Key Highlights
- Padma Bhushan awardee Thayil Jacob Sony George passed away in Bengaluru on October 3, 2025, at age 97
- The veteran wrote 1,300 weekly columns over 25 years for The New Indian Express until 2022
- George founded Asiaweek magazine in Hong Kong and was the first editor charged with sedition in independent India
Legendary Career Spanning Seven Decades
The Indian journalism fraternity mourns as veteran journalist TJS George dies at 97, marking the end of an era that witnessed fearless reporting and incisive commentary for over seven decades. Born on May 7, 1928, in Thumpamon, Kerala, Thayil Jacob Sony George emerged as one of India’s most respected media personalities, whose sharp pen challenged authority and championed democracy until his final days.
Journalist TJS George dies after a distinguished career that began in 1950 at The Free Press Journal in Mumbai and culminated in international recognition through his founding editorship of Asiaweek magazine in Hong Kong during the 1970s. His journey from a local newsroom to becoming a pan-Asian media pioneer exemplified the evolution of post-independence Indian journalism, establishing him as a bridge between regional reporting and global media networks.
The news that journalist TJS George dies resonates particularly strongly given his unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity, evidenced by his 1965 imprisonment on sedition charges for opposing Bihar Chief Minister K.B. Sahay – making him the first newspaper editor jailed in independent India. This defining moment showcased his fearless approach to journalism that would characterize his entire career, inspiring generations of reporters to maintain editorial independence regardless of political pressure.
Saddened to hear about the passing of veteran journalist T.J.S. George. A true giant of Indian journalism, his sharp wit and powerful "Point of View" columns will be deeply missed. His contributions to literature and fearless commentary leave an indelible mark. His books,… pic.twitter.com/C9FiuhvzOb
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) October 3, 2025
Point Of View: A Column That Defined Contemporary Journalism
Weekly Commentary That Shaped Public Discourse
- George’s ‘Point of View’ column ran for 25 consecutive years in The New Indian Express
- He contributed exactly 1,300 columns before retiring in June 2022 at age 94
The announcement that journalist TJS George dies brings particular attention to his most celebrated contribution – the weekly ‘Point of View’ column that became a cornerstone of Indian opinion journalism. Writing continuously from 1997 to 2022, George produced 1,300 columns that dissected political developments, social issues, and cultural phenomena with his trademark blend of satire, sarcasm, and scholarly insight. His ability to maintain editorial consistency while adapting to changing media landscapes demonstrated remarkable professional longevity in an increasingly volatile industry.
When journalist TJS George dies, the media world loses a voice that fearlessly confronted social injustice, corruption, religious intolerance, and threats to democratic institutions. His columns consistently challenged readers to think critically about contemporary issues, employing a writing style that combined academic rigor with accessible language. The New Indian Express, where George served as Editorial Advisor, acknowledged his irreplaceable contribution to Indian journalism through decades of thought-provoking commentary.
The impact of George’s weekly writings extended beyond traditional readership metrics, influencing policy debates and public opinion across India’s diverse political spectrum. As journalist TJS George dies, his column archive stands as a comprehensive chronicle of India’s socio-political evolution from the late 20th century through the early decades of the 21st century.
International Media Pioneer And Literary Achievements
From Local Reporter To Global Media Innovator
- Founded Asiaweek magazine in Hong Kong, pioneering pan-Asian journalism
- Authored acclaimed biographies of M.S. Subbulakshmi, Nargis, and V.K. Krishna Menon
The global journalism community reflects on significant loss as journalist TJS George dies, remembering his pioneering role in establishing cross-border media networks during Asia’s rapid economic transformation. His founding editorship of Asiaweek represented a groundbreaking attempt at pan-Asian journalism, creating platforms for regional voices during a period when Western media dominated international news coverage. This achievement positioned George among the earliest advocates of South-South media cooperation, decades before such concepts gained mainstream acceptance.
Beyond journalism, the news that journalist TJS George dies highlights his remarkable literary contributions, including definitive biographies of cultural icons like M.S. Subbulakshmi, legendary actress Nargis, and diplomat V.K. Krishna Menon. His book “MS: A Life in Music” particularly garnered critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of the Carnatic music legend, demonstrating George’s ability to navigate complex cultural subjects with scholarly precision. These biographical works established him as both a journalist and cultural historian, preserving important narratives of India’s artistic and political heritage.
The international recognition George received throughout his career reflects the global impact of his work, with his writings reaching audiences across Southeast Asia through various publications including the Far Eastern Economic Review. As journalist TJS George dies, media organizations worldwide acknowledge his contributions to developing Asian journalism standards and fostering cross-cultural understanding through responsible reporting.
Recognition And Awards: A Testament To Editorial Excellence
Highest Civilian Honors And Industry Recognition
- Received Padma Bhushan in 2011 for literature and education contributions
- Awarded Swadeshabhimani-Kesari Award in 2019, Kerala’s highest media recognition
The announcement that journalist TJS George dies coincides with reflections on his exceptional recognition within India’s honors system, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan awarded in 2011. This third-highest civilian award, bestowed upon only 1,341 individuals since its inception in 1954, recognized George’s distinguished service to literature and education over his seven-decade career. The Padma Bhushan selection committee’s recognition of George among journalism’s elite validates his unique contribution to Indian media landscape and democratic discourse.
Statistical analysis reveals the rarity of journalism-focused Padma Bhushan awards, with literature and education categories comprising only 35 recipients between 2010-2019, highlighting George’s exceptional standing within this exclusive group. As journalist TJS George dies, his inclusion among 218 Padma Bhushan recipients during the 2010-2019 decade underscores the government’s recognition of media professionals who transcend traditional reporting roles to become public intellectuals.
The Kerala government’s conferment of the Swadeshabhimani-Kesari Award in 2019 further emphasized George’s regional significance, representing the state’s highest recognition for media contributions. When journalist TJS George dies, this dual recognition at national and state levels reflects his ability to maintain local relevance while achieving national prominence. Karnataka’s decision to conduct his funeral with state honors acknowledges his adopted state’s appreciation for his contributions to regional and national discourse.
Final Assessment: A Legacy Of Fearless Truth-Telling
The passing of veteran journalist TJS George dies at 97 represents the end of an extraordinary chapter in Indian media history, marked by unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and democratic values. His seven-decade career demonstrated that effective journalism requires not just technical skill but moral courage, intellectual honesty, and steadfast dedication to public service. From his early imprisonment on sedition charges to his final columns challenging contemporary political trends, George consistently chose truth over convenience, criticism over conformity.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah captured the essence of George’s impact, describing him as “a true public intellectual who made readers think, question and engage” through his sharp pen and uncompromising voice. As journalist TJS George dies, his legacy extends far beyond individual articles or awards to encompass a philosophy of journalism that prioritizes accountability, transparency, and social responsibility. His 1,300 Point of View columns serve as a masterclass in opinion writing, demonstrating how sustained commentary can shape public discourse and democratic participation.
The timing of journalist TJS George dies occurs at a critical juncture for Indian media, when questions about press freedom, editorial independence, and journalistic integrity dominate professional discussions. His life’s work provides a template for contemporary journalists navigating similar challenges, proving that principled reporting can survive political pressure, economic constraints, and technological disruption. George’s enduring influence ensures that while journalist TJS George dies, his vision of fearless, responsible journalism continues to inspire future generations of media professionals committed to serving democracy through truthful storytelling.
