Veteran journalist Kuldip Nayar passed away in New Delhi on Wednesday night at the age of 95.

Nayar died at around 12.30 AM at a private hospital, his elder son Sudhir Nayyar said. He is survived by his wife and two sons.

His last rites will be performed at Lodhi crematorium at 1 pm today.

The veteran journalist, who began his career with an Urdu newspaper, had also served as high commissioner of India to the UK.

In the year 1997, he was nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha in Parliament.

Author of 15 books, he is fondly remembered for his books like Beyond the Lines, Distant Neighbours: A Tale of the Subcontinent and India after Nehru.

Also Read | Kuldip Nayar, former resident editor with The Statesman, passes away at 95

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed grief over Nayar’s demise saying that his strong stand against the Emergency, public service and commitment to a better India will always be remembered.

“Kuldip Nayar was an intellectual giant of our times. Frank and fearless in his views, his work spanned across many decades. His strong stand against the Emergency, public service and commitment to a better India will always be remembered. Saddened by his demise. My condolences,” tweeted PM Modi.

Kuldip Nayar was an intellectual giant of our times. Frank and fearless in his views, his work spanned across many decades. His strong stand against the Emergency, public service and commitment to a better India will always be remembered. Saddened by his demise. My condolences.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 23, 2018

President Ram Nath Kovind also condoled the demise of the veteran journalist.

“Sad to hear of the passing of Kuldip Nayar, veteran editor and writer, diplomat and parliamentarian, and a determined champion of democracy during the Emergency. His readers will miss him. Condolences to his family and associates,” the President said in a tweet.

Sad to hear of the passing of Kuldip Nayar, veteran editor and writer, diplomat and parliamentarian, and a determined champion of democracy during the Emergency. His readers will miss him. Condolences to his family and associates #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 23, 2018

Here is what other prominent leaders said in a tribute to Kuldip Nayar:

Champion of our democratic rights, civil liberties and at the forefront of those battles, Kuldip Nayar served India with distinction. His advocacy of people to people ties with Pakistan was special. His presence in current battles would have been a source of strength. Condolences pic.twitter.com/6FbLc5NNdP

— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) August 23, 2018

Sorry to hear about sad demise of journalist and writer Shri Kuldip Nayar. India has lost a committed ambassador and campaigner for secularism and harmony.
Also he was one of the few journalists who took strong stand against Emergency. RIP

— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) August 23, 2018

My condolences on the sad demise of veteran journalist & former Rajya Sabha member, Kuldip Nayar ji. I had met him a few months back, he was full of energy and humor. Nayar ji’s firm stand against Emergency can never be forgotten. His passing away is a loss to India’s journalism. pic.twitter.com/G0wCk2nsNZ

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 23, 2018

Saddened by the death of the veteran Journalist Sh. Kuldip Nayar. His contribution to the cause of free speech is unparalleled. He is credited with breaking some of the most exclusive news stories. Will be best remembered for his struggle against the emergency.

— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) August 23, 2018

My deepest condolences on the passing away of veteran journalist, political commentator and human rights activist,Sh Kuldip Nayar ji.

A role model for many in his profession and beyond, his demise ends an era of journalism of courage,ethics and values.

Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/ATVFvbImk5

— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) August 23, 2018

Saddened at the passing away of fearless, popular veteran journalist and author Kuldip Nayar. My condolences to his family, admirers and colleagues

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 23, 2018

Saddened by the demise of veteran journalist & renowned writer Kuldip Nayar Ji.. He will be remembered for his immense contribution in journalism. My heartfelt condolences with his family and well wishers.

— Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi (@naqvimukhtar) August 23, 2018

Saddened by the demise of veteran journalist Kuldip Nayar. A scholar, a prolific author and former MP, he leaves behind a rich legacy in the field of journalism.

— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) August 23, 2018