Profile photo of Kanti Kumar

Kanti Kumar

Dehradun, India
Kanti Kumar

Be the change you want to see in the world.

Obituary

Kanti Kumar’s life was defined by words, ideas, and a commitment to service. His professional journey began in India, where he spent more than a decade in journalism, working across print, television and online media. As a reporter and editor, he helped inform and engage the public, guided by a belief in the value of objective, clear and meaningful communication.

In 2001, Kanti brought his skills to the international stage. For the next two decades, he worked with leading NGOs and United Nations agencies, where he guided digital and social media communications. His work helped global organizations connect with people across cultures and borders, ensuring that important messages reached wide and diverse audiences.

Colleagues remember him as thoughtful, collaborative, and principled. He valued integrity in communication and carried with him a deep respect for intercultural understanding. Beyond his professional achievements, he was admired for his ability to listen, to guide with patience, and to approach challenges with both clarity and empathy.

Throughout his life, Kanti was known for his incredible work ethic and generous spirit. He approached every task with dedication, often going above and beyond to ensure those around him were supported and uplifted. 

After retiring from the World Health Orgainzation in 2021, Kanti continued to pursue his intellectual interests, turning his attention to philosophy and human psychology. He remained a lifelong learner, curious about the ways in which people think, connect, and make sense of the world, and a man of service, dedicating time to his local community.

Kanti Kumar leaves behind not only a record of professional accomplishment but also a legacy of dedication, kindness, and reflection. He will be remembered with respect and affection by his family, friends, and colleagues around the world.
He is survived by his wife Maitreyee Kumar and daughter Sohini Kumar.

Let me go

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not for long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that once we shared
Miss me, but let me go. 

- Christina Rossetti

Timeline

1964
March 23rd
Birth
Arrived in this world
Cuttack, Odisha, India
1980
May 28th
Matriculation
Passed out of school
Cuttack, Odisha, India
1984
June 12th
Graduation
Completed graduate degree in English Literature (Honours)
Cuttack, Odisha, India
1989
April 30th
Journalism training
Completed post-graduate training in social journalism
New Delhi, India
1989
May 1st
Start of life as a print journalist
Joined The Times of India newspaper
1994
June
Marriage
Married Maitreyee Kumar
Kolkata, India
1994
August 1st
Became a TV journalist
Joined the Business India Television
New Delhi, India
2000
March 7th
Became an online journalist
Joined The Times of India's online edition
New Delhi, India
2004
January 16th
Started the UN journey
Joined United Nations Volunteers
Bonn, Germany
2006
December 1st
Started working for public health
Joined the World Health Organization
Geneva, Switzerland
2021
April 30th
Started a new journey
Retired from WHO
Copenhagen, Denmark

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