Srinagar, June 14: Kashmir Media House (KMH) solemnly commemorated the sixth death anniversary of its founding editor and esteemed journalist, Dr. Syed ShujaatBukhari, at the office of Rising Kashmir. A heartfelt condolence meeting convened in the Rising Kashmir newsroom brought together editors, correspondents, reporters, photographers, staff members, and well-wishers.
The gathering fondly recalled the remarkable contributions of the late Dr.ShujaatBukhari to journalism and his unwavering commitment to truth and integrity. Prayers were offered for the eternal peace of his soul amidst reflections on his legacy in shaping media discourse in Kashmir.
Editor-in-Chief of Rising Kashmir, Hafiz AyazGani, presided over the commemorative function, underscoring Dr.Shujaat’s profound influence and leadership within the media fraternity. Participants shared personal anecdotes and emphasized his dedication to journalistic ethics and professionalism.
While paying tributes to Dr Shujaat, Hafiz AyazGani termed his killing a loss to Kashmir’s media that cannot be compensated. Recalling the journey of the daily newspaper, Hafiz emphasized that Shujaat’s contributions cannot be underestimated.
“The biggest tribute to him is to work for the institution. There are always hurdles, but we have to be strong enough to carry forward his mission,” he said.
Ayaz further said that Shujaat was not only a name but an institution, whose irreparable loss can never be filled. His journalistic principles, service to mankind, and objectivity will continue to inspire generations to come.
At the condolence meet, Shah Abbas, senior journalist and editor of Buland Kashmir, described Dr.ShujaatBukhari as a multidimensional personality whose contributions to journalism, social services, and literature will never be forgotten.
“Whenever he came to the office, he would visit all three newsrooms of Kashmir Media House. The biggest tribute to Shujaat is to strengthen the institution he created and worked for,” he said.
Chief Reporter, IrfanYattoo described Dr.ShujaatBukhari as the most accessible editor for reporters.
“When he travelled abroad or anywhere in India, he would always return to the office first to share his experiences with the team. He consistently absorbed pressures. Shujaat was a dynamic personality, and such people are born rarely,” Yattoo said.
Senior Health Reporter M. Peerzada recounted the tragic events of June 14, 2018, when Dr.ShujaatBukhari and his two guards were brutally killed in Press Enclave.
“Shujaat is still watching us from heaven. He will always be remembered for his great contributions to journalism, literature, and the Kashmiri language,” Peerzada said.
“It is a significant loss to all of Kashmir and the media fraternity. It is a loss that cannot be fulfilled,” he added.
Muhammad Yusuf Shaheen, senior columnist of the Weekly Sangarmal Newspaper, recounted Dr.ShujaatBukhari’s journey with the daily Kashmiri newspaper.
“Shujaat was passionate about the Kashmiri language. He often told me that it should be taught in schools and colleges. He was a great ambassador of peace,” Shaheen said.
Dr.Shujaat was brutally killed along with his two personal security guards on June 14, 2018, at Press Enclave in Srinagar, a day before Eid-Al-Fitr.
He was also the president of AdbeeMarkazKamraz, the largest and oldest cultural and literary organization in the Valley. He earned his Master’s degree in Journalism from Ateneo de Manila University in Manila as a fellow of the Asian Centre for Journalism in Singapore.
Dr ShujaatBukhari was a recipient of the World Press Institute (WPI) fellowship in the USA and the Asian Centre for Journalism fellowship in Singapore. Additionally, he was a fellow at the East-West Center in Hawaii, USA.
