Veteran journalist, author and noted chronicler of India, Mark Tully, passed away on Sunday at a private hospital in New Delhi. He was 90.
Tully, who had been unwell for some time, was admitted to Max Hospital in Saket over the past week. Confirming his death, senior journalist and close friend Satish Jacob said, “Mark passed away at Max Hospital, Saket, this afternoon.”
Born in Calcutta (now Kolkata) on October 24, 1935, Tully had a distinguished career spanning several decades. He served as the BBC’s bureau chief in New Delhi for 22 years, during which he became one of the most respected foreign correspondents covering India, according to Indian news reports.
An acclaimed author, Tully wrote extensively on India’s social, political and cultural landscape. His notable works include No Full Stops in India, India in Slow Motion and The Heart of India. He was also the presenter of the BBC Radio 4 program Something Understood.
In recognition of his contributions to journalism and his deep engagement with India, Tully was knighted in 2002 and was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 2005.
His passing marks the end of an era in international journalism, with tributes pouring in for a reporter who devoted much of his life to understanding and explaining India to the world.
