Sixty One Years of Excellence

As Daily Excelsior embarks on its 61st year of journalistic service, we reflect on a legacy meticulously crafted through decades of steadfast commitment to truth, excellence, and an unyielding dedication to the national and regional cause. This milestone is an opportunity for introspection, to acknowledge the journey traversed, and to reaffirm our pledge to uphold the highest standards of journalism. Our story is indelibly linked with the vision of our father and founding editor late Shri S.D. Rohmetra, whose prescience and courage set the foundation for a publication that has become a beacon of trustworthiness and integrity. In an era fraught with challenges, he stood undaunted, charting a course that defied adversity, particularly during the dark decades of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. His tenacity ensured that the voice of truth never faltered, even when others retreated. Today, as we carry forward his legacy, we remain guided by his principles, ensuring our reportage resonates with the ideals he cherished.
Throughout the annals of our existence, Excelsior has exemplified the essence of fearless journalism. Our narratives have not merely chronicled events but have delved into their core, providing nuanced perspectives that empower our readers to discern and decide. From the corridors of power to the remotest corners of the region, our coverage has been expansive, rigorous, and unflinching. The year 2024 was a transformative one for Jammu and Kashmir, defined by two major events – the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. After a decade-long hiatus, the Assembly polls garnered international attention. Despite formidable geographical constraints, Excelsior provided its readership with profound insights into the evolving political dynamics. Readers were afforded exclusive perspectives on emerging alliances and multifaceted developments across both the Kashmir and Jammu regions. A pivotal highlight of our comprehensive electoral coverage was an exclusive interview with Home Minister Amit Shah, further underscoring our commitment to unparalleled journalism. With unwavering vigour, Excelsior continued to deliver exclusive narratives on reservations, providing readers with incisive analyses of their profound political and societal ramifications. Periodically, we have brought to the forefront the delays in Local Bodies elections, stemming from the protracted complexities surrounding OBC reservations.
Terrorism resurfaced with attacks in many districts, resulting in the loss of soldiers, pilgrims, and locals. Excelsior’s dedicated reporting provided timely updates and deep insights into the evolving security landscape and, from time to time, changes in counterterrorism strategies.
In Ladakh, progress intertwined with protest, as the region achieved milestones in infrastructure, tourism, and education while continuing to push for statehood and Sixth Schedule status. By presenting both achievements and challenges, we ensured that the voice of Ladakh’s populace resonated with clarity and impact. While the paramount concern has consistently been the tribulations of the populace, we have unwaveringly persisted in underscoring the predicaments encountered by Jammu and Kashmir’s own cadre, including JKAS, JKPS, and Forest Services. We consistently underscored the career progression of these pivotal Union Territory cadres through our in-depth stories and incisive editorials. This persistent spotlight garnered the requisite attention of the Government, prompting the administration to take decisive and favourable actions in support of these cadres.
Through balanced and incisive journalism, Excelsior highlighted public concerns, celebrated achievements, and upheld its commitment to accountability. This unflinching dedication to highlight public issues stands resolutely unaltered as we step into a new year.
While our roots remain firmly entrenched in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, our reportage transcends regional confines, resonating on national and global platforms. In the contemporary era dominated by social media, we meticulously ensure that our readers receive real-time breaking stories and regional updates through our robust digital platforms, including X, Facebook, Youtube channel and E-paper portal. The burgeoning viewership of our digital channels is a testament to the trust we have garnered beyond traditional mediums. Through our editorials and investigative pieces, we endeavoured to shed light on all the relevant issues, offering constructive suggestions that resonated with policymakers and the public alike. Our commitment to highlighting both achievements and shortcomings underscores our role as an impartial observer and an active participant in the region’s progress.
The ethos instilled by our founding editor continues to permeate every facet of our operations. His dedication to truth, impartiality, and the pursuit of excellence remains our guiding light. As we celebrate more than six decades of unblemished service, we owe a profound debt of gratitude to our dedicated staff, whose relentless efforts form the backbone of our success, and to our discerning readers, whose trust and patronage inspire us to continually raise the bar. Our editorial philosophy, rooted in responsible journalism, eschews sensationalism and prioritises balanced and comprehensive reporting. This commitment has been our hallmark and will remain our compass as we navigate the complexities of an evolving media landscape.
As we step into next year, we envision a future that builds upon our legacy while embracing innovation. Our focus will remain on addressing pressing issues-from governance and development to cultural preservation and social justice-with the same rigour and dedication that have defined us for six decades. In this moment of reflection and renewal, we extend our heartfelt wishes to our readers for a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead. Your trust is the cornerstone of our success, and your feedback is the catalyst for our growth. As we forge ahead, we pledge to remain unwavering in our pursuit of excellence, guided by the indomitable spirit of our founding editor and the enduring values he espoused.
— Kamal and Neeraj