7 June 2023, Mumbai: On Wednesday, June 7, Gitanjali Aiyar, a renowned news presenter and a pioneer of English news in India, passed away, leaving behind a rich legacy in the field of broadcasting. Having dedicated over three decades of her life to Doordarshan, she was a familiar face to millions of viewers across the nation.
Gitanjali Aiyar embarked on her journey with Doordarshan in 1971, marking the beginning of a remarkable career that would make her one of India’s most respected newsreaders. Throughout her illustrious tenure, she earned the prestigious accolade of Best Anchor Person on four occasions, a testament to her professionalism and talent.
Beyond her news presentation, Aiyar also captivated audiences with her popular English songs request program, “A Date With You,” aired on Friday nights on All India Radio, Delhi B. Her warm and elegant demeanour endeared her to listeners, establishing a connection that lasted for years.
News of Aiyar’s passing spread quickly across social media platforms, with an outpouring of grief and condolences from people who admired her work. Senior Journalist Sheela Bhatt took to Twitter to express her condolences, describing Aiyar as one of India’s best TV newsreaders—a woman of immense substance and elegance.
Among the many heartfelt messages, a Twitter user echoed Bhatt’s sentiment, honouring Aiyar as one of the finest newsreaders and extending deepest condolences to her family. The loss of Gitanjali Aiyar has undoubtedly left a void in the broadcasting industry, where she will be remembered for her professionalism, warmth, and contribution to the field of news presentation.
Gitanjali Aiyar’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian television news. Her dedication, talent, and grace have left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring generations of news presenters to come. As family, friends, colleagues, and viewers mourn her loss, her contributions will continue to be cherished and remembered for years to come.
Article By: Tanya Chantola