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“From the narrow lanes of old Baramulla to the wide world of radio, Samaniya didn’t just find her voice ,she turned it into a lighthouse for every girl daring to dream.”
In the old town of Baramulla in north Kashmir, a young woman’s voice is making waves across the airwaves, breaking stereotypes and inspiring a generation. Twenty-year-old Samaniya Bhat, known professionally as RJ Samaniya, has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the youngest female radio jockey from north Kashmir, proving that passion and perseverance can turn dreams into reality.Samaniya’s journey into the world of media began long before she stepped into a radio studio. Growing up in old town Baramulla, she developed an insatiable curiosity about global affairs from an early age. While most children her age were occupied with cartoons and entertainment shows, young Samaniya would sit beside her father, absorbing news from international channels like Al-Jazeera and BBC. This early exposure to journalism planted the seeds of what would become her life’s calling.Her passion for storytelling and current affairs led her to pursue a degree in Mass Communication and Video Production at Government Degree College Baramulla in 2017. However, Samaniya wasn’t content with just theoretical knowledge. During her second year of graduation, she took the bold step of entering the professional world, beginning her career in print journalism with local newspapers. For three years, she honed her skills as a reporter, learning the nuances of investigative journalism and developing a keen eye for stories that mattered to her community. Yet the path to becoming an RJ was never part of her original plan. Radio journalism, she admits, was more of a serendipitous discovery than a calculated career move. Friends and teachers who had witnessed her work in print media repeatedly encouraged her to try radio, insisting that her voice and presentation style were perfect for the medium. Despite their confidence in her abilities, Samaniya remained skeptical about making the transition. Her brief stint at All India Radio (AIR) changed her perspective entirely. Working at AIR gave her the first taste of connecting with audiences through the spoken word, and the experience proved to be transformative. She discovered the unique intimacy of radio, where a voice can reach into people’s homes and hearts, creating connections that transcended the written word. The immediate feedback and engagement from listeners energized her in ways print journalism never had.As graduation approached in April 2021, Samaniya had mapped out her future: pursue a master’s degree in journalism and continue climbing the academic ladder. She applied for several scholarships and was thrilled to be shortlisted for a prestigious program. However, fate had different plans. The second wave of Covid-19 swept across the region, and with it came the cancellation of her scholarship offer. The disappointment was crushing, but Samaniya refused to let it define her path forward.In February 2022, opportunity knocked in an unexpected form. Kashmir Radio Chinar-FM 90.4, with its studio located in the Mazbug area of Sopore, announced openings for radio jockeys. Samaniya decided to take a chance, viewing it as an opportunity worth exploring even if it wasn’t her original plan. What she didn’t anticipate was the fierce competition that awaited her.The selection process was rigorous and demanding. Approximately 250 candidates from across Kashmir, both male and female, vied for the coveted positions. The applicants faced multiple rounds of interviews designed to test not just their communication skills but their creativity, spontaneity, and ability to connect with diverse audiences. The pressure was immense, but Samaniya’s years of experience in journalism and her natural flair for communication set her apart. When the results were announced, only four candidates had made the cut, and Samaniya was among them.Today, from her studio at FM 90.4, Samaniya hosts her show from three to six in the evening, a shift that followed her initial noon slot. Each day brings new challenges and learning opportunities as she navigates the demands of live radio. The role requires a unique blend of creativity, consistency, and commitment,qualities she strives to embody with every broadcast.The response from listeners has been overwhelming and deeply encouraging. As the youngest female RJ from north Kashmir, Samaniya has become a symbol of possibility for young women in the district who dream of careers in media. Her success story resonates particularly strongly in an area where women’s participation in public-facing professions is still evolving.Samaniya approaches each day at the studio with fresh energy and determination. She understands that her platform carries responsibility,not just to entertain but to inform, inspire, and connect with her community. Her journey from a curious child watching international news channels to becoming a voice that thousands tune into daily is a testament to the power of following one’s passion, even when the path takes unexpected turns.
ZAHIDA PARVEEN Zahraparveengmail.com
