The world of Indian journalism has lost a resonant voice. The Telegraph's senior editor and eminent political analyst Sankar Thakur died on September 8 after a prolonged illness at the age of 63. His death has shocked the journalism world deeply.

Thakur was known for his fearless, ground reporting and sensitive writing. He presented stories ranging from Kargil and Bhopal to the changing political circumstances of Kashmir and Bihar with clarity and depth. His books on Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar "Subaltern Saheb", "The Brothers Bihari", and "Single Man: The Life and Times of Nitish Kumar"- Milestone.

His longstanding association with prominent media houses Sunday Magazine, The Indian Express, The Hindu, and eventually The Telegraph showcased his adaptability and commitment to journalistic excellence. The Editors Guild of India mourned his passing as a “profound loss” and honoured him as a formidable journalist whose work sets a benchmark for generations.

Thakur's sensitive writing style and fearless political reporting gave him the Prem Bhatia Award in 2001 and Appan Menon Fellowship in 2003. His legacy was the voice of clarity, courage and conscience. He was not only a journalist connected to the land, but was also a voice of conscience in the turmoil.

When colleagues, readers and political personalities mourned, one feeling was the most echoed - hybridization Thakur was a lustre among the turbulent waves of the media, whose base was the integrity and deep analysis ability. His absence leaves a deep emptiness, but his words, his commitment and his firm passion will continue to show the direction to Indian journalism.