His encouragement was boundless

The journalistic fraternity of Kashmir is in mourning. Naseer Ahmad, a veteran journalist, a mentor to countless, is no more. His passing is not just a loss for his family and friends but for those as well whom he lent his hand for learning.

For those who knew him, Naseer Sir was more than just a journalist. He was a man of immense integrity, unwavering dedication, commitment, and boundless compassion. Umar Khan, a close friend, recalls him as an exceptionally intelligent and kind-hearted soul. “He never hurt anyone’s heart. Whoever came to him, he welcomed them with an open heart. Such people are rare in this world,” he said.

Naseer Ahmad’s contributions to journalism in Kashmir were unparalleled. He treated his work as a form of worship, never letting biases cloud his reportage. Even in the most turbulent times, he remained committed to his profession. “I used to go with him even when the situation was bad,” Umar Khan added.

His role in mentoring young journalists was extraordinary. He was never insecure about sharing his knowledge and always extended a helping hand to those entering the profession.

Many of today’s journalists owe their careers to his guidance. One defining moment of his bravery was during an encounter at Lal Chowk, where, amid chaos, he ensured the safety of fellow journalists. “He broke the doors of alleys to put people inside so they could be saved,” Khan recalled, his voice filled with admiration.

One of his contributions to journalism was the inception of Zee Kashmir, a venture that became a breeding ground for young and ambitious journalists. I still remember when a group of us—Imran, Rayees, Fareed, Sheikh Farooq, Sajad, Firdous, Javid, Altaf, Sohail, and the most intelligent and favourite among the lot, Altaf Khan—walked into the newsroom, filled with excitement but unsure of our paths.

Naseer Sir welcomed us not just as employees but as his protégés. He ensured that we had a platform to launch ourselves, to find our voices, and to develop our craft. His encouragement was boundless, and he gave us the space to learn, experiment, and sometimes fail—only to guide us back on track with his wisdom and patience.

Today, many of us have carved for ourselves different places and respectable positions, with some established in the field of journalism. But for me, it remains difficult to forget the man who quite literally held my hand, teaching me the ropes of professional journalism and shaping me into what I am today.

Beyond journalism, Naseer Ahmad had an undying love for Kashmiri culture. His friend Ajaz Rah reminisces about his efforts to preserve the region’s artistic heritage. “Years ago, he told me he wanted to create a studio that would save our language and culture,” Rah shared.

Naseer Ahmad built a studio that became a sanctuary for Kashmiri artists, offering them a platform to reach the world. Through his efforts, many renowned musicians found a voice in the global music industry. “He helped art and the people associated with art. He built it for the people of Kashmir,” Rah added.

His impact extended beyond the newsroom and cultural sphere. Neyaz Elahi, a journalist who briefly worked closely with him, recalled how Naseer Ahmad played a crucial role in supporting and guiding his local newswire. “His advice and support helped me navigate the challenges. He never hesitated to share his expertise and always encouraged me to pursue fearless journalism,” Elahi said.

His legacy remains a guiding light for the generations of journalists and artists he inspired.

Rest in peace, sir. You left too soon.

Jahangir Sofi, Sub-Editor at Greater Kashmir