Bengaluru, Oct 4 (NationPress) The funeral of esteemed journalist, author, and Padma Bhushan recipient Thayil Jacob Sony George, affectionately known as T.J.S. George, is set to take place with full state honours, as announced by the Karnataka Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on Saturday.

As per the government directive, "T.J.S. George, a veteran journalist and Padma Bhushan laureate, departed from this world on October 3. The government extends its heartfelt condolences and has decreed that his last rites will be performed with complete state honours."

T.J.S. George passed away in a private hospital in Bengaluru at the age of 97.

This Indian writer, journalist, and biographer hailed from Kerala but spent a significant part of his life in Bengaluru. He is survived by his children, Sheba Thayil and author-poet Jeet Thayil.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his sorrow over George’s passing, stating, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of veteran journalist, editor, and author T.J.S. George."

"With his incisive writing and unwavering voice, he enriched Indian journalism for over six decades. He was a genuine public intellectual who inspired readers to think critically and engage with important issues," CM Siddaramaiah remarked.

He extended his sincere condolences to George's family, colleagues, and innumerable fans.

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy conveyed his sadness at the news of George’s passing, saying, "I was profoundly saddened to learn of the demise of Padma Bhushan Shri T.J.S. George, a distinguished journalist and author."

"Having held numerous prestigious roles as editor, editorial director, and advisor for both national and international publications, he was a veritable 'rich mine of experience.' I followed his 'Point of View' column in The New Indian Express closely," he noted.

"After reading his work 'MS – A Life in Music,' which chronicles the life of music legend M.S. Subbulakshmi, I was incredibly impressed by his literary talent," Kumaraswamy added.

"May his soul find eternal peace, and may God grant strength to his family, admirers, and supporters in coping with this loss. Om Shanti," he concluded.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar also expressed profound sadness over the loss of this remarkable journalist, columnist, and author.

“T.J.S. George was a monumental figure in Indian journalism, whose fearless intellect and literary talent shaped public discourse for more than sixty years. He was not merely a journalist, but a seeker of truth, a guardian of conscience, and a chronicler of our times,” stated the Deputy Chief Minister in a press release.

“His contributions were groundbreaking. As the founding editor of Asiaweek magazine and through his extensive ties with leading publications, he maintained the highest standards of editorial integrity and democratic accountability.

"His columns were characterized by clarity, bravery, and cultural insights. His writing style skillfully merged journalistic rigor with literary finesse,” he added.

“He was also a prolific author. His biographies of notable figures such as M.S. Subbulakshmi, N.T. Rama Rao, Nargis, and others are well-regarded. His book 'Askew' beautifully chronicled contemporary Bengaluru against the backdrop of its past, revealing the city’s profound nuances. I extend my condolences to his family, both personally and on behalf of the Karnataka government,” he remarked.

BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra expressed his condolences, stating, "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Padma Bhushan T.J.S. George, a towering figure in Indian journalism. His incisive columns and fearless critiques have greatly enriched our public discourse."

"My heartfelt condolences to his family, admirers, and the journalistic community. Om Shanti," he added.

Earlier in June 2022, he concluded his long-running weekly column 'Point of View' in The New Indian Express, after a remarkable tenure of nearly 25 years.