In brief
Sir Mark Tully, known as the BBC's 'voice of India', has passed away at 90, leading to an outpouring of tributes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed him as a 'towering voice of journalism'. Tully's extensive career included reporting on key moments in South Asian history, earning him accolades and respect across the region.
Tributes have been pouring in for veteran BBC journalist Sir Mark Tully who has been cremated in the Indian capital, Delhi, a day after he died at the age of 90.
Hundreds of people - including friends and family - gathered at the Lodhi crematorium to bid their final goodbye to the broadcaster.
Sir Mark was widely regarded as the BBC's 'voice of India' and was one of the most admired foreign correspondents of his generation.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Sir Mark as a towering voice of journalism, adding that his connect with India and the people of our nation was reflected in his works.
On Monday afternoon, mourners lined up around Sir Mark's body at the crematorium.
Wrapped in a white cloth, his body was laid on a platform on a bed of flowers, made up of rose petals and tuberoses. Marigold garlands and a wreath were placed on top.
Christian priests recited prayers and hymns were sung, before the body was taken for cremation.
Sir Mark, who died on Sunday at a Delhi hospital where he was undergoing treatment, has been described as a chronicler of modern India.
Over a career spanning several decades, he reported on big historical moments that defined South Asia's trajectory, including the Indian army's storming of the Sikh Golden Temple, the birth of Bangladesh, periods of military rule in Pakistan, the Tamil Tigers' rebellion in Sri Lanka, and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
In 1992, while reporting on the demolition of the Babri mosque by Hindu hardliners, he faced threats from a mob and was locked in a room for several hours before a local official and a Hindu priest came to his aid.
Journalist Satish Jacob, who worked closely with Sir Mark at the BBC for nearly two decades and later co-authored a book with him, described their friendship that began on a flight in 1978.
Author and historian William Dalrymple called Sir Mark a giant among journalists and the greatest Indophile of his generation. He noted that Tully was irreplaceable and willing to confront power.
Political scientist Pratap Bhanu Mehta shared how Tully's reporting provided coherent narratives during chaotic moments in Indian history, describing his voice as comforting amid despair.
Sir Mark was born in Calcutta in 1935 and spent much of his life in India. He was knighted in 2002 and received two of India's highest civilian awards for his contributions to journalism.
