editors who helmed three of India’s leading newspapers. He served as editor of The Hindustan Times from 1987 to 1994; Editor-in-Chief of The Indian Express from 1994 to 1996; and later as editor of The Tribune between 2003 and 2009. He also worked as Editorial Advisor at The Times of India.
Colleagues remember him for his sharp political insight, balanced writing and firm belief in editorial independence. At a time when Indian journalism was undergoing change, Dua stood for clarity, credibility and courage in reporting. During his tenure at The Indian Express, he was adjudged ‘Media Person of the Year’ in 1994 by Indian Media, a mass communication body, reflecting the respect he commanded in the profession.
Beyond the newsroom, Dua played important roles in public service. He was the media advisor to two former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and H. D. Deve Gowda, offering counsel during politically sensitive periods. He also served as India’s Ambassador to Denmark from 2001 to 2003.
In 2009, Dua was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, where he served until 2015. In Parliament, he contributed thoughtfully to debates on foreign affairs and national security. He was also a member of the National Security Advisory Board and served on key parliamentary committees, including those dealing with external affairs and home affairs.
For his contribution to journalism and public life, Dua was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1998. He also received honorary doctorates from Panjab University and Kurukshetra University.
Dua had been unwell for some time and was admitted to a private hospital three weeks ago. He passed away peacefully on March 4 afternoon. He is survived by his wife Adity Dua and son Prashan Dua. With his passing, Indian journalism has lost a principled editor and public intellectual who helped shape national discourse for decades.
Prime Minister Condoles Death
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the family of H.K.Dua. The Prime Minister highlighted Dua’s significant contributions to journalism and his role as media advisor to two Prime Ministers. The Prime Minister’s condolences were part of a broader expression of respect and remembrance for Dua’s legacy in the media industry.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, “My deepest condolences on the passing of H. K. Dua, a distinguished journalist, diplomat, and Padma Bhushan recipient whose commitment to truth, editorial independence, and public service enriched public discourse. May his family find the strength and peace in this time of loss.”
Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal said Dua was a towering figure in Indian journalism and had left behind an enduring legacy. “Mr Dua upheld editorial independence with unwavering integrity, sharp insight, and commitment to democratic values. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire media fraternity,” he said in a social media post
Terming him a “journalistic giant”, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor expressed his condolences. “Saddened to learn that Shri H. K. Dua — Padma Bhushan, former Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Editor, Media Advisor to the former Prime Minister of India, and India’s former Ambassador to Denmark — passed away peacefully this afternoon at 88.
“He had the rare distinction of having been Editor of the Hindustan Times @httweets from 1987–94, the @IndianExpress from 1994–96, and @thetribunechd from 2003–09! A journalistic giant has left us. My sincere condolences to his widow Adity, his children and loved ones,” he wrote on X.
Tharoor’s colleague Manish Tewari appreciated Dua’s steadfastness in the face of pressure, as well as his fairness. “Sad to learn about the passing away of Sh HK Dua . He was an editor when being an editor still mattered” Tewari wrote on X.
