Civil society has paid rich tributes to Neelabh Mishra, veteran journalist and human rights activist, who died in Chennai Saturday after a prolonged battle with liver failure.

The National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM) said it was deeply saddened to know of the untimely demise of its “dear friend”. “In so many ways, Neelabh reflected the true spirit of an Indian citizen who believed in, lived and breathed the constitutional values and constantly challenged, through his words, work and wisdom, the narrow confines of 'nationalistic', divisive and unjust politics.” 

Mishra, as chief editor of National Herald and Navjeevan and subsequently as editor of Outlook (Hindi) from 2005, worked relentlessly and meticulously to bring forth numerable stories that mattered to the masses and marginalised people of the country.

“With over three decades of commendable work on a wide range of issues, he groomed and guided an entire generation of journalist-activists. A true feminist and partner of multiple people's platforms, he was deeply committed to truth, fairness and secular values. A widely-read and well-informed person, with command over many languages and also an equally abiding interest in literature, culture and politics, he carried his wisdom very lightly, with immense humility and responsibility,” NAPM said.

“We will sorely miss him and his brilliance, but re-commit ourselves to the values he cherished and lived, all his life. His work has been and would be a guiding spirit to a generation of young journalists and activists who we know and hope would carry and keep the torch aglow.”