Leaders remember TJS George, whose fearless intellect and literary brilliance shaped public discourse over the last six decades.
Published Oct 03, 2025 | 8:49 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 03, 2025 | 8:49 PM
Thayil Jacob Sony George (7 May 1928 - 3 October 2025)
Synopsis: TJS George’s contributions to journalism were pioneering. As the founding editor of the Asiaweek magazine, and through his long association with leading publications, he upheld the highest standards of editorial integrity and democratic accountability. His columns were marked by clarity, courage, and socio-cultural insights. His writing style seamlessly blended journalistic rigour and literary elegance.
Rich tributes poured in for legendary journalist, biographer, and columnist TJS George, who passed away at the age of 97 on Friday, 3 October.
Thayil Jacob Sony George, popularly known as TJS George or simply as TJS, was an embodiment of courage that reflected in his writings during a career that spanned more than 70 years in India and abroad.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remembered TJS George as one with a sharp pen and uncompromising voice, who enriched Indian journalism for over six decades.
“He was a true public intellectual who made readers think, question, and engage,” the senior Congress leader posted on X while offering condolences to his family, colleagues, and countless admirers.
Deputy Chief Minister DK expressed deep sorrow over the passing of TJS George.
“TJS George was a towering figure in Indian journalism whose fearless intellect and literary brilliance shaped public discourse over the last six decades. He was not just a journalist but a truth seeker, a conscience keeper, and a chronicler of our times,” he said in a press statement.
“His contributions to journalism were pioneering. As the founding editor of the Asiaweek magazine, and through his long association with leading publications, he upheld the highest standards of editorial integrity and democratic accountability. His columns were marked by clarity, courage, and socio-cultural insights. His writing style seamlessly blended journalistic rigour and literary elegance,” he added.
“He was a prolific author too. His biographies of MS Subbulakshmi, NT Rama Rao, Nargis, and others are well known. His book, Askew, beautifully chronicled Bengaluru of today in the backdrop of bygone years, bringing out the deep nuances of our city,” he said.
During his association with The New Indian Express, he wrote 1,300 columns for 25 years, before bidding “goodbye” on 12 June 2022.
Senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha member Shashi Tharoor remembered TJS George as a “true giant of Indian journalism”.
“His sharp wit and powerful “Point of View” columns will be deeply missed. His contributions to literature and fearless commentary leave an indelible mark. His books, including a memorable Treasury of Indian Quotations, will live long,” Tharoor noted on X.
BJP Karnataka president BY Vijayendra said Padma Bhushan TJS George was a towering voice in Indian journalism. “His incisive columns and fearless critique have enriched our public discourse.”
Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan described TJS George “as one of the finest journalists who contributed immensely to the country and to Kerala’s intellectual life”.
In his condolence message, the Opposition Leader said George was a fearless journalist who always believed that the pen was a sharp weapon against injustice.
“TJS George was a man who could not help but write, and he kept writing with unmatched passion. His profound ideas and sharp observations left a lasting impact on society,” he noted.
The Opposition Leader bid farewell to the renowned journalist, remembering him as a writer whose works will continue to inspire generations.
Senior Congress leaders in Kerala expressed deep grief over the demise of TJS George.
Congress working committee member Ramesh Chennithala recalled his personal bond with TJS George, describing him as a Malayali who achieved international recognition in the field of journalism.
“George’s contribution to journalism, both in India and abroad, spanned more than half a century,” Chennithala said.
He highlighted TJS George’s illustrious career, which included stints with the International Press Institute, The Searchlight, and Far Eastern Economic Review.
TJS George was also the founding editor of Asia Week in Hong Kong. Apart from his journalistic pursuits, he authored over 20 works in English and Malayalam, including several acclaimed biographies, as well as his memoir Ghoshayatra.
“George was a genius who elevated Indian journalism to global standards and was rightfully honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2011. His passing is a great loss,” Chennithala said in his condolence message.
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president Sunny Joseph MLA also mourned TJS George’s death.
He noted that TJS George’s hallmark was his ability to analyze political developments in their historical and social context.
“His sharp language and uncompromising criticism made him stand apart. His writings guided readers and shaped public opinion on crucial issues. His demise is a great loss to the Kerala community,” Joseph said.
AICC general secretary and MP KC Venugopal, described him as a fearless voice in Indian media.
“TJS George’s fearless writing distinguished him throughout his career. He never hesitated to criticise governments, regardless of who was in power,” Venugopal said.
He added that TJS George’s sharp pen and uncompromising voice shaped Indian journalism for more than six decades, inspiring readers to think critically, question authority, and engage with public issues.
Recalling his personal bond with TJS George, Venugopal noted that their friendship never stood in the way of George’s critical stances.
“His passing is an irreparable loss to the media world,” he said.
The Kerala Media Academy expressed deep sorrow over the demise of TJS George.
In a condolence message, Academy Chairman RS Babu said the Indian media world has lost its address with the passing of George, who worked in journalism for over half a century in India and abroad.
He recalled George as an enduring symbol of secular journalism who fearlessly exposed government corruption and injustice.
As editor of Searchlight, George was even jailed during his campaign against misrule in Bihar.
George authored acclaimed biographies of VK Krishna Menon, Nargis, MS Subbulakshmi, and Pothan Joseph, along with Ghoshayatra, a widely read memoir of his journalistic experiences.
He was also the founding editor of Asia Week, published from Hong Kong, which achieved a circulation that even surpassed Newsweek at the time.
Babu noted George’s close association with the Academy, which received books from his private collection, and his approval to translate a media studies handbook into Malayalam.
“With his demise, we have lost a complete media guru who enriched journalism for two centuries,” the statement said.
