End of an Era: Mark Tully, the Voice of India, Passes Away at 90

Iconic storyteller of Indian history leaves void in journalism

Journalism lost one of its most distinctive voices on Sunday as Mark Tully, the veteran broadcaster and writer, passed away in New Delhi. He was 90 years old. Reports confirm that he had been battling illness for some time and breathed his last at Max Hospital in Saket.

A Deep Connection with Eastern India

Born in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1935, Tully shared a profound connection with Eastern India. His early years were spent between the vibrant streets of Tollygunge and a British boarding school in Darjeeling. Although he moved to England for further education and briefly studied theology at Cambridge, his destiny eventually brought him back to the land of his birth.

The Voice That Defined a Generation

For over three decades, Tully was the face and voice of the BBC in India. Serving as the Bureau Chief for 22 years, he covered pivotal moments that shaped the subcontinent. His reporting on the 1971 war, which led to the liberation of Bangladesh, remains a significant part of history for people in this region. He was also on the ground for the Bhopal gas tragedy, Operation Blue Star, and the assassination of two Prime Ministers, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

Literary Contributions and Recognition

Beyond the newsroom, Tully was a celebrated author. His books, such as No Full Stops in India and India in Slow Motion, offered the world a nuanced understanding of the country's social fabric. Recognizing his immense contribution to literature and journalism, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Bhushan in 2005.

His passing marks a significant loss for the world of media. Mark Tully was not just a foreign correspondent; he was a storyteller who understood the pulse of India better than most. He leaves behind a legacy of empathetic reporting that will inspire future generations of journalists.

Image Source: BBC