MUMBAI: Eminent personalities poured out their grief through social media after the passing away of the senior journalist Dileep Padgaonkar. The former editor of the Times of India died of renal failure this morning at the Ruby Hospital in Pune at the age of 72.

Padgaonkar began his career in journalism at the age of 24 and joined the Times as its Paris correspondent after receiving a doctorate in humanities from the Sorbonne in June 1968. He served as its editor for six years from 1988. Recently, he was among the Kashmir interlocutors appointed by the UPA.

Journalists and politicians took to Twitter:

Saddened by the demise of renowned Journalist, Shri Dileep Padgaonkar. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. RIP.

— M Venkaiah Naidu (@MVenkaiahNaidu) November 25, 2016

Just heard that my friend and former editor, Dileep Padgaonkar, passed away in Pune. Terrible loss, feel gutted.

— Siddharth (@svaradarajan) November 25, 2016

Padgaonkar helmed TOI at a crucial time, a man of great culture and wit, he strived to raise the intellectual level of Indian journalism

— Siddharth (@svaradarajan) November 25, 2016

My first editor Dileep Padgaonkar, a man of culture and intellect, someone who encouraged young talent, has passed away. RIP

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) November 25, 2016

Sad to hear about d demise of senior journalist Dileep Padgaonkar. Condolences.

— Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) November 25, 2016

Sad to hear of the demise of senior journalist Dileep Padgaonkar. My condolences to his loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.

— Naveen Jindal (@MPNaveenJindal) November 25, 2016

Terrible to hear about the passing of editor & friend Dilip Padgaonkar. Erudite, always up for fine food, fine argument, always civil, warm

— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) November 25, 2016

RIP Dileep Padgaonkar, too young to go. Truly young editor in an era of oldies, and among the most non-hierarchical. Generous, erudite & fun

— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) November 25, 2016

Dilip Padgaonkar gone. He was such a strong, consistent voice, so generous with his advice and help to younger journalists.

— Nilanjana Roy (@nilanjanaroy) November 25, 2016

RIP #DileepPadgaonkar . A distinguished editor, a thorough gentleman. In a world gone mad, his voice restored faith in the journalism of old

— Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) November 25, 2016

The passing away of #DileepPadgaonkar has left a void. He represented the old school of journalism. #RIP

— Sheila Dikshit (@SheilaDikshit) November 25, 2016

Very sad to know of the demise of veteran journalist Dileep Padgaonkar ji. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) November 25, 2016