Anzer Ayoob

“Anzer Ayoob's significant contribution to language preservation and news reporting is evident in his efforts to produce news in Sarazi and Bhaderwahi, the two main local languages of the Chenab valley in Jammu's Doda district. As the editor-in-chief of The Chenab Times, the 23-year-old is playing a vital role in preserving these lesser-known languages.”

“In January 2017, 23-year-old Anzer Ayoob, the editor-in-chief of the news website, initiated this portal that would publish news in Urdu and English. However, after the parliament passed the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill – which made Hindi, Kashmiri, and Dogri the official languages of the Union Territory – locals in the valley felt side-lined and ignored.”

“Language, often underestimated as a mere tool for communication, holds within it the essence of a community's history, values, and identity. In the case of the Chenab Valley, local languages are not just a medium of everyday conversation; they are the conduits through which the region's intricate tapestry of culture and tradition has been woven over centuries. These languages encapsulate the wisdom of generations, the stories of heroes and heroines, and the collective memory of its people.”

“"We started this initiative to preserve our languages because people have almost forgotten them," explained Anzer Ayoob, the founder of The Chenab Times.”