Sir Mark Tully, the legendary BBC correspondent often called the “voice of India,” passed away in New Delhi at the age of 90 after a brief illness. For more than three decades, Tully’s calm, insightful voice guided millions through the complex political and social landscapes of South Asia.
Born in Kolkata in 1935, Tully joined the BBC in the mid‑1960s and soon became the broadcaster’s foremost correspondent in India. He covered some of the most defining events in the region’s history: the 1971 India‑Pakistan war that led to Bangladesh’s independence, the siege of the Golden Temple in 1984, the assassination of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, and the Babri mosque demolition in 1992. Yet, what set Tully apart was not just the events he reported, but the empathy and clarity with which he narrated them, giving audiences a nuanced understanding of often turbulent situations.
Tully’s connection with India went beyond journalism. Fluent in Hindi and deeply immersed in Indian culture, he lived and traveled across the country, earning trust and respect from people of all walks of life. He authored several books that explored India’s politics, society, and everyday life, blending reportage with personal reflection.
Recognized globally, Tully was knighted in 2002 for services to broadcasting and received India’s Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, rare honors for a foreign journalist. His work reflected not only professional excellence but also a profound personal bond with the country he covered.
Leaders, colleagues, and audiences remember him as a storyteller who combined rigor with humanity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as a “towering voice of journalism,” while countless listeners recall tuning in to his broadcasts for clarity, context, and compassion.
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