In the heart of Jammu and Kashmir, nestled amidst the gurgling Chenab River, lies Thathri, a town not known for its media might. But three years ago, a tiny seed sowed by The Chenab Times, a news media outlet, blossomed into a vibrant, multilingual oasis – the Multilingual News Initiative (MNI). It’s a story that echoes with the indomitable spirit of its people, their love for their land, and their voices, long unheard, now rising in a chorus of vibrant tongues.
The journey began with a whisper in Urdu and Sarazi, two languages spoken by the Chenab Valley’s vibrant communities. The initiative, spearheaded by Anzer Ayoob, the outlet’s founder and editor-in-chief, was met with initial skepticism. Yet, it found an early champion in Athar Amin Zargar, the then Sub Divisional Magistrate, who recognized its potential to bridge the communication gap and empower marginalized voices.
Shadab Farooq, a journalist and filmmaker, penned an ode to his hard work, catapulting Anzer Ayoob. Later, CT’s MNI got featured on Frontline, Scroll.in and The Wire. Soon, Rasmus Kleis Nielsen, a professor of political communication at Oxford University, shared CT’s story, amplifying their reach across continents.
But the path wasn’t paved with roses. Adding Bhaderwahi, a lesser-known language, was a daunting task. Yet, Naeem ul Haq Wani took the challenge head-on, becoming its anchor and weaving stories that resonated with the community. Raja Shakeel’s Bhaderwahi reports were another feather in their cap, proving that even the most niche voices deserve a platform.
The Chenab Times team, a band of passionate individuals like Farid Ahmed Naik, Saima Fani, Raja Irfan, Raja Khaleeq Anjum, Haseena Ayoob tirelessly edited and managed the initiative, weathering every storm with dedication. Together, they built a news bulletin that echoed not just with Urdu and Sarazi, but also with the lilting melodies of Bhaderwahi and Gojri.
Anzer Ayoob, ever the visionary, introduced the Chenabi version of Kashmiri, a first in the valley. It was a testament to his commitment to preserving and amplifying every linguistic thread that makes up the rich tapestry of the Chenab Valley.
But MNI wasn’t just about news. In February 2023, the Chenab Times Foundation was registered as a trust, focusing on art, culture, and addressing public grievances. It became a beacon of hope, a platform for communities to celebrate their heritage and seek solutions to their problems.
As they look ahead, the team at MNI dreams of adding more languages, amplifying more voices, and weaving a richer, more inclusive narrative of the Chenab Valley. CT’s story is a beacon, not just for local media, but for anyone who believes that even the smallest voice can rise above the din and be heard. And as the Chenab River continues its gurgling journey, so too does MNI, carrying with it the hopes, dreams, and stories of a valley waiting to be heard.
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Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an Indian journalist and online editor at The Chenab Times. Based in Thathri, Doda, he reports on regional affairs, civic governance, and human-interest stories across Jammu and Kashmir. Rihat also maintains a personal website, tahirrihat.com, where he shares professional updates and reflections on journalism in the Chenab Valley.
