'Chronicler of Dehradun', veteran author Raj Kanwar dies at 92

DEHRADUN: Veteran journalist and author, Raj Kanwar, regarded as a prolific chronicler of the Doon valley for the past seven decades, died at the age of 92 in Dehradun early on Monday. According to his elder son, Manav, the veteran writer suffered a heart attack and had been hospitalised since Sunday morning.
Kanwar, who had been living in Dehradun since 1947 and seen the Doon valley evolve over the years, was considered an expert on the town and regularly highlighted Doon's past and present through his writings.
In his latest book 'Dateline Dehradun', Kanwar had profiled several prominent personalities of the Doon valley through accounts that were loaded with trivia and anecdotes. Among the many hats that he donned were those of an editor, having launched a newsweekly, 'Witness' in the 1960s as well as that of a communication specialist, having served as the first public relations officer of the Doon-based Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). He later wrote a book on the PSU, titled ONGC: The Untold Story. He was also a successful entrepreneur having set up a marketing company, SK Oilfield, with its headquarters in Mumbai. Tributes poured in from across the state on the veteran author's demise.
Chief minister Puskhar Singh Dhami said, "I am deeply saddened by the demise of Raj Kanwarji. It is an irreparable loss for the field of journalism." In his tribute, Aloke Lal, former director general of police (DGP), said, "The last occasion when we met was on his birthday on October 8. In a long and distinguished career , he created a large number of gems of literature, and his innumerable columns were a delight to read. We will miss all this."
In her tribute, Neelu Khanna of Aasraa Trust said, "Mr Kanwar was empathetic and caring, compassionate and kind."
Brig KG Behl (retd), president of Doon Citizens Council, remembering Kanwar, said, "He was a versatile person who kept on guiding us on practically all matters especially Doon Citizens Council where he was the founder president. A gem of a person to talk to and seek advice. A prolific writer and journalist, he will always be remembered."