TJS George, Titan of Indian Journalism and Padma Bhushan Awardee, Passes Away at 97

BENGALURU, India – Veteran journalist, celebrated author, and fearless columnist Thayil Jacob Sony George, popularly known as TJS George, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025. He was 97. A towering figure in Indian journalism and literature for over seven decades, George was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in 2011 for his immense contributions to literature and education.

Born on May 7, 1928, in Kerala, TJS George began his illustrious career in 1950 at The Free Press Journal in Mumbai after graduating with honours in English Literature from Madras Christian College. His career saw him take on pivotal roles at numerous prestigious publications, including the International Press Institute, The Searchlight, and the Far Eastern Economic Review. A true pioneer, he became the founding editor of the influential Asiaweek magazine in Hong Kong.

For the last several decades, George was the esteemed editorial advisor of The New Indian Express. His signature weekly column, ‘Point of View’, ran uninterrupted for 25 years until its conclusion in June 2022. Through his writing, he became a powerful and consistent voice against social injustice, corruption, and threats to democracy, earning the respect and admiration of readers across generations.

Beyond his journalistic work, George was a prolific author and respected biographer, known for his incisive analysis of political and social issues. His notable literary works include acclaimed biographies such as Lee Kuan Yew’s Singapore and The Life and Times of Nargis, as well as the critically acclaimed book The Dismantling of India.

Though his family roots were in Thumpamon, Kerala, he spent much of his later life in Bangalore and Coimbatore. He is survived by his wife, Ammu, and their two children, Sheba Thayil and acclaimed writer Jeet Thayil.