India’s media fraternity mourns the loss of Sankarshan Thakur, senior editor of The Telegraph and one of the country’s most respected political journalists, who passed away at the age of 63 after a prolonged illness.

With a career spanning nearly four decades, Thakur was known as the “Chronicler of Bihar”, celebrated for his deep understanding of Indian politics and his fearless field reporting. He authored several acclaimed books and remained a symbol of integrity and courage in journalism.

Colleagues and journalists across India expressed profound grief. Saba Naqvi, recalling their meeting during the 2024 election coverage in Varanasi, described him as an editor who believed in being on the ground, sweating it out in the field — a rare quality that defined his dedication to truth and people’s stories.

Thakur’s passing leaves behind an enduring legacy of ethical journalism, honesty, and the power of a journalist’s conscience. 

In an era of fast-paced digital reporting, can today’s journalism uphold the same depth, courage, and integrity that Sankarshan Thakur embodied?