At Daily Excelsior, our commitment is unwavering, ensuring our readers are endowed with precognitive insights into every impending regional occurrence, be it of marginal or momentous import. Our newsbreaks are not merely reportage; they are sui generis, setting benchmarks within the echelons of journalistic discourse. Each narrative meticulously crafted, rigorously investigated, and authenticated, unfailingly aligns with the national interest and resonates with the pulse of the regional populace. As we step into our 60th year of publication, our trajectory is embellished with an unblemished chronicle of delivering superlative journalism within our means. We ardently tread the path and uphold the values etched by our progenitor, the Late Shri S.D. Rohmetra-an individual endowed with a visionary acuity far antecedent to his temporal milieu. While we advance in our pursuit, safeguarding the traditions and legacy of equitable, impartial, and intrepid journalism, we find our compass in the indomitable spirit of our illustrious father, the founding Editor of the Excelsior. His dedication to truth was relentless, a legacy that speaks through the preeminent status of Daily Excelsior in Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The bygone year bore witness to a myriad of events in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Throughout the annum, the spectre of terrorism loomed, with ambushes and encounters in Poonch and Rajouri districts exacting tolls on both security forces and militants. The resurgence of terrorism in these districts posed a persistent concern, prompting visits from the Home Minister and Defence Minister. Simultaneously, Kashmir witnessed targeted killings of migrant employees and labourers from minority communities-an unsettling reality diligently reported by Excelsior. The year 2023 also marked a pivotal moment as the five-judge Supreme Court bench approved the Central Government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. However, it stipulated a deadline of September 30, 2024, for the conduct of Assembly elections, instilling confidence that the UT would reclaim its legislative apparatus after 2018. Another noteworthy development was the conferment of nomination rights for two Kashmiri Pandits and one PoJK refugee to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, coupled with reservations in Government jobs and educational institutions for the OBCs for the first time. Excelsior, as its wont, remained at the forefront, prominently reporting these transformative events. Excelsior persisted in thrusting public issues into the limelight, advocating for their resolution by the Government, and extensively covering strides in governance and development. Our coverage extended to the mega G20 events in Srinagar, ensuring our readers were abreast of significant policy decisions and milestones in good governance. Jammu witnessed the grand inauguration of Jambu Zoo and the resplendent Balaji Temple. Meanwhile, metamorphosis swept through the hallowed precincts of Lal Chowk, Polo View Market, and the venerable Jhelum Bund in Kashmir, each undergoing a transformative renaissance encapsulated with precision in our journalistic purview. The chronological progression of months unfurled a tapestry of accomplished milestones, with the completion of new tunnels and bridges heralding the impending reality of a rail link to Kashmir-a confluence of historic developmental projects meticulously illuminated through the discerning lens of Excelsior. Coverage of judiciary, counter-terrorism efforts on borders, Parliamentary enactments impacting Jammu and Kashmir, and comprehensive coverage of Ladakh’s political and developmental landscape were within the ambit of our discernible reporting. Jammu’s resumption of a mega cricketing event in the Legends League Cricket Tournament after decades got our in-depth coverage for cricket enthusiasts of the region. Our reportage, both extensive and erudite, transcends the confines of the UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, resonating across the national and global spectrum. The burgeoning viewership of our YouTube and Facebook channels attests to the success of our endeavours, underpinned by exhaustive and balanced coverage, and the promotion of the region’s rich cultural heritage. In this moment of reflection, we acknowledge that these accomplishments are a testament to the unwavering dedication and relentless toil of our staff members, as well as the continued patronage of our discerning readers. As we usher in the New Year, we extend our heartfelt wishes to all our patrons, accompanied by the assurance that we will persist in our pursuit of excellence and endeavour to surpass even loftier milestones.
-Kamal & Neeraj