TJS George: A Life in Journalism Marked by Wit, Satire, and Influence

TJS George, a celebrated journalist, author, and Padma Bhushan awardee, has died at the age of 97. He passed away on Friday in a private hospital in Bengaluru. George was known for his acerbic writing style and satirical perspective. He was the Editorial Advisor of The New Indian Express and was highly regarded for his long-running weekly column, Point of View. George’s career in journalism spanned over five decades. He began at the Free Press Journal in Bombay in 1950 and worked with various publications including the International Press Institute, The Searchlight, and the Far Eastern Economic Review. He was also the founding editor of Asiaweek. George was the first editor in independent India to be jailed for his writing on freedom of expression. He penned around 20 books, including biographies of notable figures and his memoir, Ghoshayathra (The Procession). He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2011 and the Swadeshabhimani Award in 2017. Following his death, political leaders, including the Chief Ministers of Karnataka and Kerala, paid tribute to his contributions to Indian journalism, highlighting his sharp intellect and unwavering voice.