Balbir Punj, a prominent figure in Indian politics and journalism, passed away on Saturday evening. He was a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and served as its vice president. Punj was known for his impactful contributions in the Rajya Sabha, where he engaged in debates on social, economic, and political issues. His career in journalism began in 1971 with The Motherland, followed by a long tenure at the Financial Express. Punj also held significant roles in various journalistic institutions and was involved in media education. His public service included positions such as Chairman of the National Commission for Youth and a member of the Delhi Finance Commission. An active author and columnist until his passing, he was awarded the Lifelong Devrishi Narad Samman Award in May 2022 for his contributions. His death represents a significant loss to both journalism and politics in India.