Thayil Jacob Sony George, known as TJS George, was a prominent figure in Indian journalism who had a career lasting more than seven decades. He passed away on Friday at the age of 97. George celebrated for his sharp reporting and insights. He gained a reputation as one of India’s most respected journalists and thinkers.
About Life of TJS George
Born on May 7, 1928, in Kerala, George was the fourth of eight children in the family of Thayil Thomas Jacob, a magistrate, and Chachiamma Jacob, a homemaker. He later moved to Bangalore and Coimbatore with his wife, Ammu. He is survived by his children, Sheba Thayil and acclaimed writer Jeet Thayil.
George graduated with honors in English Literature from Madras Christian College before starting his journalism career in 1950 at The Free Press Journal in Mumbai. He contributed to many national and international publications, including the International Press Institute, The Searchlight, and the Far Eastern Economic Review. He also became the founding editor of Asiaweek in Hong Kong.
Journalist dies at 97 in Bengaluru
In 1965, TJS George jailed for opposing Bihar Chief Minister K B Sahay, making him one of the first newspaper editors imprisoned in independent India. Defence Minister VK Krishna Menon appeared in court on his behalf. George later shared these experiences in his memoir, Ghoshayatra.
He wrote influential works such as The First Refuge of Scoundrels: Politics in Modern India, which compiled his columns, and M.S.: A Life in Music, a biography of the Carnatic musician M.S. Subbulakshmi. As a lifelong observer of global affairs, he closely followed China’s changes and reported extensively on the country.
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