Mohammad Raafi
KL NEWS NETWORK
SRINAGAR
As the news of J&K’s legendary editor, Ved Bhasin’s death flashed across media platforms netizens expressed their grief and sorrow.
Ved Bhasin was the founding editor of Kashmir Times.
Prof Siddiq Wahid, former Vice Chancellor IUST termed Ved Bhasin a dauntless journalist and a constructive critic. On his Facebook page, Siddiq wrote, “Ved Bhasin Sahib has passed away. RIP. A dauntless journalist and a constructive critic of governments, in Ved Sahib the J&K State loses a towering figure. A gentle and unassuming man, a heart absent of bitterness despite all, a teacher who guided us with soft nudges, words and deeds. He was these and more. I miss him already.”
“Mr. Ved Bhasi, veteran journalist & former editor of Kashmir Times, passed away in Jammu. He was for the enduring friendship between India & Pakistan. He was authority on Kashmir. He was always pro-people. Mr. Bhasin was also ex president of Pakistan-India Peoples’ Forum for Peace & Democracy (PIPFPD). Condolences to Anuradha, his daughter and his family. RIP,” wrote Jatin Desai, who has been working on India-Pakistan relations for a long time.
Senior government functionary, Muneer ul Islam wrote, “way back in 1990 when we would eagerly wait for Kashmir Times to come at around 2 pm, only then would we feel that we have gone through yesterday’s news. All other media institutions of the time be they official broadcast/telecast media or our own local papers did not have that credibility. While one would toe the official line, others were practically working under the shadow of gun. It was its legendry editor who made it possible for Kashmir Times to remain the beacon of truth and lofty ideals. Vedji remained true to his ideals till his end. No one can match him and come closer to in upholding the human values. A man who would call spade-a-spade, irrespective of whom he was addressing to. Best tribute to him can be that upcoming and would-be-journalists learn and are taught about him. They can relate to him in far better way than other legends in the field who are far away from us in time and space. Rest in peace Vedji.”
Ved was known as an encouraging personality who would boost young aspirants to work fearlessly. Many remember him as the one who through his pen gave voice to voiceless and had voice which was feared by tyrants of time.
A Non-Resident Kashmiri (NRK), Raja Muzaffar, based in the United States transcribed, “Ved Bhasin breathed his last due to prolonged illness at 11 PM at his residence at Gandhi Nagar Jammu in presence of all family members. He was critical and on life support system from past few days.”
“Ved Bhasin Founder of Kashmir Times Born on May 1, 1929, he was post-graduate in Political Science. He had been the President J&K Association of Journalists, Jammu Editors Conference, and Press Club of Jammu, served on various Press bodies including Press Advisory Committees (as Convenor) for a number of years,” he added. “Ved Bhasin a passionate advocate of justice, peace, and human rights. A man who was the eye witness of many ups and downs in Kashmir politics. He will never be forgotten. He was highly respected in the journalistic circles for his professional integrity and intellect. Mr Bhasin took a very keen interest in the political sphere of Jammu & Kashmir. I met him for the first time 21years ago in Washington DC. He told me many untold stories of the early stage of uprising in Kashmir in 1990. Ved Bhasin was a friend of mine and his presence will be deeply missed. Ved Bhasin is survived by two daughters, Anuradha Bhasin and Anju Bhasin. His death is a great loss to the nation. May his soul Rest in Peace.”
“I’m really saddened to hear about the death of the veteran journalist Mr Ved Bhasin. He was an extraordinary man. I am among many who will mourn deeply his passing, as his was a life of service, compassion and excellence. May he rest in peace,” wrote a young journalist Nouman Parvez.
Ved Bhasin will be remembered as the grand old man of English journalism in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I still remember the day when the thought of joining social work came into my mind and how you encouraged me and were there for me uncle Ved Bhasin…how you came all the way from Pakistan to attend the first conference of my life…you were such a great personality and such a good human being that you can never be forgotten… My condolences to Mrs Anuradha Bhasin… May god give her the strength to bear this irreparable loss….may god rest uncle Ved’s soul in peace,” wrote Qurat ul Ain Masoodi, who has actively worked with Ved Bhasin.
Mubashir Latifi wrote, “many big names in journalism today owe their existence to the original and true Journalist Sh Ved Bhasin Sahib. A great human being, visionary and an institution in himself is no more. May his soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to Anuradha Bhasin and Prabodh Jamwall Ji.”
Some termed Ved Fakhr-e-Sahafat of Journalism in J&K.
“Fakhr-e-Sahafat Ved Bhasin no more. The man who refused to be neutral till end and would often say a journalist has to either side with the people or the state,” wrote Shabir Ali.
Many recall Ved Bhasin as the “Man of Dissent”, who had respect for the opposite views as well.
Senior journalist Masood Hussain wrote on his Facebook page, “In Ved Ji’s death, I lost my teacher and a role model. I have worked with lot many editors but neither of them could come closer to my sir.”
Altaf Wani an avid Facebook user wrote, “My father insisted me to read Kashmir Times in my childhood a English paper full of content and class since then I was a fan of Ved Bhasin he was my FB friend also and always wished me on my Birthday. Now he is no more may his soul rest in peace. My condolences to Anuradha Bhasin.”
“Father of journalism in J&K no Dissent defined this man. At the same time he had respect for the opposite view as well. He was stubbornly uncompromising, to the fault, about his beliefs. Nothing could make him to compromise on his beliefs. He was THE TEACHER only the luckiest could have. He produced a generation of journalists spread across the country. More. There can’t be better symbol of human values and moral character used seven decade for betterment of people a voice of people against the unjust. R.I.P Ved Bhasin… Anuradha Bhasin Prabodh Jamwal the loss is all ours. Let Kashmir Times continue to serve and be our guiding spirit….forever,” another netizens, Aliya Rashid, wrote on her wall.
Another NRK from Brussels wrote, “my deepest condolences to the friends and Family of Veteran Kashmiri Journalist Late Ved Bhasin, the Man who institutionalized Journalism in Kashmir.”
“Shan-e-Mahfil: Ved Bhasin. Death of an institution, an era, spirit & and an idea that is rarely found. Bye Bye Ved ji .Will miss you badly. I have lost my role model,” wrote Qurrat ul Ain.
Gulf based Kashmiri editor of Khaleej Times, Sameer Bhat wrote, “Ved Bhasin, founder editor of Kashmir Times, is no more. Inarguably one of the finest human beings and a true son of the soil. He will be profoundly missed. God bless his soul. My deepest commiserations to his indomitable daughter and journalist Anuradha Bhasin.”
Senior Photo Journalist and Kashmir Life photo chief while remembering Ved Bhasin wrote, “Today, Kashmir lost its Hamdard. RIP Ved Bhasin!” “His being has been luck of many towering journalist working in Kashmir now,” Bilal said.
