Gwasha Lal Kaul: Kashmir’s prominent Journalist of pre-Independent era

Gwasha Lal Kaul was one of the most bold and prominent Journalist Kashmir has ever produced. Besides a historian, he used to publish “The Kashmir Chronicle’’ from Srinagar before 1947, which he had founded in 1939. Kaul, during the same period, was also the President of Kashmir Journalists Association and the founding Editor of “The Kashmir Times (1934) besides a correspondent for A.P.I. and Reuters in 1931.

The Kashmir Chronicle of July 16, 1947

Kashmir Rechords is producing one of the scanned copies of this preserved newspaper, published on July 16, 1947.The newspaper carries an interesting write-up on the right corner of its front page under the heading “Kashmir on Horns of a Dilemma”, with Delhi (July 13 dateline).  Remember, on July 16, 1947, Kashmir had neither decided to accede to India nor to Pakistan on the day of publication of this news item—hence the dilemma!

 As per the available records, during   the period from 1945 to 1947, the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir was publishing 60 newspapers/weeklies/journals, mostly in Urdu and English from Srinagar, Jammu, Mirpur and Muzaffarabad. The Kashmir Chronicle was one of those prominent papers.

According to the noted broadcaster, Peerzada Abdal Mehjoor, this Editor was popularly known as Gwasha Lal (B.A)……for he had completed his graduation in 1927, which was uncommon during those days! More than his journalism capabilities, he was equally    recognised as a prominent historian.

 Gwasha Lal Kaul’s history book titled “Kashmir now and Then’’ used to be an authentic reference book. The Book was once a part of Kashmir curriculum.  Dr Karan Singh wrote its foreword. It is, however, unknown as to why the book was dropped in every seventies.

  Abdal remembers Gwasha Lal Kaul as a close friend of his father, Ibn Mehjoor, Both had established an NGO “Kashmir Historical Society “. Dr Abdul Ahad was also its founder member.

 Abdal   has seen Gwasha Lal very minutely, discussing Kashmir affairs with his father. “Though physically weak, Gwasha Lal was brave with a lion’s heart and tremendously outspoken’’.  That is evident from his writings, as he was not sparing even Maharaja’s administration while highlighting the plight of common masses.

  Pt. Lok Nath Kaul of Srinagar remembers Gwasha Lal Kaul as being nicknamed as “Gwasha Thackery’’. His references to and quotations from William M. Thackery in most of his conversations with friends and foes had earned him this nickname!

Gwasha Lal Kaul’s professional Journey

1923-1928: Press Representative

1925: President Postmen’s Union.

1928: President ‘Kashmir Youngman’s Club’.

1931: Correspondent A.P.I. and Reuters.

1932: Editor ‘Daily Martand”.

1933: Vice-President S. D. Youngmen’s Association (Yuvak Sabha), Kashmir.

1934: Founder and Editor ‘The Kashmir Times’.

1939: Founder and Editor “The Kashmir Chronicle.

1947: President ‘Kashmir Journalists Association’.

1948: Director of News, Radio Kashmir.

1949: Information Officer, Jammu.

1950: Information Officer, Kashmir.

1960: Back to Journalist.