One of Doordarshan's most well-known anchor, Gitanjali Iyer, passed away in Delhi on Wednesday. She was among the first English anchors on Doordarshan.


She joined Doordarshan in 1971 and presented news programmes for more than three decades, winning the Best Anchor award four times. She also established many records in the field of journalism.


She was awarded the best anchor award four times. Iyer also received the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award for Outstanding Women in 1989 for her work, achievements, and contributions. Iyer graduated from Loreto College in Kolkata after completing her bachelor's degree in English. She also completed a diploma from the National School of Drama.




According to media reports, in an article written for Outlook India in the year 2002, Iyer told how she was suddenly recognized by people on the street after Doordarshan went national and the Asian Games in 1982. After that, the autorickshaw drivers refused to take the fare from her. Over the years, Iyer was also the face of several print advertisements. Apart from presenting news programmes, Iyer had acted in the 1985 Doordarshan TV serial 'Khandaan'.



According to her LinkedIn profile, Iyer was associated with the World Wildlife Fund as the head of the organisation's Major Donors department. Iyer had also had her stint in the corporate world, working as the vice-president of the Public Affairs department at Yash Birla Group in 2001. In 2005, she moved to the Oberoi Group as the director of international sales. She was also a consultant for the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).


She was also the deputy head of the Press and Public Affairs wing of the British High Commission in Delhi for over three years.


Congress leader Netta D'Souza expressed her sorrow, saying: “We fondly remember the days when Gitanjali Aiyar ji graced our TV screens, leaving an indelible mark on our news-watching experiences. Saddened by her untimely demise, my heartfelt condolences to her loved ones. May she find eternal peace.” 



Prominent senior journalists mourned her death. "Gitanjali Aiyar, India’s one of the best tv newsreaders, warm and elegant person and woman of immense substance passed away today. Deepest condolences to her family," tweeted senior scribe Sheela Bhatt.
The Hindu's Diplomatic Affairs Editor Suhasini Haidar said: "Sad news indeed.. For an icon, a role model and a dear neighbour. Deepest condolences."