Television journalist Rohit Sardana died of cardiac arrest on Friday in New Delhi days after he tested positive for Covid-19, according to his channel Aaj Tak. He was 41.
Sardana, who was an executive editor and TV news anchor with Aaj Tak of the India Today Group, is survived by his wife, two daughters and parents.
He had hosted the popular ‘Taal Thok Ke’, a debate programme that discusses contemporary issues in India on Zee News.
Sardana left Zee News to join Aaj Tak in 2017 and, since then, he was hosting the debate show ”Dangal.”
He was a recipient of the 2018 Ganesh Vidyarthi Puraskar Award. He was among the most popular faces of TV news journalism in India.
He was admitted to a private hospital after he tested positive for coronavirus. His last rites will take place in his hometown of Kurukshetra in Haryana, according to his colleagues.
“We are all shocked by the death of our colleague and friend, Rohit Sardana. This incomparable loss cannot be expressed in words. We express our condolences to his family in this hour of grief,” Aaj Tak tweeted in Hindi.
“The untimely loss of our dear colleague and friend Rohit Sardana has left us in shock. No words can explain the irreparable loss and void that he leaves behind. Let us join in silence to give strength to the family,” India Today said in a tweet.
As the news of Sardana’s death spread, condolences poured in on social media from netizens from all walks of life.
PM Narendra Modi expressed his deepest condolences on Rohit’s untimely demise. “Rohit Sardana left us too soon. Full of energy, passionate about India’s progress and a kind-hearted soul, Rohit will be missed by many people. His untimely demise has left a huge void in the media world. Condolences to his family, friends and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said he was “pained” to learn about Rohit Sardana’s untimely demise. In him, the nation has lost a brave journalist who always stood up for unbiased and fair reporting. May God give his family the strength to bear this tragic loss. My deepest condolences to his family and followers.
Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala in a tweet said, “Deeply saddened and shocked to hear about the demise of Aaj Tak journalist Rohit Sardana. It`s simply unbelievable. Rohit had recovered from Covid-19 and was back at work. My heartfelt condolences to the family members and Aaj Tak group.”
News director of Aaj Tak and India Today Rahul Kanwal said his newsroom was in “deep shock” and remembered Sardana as a “sharp young anchor” who never “flinched from asking questions.”
“Rohit Sardana was the sharpest young anchor I have met. Superb command over Hindi, brilliant with his turn of the phrase, precise questions, clear in his thinking, loved by the masses, warm and humble off the screen, he was destined for great things. Our newsroom is in deep shock,” Kanwal tweeted.
“Rohit had greater conviction than most. For many, a right leaning world view is an acquired fad, a means of cultivating popularity. Rohit’s views were deeply held & strongly articulated. But he wasn’t an andh bhakt & never flinched from asking questions. That’s why he was special,” he said.
