From Bihar to Nation: Editors Guild Salutes Sankarshan Thakur’s Lifelong Commitment to Truth
Syed Ali Taher Abedi
September 8, 2025 | New Delhi: The Editors Guild of India solemnly announces with deep regret the passing of Mr. Sankarshan Thakur, a towering figure in Indian journalism, who served as the Editor of The Telegraph and was a respected senior member of the Guild. Mr. Thakur passed away on Monday at the age of 63 after battling a serious illness.
Born into a legacy of journalism as the son of the legendary Janardhan Thakur, Sankarshan Thakur carved out his own distinguished career with an unwavering commitment to integrity, fearless reporting, and insightful analysis. He was widely regarded not only as an accomplished editor but also as a gifted author whose works have profoundly influenced political journalism in India.
Mr. Thakur’s notable literary contributions include the critically acclaimed The Brothers Bihari, which offered an in-depth exploration of the political rivalry and alliance between Bihar’s prominent leaders Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar. His incisive analysis continued with Subaltern Saheb: Bihar and the Making of Laloo Yadav and Single Man: The Life and Times of Nitish Kumar, books that remain essential reading for understanding Bihar’s socio-political landscape.
Beginning his journalistic journey with Sunday magazine, Mr. Thakur’s career spanned several of India’s most respected publications including The Indian Express and Tehelka, before returning to The Telegraph, where he ultimately rose to the position of Editor. His reportage was marked by fearless ground coverage of some of the most defining episodes in contemporary Indian history: from the Kargil War and the aftermath of the Bhopal disaster to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the assassination of Indira Gandhi. He also reported extensively on the Kashmir conflict, the Sri Lankan civil war, and complex political dynamics in Bihar and neighboring Pakistan.
His dedication to fearless and informed journalism earned him several prestigious accolades, most notably the Prem Bhatia Award for Excellence in Political Journalism in 2001 and the Appan Menon Fellowship in 2003, recognizing his unparalleled contribution to the field.
Mr. Sankarshan Thakur’s death marks a significant loss not only to The Telegraph and the Editors Guild of India but to the wider journalistic fraternity and the nation. His legacy endures through his courageous reporting, insightful writings, and the high ethical standards he set for generations of journalists to come.
The Editors Guild of India extends its heartfelt condolences to Mr. Thakur’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. We stand united in celebrating his extraordinary life and contributions, confident that his exemplary work will continue to inspire and guide Indian journalism.
