Veteran journalist Sankarshan Thakur passes away at 63, journalists pay tribute
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Sankarshan Thakur, one of India’s most admired political reporters and editor of The Telegraph, has passed away at the age of 63 after battling a prolonged illness.
His death has been deeply mourned by journalists across the country, who remembered him as a dedicated reporter with unmatched integrity.
Thakur’s career spanned nearly 40 years, during which he built a reputation for fearless reporting and insightful political commentary. He covered major events such as the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Indira Gandhi’s assassination, the conflict in Sri Lanka, and the Maldives coup. He also reported from the frontlines in Kargil, Kashmir, and the political battlegrounds of Bihar.
Journalist Saba Naqvi fondly recalled her last meeting with him during the 2024 general elections in Varanasi. “We had both been in the field in excruciating heat. I had fainted on the ghats and he would tell me he just nearly collapsed in the room,” she wrote. “The point is this was an Editor who was sweating it out in the field. That’s what makes a great journalist.”
Independent journalist Mandeep Punia described Thakur as “among the first in the league of editors with a spine in India.”
Narendra Nath Mishra, political editor at Navbharat Times, praised Thakur’s deep understanding of Bihar’s politics. “I used to take knowledge from him in every election. The country has lost a great journalist, person and Bihari.”
Marya Shakil from India Today highlighted how his work brought Bihar’s politics to national attention. “His acclaimed books on Lalu Prasad Yadav, Nitish Kumar, and The Brothers Bihari captured the very essence of the state,” she said.
Born in Patna in 1962, Thakur was the son of veteran journalist Janardhan Thakur. He completed his schooling at St Xavier’s and Delhi schools before earning a degree in political science from Hindu College, Delhi University. He began his journalism career at Sunday magazine in 1984 and later worked with The Telegraph, Indian Express, and Tehelka, holding key editorial roles.
Thakur’s fearless reporting style and commitment to fieldwork distinguished him from his peers. He covered sensitive and dangerous regions, providing accurate and in-depth analysis without shying away from challenges.
His literary contributions earned him widespread recognition. His books — including Subaltern Saheb, Single Man: The Life and Times of Nitish Kumar of Bihar, and The Brothers Bihari — are considered seminal works in understanding Bihar’s political landscape. His writing combined rigorous field research with engaging storytelling, making him a go-to source for anyone trying to understand the region’s complexities.
In recognition of his excellence, Thakur received the Prem Bhatia Award in 2001 and the Appan Menon Fellowship in 2003.
Thakur’s passing has left a void in Indian journalism. His work not only highlighted Bihar’s political developments but also set a high standard for reporting. He remains a source of inspiration for journalists and readers alike.
