Balbir Punj, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and former vice president, passed away on Saturday evening, marking the end of a distinguished career in politics, journalism, and public thought.
Punj was highly respected within the BJP for his intellectual contributions and policy insights. He also served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, actively participating in discussions on social, economic, and political matters.
Before entering politics, Punj had a successful career in journalism. Starting in 1971 with The Motherland newspaper, he later worked at Financial Express for over two decades, known for his sharp analysis and commentary. Subsequently, he served as the Executive Editor of The Observer of Business and Politics from 1996 to 2000.
Apart from journalism, Punj played key roles in various journalistic institutions. He held positions such as President of the Delhi Journalists Association and General Secretary of the National Union of Journalists, showcasing his commitment to media and journalism education.
In public service, Punj’s contributions were significant, including roles like Chairman of the National Commission for Youth and a member of the Delhi Finance Commission during 1996–97. His focus on governance and youth development was evident throughout his career.
As an accomplished author and columnist, Punj continued writing in both Hindi and English publications until his final days. In recognition of his lifelong dedication, he received the Lifelong Devrishi Narad Samman Award on May 18, 2022. His passing marks the loss of a veteran journalist, thinker, and political figure.
