Balbir Dutt

He was born in Rawalpindi in British India to a prominent and scholar family. His father Shri Shivdas Dutt was renowned a businessman in Rawalpindi. His studies and upbringing took place in Rawalpindi, Dehradun, Ambala and Ranchi.[1]

Dutt started journalism in Ranchi and became editor of "Ranchi Express" in 1963. He edited weekly "Jai Matrubhumi" and daily "Deshpran". He has been a writer and columnist in many newspapers and magazines. He is a member of, working Committee of South Asia Free Media Association, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. He is also a member of the "Editors guild of India" and "National Union of Journalists". He has taught editorial journalism and newspaper management in Ranchi University as a Guest Lecturer for 25 years.[1]

Balbir Dutt has written several books namely "Kahani Jharkhand Andolan Ki", Safarnama Pakistan", "Jaipal Singh: Ek Romanchak Ankahi Kahani and Emergency ka Kahar aur Censor ka Zahar. He is currently working on several other books on subjects that include politics, journalism, Partition of India, Pakistan.[3]

Dutt is the recipient of "Rashtriya Patrakarita Puraskar", "Patrakarita Shikhar Samman", "Jharkhand Gaurav Samman", "Krantikari Patrakarita Puraskar", "Lifetime Achievement Award" by Government of Jharkhand, "Mahanayak Sharda Samman".[3] In 2017, He was honoured with Padma Shri by Pranab Mukherjee, the then President of India for his distinct achievements in the field of journalism.[1]