RC Sharma Chanakya
As per the sacred Santan rituals and ancient Vedic traditions, today marked the Uthala, of the legendary journalist Late Mr Subash Mehra—a man whose pen spoke for the voiceless and whose courage defined an era of fearless journalism. He was not only a veteran journalist but also the visionary founder of the reputed English daily, “Jammu Jottings.”
People from every walk of life gathered with heavy hearts to pay homage to the departed soul. Words failed, and silence took over. Faces reflected grief, eyes spoke of loss, and folded hands carried unspoken prayers. The air itself seemed weighed down by sorrow, as if even time had paused to mourn the absence of a man who had given so much to society without ever asking for anything in return.
Though today was the fourteenth day since he left this mortal world, it still feels unreal. For the entire Jammu Jottings family, there remains a painful illusion that he may call at any moment—his familiar voice guiding, questioning, encouraging. His physical presence is gone, yet his spirit refuses to leave us.
After the Uthala ceremony, I visited his residence and stepped into his room. That moment shattered me. Everything was exactly where it always had been—his table, his chair, his belongings—yet he was not there. For a fleeting second, my heart whispered that he might have stepped out and would return shortly. But reality struck hard. He will not walk back into that room again. That silence was louder than any sound I have ever heard.
Yesterday, when I wrote about my association with Late Mr. Subash Mehra, my phone kept ringing. Messages poured in—words of support, concern, and expectation. Someone asked me with genuine anxiety whether the newspaper would continue to function with the same courage and conviction or whether its voice would be diluted. With a heavy yet determined heart, I replied that although Mr. Mehra is no longer physically among us, his strength, inspiration, and fearless spirit live on within us. We shall work not less—but more—driven by his ideals.
A respected individual reminded me that I had not mentioned my bold exposé of irregularities in the Skill Development Department in my earlier write-up. I humbly responded that whatever courage I have shown in my journalistic journey was drawn from his unwavering support. And yes, we shall continue to expose corruption and wrongdoing wherever it exists. Not out of personal animosity, but out of moral responsibility. I have no personal vendetta against anyone; I respect all. But truth must never be compromised.
I assure each and every one of you that, as the Bureau Chief of Jammu Jottings, I shall discharge my responsibilities with utmost sincerity, courage, and commitment—at any cost. I earnestly hope and trust that your continued support and cooperation will remain our greatest strength as we move forward together.
Through this tribute, I wish to assure society that the doors of Jammu Jottings remain open. Anyone who comes forward with evidence of scams, corruption, or irregularities in any department will find us standing beside them—fearless, committed, and honest—just as Late Subash Mehra taught us to be.
May the Almighty grant eternal peace and salvation to the noble soul of Late Subash Mehra, and may He bless us with the courage to walk the path he showed us—writing the truth without fear, without favor, and without compromise.
He may have left this world, but his legacy will continue to speak—through every honest word we write and every injustice we dare to expose.
RC Sharma Chanakya
Bureau Chief
Jammu Jottings
