Veteran Journalist Kamlaish Kaul Vakil Bids His Final Adieu in Gurugram

Veteran journalist and editor in Chief of Daily Samachar Post, Kashur Gazette Weekly and Daily Vakil, Kamlaish Kaul Vakil, breathed his last and left behind his mortal frame and left for heavenly abode, succumbing to a severe heart attack in Gurugram on 24th November at 1:45 AM.

Hailing from an illustrious lineage of journalists, Kamlaish was nurtured in an environment steeped in the essence of political affairs and daily reportage. His foray into the world of journalism began at a remarkably tender age of 16 within the scenic precincts of Jammu and Kashmir, eventually steering his career to the bustling capital of Delhi after the exile of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990.

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.

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 rigours 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.

Journalism, for Kamlaish Vakil, was not merely a vocation but a legacy imbued in his very essence. The son of the late Pushkar Nath Kaul Vakil, drawing ancestry from the the revolutionary Kaul Family of Hargopal Kaul (Khasta) and Saligram Kaul. 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. In his illustrtious career of over 50 years in press and media journalism, Mr Vakil perpetuated the family’s indelible imprint on the journalistic realm by building a solid foundation of printing newspaper from Zainakote in Srinagar.

Throughout his illustrious career, Kamlaish Vakil 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. His specifial feature “Believe it or not” in Kashur Gazette was a huge hit among readers for crisp and sharp political commentary on current affairs in Jammu and Kashmir.

Kamlaish 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.

After the demise of his father in 1998, Kamlaish Ji took over as the Editor-in-Chief of the Vakil Group, steering its publications with integrity and vision. Under his leadership, the group continued its bold reporting, especially on issues like Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and the geopolitical challenges in Kashmir.

Daily Samachar Post was the first english daily newspaper of Jammu and Kashmir that circulated news around the news affairs of the state and country during the turbulent times of insurgency when press was under severe pressure to publish militant propaganda and journalists came under fire for not conforming to their demands. Mr Vakil never compromised on his editorial integrity and always critcised the the regin of militancy in Kashmir freely even after recieving threats of kidnapping and killings. After the exile of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990, Mr Vakil had to transport the computers and office equipments to their transit homes in Jammu to continue their editorial duties dilligently.

To keep up with the changing landscape of press journalism, Mr Vakil introduced a fleet of Apple Macintosh computers and laserwriter printers that put Vakil Publications at the forefront of Vakil Publishing, at that time to ensure best standards for the time to ensure topicality of the news media when most of the newspapers based in valley were putting out news peroidicals and monthly journals. He is believed to be among the select first select few buyers of Apple computers in India as an early adopter of Apple Desktop Publishing System to adopt latest technologies in print media. This opened a new door for lot of budding journalists in Kashmir who got the firsthand exposure of working in print journalism in Kashmir. This included both Pandits and Muslims in the valley.

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, Late Sujat Bukhari, and many others who attribute their foundational training to Kamlaish’s publications like Samachar Post English Daily newspaper and Vakil newspaper.

Kamlaish Ji’s career spanned decades of reporting, where he earned accreditation from prestigious institutions like the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Rajya Sabha, and Delhi Information and Publicity Department (DIP). His access to the Central Hall of Parliament as a senior journalist reflected his standing in political and media circles.

Beyond his journalistic endeavors, Kamlaish Ji was an active participant in international peace conferences in countries like Korea and the Philippines. He was a member of various national and global organizations, earning numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to journalism and humanity. Known for his robust personality and sincere heart, Kamlaish Ji was admired by colleagues, politicians, and readers alike. He is survived by his wife, Neerja Vakil, and two sons, Rishi Vakil and Rahul Vakil, who continue to uphold the family’s legacy in media and beyond.

Kamlaish Vakil’s final rites were conducted amidst a gathering of his contemporaries, close confidants, and family, all united in their grief to bid farewell to an icon whose contributions to journalism will endure as a testament to his enduring legacy.