Bengaluru, October 4: Veteran journalist, biographer and columnist T.J.S. George, a towering figure in Indian English journalism known for his incisive commentary and independence of thought, passed away on Friday at the age of 97 due to age-related complications.
George, who had undergone renal surgery and was hospitalized for a week, is survived by his son Jeet Thayil, a writer and poet, and daughter Sheba Thayil, a journalist. His wife, Ammu George, predeceased him. The funeral is scheduled for Sunday at Hebbal crematorium.
Born on May 7, 1928, George graduated in English literature from Madras Christian College before starting his journalism career in the 1950s with The Free Press Journal in Mumbai. He later held senior positions with the International Press Institute, The Searchlight, Far Eastern Economic Review, and became the founding editor of Asiaweek in Hong Kong. He also served as Editorial Adviser at The New Indian Express, where his weekly column ‘Point of View’ ran for 25 years.
An accomplished author, George wrote several biographies and works of political analysis, including Lee Kuan Yew’s Singapore, The Life and Times of Nargis, Krishna Menon: A Biography, and The Dismantling of India: In 35 Portraits. His writings addressed social injustice, corruption, religious intolerance, and threats to democracy, reflecting a cosmopolitan outlook and commitment to democratic values.
George’s contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan (2011), Rajyotsava Award (2007), and other honors such as the Vakkom Moulavi Memorial Award and Kesari Media Award.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed condolences, calling George a “true public intellectual who made readers think, question and engage.” The Press Club of Bangalore hailed him as a “towering figure whose voice set a gold standard for integrity and insightful commentary.”
