Veteran journalist and author TJS George passed away in Bengaluru on Friday at the age of 97. A Padma Bhushan awardee in 2011.
An English Literature graduate from Madras Christian College, George’s career spanned across The Free Press Journal in Mumbai, the Far Eastern Economic Review, and Asiaweek magazine, which he founded in Hong Kong. Known for his sharp wit and fearless commentary, he also authored acclaimed biographies of M S Subbulakshmi, Nargis, and N T Rama Rao.
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A familiar face at the Bengaluru Press Club until recent years, George had been unwell following the loss of his wife. In 1965, he was jailed for sedition for criticising then Bihar CM K B Sahay.
Leaders including CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, and former CM Basavaraj Bommai paid tribute, calling him a towering figure in Indian journalism whose writings shaped public discourse. He is survived by his son, writer Jeet Thayil, and daughter, journalist Sheba Thayil.
