Pune: Former Defence Journalist Vipin Skaria George Passes Away at 46; Colleagues Remember His Legacy

Pune, 15th October 2026: Vipin Skaria George, a former defence journalist with Sakal Times, died of a heart attack on September 24, 2026. He was 46.

George, who hailed from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is survived by his wife and parents, T.S. George and Mariamma George. At the time of his death, he was working as Corporate Communications Manager at ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India.

George’s former colleagues and senior journalists remembered him for his in-depth knowledge of defence and strategic affairs, analytical approach to reporting and distinctive personality.

Senior journalist Nadeem Inamdar of Hindustan Times, Pune, said George had an exceptional understanding of defence matters and strategic studies, and his stories rarely required editorial changes.

“He was highly knowledgeable and, above all, a wonderful human being at heart. We shared a close bond, extending beyond our professional association to our families. His untimely demise is a great personal loss to me as a friend,” Inamdar said.

Veteran journalist Camil Parkhe recalled working with George at Maharashtra Herald and Sakal Times, describing him as a hardworking journalist.

George was part of the reporting team initially headed by Madhav Gokhale and later by Dongaonkar. He covered business and defence, Parkhe said, while offering his condolences to the bereaved family.

Veteran journalist K.S. Manojkumar, who knew George briefly, remembered him as a reserved journalist with a keen eye for detail and a deep analytical approach.

“He would put his subject matter under a microscope, try to figure out why they behaved the way they did and deeply analyse events in his mind,” Manojkumar said.

He recalled that George rarely discussed his upcoming stories but would share accounts drawn from his defence sources when the opportunity arose. George had also undertaken a foreign assignment during his time at Sakal Times, Manojkumar said.

Manojkumar said he felt sad when George left journalism to pursue another profession. He believed George could have made a mark in reporting at the intersection of internal security and politics.

Recalling their time together, Manojkumar also shared an anecdote about George’s fondness for a chicken tandoori outlet on FC Road in Pune. He remembered George as someone who was unconcerned about popularity or being overly agreeable, qualities he said he respected.

George’s funeral rites were held on September 26, followed by services at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church in Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram.