Senior journalist Tilak Rai passes away after prolonged illness

Shillong Today
Senior journalist Tilak Rai passes away after prolonged illness

Shillong, Sep 28: Senior journalist of the state Tilak Rai, passed away after prolonged illness on Tuesday. He was 56.

Born on February 4, 1965, Tilak studied in Little Flower School, Malki he completed his graduation from St. Anthony’s College.

He was prolific in English, Hindi, Nepali and Khasi.

Tilak began his journalistic foray with U Lum Shyllong a popular weekly Khasi which was published by politician and former Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Bindo M. Lanong.

He also had brief stints with Shillong Times and Meghalaya Guardian.

Tilak then joined the Indian Express in 1997 and was involved with it till 2003.

A pioneer in his own right he also started the ‘Evening Mail’ an evening daily.

Tilak also was the first to start an online news portal in the State ‘Oh Meghalaya’ and was involved with its till his late days.

According to Lanong, Tilak was an “active and brilliant young man.”

Terming him as a talented and dynamic person, Lanong said that he was not only a reporter but also went in depth as a journalist.

He said that Tilak would not only report daily affairs but also delve into investigative journalism.

“He was a dedicated person to his profession. Loss to journalist fraternity of the state,” Lanong added.

Meanwhile, the Shillong Press Club has expresses profound grief and sorrow at the unfortunate passing away of Tilak.

According to the Shillong Press Club, Tilak will be remembered as the first self-made journalist in the state.

“He stuck to hardcore reporting eventually working in one of the biggest news houses in the country and culminating in launching novel projects of his own,” it added.

Cabinet Minister, James K Sangma also condoled his death in a tweet.

“My heartfelt condolences on the passing away of senior journalist Sh. Tilak Rai. He was a stalwart who contributed immensely to the media fraternity in Meghalaya. His dedication will continue to inspire many. May his family be given strength in this time of grief. May he #RIP,” Sangma tweeted.

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