Veteran journalist Sankarshan Thakur, editor of The Telegraph whose prowess with words added that extra edge to his analyses and ground reports, died at a Gurgaon hospital on Monday after prolonged illness. He was 63.
Born in Patna in 1962, Thakur was the son of senior journalist Janardhan Thakur. He received his early education at St Xavier’s in Patna and later in Delhi, before earning a degree in political science from Hindu College, Delhi University.
Thakur, who began his journalism career in 1984 with SUNDAY magazine, is survived by his wife Sona, daughter Jahan and son Ayushman.
He worked in several places, including The Indian Express, Tehelka and The Telegraph in two stints.
Known for his sharp political commentary and empathetic pen, Thakur was a keen chronicler of India’s politics, particularly Bihar.
His home state was the focus of not just his journalism but also his credentials as an author.
Thakur authored the widely cited and bestselling biographies of the state’s prominent political figures. His books include “Subaltern Saheb”, a political biography of former chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, “Single Man: The Life and Times of Nitish Kumar of Bihar”, and “The Brothers Bihari”, a highly acclaimed political diptych on Yadav and Kumar.
The Telegraph editor Thakur dies
NEW DELHI, SEP 8 (PTI)