Veteran Journalist Mark Tully Dies at 90: Early Life, Career and Key Achievements

Veteran journalist, author, and broadcaster Mark Tully passed away in New Delhi on January 26, 2026, at the age of 90. He died at a private hospital due to multi-organ failure following a stroke. Revered as one of the most influential foreign correspondents to report from India, Tully played a defining role in presenting India’s complexities to the global audience for over five decades.

Why in News?

Renowned journalist Mark Tully, former BBC New Delhi Bureau Chief and author of several acclaimed books on India, died at the age of 90, marking the end of an era in foreign correspondence on South Asia.

Who Was Mark Tully?

• Born in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1935 during the British Raj, Mark Tully formally known as Sir William Mark Tully spent most of his life in India.
• Though British by nationality, he identified deeply with Indian society and culture. Over the years, he came to be affectionately called “Tully Sahib”, a reflection of the respect he commanded among ordinary citizens, scholars, and policymakers alike.
• Fluent in Hindi, he developed a rare ability to interpret India from within rather than as an external observer.

Early Career and BBC Journey

• Mark Tully joined the British Broadcasting Corporation in the 1960s and was posted to India in 1965.
• Initially holding administrative responsibilities, he gradually transitioned into reporting.
• His keen observation, empathy, and on-ground engagement helped him rise to prominence.
• He went on to serve as the BBC’s New Delhi Bureau Chief for 22 years, overseeing coverage not only of India but also the wider South Asian region, making him one of the longest-serving foreign correspondents in the country.

Major Events Covered in India’s History

• During his long and distinguished career, Tully reported on several defining moments of post-Independence India.
• These included the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, the Emergency (1975-77), Operation Blue Star, the assassination of Indira Gandhi and the anti-Sikh riots of 1984, the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991, and the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992.
• He also extensively covered the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, political transitions, and social upheavals across India and the subcontinent.

Writing Career and Intellectual Contributions

• Beyond broadcast journalism, Mark Tully was a prolific author. His books offered nuanced insights into Indian society, faith, politics, and everyday life.
• Notable works include No Full Stops in India, India in Slow Motion, and The Heart of India.
• His first book, Amritsar: Mrs Gandhi’s Last Battle, co-authored with journalist Satish Jacob, examined Operation Blue Star and the Punjab crisis.
• His writing was marked by balance, secular values, and deep respect for India’s pluralism.

Life Beyond the BBC

• Tully resigned from the BBC in the mid-1990s following differences with the organisation’s leadership.
• However, he remained intellectually active, continuing to write and broadcast.
• He presented the BBC Radio 4 programme “Something Understood”, focusing on faith and ethical questions.
• Even in his later years, he engaged with debates on religion, democracy, and Indian politics, often describing himself as belonging to both India and Britain.

Personal Connection with India

• Mark Tully’s bond with India extended far beyond journalism.
• He lived a simple life in South Delhi, travelled extensively across the country often by train and consistently amplified the voices of ordinary Indians, not just political elites.
• His reporting style was rooted in fieldwork and human stories, which earned him deep affection and credibility across generations.

Honours and Recognition

• In recognition of his contributions to journalism, Mark Tully was knighted by the British government in 2002.
• India also honoured him with the Padma Shri and later the Padma Bhushan, making him one of the few foreign nationals to receive both civilian awards.
• These honours reflected India’s acknowledgment of his lifelong commitment to understanding and explaining the country with honesty and empathy.

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q. Mark Tully was most closely associated with which organisation during his journalism career?

A. Reuters
B. Al Jazeera
C. British Broadcasting Corporation
D. Associated Press