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| BP Sharma doyen of media in J&K | | | O P Sharma | 1/29/2015 11:36:45 PM |
| At the age of 92, it must have been a pleasant surprise for the media stalwart BP Sharma
(January 1, 1909-January 23, 2005) when the Limca Book of Records in 2001 listed him
as the "oldest living Journalist".
The Limca Book of Records complimented Mr. Sharma, a legendary figure in the field of journalism in Jammu and Kashmir, of being "an active journalist for more than 71 years".
Born on January1, 1909, he wrote his first piece of news at the age of 17 and got it published in the Ranbir, the first Urdu weekly of Jammu and Kashmir launched in June, 1924. Subsequently, he worked as correspondent for many prestigious newspapers and news agencies including The Tribune, Reuters and Associated Press of India.
Distinguished Career
A versatile personality, Mr. Sharma held various official positions of Director of All India Radio (AIR) and Director of Information and Public Relations and was considered a close lieutenant of Sheikh Abdullah as a result of which he was arrested along with the Sheikh on August 9, 1953 in Srinagar.
Sharma left for his heavenly abode on January 23, 2005 at the age of 96 shortly before which he was actively engaged in reading and writing. He had the honor of being called "Walking encyclopedia of J&K", "Epitome of Dogri research", "Doyen of Dogra Culture" and "A journalist whose pen refuses to stop".
It is now 10th year of his death but Mr. Sharma's contribution is enormous towards preservation of literature and documents related to the historical facts of J&K and Dogri language. He was also President of the Dogri Research Institute.
Held High Position
Full of energy, Mr. Sharma was Principal Information Officer when he was arrested in 1953, after his release from jail he joined the All India Radio Station, Calcutta and subsequently served at Bhopal, Indore and retired in 1966 from Radio Station, Jammu. After his retirement, he was appointed Director of Field Survey Organization (FSO) in J&K and in between he also held the charge of Director of Information and PR.
He devoted full time towards research work after 1975 when he spent most time in the State Archives dishing out valuable documents pertaining to the Dogri language and historical facts about the state. He also procured copies of several documents from the national archives and Britain. During the research, he dished out a Dogri grammar dating back to more than 150 years indicating that the Dogri language had a rich background. He also contributed towards Dogri as a member of the Sahitya Akademy.
It is worth mentioning that Mr. Sharma was given the status of a Minister by the then Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah in recognition of his services to the State.
Valuable Contribution
His contribution shortly before his death was a voluminous book "The Stamps of Jammu & Kashmir" which carries several chapters and pictures of the ancient Postal system of the State. Valuable contributions have been made by Mr. Sharma in the book authored by Prof. Frits Staal of the California University and published by the New York Collectors Club. Staal has in the preface mentioned that the book would not have been possible without the inspiration of Mr. Sharma who provided a "wealth of authentic information" and added "I could not have found a more authentic and authoritative source of knowledge on the Dogri Renaissance of the latter half of the 19th century in Jammu and Kashmir.
A chapter about the little known facts about the Dogra postal system says that soon after the foundation of J&K State, a mail line was established between Jammu and Srinagar. As many as 75 mail runners (harkara) were employed and 38 stations were established on the route so that the men could take shifts. Transportation of a mail-bag between Jammu and Srinagar would take 100 to 140 hours depending on the season and the weather. The mail system was gradually improved by Maharaja Ranbir Singh. Introduction of adhesive postage stamps by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1866 marked culmination of development of the internal postal system that was set up in 1846.
Proud Legacy
It is noteworthy that the Journalistic legacy of BP Sharma has been carried forward by his two sons: DP Sharma who was with Times of India, SP Sharma who was with The Tribune. The profession has gone even to third generation with BP Sharma's grand-son Arjun Sharma working with the Hindustan Times, Ludhiana.
B.P.Sharma remained an active journalist for more than 71 years and kept writing till his last. He is still remembered by the media fraternity and even the common people. He has left indelible imprints on the media and the Dogri language as an inspiration for the young generation.
(Starline Syndicate Service) |
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