PERSONALITY: Celebrating Life and Times of Kamlaish Kaul Vakil on his first Death Anniversary

He has nurtured dozens of journalists like Ashok Ogra, Gulam Nabi Ratanpuri, Sajjad Bazaz, Sanjay Kaw, Late Sujat Bukhari, and many others who have gone on to make significant contributions in media and other fields.

Sushil Vakil

A Stalwart in Journalism
Kamlaish Kaul Vakil stands as a towering figure in the annals of Indian journalism, embodying a rich legacy of dedication to truth and fearless reporting. Born into a family deeply entrenched in the journalistic tradition, Kamlaish inherited a passion for media and communication that has shaped his extraordinary career.

Early Life and Family Legacy

Hailing from a lineage of accomplished journalists, Kamlaish Kaul Vakil was born and raised in an environment steeped in the ethos of serving the masses through journalism. His grandfather, Pt. Shamboo Nath Kaul Vakil, pioneered this legacy in 1932 by launching an Urdu newspaper. This initiative was carried forward by Kamlaish’s father, Pt. Pushkar Nath Kaul Vakil, and uncle until 1990, creating a foundation that instilled journalistic values in the family.

Under his parents’ stewardship, the family launched the Samachar Post, the only English daily published in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, until the unfortunate forced migration in 1990. Their entrepreneurial spirit was evident when they imported the Apple Desktop Publishing System in 1987, positioning them among the first in India and one of the early adopters in Asia.

The Formative Years in Journalism

Kamlaish’s journey in journalism began in 1970 when he took on the role of a reporter immediately after completing his matriculation. Despite his young age, he adeptly balanced his education with the rigors of reporting, attending press conferences, covering armed forces stationed in Jammu and Kashmir, and later reporting on the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly and Council.

Professional Achievements and Contributions

Throughout his illustrious career, Kamlaish has covered some of the most critical moments in Jammu and Kashmir’s history, including the tenure of prominent leaders such as Mr. Mir Qasim, Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah, Farooq Abdullah, and others. His comprehensive reporting during multiple governor’s rule periods in the region showcased his commitment to truth and impartiality.

Kamlaish has had the privilege of working alongside legendary figures in journalism, including Mr. Om Prakash Saraf (ToI), Mr. Ved Bhasin (Kashmir Times), and Mr. Nand Lal Watal (Khidmat), among others. His interactions and collaborations with such stalwarts honed his skills and reinforced his resolve to uphold the principles of journalism.

The political turmoil of 1990 forced Kamlaish and his family to relocate to Delhi. Demonstrating resilience, they re-launched Samachar Post, an English daily, and introduced new publications such as the Bharti Vakil (Hindi daily) and Kashur Gazette (an English weekly for Kashmiri communities in India and abroad). These publications continue to serve as vital platforms for dialogue and information dissemination.

Kamlaish’s contributions have earned him widespread recognition. He has been accredited to the Press Information Bureau (PIB) of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Rajya Sabha Press Gallery, and the Central Hall of Parliament, where he has been a fixture for over 25 years. His coverage extends across almost all major political parties and ministries, highlighting his versatility as a journalist.

Today, Kamlaish Kaul Vakil continues to be a guiding light in Indian journalism. He has attended numerous national and international conferences, staying at the forefront of media evolution. His relentless commitment to covering critical political and social issues underscores his unwavering dedication to his profession.

Kamlaish Kaul Vakil’s life and career epitomize the spirit of fearless journalism. From his early days in Srinagar to his continued efforts in Delhi, he has consistently championed the cause of truth, justice, and public service through his writings. As a stalwart in journalism, his legacy inspires generations to uphold the values of integrity and commitment in media.

Kamlaish Kaul Vakil’s newspapers have nurtured dozens of journalists who have gone on to make significant contributions in media and other fields. Among them are notable names like Ashok Ogra, Gulam Nabi Ratanpuri, Sajjad Bazaz, Sanjay Kaw, Late Sujat Bukhari, and many others who attribute their foundational training to Kamlaish’s publications.