Veteran Journalist Sambandam passes away

Chennai, Aug 14: Veteran Journalist and former Resident Editor of The New Indian Express V S Sambandam died here this morning after a prolonged illness.

He was 73 and is survived by his wife. Mr Sambandam was battling for life for the last two and a half years after he was diagnosed for cancer. His condition worsened during the last couple of months and deteriorated last night.

The end came at 0500 hrs this morning at his Beasant Nagar residence.

Mr Sambandam, who had half a century career in journalism, entered the profession at the age of 22 soon after completing his degree. He was regarded as role model for several journalists in Tamil Nadu.

Starting his career in the then widely respected Tamil Daily ''Tamil Nadu'' launched by Karumuthu Thyagaraja Chettiar of Madurai, he served as Reporter in Madurai and Chennai for four years.

Later, he moved to Ramnath Goenka's newsagency Indian News Service (INS) in 1960 and worked as a Reporter for a year.

After the Agency was wound up, Mr Sambandam joined the Indian Express as Reporter in 1961 in Chennai.

By sheer merit and commitment, he rose to the rank of Resident Editor after serving as Special Correspondent, Chief Reporter and Chief of Bureau in his career spanning more than five decades.

He then moved to Tamil Daily ''Dinamani,'' the sister publication of Indian Express, and served as its Deputy Editor and later as Editor for nine years.

It was during his stint as Editor in Dinamani, he held the additional charge as Resident Editor of The New Indian Express.

Mr Sambandam, has willed his body to the Ramachandra Medical College for the benefit of medical students.

The entire journalist fraternity paid rich tributes to Mr Sambandam.

UNI