Pune, 16 July 2025: Dr. Deepak Jayant Tilak, great-grandson of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak and the trustee editor of the historic Marathi daily Kesari, passed away in the early hours of today due to age-related ailments. He was 74. He is survived by his son, daughter, and grandchildren. The final rites will be held at Vaikunth Crematorium after noon today.
Dr. Tilak served as the Chancellor of Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth and carried forward the legacy of the Tilak family with commitment and dignity. While he remained away from active politics, he played a significant role in preserving and strengthening institutions established by his great-grandfather, especially Kesari, and made notable contributions to the fields of education and social development.
He was associated with several social organizations and trust boards, offering strong leadership and guidance to many of them.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid tribute to Dr. Tilak, stating that his passing has left many institutions without a central pillar of support. He remarked that Dr. Tilak upheld the legacy handed down by Lokmanya Tilak and his grandson, the late Jayant Tilak.
He was known for his people-centric approach and inspirational leadership across various domains of public life in the state. According to the Chief Minister, Dr. Tilak nurtured the fields of journalism, education, and social work with equal responsibility and left a lasting mark in each.
An academic and researcher in the fields of journalism and management, Dr. Tilak was also a mentor to many aspiring scholars and professionals. Through Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, he contributed immensely to the development of the educational sector, launching numerous initiatives in academic, cultural, and sports arenas that earned consistent public support.
His demise has created a void in Maharashtra’s intellectual, educational, and cultural spheres. Many organizations, institutions, and individuals closely associated with him are deeply affected by this loss. Expressing grief, Chief Minister Fadnavis said the entire state stands in solidarity with the Tilak family and all those mourning Dr. Tilak’s passing. He prayed for strength for the bereaved family and peace for Dr. Tilak's soul.
