KL NEWS NETWORK
DODA
Chenab Valley Journalist Association, Doda Friday paid rich tributes to the veteran editor and former chairperson of the Kashmir Times Group of Publications, Ved Bhasin who passed away in Jammu on November 5.
A function was organized by Chenab Valley Journalist Association in Town Hall, Doda today in which journalists, writers, poets and members of civil society and Bar association participated. Renowned writer, poet and religious scholar Shad Faridabadi presided over the function.
On the occasion, speakers said that Bhasin’s monumental contribution was promoting “new talent” through Kashmir Times Group of Publications which emerged as a ‘nursery’ for journalists in J&K.
Speakers and participants eulogized him not only as a prolific writer but also as a human rights campaigner par excellence while recounting his unflinching commitment to the demands of his profession, regardless of repercussions.
Shad Faridabadi speaking on the occasion said, “Jammu and Kashmir is in need of figures like Ved Bhasin to defeat elements that are out to divide it on communal or ethnic lines.”
He called upon the journalists to follow in the footprints of Bhasin by reporting “truth even in the face of adversities”.
Mohammad Akbar Kichloo, a senior most lawyer of Doda while recalling the days of his friendship said that Bhasin was a revolutionary person.
“Ved Bhasin was an authority on the Kashmir politics,” he said.
Chenab Valley Journalist Association, President Doda, Naseer Khora termed Ved Bhasin as one of the “torch bearers” of the freedom of speech, who throughout his life worked hard to highlight the plight of downtrodden and marginalized communities.
Doda Bar President Syed Asim Hashmi while recalling the services of Ved Bhasin, especially during militancy in the state, appreciated the entire group of Kashmir Times for highlighting the plights of suppressed masses of the state.
Fiaz Pampori and senior journalist of the district recalled his days when he was working in Kashmir Times.
“I am one of the lucky persons who had worked under Ved Ji who was not only the head of an institution but an academy within him,” said Fiaz.
Trade Union leader Mehboob Kripak said that Bhasin was close with the trade union leaders and has contributed a lot for their cause.
An eminent writer, Advocate Imtiaz Mir and social activist Ab Qayoom Zargar said that the state has lost a great personality and vacuum cannot be fulfilled.
