Srinagar, Jan 26: Hafiz Ayaz Gani, Editor-in-Chief of Rising Kashmir, has been honoured with the prestigious State Award in the category of “Outstanding Media Persons.” The recognition, announced in a list released by the General Administration Department, highlights his contributions to journalism.
Hafiz Ayaz took the helm of Rising Kashmir after the tragic assassination of its founding editor, the late Syed Shujaat Bukhari, in June 2018. An alumnus of the State Engineering University of Armenia, where he completed his B.Tech in 1996, Hafiz transitioned into journalism with remarkable leadership and vision.
Under his stewardship, Rising Kashmir introduced several significant initiatives. In 2021, the publication launched two new editions—Sunday Special and Education Special—to cater to diverse readership interests. Specialized reporting teams were also established to cover thematic editions for important occasions such as World Heart Day, World Mental Health Day, and cultural festivals, further enriching the publication’s connection with its audience.
By 2022, the paper’s front-page anchor stories gained notable recognition, with several being commended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s office. Many persons featured in these stories received accolades, reflecting the newspaper’s focus on impactful, feature-rich journalism.
Continuing his efforts, Mr Ayaz Hafiz strengthened Rising Kashmir’s presence as the leading English-language daily in north India.
Editor-in-Chief of Rising Kashmir Hafiz Ayaz Gani on Sunday expressed heartfelt gratitude upon receiving the prestigious State Award for Outstanding Media Persons category.
He attributed the recognition to the collective and relentless efforts of his team over the years.
“First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to all of you for being part of my family at Kashmir Media House. This award belongs to all 65 family members of Rising Kashmir, Buland Kashmir, Sangarmal (the Kashmiri weekly), and Sangarmal Offset Press, ” said Hafiz Ayaz Gani, emphasizing the crucial role each member played in the achievement.
“This honour belongs to all of us. Let us continue to push boundaries, inspire change, and elevate the media landscape,” he said in his message to the KMH family.
