T.J.S. George — A Giant Who Preferred the Shadows

 

T.J.S. George, who passed away at the age of 97 on Friday, October 3, was a towering figure in Indian journalism — one who never sought the limelight that so often follows success. He preferred to remain in the background, letting his words, not his photograph, speak for him.

 

As the founder-editor of Asiaweek, George’s contribution to journalism was immense and enduring. He inspired generations of journalists, not through lofty speeches or social charm, but through sheer professional brilliance and an unyielding demand for excellence. He was the Editorial Advisor of the New Indian Express for more than three decades

 

T.J.S., as he was fondly known, was unlike any other editor. Stern, uncompromising, and exacting, he had little patience for mediocrity. Those who failed to meet his standards often found themselves reassigned—or quietly shown the door. Yet, for those who earned his respect, his regard was deep and lasting.

 

He was both a brilliant writer and a master sub-editor. As one reporter once quipped with equal parts awe and amusement, “Only the byline is mine!” — so complete was the transformation of his story under T.J.S.’s red pencil. Such was his editorial precision. Every word had to count, every line had to carry weight. Economy of expression was his trademark. His prose was razor-sharp, often laced with wit and that unmistakable streak of sarcasm that made his columns such a delight to read.

 

Behind that formidable exterior, however, was a man with a soft corner—especially for the sports desk. He would often invite us home for a drink, offering the finest Scotch while himself sipping his favourite Khoday’s XXX Rum, which he insisted was unmatched.

 

He cared deeply about the journalistic fraternity and took a keen interest in the Press Club’s well-being—offering suggestions for improvement, even donating chairs for the bar room so that members could relax with a book. During my tenure as General Secretary of the Club, he was a familiar presence every evening between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m., unfailingly punctual and always observant. He rarely missed a Press Club election and would relish the vegetarian fare with a characteristic smile, saying, “I’m a Namboodiri when it comes to food.”

 

George helped shape many careers in journalism, not by hand-holding but by inspiring through example. His influence can be seen in several stalwarts of Kannada journalism, including H.R. Ranganath of Public TV and Vishweshwar Bhat. Though he wasn’t one for small talk, when in the right mood, he was excellent company — full of humour and stories.

 

He resisted technology, preferring his trusted typewriter long after computers became standard. Yet, his columns—written for an uninterrupted 25 years—remained fresh, relevant, and incisive. They dripped with irony, depth, and insight into India’s political landscape.

 

His many books further cemented his place among the finest minds in Indian media, and he was fittingly honoured with the Padma Bhushan.

 

T.J.S. George never courted publicity, never bent to political winds, and never diluted his convictions. In his passing, journalism has lost not just a doyen but a giant — one who walked tall without ever needing the spotlight.

 


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