Srinagar, Sep 16: Rising Kashmir Special Correspondent Abid Bashir was felicitated at a glittering function organised by the All India Motor Transport Congress in Srinagar on the occasion of Drivers Dignity Day, with members of the transport fraternity appreciating his contribution to public-interest journalism.
The function was attended by ARTO Mubashir Jan, Data Corps Director Anand Shankar and DIG Traffic Haseeb ur Rehman, besides representatives of the transport sector and other guests.
Abid Bashir was honoured for his sustained reporting on traffic management and civic issues, particularly a series of stories highlighting the need to streamline traffic movement in Srinagar and improve the commuting experience for residents.
The organisers appreciated his efforts to examine traffic-related challenges through detailed reporting, including the use of national and international studies to provide context to issues such as congestion, road discipline, traffic planning and enforcement.
Speaking on the occasion, S Umar Bhat, the main organiser of the event in Srinagar, praised Abid Bashir for his commitment to journalism and his efforts to bring issues of public importance into the spotlight.
Bhat said Abid had consistently highlighted traffic-related concerns and had used research and expert perspectives to make his stories more informative and relevant for readers.
He also praised Rising Kashmir as a credible media platform that, he said, maintains journalistic ethics and gives importance to public-interest reporting.
“Rising Kashmir is a credible and respected platform that maintains journalistic ethics. Abid Bashir is playing an important role in both print and electronic media and has highlighted several issues concerning the public,” Bhat said.
Bhat said responsible journalism could help bridge the gap between the public, authorities and different stakeholders by bringing genuine concerns into the public domain.
ARTO Mubashir Jan also appreciated Abid Bashir’s work and described him as a refined journalist with a professional approach to reporting.
Jan said journalists have an important role in creating awareness about traffic discipline, road safety and responsible driving, adding that constructive media coverage can contribute to better understanding of traffic-related challenges.
He also acknowledged the importance of highlighting issues faced by drivers and transporters, who remain an integral part of the city’s transportation network and wider economy.
The function focused on the contribution of drivers and their role in keeping the transport system moving. Speakers also emphasised the need for greater respect for drivers, improved road discipline and cooperation among commuters, transporters and enforcement agencies.
The organisers said recognising drivers was not merely a ceremonial exercise but an acknowledgement of the everyday contribution of those working in the transport sector.
The felicitation of Abid Bashir also reflected appreciation for field-based journalism covering civic and public-interest issues. His traffic-related reports have examined the challenges confronting Srinagar’s rapidly expanding transport network and the need for coordinated measures to improve traffic management.
Rising Kashmir video journalist Musaib Fayaz was also felicitated during the function for his contribution to visual journalism and field reporting.
The event concluded with a call for continued cooperation between the transport fraternity, traffic authorities and the media to promote safer roads, better traffic discipline and a more efficient transport system in Srinagar.
