Jammu/Srinagar: The Managing Committee of the Press Club of Jammu expressed its profound shock and grief over the sad demise of 96 year old Doyen of Journalism in Jammu & Kashmir, Om Parkash Saraf, father of Pushap Saraf, a veteran journalist and Senior member of the Press Club of Jammu.
While paying rich tributes to the departed soul, the Managing Committee members expressed their great regards for late Saraf sahib for pledging his body to the Medical College, Jammu for a noble cause.
A two minute silence was also observed to pray the almighty to bestow the eternal peace to the departed soul.
Besides others, those who attended the condolence meeting included, the President PCJ, Ashwani Kumar, Vice-President, PCJ, Abhimanyu Sharma, Secretary General, PCJ, Zorawar Singh Jamwal, Treasurer, PCJ, Dinesh Manhotra and members of the Managing Committee, Ajay Bachloo, Deepak Khajuria, Dinesh Mahajan, Nishi Kant Khajuria, Pawan Sharma, Surjeet Singh & Vishal Bharti.
Condoling the demise of the veteran journalist, Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti recalled the contribution of Saraf describing him as the doyen of journalism in the State. “His passing away has left a vacuum in the journalistic fraternity and public life which would be difficult to fill”, the Chief Minister said in her message. Mehbooba Mufti has conveyed her heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family, particularly his son, Pushpa Saraf.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Saturday visited the Saraf residence here to pay tribute to veteran journalist Mr Om Saraf..
Describing Mr Om Saraf a doyen of journalism, Dr Abdullah said his contribution has been immense, which is an inspiration for those in the field of journalism, especially the budding journalists. He said Mr Saraf will always be remembered for his objective and fair journalism.
Dr Abdullah expressed solidarity with Mr Pushap Saraf and other members of the bereaved family at their huge loss. He prayed for peace to the departed soul.
Provincial Presidents Mr Devender Singh Rana and Mr Nasir Aslam Wani accompanied Dr Abdullah and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family. The prayed for peace to the departed soul.
Meanwhile, Working President National Conference Mr Omar Abdullah has also condoled the demise of Mr Om Saraf and prayed for peace to the departed soul.
Condoling the demise of Saraf Works Minister Naeem Akhtar said he had personal association with this doyen of journalism while working in the State’s Information Department. “The outstanding contribution of this family in the field of journalism will be remembered long,” he said. “The family has carried forward the journalistic legacy pioneered by Late Mulk Raj Saraf and then passed on to Om Saraf and now his son Pushap Saraf,” Akhtar said and added that Om Saraf was widely respected for honesty and professional integrity, which he always stood for. “Om Saraf continued to live an exemplary life of rare honesty, integrity and austerity on the strength of his character and conscience,” Akhtar said and added that the State acknowledges with grateful appreciation the undaunted spirit and invaluable contribution of this selfless man to the people of J&K.Extending personal condolences to the bereaved family especially Late Om Saraf’s sons Pushap and Vinay, Akhtar prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.
Director Information, Muneer-ul-Islam has also condoled the sad demise of veteran journalist Om Parkash Saraf who passed away early morning Saturady.
In his condolence message, the Director said Saraf always upheld the high values of journalism. His loss will be felt not only by his family and friends but also the entire journalistic fraternity, he added.
He prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family.
