Kasturi, who was the longest-serving Editor in the history of the 134 year old newspaper THE HINDU a tenure that was almost matched by his uncle, Kasturi Srinivasan, from 1934 to 1959 - passed away peacefully at his residence on September 21, 2012. Surrounded by loved ones at the hour of parting, his demise comes with a sense of disbelief, grief and anguish. Staying away from the limelight of publicity despite being the powerful Editor of an influential newspaper and the Managing Director of the company running it.

G. Kasturi had a single-minded focus through most of his life to take The Hindu to new heights in a fast-changing media milieu. He seemed to allow himself hardly any distraction from his work and mission. he was the old-world Editor who preferred not to be seen or heard in the public sphere, but only be read and felt through the columns of the newspaper. Yet, he travelled the world, in particular evincing keen interest in industry-related events and exhibitions. He lived the trust, held himself up to the legacy he inherited, and left the newspaper the better for it.

Kasturi was indeed the moderniser, innovator and visionary who led The Hindu during a critical phase of its history. He brought it up to speed in an era in which technology came to play a leading part in transforming the industry. He took the newspaper forward from a slow-paced era, to a mode in which it could meet the new information needs of a growing English speaking population.