Journalism stalwart Dasu Krishnamoorty turns 100 today

The Hindu

7 hours ago

Dasu Krishnamoorty, a journalism veteran with a career spanning 70 years, will turn 100 on Tuesday.
Hailing from a family of journalists, Krishnamoorty was part of the first journalism batch at Osmania University under Prof. De Forest O'Dell in 1954–55, where he graduated at the top of his class. During his internship at The Times of India, he earned praise from legendary editor Frank Moraes.
He began his career at The Sentinel, The Deccan Chronicle and The Daily News, before joining The Indian Express as chief sub-editor. There, he played a key role in launching its Vijayawada edition in 1959. After a brief stint with The Times of India in Ahmedabad, he moved to New Delhi in 1969 and worked with Patriot for nearly two decades.
In Delhi's journalistic circles, he was celebrated as a 'Deskman Extraordinaire' for his exceptional page layout skills.
After retiring from active journalism, Krishnamoorty continued to share his knowledge as an associate professor at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi. He later taught at the University of Hyderabad, Osmania University, Andhra Pradesh Open University and Bhavan's College of Journalism, while continuing to write on media affairs.
In 2001, at the age of 75, he moved to the United States and shifted focus to writing. Along with his daughter, Tamraparni Dasu, he founded 'India Writes', an initiative aimed at promoting Telugu short story writers globally by translating their works into English.
Krishnamoorty has published three anthologies: Santoshabad Passenger 1947 and Other Stories (2010), The Seaside Bride and Other Stories (2019) and Ten Greatest Telugu Stories Ever Told (2022). He is currently working on his autobiography.
Remarkably active for his age, he remains in good health, spends several hours a day at his computer and retains a phenomenal memory.
Just a few months ago, he mesmerised the current batch of Osmania University journalism students through a video conference. A 1954–55 alumnus addressing the 2024–25 cohort was a moment steeped in history and inspiration. The students honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.