As Daily Excelsior enters its 62nd year of uninterrupted journalistic service, the moment transcends ceremonial commemoration. It stands instead as an opportunity for deep introspection, principled reaffirmation and purposeful renewal. More than a milestone, it is a testament to a legacy painstakingly forged through decades of unwavering fidelity to truth, fearless reportage and an unflinching commitment to both national interest and regional responsibility.
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The chronicle of Excelsior is inseparably intertwined with the vision, courage and indomitable resolve of its founder editor, the late Shri S. D. Rohmetra. His journalistic foresight and moral conviction laid the bedrock of an institution that would evolve into one of the most trusted and influential voices across Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. At a time when circumstances were adversarial and challenges formidable, he chose the arduous path of truth over expediency and responsibility over populism. His refusal to capitulate to threats or coercion shaped Excelsior’s enduring reputation as a newspaper that neither compromises on national security nor dilutes its commitment to communal harmony and the fragile social fabric of the region.
Guided by these founding principles, Excelsior has, over the years, matured into an institution synonymous with fearless yet responsible journalism. Our reportage has never been confined to episodic events or superficial headlines. We have consistently endeavoured to probe deeper, contextualise developments and present nuanced perspectives that enable readers to form informed, independent opinions.
The year 2025 emerged as a defining chapter in the region’s contemporary history and Excelsior rose to the challenge with journalism of depth, distinction and discernment. Despite daunting geographical, logistical and political constraints, our correspondents delivered comprehensive, ground-level reportage that decoded the rapidly evolving landscape with clarity and credibility. Historic developments-such as the unprecedented suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by the Government and the long-awaited railway link to the Kashmir Valley-were covered with depth and continuity.
Responsiveness tempered by responsibility has always defined our editorial approach. This was exemplified during the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor, where our reporters operated under life-threatening conditions to bring accurate, timely and verified information to the public. Our coverage transcended the immediacy of breaking news, offering informed analysis of counterterrorism strategies and evolving security dynamics-without compromising national interest or public harmony.
The evolving political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir has been documented with equal rigour. From by-elections to reservation-related debates and business rules to transfer policies and governance reforms, every significant twist and turn of the first year of elected Government was meticulously examined and amplified. From the corridors of power to the remotest hamlets, our coverage has remained expansive, incisive and uncompromising in its pursuit of accountability. Beyond electoral politics and security narratives, Excelsior maintained a sustained focus on issues with long-term socio-economic ramifications. The prolonged delay in Local Bodies elections was persistently highlighted, drawing attention to unresolved complexities and governance gaps. While violence levels remained largely under control, incidents such as the Red Fort blast and the subsequent tragedy at Nowgam Police Station received exhaustive coverage and in-depth analysis, reflecting our commitment to truth without alarmism.
At the core of Excelsior’s mission lies an unwavering commitment to the people. Over the past year, we relentlessly spotlighted public grievances-ranging from infrastructure delays to road connectivity issues, bridge construction bottlenecks and administrative inertia. Our reporting on natural and man-made disasters, including the Chashoti landslide tragedy, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi landslide and the devastation wrought by monsoon floods, set benchmarks in sensitive and responsible journalism.
In Ladakh, a region marked by both aspiration and assertion, Excelsior presented a balanced and comprehensive narrative of progress and protest. Landmark infrastructure projects such as the Z-Morh Tunnel, the 298-kilometre Nimu-Padam-Darcha road and the upgradation of the Mudh-Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground were covered in detail, with emphasis on their strategic and socio-economic impact. Simultaneously, we provided a robust platform for the region’s demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule status, ensuring that Ladakh’s voice resonated with clarity, dignity and national relevance.
While deeply rooted in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, Excelsior’s reach now extends far beyond regional boundaries. Embracing the imperatives of a digital-first era, we have successfully integrated technological transformation with editorial discipline. Through our expanding presence on X, Facebook, Instagram and our E-paper platform, we deliver real-time updates and verified information to a growing global readership. The exponential growth in our digital audience stands as a testament to the trust that transcends mediums and generations.
Our editorials and investigative reports continue to shed light on issues of governance, development, social justice, and cultural preservation, offering constructive insights that resonate with policymakers and citizens alike. By highlighting both achievements and shortcomings, Excelsior has upheld its role as an impartial observer and a responsible stakeholder in the region’s progress. This holistic approach reflects our belief that journalism must chronicle not only conflict and politics, but also culture, creativity and collective memory.
As an institution, we have never yielded to situational pressures or external influences. We have consistently served as a bridge between the people and the Government-a role upheld with courage, consistency and conscience. The enduring trust of our readers remains our greatest validation and our strongest motivation. As we look to the future, Excelsior remains firmly anchored in the ethos instilled by its founder-truth, impartiality and excellence. Innovation will shape our path forward, but responsibility will remain our compass. We step into the coming year with renewed resolve to confront challenges, celebrate progress and continue setting benchmarks in journalism. We express our profound gratitude to our dedicated staff, whose tireless efforts form the backbone of our success, and to our readers, whose trust is both our honour and our responsibility.
As another year begins, we reaffirm our pledge to journalism rooted in truth, rigorous verification and unwavering public trust-serving without fear or favour, informing without bias, and remaining forever worthy of the confidence reposed in us.
— Kamal & Neeraj
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