Dr. Dipak Tilak, the great-grandson of legendary freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak and trustee editor of the Marathi newspaper Kesari, passed away early Wednesday at his Pune residence due to age-related ailments. He was 78.

A revered figure in academic and journalistic circles, Tilak dedicated his life to preserving the legacy of Lokmanya Tilak, the nationalist icon who founded Kesari in 1881. He served as the newspaper’s trustee editor and briefly as vice-chancellor of Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth in Pune, earning widespread respect for his contributions to education, journalism, and social work.

Survived by his son, daughter, and grandchildren, Tilak’s mortal remains were available for public homage at the historic Tilakwada from 8 AM to 11 AM on Wednesday. His last rites were performed at Vaikunth crematorium around noon, family sources confirmed.

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The news of his passing prompted an outpouring of tributes, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressing condolences, noting Tilak’s role as a guiding figure for social institutions. His death marks the end of an era for Kesari and Pune’s cultural landscape.

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