Bengaluru, Oct. 4 -- Thayil Jacob Sony George, widely known as TJS George, a leading voice in Indian journalism whose career spanned more than seven decades, passed away on Friday at the age of 97. Celebrated for his incisive reporting and commentary, George earned a reputation as one of India's most respected journalists and public intellectuals.

Born on May 7, 1928, in Kerala, George was the fourth of eight children in a family led by Thayil Thomas Jacob, a magistrate, and Chachiamma Jacob, a homemaker. He later settled in Bangalore and Coimbatore with his wife, Ammu, and is survived by his children Sheba Thayil, and acclaimed writer Jeet Thayil.

George graduated with honours in English Literature from Madras Christian College before ...