- Veteran journalist and author T J S George passes away at 97
- Padma Bhushan awardee known for Point of View column in The New Indian Express
- Worked as editor, editorial director, and advisor in leading publications
- Tributes from Siddaramaiah, H D Kumaraswamy, D K Shivakumar, and K C Venugopal
- Survived by children Sheba Thayil and Jeet Thayil
GG News Bureau
Bengaluru, 3rd Oct: Renowned journalist, editor, and author Thayil Jacob Sony George, popularly known as T J S George, passed away at a private hospital in Bengaluru on Friday. He was 97.
A Padma Bhushan recipient, George was admired for his incisive, satirical style of writing that left a lasting imprint on Indian journalism. He served as Editorial Advisor to The New Indian Express and penned the widely read weekly column Point of View for 25 years until 2022, continuing his craft till the age of 94.
Born in Kerala, George spent much of his professional life in Bengaluru and Coimbatore. He is survived by his children, Sheba Thayil and author-poet Jeet Thayil.
Condolences poured in from across the political and literary spectrum. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote on X: “Saddened by the passing of veteran journalist, editor & author T J S 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 paid tribute, recalling George’s diverse contributions as editor, editorial director, and advisor of leading publications. “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 noted.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, along with Congress general secretary K C Venugopal, visited George’s residence to pay their respects.
George leaves behind a rich legacy of fearless writing, intellectual depth, and journalistic integrity that spanned over six decades.
