India's first English TV anchor and Doordarshan news presenter Geetanjali Aiyar passed away on Wednesday. She was 71. Over a three-decade career, she was the first television broadcaster to share the news in English. She joined Doordarshan in 1971 and was awarded as the best anchor four times. She was battling Parkinson's disease. Reports say she collapsed after she came home from a walk.

A graduate of Kolkata's Loreto College, Geetanjali Aiyar held a diploma from the National School of Drama. The TV anchor also acted in Sridhar Kshirsagar's TV drama Khandaan. She was even the face of several advertisements back in her time.

She also won Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award for Outstanding Women in 1989. After a triumphant three-decade-long career as a news presenter, Aiyar ventured into corporate communications, government liaison, and marketing. She was head of major donors at the World Wide Fund, India.

Many people are taking to Twitter and expressing their condolences.

Congress leader Netta D'Souza said, '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.'

Popular journalist Sheela Bhatt said, '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.'

Radio City extends heartfelt condolences to the Aiyar family. Rest in peace Geetanjali.