Noted educationist and great-grandson of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Dr Deepak Jayant Tilak, passed away in Pune in the early hours of Wednesday. He was 78. The editor-trustee of the historic daily Kesari, Dr Tilak, had been unwell due to age-related ailments and breathed his last at his residence. He made significant contributions to both journalism and education, carrying forward the rich legacy of the Tilak family.

He is survived by his son, Congress leader Rohit Tilak, a daughter, and grandchildren. His body was kept at Kesariwada from 8 am to 11 am for the public to pay their last respects before cremation at Vaikunth Smashan Bhumi. Dr Tilak was honoured with the Japanese Government’s Foreign Minister’s Commendation for his contribution to Japanese language studies. He was also the editor and trustee of the Tilak Smarak Trust.

He completed his PhD on the challenges of newspaper management, with a special focus on Marathi newspapers. A judo enthusiast, he also served as secretary of the Poona Judo Association. Born into a family deeply rooted in public service, Dr Tilak was the son of late Jayant Tilak, known for his role in the Goa Liberation Struggle and the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement, and Indutai Tilak, a renowned social worker and educational reformer associated with institutions like Seva Sadan and Huzurpaga.