Veteran Journalist TJS George Passes Away at 97: A Six-Decade Legacy in Indian Journalism

Thayil Jacob Sony George spent most of his life in Bengaluru and Coimbatore (File)

Bengaluru:

Renowned journalist and author Thayil Jacob Sony George, commonly referred to as T J S George, has died at a private hospital in Bengaluru on Friday at the age of 97.

Honored with the Padma Bhushan award, T J S George was highly respected for his penetrating writings, frequently characterized by his distinctive satirical and sarcastic style.

He served as the Editorial Advisor of The New Indian Express and earned widespread recognition for his popular weekly column, Point of View, which he authored for 25 years until 2022, continuing his writing career until he was 94 years old.

Originally from Kerala, T J S George lived predominantly in Bengaluru and Coimbatore throughout his life. He leaves behind his children, Sheba Thayil and the acclaimed author-poet Jeet Thayil.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his grief on the social media platform 'X', stating: "Saddened by the passing of veteran journalist, editor & author T J S George. With his sharp pen and uncompromising voice, he enriched Indian journalism for over six decades. He was a true public intellectual who made readers think, question and engage. My heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues and countless admirers."

Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy also shared condolences, highlighting George's significant contributions across various journalistic positions, including his work as an editor, editorial director, and editorial advisor for both national and international newspapers.

"I have closely read the Point of View column he wrote in The New Indian Express. I was captivated by his writing talent after reading his book MS-A Life in Music, based on the life of the great musician Smt M S Subbulakshmi," Kumaraswamy wrote on 'X'.

"May the departed soul rest in eternal peace and may God grant his family, fans and well-wishers the strength to bear the grief," he added.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, accompanied by Congress national general secretary K C Venugopal, visited George's residence to pay their respects to the veteran journalist.