Ashish Yechury, son of veteran CPI leader Sitaram Yechury died today at the age of 34 after losing battle with COVID-19. On his untimely demise PM Modi, Shashi Tharoor, TMC leader and others came together in expressing their grief and condolences.

Background

According to PTI, the late 34-year-old journalist would’ve gone on to celebrate his 35th birthday on June 9. A journalist by profession, Ashish was admitted to Medanta Hospital where he was undergoing COVID-19 treatment. The time of the death was 5:30 AM according to reports. Moreover, those close to the family described Ashish’s sudden death after reeving treatment for 15 days a “shock”.

Tweet

The news was first broken by Ashish’s father himself. CPI Leader Mr. Sitaram Yechury took to Twitter and wrote, “It is with great sadness that I have to inform that I lost my elder son, Ashish Yechury to COVID-19 this morning. I want to thank all those who gave us hope and who treated him – doctors, nurses, frontline health workers, sanitation workers and innumerable others who stood by us.”

Political party leaders break rank and come together

After the news broke several political leaders and officials cut ranks and party affiliations to pay their respects and condolences.

PM Modi who was criticized by Mr. Sitaram just one night ago on Twitter and wrote, “Condolences to Shri Sitaram Yechury Ji and his family on the tragic and untimely demise of his son, Ashish. Om Shanti.”

President Ram Nath Kovind also took to the micro blogging platform and expressed his condolences. Mr. Kovind in his tweet wrote, “Grieved beyond words to learn about the untimely demise of Shri Ashish Yechury. In this moment of profound grief, my deepest condolences to Shri Sitaram Yechury, his family and loved ones. May you find the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”

Kerala CM and fellow CPI leader Pinarayi Vijayan also gave words of strength in his tweet directed towards Mr. Sitaram. Vijayan in his tweet said, “It is with great sadness that I have to inform that I lost my elder son, Ashish Yechury to COVID-19 this morning. I want to thank all those who gave us hope and who treated him – doctors, nurses, frontline health workers, sanitation workers and innumerable others who stood by us.”

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor replied to Mr. Sitaram’s tweet and shared his sentiment of grief and loss. Mr. Tharoor wrote, “There is no greater loss for a parent to endure. May you find the strength to bear the inexpressible grief of your loss. My heart goes out to you at this painful time.”

The life and time of Ashish Yechury (1986-2021)

Ashish Yechury (1986-2021) had studied at the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. After his studies he went on to work for several reputed journalism publications such as the Times of India, Network 18 and Pune Mirror. At the time of his demise, Ashish was working as Newslaundry as an editor.

After his demise, Newslaundry put out a heartfelt obituary, drawing out a character sketch of Ashish. “He was a generous friend and a magnanimous colleague. He could’ve have not been if he tried. He was the embodiment of a humble person,” said the obituary penned by a fellow journalist of Ashish.

In another part of the same obituary, Ashish was labeled a “generous, cheerful friend and unassumingly intelligent colleague with a wicked sense of humour.”