Kamlaish Kaul Vakil: A Legacy rooted in Resilience

On November 24, 2024, the world of journalism lost one of its most distinguished voices, Kamlaish Kaul Vakil, Editor-in-Chief of Samachar Post Daily. To honor his life and indelible contributions to journalism, the Press Club of India organized a heartfelt memorial meeting. The gathering served as a tribute to Mr. Vakil's profound legacy and lasting impact on the media industry.

The event, held in New Delhi, was attended by an esteemed audience, including prominent dignitaries, journalists, and members of the legal and social communities. The memorial reflected the immense respect and admiration Mr. Vakil garnered throughout his illustrious career of over 45 years.

A Gathering of Prominent Dignitaries

Presided over by Gautam Lahiri, President of the Press Club of India, the event drew a host of notable personalities, including: Adish Aggarwala, Former President, Supreme Court Bar Council, Utpal Kaul, General Secretary, Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora, Rohit Singh, IAS Jhansi, Parul Jain, President, Indian Women Press Corps, Sameer Chungroo, President, Kashmiri Samiti Delhi, Neelam Mahajan, First Special Correspondent, Doordarshan, Dipti Ambardar Chaturvedi, Vice President, American Bank, Sunil Shakhder, Former President, Kashmir Samiti Delhi, Lalit Amberdar, Social Activist, Ramesh Manvati, Panun Kashmir, Rajendra Ghasi and Shiv Bhat, Kashmiri Pandit leaders

The presence of such a diverse and influential group underscored the far-reaching impact of Kamlaish Kaul Vakil’s work and legacy. Senior journalists from across the country came together to commemorate Mr. Vakil’s outstanding contributions to journalism. Among those who paid their respects were: Srikant Bhatia, Sushil Vakil, Sunita Vakil, Preeti Vakil Nehru, Sanjay Kaw, Sanjay Singh, Senior Journalist and Delhi spokesperson for the UP government, Vijay Shanker Chaturvedi, Sushil Kumar, Rajendra Ratauri. Each shared personal anecdotes and professional insights into Mr. Vakil’s remarkable career, illustrating his dedication to truthful and ethical reporting.

Accreditations and Recognitions

Mr. Vakil’s illustrious career was further highlighted by his prestigious accreditations, including: Accreditation to the Press Information Bureau (PIB) of the Ministry of Information and BroadcastingMembership in the Rajya Sabha Press Gallery.A fixture in the Central Hall of Parliament for over 25 years

These accomplishments are a testament to his unparalleled dedication to journalism and his ability to navigate the corridors of power with journalistic integrity. The memorial also provided a moment for attendees to express their support for Mr. Vakil’s family. His wife, Neerja Vakil, and sons, Rishi and Rahul Vakil, received heartfelt condolences and solidarity from the community. Attendees shared stories that highlighted Mr. Vakil’s humanity, compassion, and the profound personal connections he cultivated alongside his professional endeavors.

An Inspiration for Generations

Kamlaish Kaul Vakil’s life was not just a chronicle of professional excellence but also an inspiring tale of courage, resilience, and an unwavering pursuit of truth. From shaping the narrative in conflict-ridden Jammu and Kashmir to holding power to account in the nation’s capital, his journey stands as a beacon for aspiring journalists.

His ethical approach to journalism and his commitment to societal upliftment remain guiding principles for those he mentored and inspired.

The Press Club of India, along with the gathered dignitaries and journalists, reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the values championed by Mr. Vakil. The memorial concluded with a resounding pledge to continue his mission of ethical journalism and unwavering truth-telling.

Kamlaish Kaul Vakil will forever be remembered as a pioneer in journalism whose life and work shaped the media landscape of India. His contributions stand as a powerful reminder of the transformative role journalism can play in society.