T.J.S. George, a towering figure in Indian journalism and one of the most fearless voices in English-language media, passed away peacefully in Bengaluru on October 3, 2025. He was 97 and had been undergoing treatment following renal surgery.
George’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian journalism. Over a career spanning more than seven decades, he consistently spoke truth to power, challenged injustice, and shaped generations of writers and readers alike with his clarity of thought and fearless integrity.
Among his many honours are the Padma Bhushan (2011), Kerala’s Swadeshabhimani-Kesari Award (2019), and the Rajyotsava Award (2007).
Born on May 7, 1928, in Kerala, George was the fourth of eight children in a family that valued education and service. He studied English literature at Madras Christian College before beginning his journalism career in 1950 at ‘The Free Press Journal’ in Mumbai. From there, he rose through the ranks of Indian and international media, becoming the founding editor of Asiaweek in Hong Kong and later the Editorial Adviser of ‘The New Indian Express’. In 1965, he became the first editor in independent India to be charged with sedition, an act that cemented his reputation for fearless journalism.
His long-running weekly column, ‘Point of View’, which ended in 2022, was known for its sharp insights, dry wit, and unwavering focus on issues such as corruption, communalism, and threats to democracy.
Beyond journalism, George was a keen geopolitical observer, especially of China and Southeast Asia. After a decade away, he returned to China in 2008 to cover the Olympic preparations, producing a celebrated series of articles on modern China’s complexities. As an author, he penned notable biographies and works on significant personalities such as Indian actress Nargis, classical musician M.S. Subbulakshmi, whose life he chronicled in MS—A Life in Music, politician V.K. Krishna Menon, and Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew.
T.J.S. George is survived by his children, writer Jeet Thayil and journalist Sheba Thayil. His legacy passes on as they shine in their respective areas of writing. His wife, Ammu George, passed away earlier. The funeral will be held on October 5 at Hebbal Crematorium, Bengaluru.
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