Veteran Journalist P. Devarajan passes away at 79

P. Devarajan, former deputy editor of The Hindu Business Line and a stalwart of Indian business journalism, passed away this morning at the age of 79 after a brief illness. A long-time member of the Mumbai Press Club, Devarajan is survived by his wife, two daughters, a son, and grandchildren.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, Devarajan worked with leading publications such as Business Standard, The Hindu, and The Times of India. Known for his fearless journalism and unwavering ethical standards, he stood by his reporters when powerful industry figures attempted to suppress investigative stories. His commitment to integrity often came at a professional cost, but he never hesitated to prioritize journalistic principles over job security.

Devarajan was more than just a newsroom leader—he was a mentor to scores of business journalists, many of whom now hold key positions in media organizations worldwide. He rejected the traditional hierarchy of newsrooms, preferring the company of reporters over the confines of an editor’s cabin.

While business journalism defined much of his career, Devarajan’s first love was sports journalism, a passion he maintained throughout his life. In his later years, he shifted his focus to environmental conservation, dedicating the last 15 years to writing about wildlife.

The Mumbai Press Club paid tribute to his legacy, remembering him as a journalist who led by example and inspired generations of reporters. His passing is a profound loss to Indian journalism.