Veteran Journalist Mark Tully Passes Away at 90

Veteran journalist and acclaimed author “Mark Tully” passed away at the age of 90 in New Delhi on Sunday, marking the end of an era in India-focused international journalism. Widely regarded as one of the most perceptive chroniclers of post-Independence India, Tully died at “Max Hospital Saket” following multi-organ failure after a stroke. His death was confirmed by close friend and fellow journalist Satish Jacob.

A Life Rooted in India

Born on October 24, 1935, in Kolkata, Mark Tully spent his formative years in India before moving to the United Kingdom for education. He returned to India in 1964 as a correspondent for the “BBC”, beginning a professional association that would define his life’s work. Over time, India became not just his reporting ground but his home, shaping his worldview and journalistic voice.

BBC Years and Landmark Reporting

Tully went on to serve as the BBC’s New Delhi bureau chief for 22 years. During this period, he reported on some of the most consequential moments in modern Indian history. His coverage included the 1971 Bangladesh war, the Emergency from 1975 to 1977, Operation Blue Star, the assassinations of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, and the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992. His reporting stood out for its depth, empathy, and refusal to reduce complex realities into simplistic narratives.

Author, Broadcaster, and Cultural Bridge

Beyond daily journalism, Tully was an accomplished author, writing ten influential books that explored India’s social and political fabric. Works such as “No Full Stops in India”, “India in Slow Motion”, and “The Heart of India” earned him a wide readership. He also presented BBC Radio 4’s programme “Something Understood” and featured in documentaries on India, the British Raj, and Indian Railways, strengthening cultural understanding between India and the UK.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Mark Tully served as BBC’s New Delhi bureau chief for 22 years.
• He covered major events such as the Emergency and Babri Masjid demolition.
• He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2005.
• He was knighted by the British Crown in 2002.

Legacy of Integrity and Trust

Knighted in 2002 and later honoured with the Padma Bhushan, Tully continued working as a freelance journalist even after leaving the BBC in 1994. Colleagues and readers remember him as a voice of credibility and balance, whose lifelong commitment to truthful reporting earned trust across generations and borders.