H Y Sharada Prasad, freedom fighter, columnist and the speech writer of three Prime Ministers of India, passed away in New Delhi [Images] on Tuesday. Prasad, who was suffering from Parkinson's disease for a very long time and was bed-ridden since the last eight months, died at his residence at around 1.30 pm in the afternoon, family sources said.

He was also suffering from a terminal lung ailment, they said. Prasad began his career as a journalist with the Express Group.

Before working as a journalist, he participated in the freedom struggle. Born and brought up in Mysore, Prasad went to jail for the Quit India Movement.

He was information advisor to Indira Gandhi [Images] during her tenure and was in the Prime Minister's Office for 20 years, writing speeches for three Prime Ministers. He also wrote newspaper columns and books in his later years.