By IANS,
New Delhi : Union ministers and senior Kerala leaders Monday paid tributes to the late George Joseph, IANS’ political editor, describing him as a daring journalist who reported from the Kashmir Valley during the peak of the insurgency in the 1990s.
A memorial service for Joesph, who who died last month following cardiac arrest, was organised by the Press Club of India and the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ).
Defence Minister A.K. Antony, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vyalar Ravi, Food Minister K.V. Thomas, parliament members P.C. Chacko and P. Karunakaran and several journalists attended the service.
Remembering Joseph’s student days, Antony said: “He was a vibrant student and was known as a communist as he had very strong and uncompromising views on certain issues.”
“We will never forget his contribution in bringing out real situation in Kashmir during the peak years of militancy. He was working there and continued reporting when everbody escaped. He was even abducted by militants and none thought he would return but he came back,” said Antony.
Ravi called him a dynamic and daring journalist who told the stories of Kashmir fearlessly.
“He was a gentleman and a sharp journalist, who stood for truth and will always be remembered,” said Thomas.
Chacko said Joseph was a man who braved bullets and was loyal to his work as a reporter. “I knew him since college days and he was a man of uncompromising conviction. His life has become a legend and will be an inspiration for future generations of journalists.”
Joseph passed away Feb 27 at the age of 57. He is survived by wife and a daughter.
Joseph had been a journalist since 1980. He began his career with the National Herald, then worked with The Times of India before moving to the Indian Express where he had a long stint in Srinagar during the crucial years of the insurgency in the 1990s. There he met fellow journalist Aasha Khosa whom he later married. They have a daughter, Vitasta Joseph, who is studying in Class 9.
Joseph, who joined IANS in 2010, also worked for Malayalam media, including a stint as chief of bureau in Delhi of Jeevan TV.