Veteran Tamil journalist Rajanayagam Bharathi has passed away at the age of 62 in Jaffna, earlier this month leaving behind a legacy of over four decades in the Tamil media industry.
Bharathi, a respected figure in Tamil journalism, previously served as the editor of Thinakkural’s weekend edition and website. At the time of his passing, he was the editor of Veerakesari’s Jaffna regional branch, continuing his commitment to Tamil media until his final days. His contributions, particularly in political analysis and the arts, earned him widespread recognition and respect.
His passing on 9 February due to health issues has been met with tributes from journalists and media organisations across the country.
Bharathi began his career in the 1980s with Eezhamurasu and went on to work for Murasoli, Thinakkural, Eelanadu, and Veerakesari, where he served as the Northern Regional Editor until his passing. Over the years, he fearlessly documented the Tamil liberation struggle, human rights violations, and the political landscape of Sri Lanka.
He was renowned for his in-depth political analysis and for his courageous reporting on sensitive issues, including the abduction and murder of journalist Murasoli editor Thiruchelvam’s son, Ahilan.
In honour of his contributions to Tamil journalism, the Nuwara Eliya District Journalists’ Association held a memorial event on 15 February at the Samahouse Restaurant in Kasalry. The event saw leading journalists from the district paying tribute to Bharathi, with floral offerings to his portrait.
Among those present were the association’s President Douglas Nanaiyakkara, Secretary Thilanga Kamini, Treasurer M. Ramachandran, and National Organiser S. Thiyagu, alongside several other journalists from the region.
Bharathi’s final rites took place on 13 February in Jaffna. His body was placed at his residence in Thirunelveli on Palali Road for public tributes before being taken to the Kokkuvil Hindu cemetery, where he was cremated at 1:30 PM.
