The True Post (Web News) Prominent British journalist, broadcaster and British broadcasting organization
Sir Mark Tully, a long-time BBC correspondent, has died at the age of 90. His death marks the end of a brilliant chapter in international journalism, particularly South Asia reporting. Sir Mark Tully was known as the “Voice of India” for his decades of reporting from India. He had a keen eye on India’s political, social and religious affairs, and his reports were read and listened to with extraordinary trust and seriousness around the world.
Mark Tully began working for the BBC in India in the 1960s and reported from South Asia for nearly three decades. He was not only a reporter but also a respected analyst, writer and commentator, presenting India to the world not just from a news perspective but also with its social contradictions and historical context. Sir Mark Tully was an eyewitness to the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992. On this occasion, he was locked in a room for several hours due to death threats from extremist Hindus. His reporting on the incident is considered an example of impartial and courageous journalism.
He described the demolition of the Babri Masjid as the “biggest blow” to India’s secular identity since independence from Britain, for which he faced severe criticism and opposition from extremist circles, but he always stood firm on his stance. During his long journalistic career, Mark Tully reported on sensitive and historical events in India such as famine, communal riots, political killings, the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the Indian army’s operation on the Golden Temple in Amritsar, and the Bhopal gas tragedy. His reports featured human aspects, ground realities, and fearless questioning of powerful circles.
Along with journalism, Sir Mark Tully was also a renowned writer. He wrote several books on Indian politics, religion and society, which are still considered important references in understanding the history of South Asia. The British government awarded him the honorary title of “Sir” in recognition of his journalistic services. Journalist circles, intellectuals and human rights activists have expressed deep sorrow and grief over his death and have described him as a fearless, principled and truthful journalist. Sir Mark Tully was among those journalists who preferred truth instead of bowing to power and brought the voice of millions of people of South Asia to the global media.
