Srinagar: An era in broadcasting came to a close as seven senior staff members of Radio Kashmir Srinagar retired from active service, receiving a warm send-off from colleagues in an emotional farewell ceremony.
The officials who retired include Rabia Rasool, Assistant Director; Satish Vimal, Programme Officer; Gulzar Ahmad, Head Clerk; as well as Shafeeq Ahmad, Mushtaq Ahmad Dar, Javaid Ahmad, and Wajhi Siraj Merani.
The retirements come at a time when the station has undergone restructuring under All India Radio, marking a transition for one of the region’s most influential media institutions that has long played a key role in promoting knowledge, literature, news analysis and Kashmiri culture.
Staff members gathered to bid farewell to the retiring colleagues, recalling their contributions to radio programming and public communication over several decades. The atmosphere at the station was described as one of mixed emotions as the team celebrated the careers of those who had helped shape broadcasting in the Valley.
Colleagues described the retiring officials as pioneers who helped strengthen radio communication and contributed to programmes that highlighted the region’s cultural heritage and informed audiences across Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, Hussain Zaffar, a prominent broadcaster and producer of the well-known programme Sheherbeen, extended his wishes to the retirees, saying he hoped they would enjoy a happy and fulfilling life after retirement.
Radio Kashmir Srinagar has historically been regarded as an important platform for news, cultural programming and public outreach in the region, and the departure of these senior staff members was widely seen by colleagues as the closing of a significant chapter in the station’s history.
