Veteran Journalist and Author Mark Tully Dies at 90
Renowned journalist and author Mark Tully passed away at the age of 90 on Sunday. His death occurred at Max Hospital in Saket, New Delhi, and was confirmed by close friend Satish Jacob.
Mark Tully’s Final Days
Tully was admitted to Max Hospital on January 21, where he was treated under the nephrology department. According to hospital sources, he died in the afternoon of his passing.
A Look at His Life
Born on October 24, 1935, in Kolkata, Mark Tully spent his formative years in India. He later moved to England for education but returned to India in 1964. Upon his return, Tully became a correspondent for the BBC, eventually serving as the New Delhi bureau chief for 22 years.
Covering Significant Events
Throughout his illustrious career, Tully chronicled pivotal moments in India’s post-Independence history, including:
- Bangladesh War of 1971
- The Emergency from 1975-77
- Operation Blue Star
- Assassinations of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi
- Demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992
Acclaimed Author
Mark Tully was not only a prominent journalist; he was also a prolific author. He wrote ten significant books, which include:
- No Full Stops in India
- India in Slow Motion
- The Heart of India
Beyond writing, he hosted BBC Radio 4’s programme “Something Understood” and appeared in various documentaries focused on India, the British Raj, and the Indian Railways.
A Lasting Legacy
Tully received numerous accolades for his contributions to journalism. He was knighted in 2002 and awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2005. Satish Jacob lamented Tully’s loss as the passing of “an extraordinary journalist who chronicled India’s history with empathy and insight.”
Personal Reflections
On Mark Tully’s 90th birthday, his son Sam Tully expressed the significance of his father’s contributions to UK-India relations. He noted, “The heart is Indian but a bit English too!”
Tully’s career spanned over five decades, defined by fearless reporting and unwavering journalistic integrity. Even after his departure from the BBC in 1994, he remained a keen observer of India’s social and political landscape. His colleagues and readers respected him as “the voice of truth,” whose work resonated with generations.
