PM Narendra Modi and veteran journalist Mark Tully (ANI images)
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief over the death of veteran journalist and author Mark Tully. He remembered Tully as a “towering voice of journalism” whose work reflected a deep connection with India and its people.In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Saddened by the passing of Sir Mark Tully, a towering voice of journalism. His connect with India and the people of our nation was reflected in his works. His reporting and insights have left an enduring mark on public discourse. Condolences to his family, friends and many admirers.” Tully, 90, passed away at Max Hospital in Saket on Sunday afternoon. The news was confirmed by his close friend and fellow journalist Satish Jacob.Hospital said that Tully had been admitted on January 21 under the nephrology department. In an official statement, the hospital said he died at 2.35 pm due to multi-organ failure following a stroke.Born on October 24, 1935, in Kolkata, Tully spent his early years in India before moving to England for education. He returned in 1964 as the BBC’s correspondent and later served as the New Delhi bureau chief for 22 years, becoming one of the most influential chroniclers of post-Independence India. Over a career spanning more than five decades, Tully reported on defining moments in the country’s history, including the 1971 Bangladesh war, the Emergency, Operation Blue Star, the assassinations of Indira and Rajiv Gandhi and the Babri Masjid demolition. An acclaimed author, he wrote 10 books, including No Full Stops in India, India in Slow Motion and The Heart of India.He also presented BBC Radio 4’s Something Understood and featured in documentaries on India, the British Raj and the Indian Railways. Tully was knighted in 2002 and awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2005.Reflecting on his legacy, Satish Jacob said, “Mark was an extraordinary journalist who chronicled India’s history with empathy and insight.” Colleagues and readers across generations remembered him as “the voice of truth,” whose reporting earned rare trust and credibility.
