VETERAN COLUMNIST TK ARUN NAMED EDITOR OF ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL WEEKLY

Veteran columnist TK Arun has been appointed Editor of Economic and Political Weekly. A trained economist with decades of experience at The Economic Times, Arun announced his byline will pause as he leads the journal’s editorials and commentary, marking a significant new chapter in India’s intellectual and policy discourse.

TK Arun, one of India’s most respected voices in economic and political commentary, has stepped into a new chapter of his career as Editor of Economic and Political Weekly. Announcing the appointment, Arun revealed that his byline would take a pause from public discourse, encouraging readers to follow the journal’s editorials and unsigned online commentary in the days ahead.  

A trained economist with a lifelong interest in politics and global affairs, Arun has been a fixture in Indian journalism for decades. His career at The Economic Times saw him shape opinion as a columnist and leader writer, while also holding senior editorial positions including Editorial Writer, Editor (Opinion), Resident Editor across Delhi, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Chandigarh, and later Consulting Editor. His tenure was marked by incisive commentary on policy, economics, and governance, earning him recognition as a sharp and independent voice in the country’s media landscape.  

Since his contractual disengagement with The Economic Times in 2021, Arun has worked as a freelance columnist, continuing to write on the wide range of subjects he once oversaw in editorials. His freelance work reflected the same breadth of interest and analytical rigour, covering everything from economic policy to international affairs. He has consistently emphasised that his writing stems from moments when he feels he has a genuine insight to offer, a principle that has guided his long career.  

Arun’s move to Economic and Political Weekly is significant for the journal itself. Founded in 1949, EPW has long been regarded as one of India’s most influential platforms for independent analysis, blending academic research with commentary on contemporary issues. It has historically provided space for critical voices in economics, politics, and society, and Arun’s appointment signals continuity with that tradition while also promising fresh editorial leadership.  

For readers, his decision to step back from a personal byline marks a shift in how his voice will be encountered. Instead of signed columns, Arun’s perspective will now be embedded in the journal’s collective editorial stance and unsigned commentary. This transition underscores his belief in the importance of institutional voices in public discourse, particularly at a time when independent analysis is vital to navigating complex global and national challenges.  

Arun’s career trajectory reflects the evolution of Indian journalism itself: from the dominance of print opinion pages to the rise of digital commentary and freelance voices, and now to the stewardship of a legacy journal that continues to shape intellectual debate. His appointment is not just a personal milestone but also a reminder of the enduring role of editors in guiding thoughtful, rigorous public conversation.