Veteran journalist and acclaimed author Sir Mark Tully has passed away at the age of 90 on Sunday. The sad news was confirmed by his close friend and fellow journalist Satish Jacob, who stated that Tully died at Max Hospital in Saket, Delhi.
Hospitalization and Final Days
According to hospital sources, Tully was admitted to Max Hospital, Saket, on January 21 under the care of the nephrology department. He remained under medical supervision until his passing on Sunday afternoon. The hospital administration has not released an official statement regarding the exact cause of death.
A Life Between Two Nations
Born on October 24, 1935, in Kolkata, Mark Tully spent his formative years in India before pursuing further education in England. His deep connection with India remained throughout his life, as reflected in his son Sam Tully's words on the journalist's 90th birthday: "I think my father's achievements are particularly significant for UK-India ties because of his abiding ties and affection for both countries."
Chronicler of Modern India
Returning to India in 1964 as the BBC's correspondent, Tully eventually became the New Delhi bureau chief, a position he held for an impressive 22 years. His career spanned more than five decades, during which he covered landmark events in post-Independence Indian history with remarkable insight and empathy.
His reporting portfolio includes:
- The Bangladesh war of 1971
- The Emergency of 1975-77
- Operation Blue Star
- The assassinations of Indira and Rajiv Gandhi
- The Babri Masjid demolition in 1992
Literary Contributions and Honors
Beyond journalism, Tully was a prolific author who penned 10 books that explored India's complex social and political landscape. His notable works include:
- No Full Stops in India
- India in Slow Motion
- The Heart of India
He also presented BBC Radio 4's programme Something Understood and participated in numerous documentaries focusing on India, the British Raj, and the Indian Railways. His contributions were recognized with a knighthood in 2002 and India's prestigious Padma Bhushan award in 2005.
Legacy of Fearless Journalism
Even after leaving the BBC in 1994, Tully continued as a freelance journalist based in Delhi, maintaining his keen observation of India's evolving social and political dynamics. Colleagues and readers remembered him as "the voice of truth," whose reporting earned trust across generations.
Reflecting on Tully's remarkable career, Satish Jacob said, "Mark was an extraordinary journalist who chronicled India's history with empathy and insight." His unique perspective, shaped by his dual cultural identity, allowed him to bridge understanding between India and the United Kingdom throughout his distinguished career.
Tully's passing marks the end of an era in Indian journalism, leaving behind a rich legacy of fearless reporting and commitment to journalistic integrity that inspired countless journalists across the subcontinent.
