Veteran journalist M. L. Kotru, a doyen of journalism in his times and for decades that followed is no more. A familiar name with distinguished image in the field of journalism not just in the national capital, but also in entire northern India, including his own home J&K passed away on September 25, 2025, at the age of 91. He died at his home in Gurugram, India.
Respectful farewell apart, tributes continue to pour in for the charismatic personality from different quarters and that speaks all of his contribution during life time. No one would call him by full name, instead a fond and respectful call would be ,"Kotru Sa..ab', perhaps the most loving and dignified reference even after he left active journalism. Condolence meetings, prayer meetings were held at a number of places in Delhi -NCR and in J&K institutions to pray tributes to his legacy .
From being former Resident Editor of The Statesman , he worked as India correspondent Sunday Times (London) for many years
As for his career and legacy, Kotru was a respected figure in Indian journalism with a career spanning nearly 60 years.
He served as the news and resident editor for The Statesman in Delhi for many years. He continued to contribute columns to the newspaper until 2013, after his full-time retirement.
All thorough, ML Kotru has been a mentor to journalists. Needless to say, throughout his career, Kotru mentored generations of reporters and was widely regarded as a prominent and guiding figure in the field. He was the also the author of The Kashmir Story (1994) and co-authored Asia '72: official guide.
He was a senior member and former secretary-general of the Press Club of India, which paid tribute to his contribution to journalism. Kotru was actively involved with the Press Club of India and the Press Association.“PCI is deeply saddened at the demise of veteran journalist and former Editor of The Statesman, ML Kotru. During his nearly six-decade-long stint in media, Mr Kotru mentored generations of journalists,” the Press Club of India said in a post on X.
Kashmir Pen team, a body of Kashmiri journalists and authors said, "we pay our deepest respects and heartfelt condolences on the passing of the legendary journalist M.L. Kotru. His fearless commitment to truth, fearless voice, and unwavering integrity set the gold standard for journalism in our country and beyond." M.L. Kotru’s words enlightened minds and inspired countless journalists, including those of us at Kashmir Pen, to uphold the values of honesty and courage in reporting. His legacy is a beacon that will continue to guide and motivate us in our pursuit of delivering credible, impactful news to our readers.
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