
Sun Jan 25 16:26:24 UTC 2026: # Veteran Journalist Mark Tully, Voice of India, Passes Away at 90
The Story:
Sir Mark Tully, the renowned former BBC journalist and author, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at the age of 90, in a private hospital in Delhi. Tully, known for his decades-long career at the BBC and his deep understanding of India, had become a household name in South Asia. He was respected for his insightful reporting on key events in Indian history, from the 1965 India-Pakistan war to the Emergency of 1975 and the insurgency in Punjab.
Tully’s connection to India began in his childhood, born in Kolkata in 1935. Despite being educated in the UK, he returned to India and dedicated his career to reporting on the nation’s transformations. He was celebrated for his ability to transcend the role of a foreign correspondent and become a true “voice of India.”
Key Points:
- Mark Tully passed away in Delhi on January 25, 2026, at the age of 90.
- He worked at the BBC for decades, becoming a well-known figure in South Asia.
- Tully covered significant events in Indian history, including the 1965 and 1971 wars, the Emergency, and Operation Blue Star in 1984.
- He was known for his deep understanding of India and his ability to connect with its people.
- He was knighted in 2002 and awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2005.
Key Takeaways:
- The passing of Mark Tully marks the end of an era in journalism, particularly in South Asia.
- His dedication to reporting on India provided valuable insights into the country’s political and social landscape.
- Tully’s ability to connect with the Indian people and understand their stories contributed to his legacy as the “voice of India.”
- His work serves as a reminder of the importance of in-depth, nuanced reporting on complex global events.
- The tributes and recollections following Tully’s death highlight his significant impact on journalism and Indian society.