Mr. Vinaya Kumar, journalist, left for his heavenly abode last month following a brief illness. He was 87. He retired from the Hindi daily Navbharat Times in 1996 after having worked in the field of economic and business journalism for nearly 40 years. Journalism was in Vinaya ji’s blood. He was born to Shri Mukut Behari Varma, a freedom fighter and stalwart of Hindi journalism, who steered Dainik Hindustan as its editor for nearly 20 years, apart from writing several books, some of them on women issues.
Mr Vinaya Kumar was one of the pioneers, who played a significant part in promoting business journalism in Hindi. He remained active in the field for a long time after his retirement. As the founding member of the Forum of Financial Writers, he was always in the forefront guiding and directing its activities. Vinay ji always tried to work towards the larger good of the community. In his younger days, when Gulmohar Park was being envisioned, he actively worked with many prominent senior journalists of his time as a part of DUJ, making his contribution in the formation and development of Gulmohar Park. He remained an active member of DUJ and Gulmohar Park Residents Welfare Association (RWA) till his last breath.
He was also a founding member of Gulmohar Centre. Passionate about reading, learning and writing, he encouraged the Gulmohar Centre to provide not just the usual recreational facilities, but to also actively promote literary activities in keeping with the journalistic values of the founders of Gulmohar Park. A simple man with high integrity inherited from his Gandhian father, he would always try to promote honesty and integrity in running community affairs.
A guiding force, not just for his family members but also for everyone in his neighborhood, Mr. Vinaya Kumar is fondly remembered by everyone for his brisk walks and candid conversations. “He was my chess partner & close friend. I will always miss him,” says Mr Upadhyay, a resident of Gulmohar Park. “During all my conversations with Vinay Kumar ji I always found in him a “Thinking Citizen”, says a close friend. “He epitomized ‘simple living and high thinking’ in a true sense.” People who know Mr. Vinaya Kumar also remember him as a man full of dreams and new ideas. His energy and enthusiasm were infectious, and he always encouraged young folks to take up challenging projects and work for the betterment of the society. His die-hard optimism remained unaffected by economic & political lows that he witnessed several times in his lifetime!
