Baramulla: The Baramulla Working Journalists Association (BWJA) held a solemn oath ceremony today at Government Medical College, where Gulzar Ahmad Zargar was officially sworn in as the President and Umar Rashid as the General Secretary of BWJA. The oath was administered by Chairman BWJA and senior journalist, Haji Karamat Qayoom.
The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Prof. Mohammed Ismail, former principal and renowned academician, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Sheikh, a noted scholar, Mohammad Amin Bhat, renowned playwright, artist, and President of Adbi Markaz Kamraz, and Bashir Ahmad Mir, Chairman of Human Aid Society Kashmir and a prominent social activist.
The ceremony witnessed the attendance of a large number of journalists from various tehsils, including Pattan and Tangmarg, reflecting the strong unity and commitment within the journalist fraternity of the district.
In his address, President Gulzar Ahmad Zargar reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of journalists in the region and pledged to uphold the values of free and ethical journalism.
General Secretary Umar Rashid also expressed his gratitude to the BWJA for the trust placed in him and emphasized the importance of working collectively for the betterment of the media community.
The guests of honor lauded the efforts of the association and highlighted the significant role of journalists in maintaining a free and fair press, which is essential for the progress of society.
Former principal and renowned academician, Prof. Mohammed Ismail, remarked, “Journalism is the backbone of democracy, and its credibility is non-negotiable. Journalists must strive to present the truth with honesty and integrity, as society depends on them for information that shapes public opinion.”
Prof. Nazir Ahmad Sheikh, a noted scholar, stated, “In a world plagued by misinformation and cultural aggression, the role of credible journalism is more crucial than ever. It is through ethical reporting that journalists can counteract these forces and preserve the essence of our diverse cultural heritage.”
He added that there must be a space in Baramulla for exchange of ideas where people from cross section of society would meet and discuss their issues for better tomorrow, for which a press club cum auditorium must be there in Baramulla.
Mohammad Amin Bhat, renowned playwright, artist, and President of Adbi Markaz Kamraz, addressed the gathering on the cultural impact of journalism. He noted, “Journalists are not just reporters of facts but preservers of culture. In today’s fast-changing world, it is essential that the media protect and promote our cultural identity through their narratives, ensuring that our stories are told authentically.”
Bashir Ahmad Mir, Chairman of Human Aid Society Kashmir and a prominent social activist, underlined the challenges journalists face in safeguarding press freedom. He remarked, “Press freedom is under threat globally, but in regions like ours, the challenges are even more acute. Journalists must remain vigilant and united in their mission to safeguard this freedom, while also ensuring that they maintain the highest standards of ethics in their profession.”
During the oath ceremony, Chairman Haji Karamat Qayoom, spoke passionately about the responsibility of journalists to uphold the ethical standards of their profession. He emphasized the importance of adhering to journalistic norms while maintaining respect for personal boundaries.
“Journalism is a noble profession, and with it comes great responsibility. Journalists must adhere to the ethics and norms that govern our work, ensuring accuracy, impartiality, and respect for privacy,” stated Qayoom.
“It is essential that personal issues, especially those involving families, are not sensationalized or highlighted for personal gain. Our duty is to report facts that serve the public interest, not to invade the personal lives of individuals,” he added.
He concluded by urging journalists to balance their roles as truth-tellers with a deep sense of social responsibility.Together, the speakers reaffirmed the crucial role of journalists in shaping a society that values truth, culture, and democratic values, urging the fraternity to face contemporary challenges with unity and integrity.
Speakers include Altaf Baba of Greater Kashmir, Reyaz Rashid of Kashmir Images, Sheik Dawood Aajtak and DDK.
