Opinion | The Power of Words and the Evolution of Journalism in Jammu and Kashmir

“Each word sparks a flame; you need a strong heart to read the newspaper.”
From the moment humans were endowed with speech and intellect, they were given the power to convey thoughts, emotions, and ideas through words. Language has been our greatest tool for communication, setting us apart from all other creatures and establishing humanity’s position as the most intelligent among them. This power of expression has been used to deliver the most profound truths, including divine revelations like the Quran, which was transmitted through the spoken word of prophets to humankind.
The Quran, in all its majesty, is a testament to the power of language. It was revealed in Arabic, a language of eloquence and depth, as Allah Himself states:
“Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an that you might understand.” (Surah Yusuf 12:2)
According to Tafseer Ibn Kathir, the Arabic language is the most eloquent, plain, deep, and expressive of the meanings that might arise in one’s mind. Therefore, the most honorable Book was revealed in the most honorable language, to the most honorable Prophet and Messenger (PBUH), delivered by the most honorable angel (Jibreel), in the most honorable land on earth, and its revelation started during the most honorable month of the year, Ramadan.
Thus, the Quran is perfect in every respect—its language, its message, and its purpose. It stands as a divine masterpiece, encapsulating Allah’s guidance for humanity in a form that is as beautiful and profound as the message it carries.
In the same vein, journalism has emerged as a powerful vehicle for human expression and the transmission of truth. What began as a simple method of information dissemination has evolved into a crucial institution for public accountability, particularly in democratic societies. Over time, journalism has expanded to encompass a wide range of platforms—print, television, radio, and increasingly, digital formats. However, its core essence remains unchanged: to speak truth to power and keep the public informed.

Just as the Quran conveys divine truths with precision and clarity, journalism strives to uphold the truth, sometimes in the face of tremendous adversity. In regions like Jammu and Kashmir, where political turmoil and societal struggles dominate the landscape, journalism takes on a special significance. Here, journalists not only report events but also serve as a voice for the voiceless, often at great personal risk. Through their work, they ensure that the truth is not buried, shining light on issues that might otherwise remain hidden.
A Glance at the History of Journalism in Jammu and Kashmir
In the context of Jammu and Kashmir, journalism holds a particularly rich and complex history. The first press in the region, known as ‘’Ahmadi Press”, was established in 1858. However, during the early years, the press was restricted, and publishing in Urdu—the most widely understood language—was not permitted. It was only later, under Maharaja Ranbir Singh’s rule, that the first newspaper, Bidya Bilas, was printed in both Urdu and Hindi, marking the true beginning of Urdu journalism in the state.
The evolution of journalism in Jammu and Kashmir saw many milestones, including the founding of important publications like “Tohfa Kashmir” and Jammu Gazette. Initially, these papers primarily served to communicate government policies and news. The formal initiation of Urdu journalism in the state began in 1944 with the newspaper Ranbir, which was published from Jammu. Later, the weekly newspaper Pasbaan, under the leadership of Miraj-ud-Din, was also published from Jammu. The period that followed is regarded as a golden chapter in the history of newspapers in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. If I were to sit down and list the names of all the newspapers, even the pages dedicated to columns in any newspaper would fall short. However, I would like to emphasize that the revival of Urdu journalism in the state of Jammu and Kashmir owes much not only to Munshi Muhammad Din Fauq but also to the key contributions of several non-Muslims who played an essential role in this endeavor.
This period saw journalism transform from a tool of the state to a platform for public discourse, debate, and even dissent—a crucial element in any democracy.

Journalism: The Fourth Pillar of Democracy
One cannot talk about journalism without addressing its central role in maintaining democratic integrity. Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantees freedom of expression, granting every individual the right to seek, receive, and impart information across borders. This right forms the foundation of journalism, which acts as the “fourth pillar” of democracy, alongside the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches.
But for journalism to truly fulfill this role, transparency is key. A free press is indispensable to democracy; it serves as the watchdog, ensuring that the actions of the government and other institutions are exposed to public scrutiny. In this way, journalism empowers citizens to participate fully in their governance by providing them with the information they need to make informed decisions.
The Symbiosis Between Literature and Journalism
The link between journalism and literature, particularly in the Urdu-speaking world, is profound. Many of the greatest Urdu poets and writers, including Allama Iqbal, first gained recognition through newspapers and journals. In fact, Iqbal’s poetry was initially published in the journal Makhzan, showcasing how the press has historically served as a platform for artistic and intellectual expression.
Similarly, journalism played a vital role during India’s freedom struggle, with figures like Abul Kalam Azad, Muhammad Ali Jauhar, and Zafar Ali Khan using their pens as weapons against colonial rule. This era marked a golden age for Urdu journalism, as poets and journalists worked hand-in-hand to inspire a sense of national consciousness and resist oppression.
The Digital Transformation: Challenges and Opportunities
As we move into the digital age, the media landscape continues to evolve. The rise of the internet and smartphones has fundamentally changed how people consume news. Traditional print media is increasingly being supplanted by digital platforms, where news is consumed on smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices.
This shift presents both challenges and opportunities for journalism. On the one hand, digital platforms allow for faster dissemination of information to a global audience. On the other hand, the rise of misinformation and the decline of traditional journalism models pose significant threats to the integrity of the media. In regions like Jammu and Kashmir, where political tensions are high and internet shutdowns are frequent, the challenges are even more acute.
Yet, despite these challenges, the essence of journalism remains unchanged. Its primary goal is still to inform the public, hold power to account, and provide a platform for dialogue.
The Role of Media in Sensitive Areas
In sensitive areas like Jammu and Kashmir, the role of media becomes even more critical. Journalists in these regions not only report on daily occurrences but also capture the nuances of life. Their work provides insight into the experiences and struggles of the local population, making their narratives vital for understanding the broader situation.
Despite the challenges they face, journalism remains a powerful means by which the stories of those living in these areas are conveyed to the world. The commitment of journalists to document events and share perspectives highlights the resilience of the human spirit, as they strive to bring attention to the complexities of life in such regions.
In this digital age, alternative platforms like social media have emerged as important tools for disseminating information and facilitating communication. These platforms offer new opportunities for journalists to share their stories and engage with audiences directly, ensuring that the voices from these areas are heard far and wide.

The Future of Urdu Journalism
As digital platforms rise, the future of Urdu journalism, like journalism worldwide, lies in adaptation. While traditional newspapers may decline, the digital world offers vast potential for Urdu journalism to reach new audiences. Blogs, podcasts, online journals, and social media channels provide innovative ways to keep the rich tradition of Urdu journalism alive.
This transition, however, will require careful navigation. Maintaining journalistic integrity while embracing the rapid pace of technological change will be key to ensuring that journalism continues to serve its fundamental role in society.

Bottom Line: The Enduring Power of Words
In essence, the power of journalism lies in its ability to shape the course of history by informing the public and holding power to account. Whether in print or digital form, journalism will always remain a cornerstone of democracy. In Jammu and Kashmir, where the power of words has been tested time and again, the history of journalism is not just a story of communication but of resilience, truth, and the enduring human spirit.
As George Orwell aptly stated, “In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” For journalism, this truth remains its guiding light, regardless of how the medium evolves.

About Author
Aubaid Ahmed Akhoon
Columnist, Motivational Speaker, and Associate Editor of Weekly ‘Education Quill’ Presently Working as Sr. EDP Head at SKIE Classes Khanyar/Soura branch.
Instagram ID: Ubi9305
Email: akhoon.aubaid@gmail.com