Thu Jan 09 13:04:18 UTC 2025: ## Controversial Appointment Launched Legendary Editor’s Career at Illustrated Weekly
**Mumbai, India** – Pritish Nandy, despite his multifaceted career as a poet, photographer, and entrepreneur, will be primarily remembered for his tenure as editor of *The Illustrated Weekly of India*. His appointment in 1983, however, was far from smooth. Facing union opposition who deemed him an “outsider,” Nandy’s leadership ultimately prevailed, launching a period of significant change and impactful journalism at Asia’s oldest magazine.
Nandy’s editorship was marked by his unwavering support of his journalists, even in the face of significant legal and political pressure. This included backing reporters who investigated sensitive topics such as the sexual proclivities of a state chief minister, allegations of wrongdoing at an ashram, and the controversial Operation Bluestar. These investigations frequently led to defamation suits and threats of contempt of court, yet Nandy consistently defended his team’s work.
His editorial style empowered his staff, providing them with bold assignments and encouraging investigative reporting without fear of reprisal. This fostered a culture where even junior reporters were given high-profile opportunities, including interviews with prominent figures like Dr. Denton Cooley. Nandy’s commitment to uncovering the truth extended to critical examinations of influential figures and institutions, including the nuclear establishment, Operation Flood, and Dr. M.S. Swaminathan’s role in gene banks.
Beyond his journalistic approach, Nandy modernized the magazine’s visual presentation, attracting renowned photographers and enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal. After the Weekly’s closure in the early 1990s, Nandy transitioned to a successful entrepreneurial career, but his legacy as a fearless and supportive editor remains a defining mark on Indian journalism.
First Piper 