Veteran Journalist Sankarshan Thakur Passes Away

Quick Summary

• Sankarshan Thakur, Editor of The Telegraph, passed away on September 8, 2025, at 63 in a Gurgaon hospital following an illness and recent surgery.
• Thakur was renowned for his incisive political analysis, ground reporting, and eloquent writing.
• His notable books include Making of Laloo Yadav, The Unmaking of bihar, Single Man: The Life And Times of Nitish Kumar of Bihar, and The Brothers Bihari.
• A recipient of the Prem Bhatia Award for excellence in political journalism (2001), he worked with publications like sunday magazine (Ananda Bazar Patrika group), The Indian Express, and Tehelka before serving as National Affairs Editor and later Editor at The Telegraph.
• His impactful ground reporting included covering political violence in Manipur (June 2001).
• Tributes from Press Club of India described him as a “fearless voice” whose “commitment to truth will be deeply missed.” Congress interaction chief Jairam Ramesh stated his writings upheld a liberal, democratic spirit. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge lauded his legacy in fearless commentary.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Sankarshan ThakurS demise marks the loss of an influential figure who elevated the standards of political journalism through sharp analysis and uncompromising commitment to truth. As India continues navigating complex socio-political landscapes, seasoned voices like Thakur remind us how powerful journalism can be in shaping public understanding. His focus on regions like Bihar and Kashmir expanded narratives often underrepresented nationally.

Additionally, his contributions through books made him not just a chronicler but also an interpreter whose work resonates well beyond breaking news cycles.Awards such as the Prem Bhatia recognition underline how investigative rigor combined with clarity remains indispensable in modern media.

His passing highlights both personal loss within India’s journalistic fraternity-evident from tributes-and broader challenges faced by media today: sustaining ideals he championed like plurality while embracing change without losing foundational values. Ground reportage rooted in lived experiences can illuminate truths frequently enough obscured by preconceptions-a lesson that reflects Thakur’s enduring legacy.

For more details:
Read More