TJS George, Veteran Journalist and Padma Bhushan Recipient, Dies at 97

TJS George, a renowned journalist, author, and Padma Bhushan awardee, passed away on Friday at a private hospital in Bengaluru. The 97-year-old was celebrated for his sharp wit and satirical writing style throughout his life. George was highly regarded for his insightful and critical writings, often employing sarcasm and satire. He served as the Editorial Advisor of The New Indian Express and was well-known for his long-running weekly column, Point of View, which he wrote for 25 years, until 2022, continuing even at the age of 94. Born on May 7, 1928, in Kerala to T T Jacob and Chachi Amma Jacob, George spent over half a century in journalism, both within and outside India. His early career included roles at the Free Press Journal in Bombay, the International Press Institute, The Searchlight, and the Far Eastern Economic Review. He was also the founding editor of Asiaweek, a Hong Kong-based publication. He holds the distinction of being the first editor in independent India to be jailed for exercising freedom of expression, following an article published in The Searchlight in Patna, a case defended by Defence Minister V K Krishna Menon. George authored approximately 20 books in English and Malayalam, including biographies of V K Krishna Menon, M S Subbulakshmi, Nargis, Pothan Joseph, and Lee Kuan Yew, as well as his memoir Ghoshayathra (The Procession). He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2011 and the Swadeshabhimani Award in 2017. Political leaders, including Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, offered their condolences, recognizing George’s significant contributions to Indian journalism. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described George as a distinguished journalist, editor, author, and public intellectual who shaped a significant chapter in Indian media history, noting his devotion to democratic principles.