Shri Balbir Punji Ji was a prolific author, thinker and mental. He made important contributions to the world of media. His writings had been extensively learn, reflecting his sturdy ardour for nationwide regeneration. His parliamentary intervention is wealthy in information and… pic.twitter.com/ZVsZ9Np8Iv
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Rakesh Sinha, a former Rajya Sabha member, remembered Panji as an individual who may join with all concepts and ideologies.
“Although he was aligned with the views of the (Rashtriya Swayamsevak) Sangh, Mr. Balbir’s strategy was very democratic. He was capable of make associates with Naxals, socialists, Congress leaders and members of the Bharatiya Janata Occasion,” Sinha instructed ThePrint.
He praised Panzi for exhibiting political braveness and never fearing unpopularity by pursuing insurance policies that had been essentially proper. “Even after turning into a member of the Rajya Sabha, he understood his true place and continued to hunt the betterment of the nation and the advocacy of the college of thought he represented,” Sinha added.
Mr Sinha mentioned the Prime Minister’s earlier posting of a photograph of them collectively to precise his condolences was a mirrored image of Mr Panaji’s contribution to the social gathering.
For P. Muralidhar Rao of the Bharatiya Janata Occasion, Telangana, who knew him personally, Punji was a Punjabi by and thru, a radical host who may enliven a night with stimulating dialog over meals and drinks.
“Guru (S. Gurumurthy), Balbir ji and I had been a trio, however Balbir ji was my senior within the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad. The three of us would usually go to his residence in Delhi and have lengthy conversations about every part underneath the solar,” Muralidhar Rao instructed ThePrint.
Mr. Rao recalled how Mr. Punji was near Bharatiya Janata Occasion stalwarts LK Advani and Atal Bihari Vajpayee to maintain veterans knowledgeable about vital political developments in South India.
“Within the mid-Nineteen Eighties and early Nineteen Nineties, when Andhra Pradesh (unified) state was dominated by Naxal violence, I used to satisfy Balbir ji and replace him on the continued occasions within the state. Though the Bharatiya Janata Occasion was an opposition social gathering, it was vital for the social gathering to take the precise stand on these points.”
Rao mentioned Punji used these briefings to write down for numerous newspapers and periodicals in English, Punjabi and Hindi.
Panji’s skills as a prolific author drew him to many individuals. S. Gurumurthy, editor Tughlaq Magazines had been certainly one of them.
Gurumurthy, who is understood to be near Mr Punji, mentioned the loss was private. “He was recognized for his astute evaluation and deep involvement in nationwide points. He was an influential voice in policy-making and the media,” mentioned the RSS ideologue, recounting the various events and events when the 2 usually met in New Delhi.
Mr. Gurumurthy and senior BJP chief Prakash Javadekar recalled Mr. Punj’s contribution to reporting the Bofors rip-off within the late Nineteen Eighties when Rajiv Gandhi was prime minister.
“He was articulate and was our go-to particular person on all controversial points, be it the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir, the Ram Janmabhoomi challenge or triple talaq. His contribution in establishing the ideological base of the Bharatiya Janata Occasion in lots of states can’t be neglected,” Javadekar instructed ThePrint.
For efficiently finishing up the BJP’s bid in Gujarat, Punjab, Kerala and Himachal Pradesh, Mr Punj was given a number of accolades by the social gathering management. He was appointed state secretary and likewise grew to become convener of the mental coverage cell.
His easy-going and approachable character and pure mentorship of many younger folks on this planet of journalism led him to function President of the Delhi Journalists Affiliation from 1989 to 1991 and later Basic Secretary of the Nationwide Union of Journalists from 1993 to 1995.
Mr. Punji was awarded Debrishi Narad Samman Award in 2022. He’s survived by his spouse Shashi Bala Panj and daughter Shweta Panj.
