| Vohra, journalist, information veterans pay tributes to Thakur Singh | | | Early Times Report JAMMU, Jan 20: Former Governor, J&K and Chairman of Tribune Trust N. N. Vohra was among a large number of noted media persons who paid tributes to Thakur Singh, former senior officer of Information Deptt and Head of Public Relations wing of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board at a shradhanjali samaroh, organised by the Jammu Information Veterans (Association of Retired Information Officers, Jammu) at Jammu Press Club today. Thakur Singh passed away on 16th January due to head injury at GMC, Jammu. In a message, the former Governor, J&K, N N Vohra conveyed his condolences and said, "I am very sad to know about the untimely passing away of Thakur Singh with whom I had a very long association and learnt many things from him about the effective use of words and language. After his superannuation, I used his experience in the SMVDSB." Former PTI Bureau Chief M K Bangroo recalled his long association with Thakur Singh and said that he was an ever-smiling officer with a strong pen and nose for news who could work with deadlines. He was a rare asset to the Information Deptt. Noted AIR news editors Ashok Handoo and Ajeet Singh conveyed their grief over the sad demise of Thakur Singh. Handoo said that He was a name in the information department in those days and people would look up to him for any concerns they had. Ajeet Singh that he will be known for his commitment to the work, integrity, PR qualities. Former Director Information K B Jandial recalled his long association with him and that he was embodiment of professionalism, dedication, hard work, humility, integrity, loyalty and took up all assignments with a smiling face. He said that while he had unwavering support from all colleagues during peak of militancy unmindful of risk involved, Thakur Singh was among a team of officers who would work with him throughout the night in make-shift office. It is difficult to find such a committed colleague, he added. Former Director Information & Secretary Cultural Academy, Khalid Bashir, in his message from Srinagar described thakur Singh a loving colleague, a dedicated officer, a thoroughly competent professional, and an ever-smiling human being with a golden heart. Ashwani Kumar, former Bureau Chief of India Today, recalled the qualities of head and heart and said that while he was a perfect PR man, he would not share anything that violated the guidelines of the organisation he was serving. Another TV journalist and Head of Doordarshan Kendra, Jammu, Sanjeet Khajuria also paid tributes to Thakur Singh and he understood the varying requirements of electronic media and newspapers and would meet their deadlines. UNI Bureau Chief Vishal Bharti called him as his mentor who would guide him in his early years of journalism and said that it was due to his confidence and PR qualities that always earned him respect from people at highest position like the Governor and Chief Minister with whom he enjoyed his tenure as their PR man. Among others who paid tributes included A G Rather, Mushtaq Ahmad, O P Sharma, Mohd Shafi, Kirtan Sharma, Mahesh Sharma, Virender Puri, Amrit Vaid, Shishupal, Pritam Saini and Rajinder Tickoo. Mohd Shafi conducted the proceedings. A 2-minute silence was observed in his memory. |
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