Journalist TJS George, Celebrated for His Sharp Wit, Passes Away at 97

The esteemed journalist, author, and Padma Bhushan recipient TJS George has died at the age of 97. He passed away on Friday in a Bengaluru hospital. George was known for his use of wit and satire. He was the Editorial Advisor of The New Indian Express and was admired for his weekly column, Point of View, which he wrote for 25 years, until he was 94. Born in Kerala on May 7, 1928, George’s career spanned over 50 years in journalism, both inside and outside of India. He began his career at the Free Press Journal in Bombay in 1950, and also worked for the International Press Institute, The Searchlight, and the Far Eastern Economic Review. He was also the founding editor of Asiaweek. George was also the first editor in independent India to be imprisoned for writing about freedom of expression. He wrote around 20 books, including biographies and his memoir, Ghoshayathra (The Procession). He received the Padma Bhushan in 2011 and the Swadeshabhimani Award in 2017. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy have expressed their sadness at the loss, acknowledging George’s impact on journalism. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan praised George’s contribution to Indian media history.