A Life of Courage
Senior journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Kashmir Traveller, Mr Nisar Peerzada, a native of Tral, passed away at his Srinagar residence in Natipora on January 14, 2025. His departure has left a deep void in the journalistic, intellectual, and social life of Jammu and Kashmir. Born in 1964 in the respected Rafiqee family of Tral, he received his early education in his hometown, where his natural curiosity, keen observation, and instinct for news began shaping a lifelong journey in journalism.
He earned a Master’s degree in Urdu from Kashmir University and completed PGJMC from IGNOU. Journalism, for him, was never merely a profession; it was a moral responsibility and a lifelong calling. From his student days, he worked as a freelancer with several local and national dailies and weeklies, steadily earning credibility through honesty, discipline, and perseverance.
Even during years of prolonged illness, Nisar Peerzada displayed exceptional courage and moral strength. He refused to allow physical adversity to eclipse his purpose, continuing his engagement with journalism with dignity and resolve. His quiet resilience became an inspiration for colleagues and young journalists alike, who saw in him a living example of perseverance and ethical commitment. His professional journey bridged the era of black-and-white journalism and the digital age. He served as Editor of the Urdu weekly Rahnumai Kashmir, published from Srinagar and owned by veteran broadcaster and former Director Doordarshan, Mr Ashraf Sahil. He also contributed to Kargil Number, giving voice to the concerns of Ladakh’s remote regions, and wrote for the national Urdu daily Qawmi Awaz. In electronic media, he worked in varied capacities as a private producer and casual news editor for both radio and television. Later, along with senior journalist Mr Zahoor Shair, he co-founded the news agency News Today, strengthening grassroots level journalism.
I shared an association of nearly 28 years with him, first meeting him in 1999 during the inaugural IGNOU PGJMC batch at Kashmir University. In the pre-mobile era, he stood out for his warmth, approachability, and rare ability to connect effortlessly with people. His strength lay in building relationships not for personal gain, but to bring people together and create opportunities for others. He was rarely seen alone; Mr Syed Maqbool was often by his side, reflecting a bond of companionship he deeply valued. Nisar Peerzada spoke with affection and pride about his relatives, acquaintances, and region. He consistently acknowledged the contributions of local personalities such as Dr Jawahar Qadusi, Dr Nisar Ahmad Trali, and Mr Parvez Ahmad, believing that honouring one’s people was both a cultural and moral obligation.
Deeply rooted in journalistic ethics, he believed dignity lay in details. I still recall how he once taught me the simple yet symbolic practice of carrying a newspaper neatly, remarking that respect for journalism begins with respect for its symbols. Beyond reporting and editing, he was a mentor and well-wisher to countless young aspirants. He encouraged students and budding journalists, guided them in education and employment, and often provided platforms through his wide and trust-based network. His commitment to the Urdu language and its refinement remained central to his intellectual and professional life.
Mr Peerzada belonged to the first IGNOU Journalism batch at Kashmir University, alongside noted columnists Mr Parvez Sajad, Ms Shabnum Tilgami, and Ms Sumaira Bashir. The course was taught by eminent faculty including former HOD Mr Nasir Mirza, Mr Showkat Shafi, Ms Syeda Afshana, and other senior teachers who shaped a generation of journalists. Remembering him, Mr Nasir Mirza, former Head of the Department and an iconic teacher of journalism, spoke highly of Nisar Peerzada, describing him as a real journalist of his era. He particularly recalled Peerzada’s helping nature, ethical clarity, and unwavering service to the Urdu language, stating that such journalists become institutions in themselves and leave behind values that outlive their bylines. His passing was widely mourned. On the day of his Fateha, colleagues recalled shared struggles, sincere reporting, and unwavering faith in journalistic values. Prayers were offered for his Magfirah, elevation of ranks in Jannat-ul-Firdous, and Sabr-e-Jameel for his family.
Nisar Peerzada may have left this world, but his courage, humility, and service to Urdu journalism endure. He belonged to an era where journalism was lived as a responsibility, not pursued as convenience. His life reminds us that true journalism rests on integrity, compassion, and unwavering moral courage.
