Remembering Sankarshan Thakur: A Journalist Who Spoke the Truth

 

The world of Indian journalism lost a bright and fearless voice on September 8, 2025, when Sankarshan Thakur passed away. For almost four decades, he stood as a symbol of honest reporting, sharp analysis, and fearless storytelling. His passing is a huge loss, not just for the media but also for readers who trusted his words.

Who Was Sankarshan Thakur?

Born in 1962, Sankarshan Thakur grew up with a love for stories, truth, and justice. In 1985, he started his journalism career at The Telegraph, a well-known English newspaper. Over time, he became one of the most respected political journalists in India.

He wasn’t just a reporter; he was also a teacher, mentor, and guide for many young journalists. People admired him for his deep understanding of Indian politics, especially the politics of Bihar, and his courage to report from conflict zones like Kashmir.

His Career Journey

• The Telegraph – Thakur worked for most of his life with The Telegraph. He served as Editor and later as Roving Editor, covering big stories across India.
• Tehelka – In 2004, he helped launch the investigative weekly Tehelka and served as its Executive Editor, bringing bold journalism to the forefront.
• The Indian Express – He also worked as an Associate Editor here, further sharpening his political reporting.
• Awards and Recognition – He was honored with the Prem Bhatia Award for Political Journalism (2001). His brave coverage of the Kargil War in 1999 was widely appreciated. He also received the Appan Menon Fellowship (2003) to work on a book about Kashmir.

What made him special was not just the positions he held, but the way he reported. He had a style that was simple yet powerful, and he believed journalism should always serve the people.

Why He Is No More

On September 8, 2025, Sankarshan Thakur left us at the age of 63. As per reports, he had been battling health issues for some time, and unfortunately, he could not recover. His passing has left a deep silence in the world of journalism. Colleagues, friends, and readers across India have been paying heartfelt tributes, remembering him not only as a journalist but also as a kind human being who lived with honesty and dignity.

His Legacy

Even though he is no longer with us, his work continues to inspire. His writings on politics, Bihar, and Kashmir remain valuable records of truth. Young journalists will always look up to him as a role model—someone who stood for fearless reporting and never compromised on integrity.

Final Thoughts

Sankarshan Thakur’s death is a reminder of how important honest journalism is. While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his life and work. He may be gone, but the values he lived by—truth, courage, and fairness—will stay forever.

Rest in peace, Sankarshan Thakur. Your words will continue to speak for generations.