PANAJI: The media communications officer of the Press Information Bureau, Suryakant Jog passed away on Saturday, in a private city clinic, following prolonged illness. He was 58.

His last rites will take place at the St Inez crematorium, Panaji on August 1, at 11 a.m. He is survived by wife and a son.

Late Jog started his career as a sub-editor in the Marathi daily, ‘Gomantak’ under the editor, Madhav Gadkari. Later, he joined the Indian Information Service and was posted at the Goa office of PIB, where he worked till his last.

Late Jog successfully conducted a number of flagship programmes of the central government, through various public information campaigns, in Goa and parts of Konkan region. He also conducted PIB tours for the Goan journalists to various locations including installations of the Indian Armed Forces, government museums, monuments of national importance, North-Eastern states, Indian Railways installations and so on.

Late Jog was also involved in the handling of press/ media during the International Film Festival of India, annually held in Goa, since its arrival in the state in 2004.

The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, in his condolence message told ‘The Navhind Times’ that late Jog had maintained excellent rapport between the central government and the local media.

"He was also very good Kirtankar and used the powerful medium of oratory and performance to spread public awareness on various important social issues," he added. The Chief Minister further said that the press, especially the Goan press will miss him very much as a true friend and a good human being.