Shankarshan Thakur passes away at 63

New Delhi, Sep 8: Shankarshan Thakur, Editor of The Telegraph and one of India’s most respected political journalists, passed away on Monday in a Gurgaon hospital.

He was 63.

Thakur had been ailing for some time and had recently undergone surgery.

Over a career spanning four decades, Thakur earned wide acclaim for his insightful political analysis, bold reporting, and eloquent prose.

Whether writing about the turbulent politics of Bihar, the complexities of Kashmir, or the convulsions of national politics, he brought depth, fairness, and a distinctive voice that set him apart in Indian journalism.

The Press Club of India, in a statement, described his passing as the loss of “a fearless voice in journalism,” adding: “His sharp political analysis and unwavering commitment to the truth will be deeply missed.”

Born in Patna in 1962, Thakur was educated at St. Xavier’s High School before studying Political Science at Hindu College, Delhi University. His roots in Bihar gave him an unparalleled grasp of the state’s politics, which he chronicled in several authoritative books, including Subaltern Sahib: The Making and Unmaking of Laloo Yadav, Single Man: The Life and Times of Nitish Kumar of Bihar, and The Brothers Bihari.

For Thakur, Kashmir was more than just an assignment; it was a second home. In Srinagar, he often stayed at the Bhatt Clermont Houseboat on the other side of Dal Lake and, during the early 1990s, at the Hotel Ahdoos in Srinagar. He spent long stretches in the Valley, covering defining events such as the Hazratbal siege, the Chrar-e-Sharief siege and the Kargil war.

He had a reputation for listening more than speaking, often engaging local journalists over tea at Pratap Park or during his visits to media colleagues. “He had a particular knack for listening and would ask questions with a smile. His writings had a powerful effect,” recalled one of the valley-based reporters. Thakur’s gentle, unhurried manner earned him respect across the Valley’s media circles.

National media reported that Thakur began his career in 1984 with Sunday, part of the Ananda Bazar Patrika group. He went on to work with The Indian Express, where his coverage was widely commended. He later played a key role in the launch of Tehelka as its Executive Editor in 2004, before returning to The Telegraph, where he rose to the post of Editor. His work was recognised with several honours, including the prestigious Prem Bhatia Award for excellence in political journalism in 2001 and the Appan Menon Fellowship in 2003. News of Thakur’s death prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues, political leaders, and admirers.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge hailed his “incisive reporting, fearless political commentary and eloquent writing style,” saying his legacy would endure. Jairam Ramesh called him “a delightfully brilliant writer” and “one of the strongest defenders of liberal, democratic, secular, and pluralistic India.”

From Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference leader and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote: “He was one of the few of his profession who made an effort to travel extensively around J&K and while traveling he actually listened, he didn’t judge.” PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti remembered him as “a fearless voice committed to truth.”

Among colleagues, the grief was deeply personal. Veteran journalist Murali Krishnan, an international broadcaster who worked closely with Thakur both in newsrooms and on assignments in Kashmir, said he was “shocked” at the loss. “#SankarshanThakur – gone too soon. A colleague and friend who reminded us journalism is about listening as much as writing. The newsroom is quieter without him, but his words will keep speaking for years. A journalist whose words carried weight. The stories he left behind will stand tall.”

Recalling their days together covering the insurgency in the Valley, Krishnan added: “We covered Kashmir during the height of insurgency, and he never flinched even during dangerous situations. We wrote what we saw. And even took on the editors at The Telegraph who had disagreements. He stood firm for truth, no matter the pressure.”

Another colleague, Harinder Baweja, who spent a lot of time with Sankarshan covering stories together, said, “Sankarshan and I navigated landmines together; both of us drawn to the human face of conflict. His words and his life had rhythm and meaning. I’ll miss him as a journalist and as a friend. I will strive for solace by returning to his writings, of which there are many.” His sharp political insights defined Thakur’s journalism, his refusal to compromise with power, and his deep humanism. For readers, colleagues, and students of politics alike, his writings remain a testament to the craft of journalism at its best. He is survived by his family, including his wife, a daughter, and a son, as well as friends and countless admirers who will remember him as a rare journalist, fearless yet gentle, analytical yet empathetic, whose pen captured the truth.