Sir Mark Tully, Renowned BBC Journalist and Broadcaster, Dies at 90

Sir Mark Tully, a long-serving BBC journalist and broadcaster widely recognized for his extensive reporting from India and South Asia, has died at the age of 90. His cremation took place in Delhi, India, attended by family, friends, and colleagues.

Tully, who spent the majority of his life in India, covered pivotal events across the region for over two decades as the BBC's head of bureau in Delhi.

Passing and Cremation

Sir Mark Tully passed away at the age of 90. His cremation was held at the Lodi crematorium in Delhi, India, with hundreds in attendance. Christian prayers and hymns were conducted before the cremation.

A Life in India: Early Career

Born in Calcutta (now Kolkata), British India, in 1935, Tully received his education in Britain, studying history and theology at Cambridge University. He joined the BBC in India in 1965 as an administrative assistant, later transitioning into reporting.

Tully became fluent in Hindi, a notable attribute among foreign correspondents in Delhi, earning him the moniker "Tully sahib."

He considered India his home for approximately three-quarters of his life.

Decades of Groundbreaking Reporting

For over two decades, Tully served as the BBC's head of bureau in Delhi, overseeing coverage of India and neighboring countries. His career involved reporting on numerous significant events that shaped South Asia, including:

• The 1971 creation of Bangladesh.
• Periods of military rule in Pakistan.
• The Tamil Tigers' rebellion in Sri Lanka.
• The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
• Major Indian events such as war, famine, riots, and assassinations.
• The 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy.
• The Indian army's operation at the Sikh Golden Temple in 1984.
• The 1992 demolition of the Babri mosque in Ayodhya, an event he later described as a setback for secularism in India. During his reporting on this event, he faced threats and was confined for several hours before receiving assistance.

Tully was expelled from India in 1975 during Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's state of emergency but returned 18 months later, remaining based in Delhi.

The 'Voice of India' and Public Trust

Tully became known as the BBC's "voice of India" and a "chronicler of modern India" due to his reporting style and deep engagement with the country. Journalists and political scientists have highlighted the trust placed in his despatches, particularly during times when other reliable information sources were scarce.

For example, his reports provided crucial information during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. His radio voice was widely recognized and trusted, contrasting with government-controlled media. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was reported to have relied on BBC confirmation for news of his mother's murder.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Tully as a "towering voice of journalism."

Post-BBC Career

In 1994, Tully resigned from the BBC following a public speech where he criticized the corporation's management. After his departure, he continued broadcasting, notably presenting Radio 4's "Something Understood," which focused on faith and spirituality.

Awards and Honors

Sir Mark Tully received a knighthood in 2002 for his contributions to broadcasting and journalism. He was also honored with India's Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, which are significant civilian awards rarely conferred upon foreign nationals.