Vimla Patil, the former editor of Femina, a renowned women’s magazine published by The Times of India, passed away at the age of 91 on September 29. Despite her influential role in the media industry, her death went largely unnoticed by both mainstream media and social platforms. Patil served as Femina’s editor for two decades, from 1973 to 1993, during which the magazine saw significant growth in readership and reach.
As one of the earliest female editors in India, Patil played a pivotal role in shaping women’s journalism. Femina, under her leadership, was instrumental in promoting women achievers, featuring initiatives like ‘Woman of Substance’ and the popular Miss Femina contest, while addressing important social issues. Her editorial direction helped many women find a platform for their voices and achievements. She was not only a pioneer for women’s empowerment but also played a major role in redefining the image of the modern Indian woman.
In addition to her work with Femina, Patil was an experienced journalist and event creator. Over her extensive career, she authored more than 5,000 major features on topics such as lifestyle, fashion, art, and women’s concerns, with her work being published in leading newspapers and magazines across the subcontinent. She was known for her insightful and sensitive prose, and her contributions spanned from well-researched pieces on archaeology and culture to TV and radio scripts on women’s issues. Patil even contributed regularly to more than ten Indian newspapers and magazines. She also worked with the Ministry of Tourism, scripting the renowned Sound and Light (Son-et-Lumiere) shows, and served as an artistic director for these productions.
Her lasting legacy includes organizing the Miss India contest for Femina and traveling the world to promote Indian textiles and handlooms. Additionally, she authored twelve books, including works on Indian festivals and cookery, further solidifying her diverse impact on Indian media and culture.
In a video uploaded on YouTube in January 2019, Patil shared her views on the significance of Indian names, saying: “I think Indian names are unique, not only interesting because they are linked to the environment, they are linked to the culture of India. If one has the time and the inclination to go to the roots of that name, it’s a very fascinating journey.” This statement reflects her deep understanding and connection to India’s cultural heritage, which she passionately shared through her work.
Despite her vast contributions, the news of her passing only recently surfaced, primarily through WhatsApp and social media posts. A small column with her photograph appeared in a Mumbai daily, but the coverage was surprisingly sparse for someone of her stature. Anna MM Vetticad, a fellow journalist, highlighted this on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where she shared that if not for a LinkedIn post, she would not have known about Patil’s demise. Vetticad expressed her shock, adding that even a Google search yielded little information or obituaries on the iconic editor.
Similarly, journalist Mrinal Pande responded to Vetticad’s post, mourning Patil’s death. She recalled her time working with The Times of India, mentioning Patil’s grace and dignity as the editor of Femina. “She brought rare dignity and grace to her vocation,” Pande wrote in her tribute.
In an era when editors were meant to remain ‘faceless’ in the public eye, Patil made her mark through her sharp editorial skills and commitment to serving readers. Her legacy, though overlooked by the media today, continues to inspire many in the field of journalism.
Source: https://www.writerfind.com/vpatil.htm
