The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has condoled the passing away of Manohar Shyam Joshi, influential writer and commentator in Hindi. In a condolence message, the Prime Minister said:

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Shri Manohar Shyam Joshi. He was undoubtedly one of the most influential writers and commentators in Hindi in recent times. His literary work earned him the Sahitya Akademi Award. His popular writing had a wide appeal and his audience increased exponentially when Doordarshan telecast "Buniyaad", a touching and sensitive depiction of the trauma of partition. As a child of partition, I was personally deeply moved by Joshiji's script for "Buniyaad".

Manohar Shyam Joshi was also a highly respected journalist and a true professional. His death will be mourned widely across our country by the admirers of his literary and journalistic works. I convey my sincere condolences to his family, friends and admirers."