Kochi: Veteran journalist V P Ramachandran, 98, passed away at her residence here tonight.
Cremation will be held at Thrikkakara Public Cremation, Athani, Ernakulam, tomorrow.
Born to Thozhoor Shekharan Nair and Vettathu Rukminiamma on April 21, 1924, V P Ramachandran began his life on a low note as a typist in the defense services. Later, he joined a news agency associated with Reuters.
Known as VPR among the media fraternity, he has the rare achievement to his credit of interviewing Idi Ameen.
Ramachandran joined PTI in 1951 in the desk and was posted at Lahore for six years from 1959.
VPR was one of the few journalists who had the privilege to cover the Indo-Chinese war of 1962.
He became a special correspondent in PTI in 1963. He joined UNI in 1964 and in 1965 he became UNI deputy general manager.
He had spent a good time of his life in Delhi and had good association with late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
VPR left Delhi to join Mathrubhumi in 1978. He became its Editor in 1979. Ramachandran quit Mathrubhumi in 1984. He joined Kerala Press Academy as course director and later became its Chairman.
His wife Gauri predeceased him. He is survived by daughter Lekha, Son in law Chandrashekhar.
Veteran journalist VPR passes away
