Few people have that gifted ability to wear a smile and embrace an unfailing dogma of positivity irrespective of the odds and the situations. Such human spirit was rarer to find in the Kashmir of recent years, plagued by over two decades of gory conflict, mistrust and skepticism. Izhar Wani – one of Kashmir’s gifted journalists - was exactly that kind of individual who will be remembered for his profound human and professional qualities for a long time to come. After struggling with cancer for about two years, this lovely human being breathed his last finally on Wednesday in Srinagar. Izhar’s untimely death has been received with shock and disbelief not only within the journalistic fraternity in the state, but across the domains of his direct engagement in his professional pursuits. Greater Kashmir has a special reason to mourn his demise – for being one of the founders of this newspaper and contributing in inspiring youngsters in taking up journalism as their career in some of the most difficult times of journalism in this place. Izhar’s reporting over the years on Kashmir has contributed in a good measure in enhancing this conflict-ridden region’s understanding by the global community, not only for the political happenings alone, but also for special human interest stories, which have served to showcase Kashmir’s other realities as well. Reporting for an international news agency from a conflict zone like Kashmir is never easy; as such reporting is always fraught with wider ramifications. Izhar has been one of those journalists who have upheld professional standards of integrity and objectivity in the face of some daunting challenges. He has been widely seen as a pleasing agent in inspiring aspiring journalists to learn the finer crafts of this profession. At this moment of grief, our prayers go to his departed soul. Our thoughts must also remain with Izhar’s family – especially his young children – who would need special strength to overcome this huge loss

Lastupdate on : Fri, 6 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 6 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 7 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST