Veteran journalist TJS George passes away at 97

Renowned journalist and author Thayil Jacob Sony George, better known as TJS George, died at a private hospital on Friday. He was 97.

A Padma Bhushan awardee, George was widely admired for his sharp writings, often marked by satire and sarcasm. He was the Editorial Advisor of The New Indian Express and wrote the popular weekly column Point of View for 25 years, continuing until 2022 at the age of 94.

Born in Kerala, George spent most of his life in Bengaluru and Coimbatore. He is survived by his children, Sheba Thayil and author-poet Jeet Thayil.

Tributes poured in from political leaders.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote on X, "Saddened by the passing of veteran journalist, editor & author TJS 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 expressed grief, recalling George's multiple roles in journalism. "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," he posted 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 and Congress national general secretary K C Venugopal visited George's residence to pay their respects.

George’s contribution to Indian journalism spanned more than six decades, leaving behind a legacy that influenced readers and writers alike.