Special Correspondent at Malayala Manorama and prestigious Ramnath Goenka Award winner Jijo John Puthezhath died of cardiac arrest in Kochi on Wednesday.

  • Veteran journalist Jijo John Puthezhath passed away at age 52.
  • Cause of death reported as cardiac arrest in Kochi.
  • Recipient of the prestigious 2015 Ramnath Goenka Award for excellence in journalism.

The journalism community in Kerala is mourning the sudden demise of Jijo John Puthezhath, a distinguished Special Correspondent at the Kochi unit of Malayala Manorama. The veteran journalist passed away on Wednesday following a sudden cardiac arrest in Kochi. He was 52 years old.

Known for his rigorous approach to reporting and commitment to the truth, Puthezhath carved a niche for himself in the competitive landscape of Indian media. His professional integrity was formally recognized in 2015 when he was conferred with the Ramnath Goenka Award, one of the most coveted honors for journalists in India, celebrating excellence and courage in reporting.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the loss of journalists like Jijo John Puthezhath signifies a decline in the era of deep-dive investigative journalism. In an age dominated by rapid-fire digital snippets, his legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of meticulous fact-checking and the pursuit of systemic accountability.

"Jijo John represented the gold standard of journalistic ethics, blending courage with a deep sense of social responsibility."

He is survived by his wife, Ramya Joseph, who serves as a teacher at Sarva Shiksha Kerala in Kochi, and his children, Ananya Jijo and Johan Joseph John. His passing has left a void in the newsrooms of Kerala and among the countless readers who relied on his insights.

Historical Background

The Ramnath Goenka Award, which Puthezhath received in 2015, was established to honor journalists who exhibit exceptional courage and independence. Winning this award places a journalist among the elite few who have successfully challenged the status quo and brought critical issues to the public forefront.

Did You Know?: The Ramnath Goenka Award is widely considered the highest honor in Indian journalism, often compared to the Pulitzer Prize for its prestige and criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which media organization was Jijo John Puthezhath associated with?
A: He was a Special Correspondent at the Kochi unit of Malayala Manorama.

Q2: What was the cause of his death?
A: He passed away due to a cardiac arrest in Kochi.