Srinagar 13 March(KNB): Irfan Quraishi is a distinguished national television journalist and multimedia professional hailing from the Kashmir Valley in India. Born in Delina township of Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir, Quraishi has emerged as a prominent figure in Indian journalism, with a career spanning over 15 years across print, electronic, and digital media. His work is characterized by in-depth reporting and analysis on critical issues such as security, politics, human rights, and strategic affairs, particularly in the volatile region of Jammu and Kashmir. Presently , he serves as the head of the Kashmir Bureau for TV9 Bharatvarsh, the flagship Hindi news channel of TV9 Network, India’s leading media conglomerate.
Early Life and Education:
Irfan Quraishi’s journey into journalism was shaped by a strong academic foundation in mass communication. He graduated with a degree in Mass Communication and Video Production (MCVP) from Government Degree College, Baramulla, affiliated with the University of Kashmir, between 2004 and 2006. Pursuing his passion further, he earned a Master’s degree in Mass Communication (MMC) from Guru Jambeshwar University of Science and Technology in Hisar, Haryana, in 2009. This academic grounding equipped him with the skills to navigate the evolving landscape of media and storytelling.
Career Beginnings:
Quraishi’s journalistic career began in 2009 with Kashmir Times, a leading English daily in Jammu and Kashmir, where he honed his skills in print journalism. His early exposure to the region’s complex socio-political fabric laid the foundation for his later work. In 2008, prior to joining Kashmir Times, he briefly worked with the India Today Network (then known as TV Today Network Limited, home to Aaj Tak) in New Delhi, gaining insights into national media operations.
In 2011, Quraishi transitioned to broadcast journalism, joining Chandigarh-based Hindi news channel Day and Night News as the head of its Kashmir Bureau. This role marked his entry into television, where he began reporting on the region’s unrests, security challenges, and political developments. Between 2015 and 2017, he freelanced with notable Indian media outlets such as The Quint, The Hoot, and The Citizen, contributing stories on social, political, and current affairs from Jammu and Kashmir.
Rise to Prominence:
Quraishi’s career gained momentum in 2017 when he joined Hyderabad-based news network ETV Bharat. Tasked with establishing and leading its Kashmir Bureau, he showcased his ability to build media operations from the ground up. His tenure at ETV Bharat solidified his reputation as a seasoned journalist with a deep understanding of Kashmir’s issues. In 2019, he moved to TV9 Network, where he currently heads the Kashmir Bureau for TV9 Bharatvarsh. In this role, he oversees coverage of Kashmir, security, politics, and strategic affairs for the national Hindi channel while also contributing to TV9’s regional channels, including TV9 Marathi, TV9 Telugu, TV9 Kannada, TV9 Bangla, and TV9 Gujarat, as well as the national English channel News9.
Since joining TV9, Quraishi has been at the forefront of reporting major developments in Jammu and Kashmir. His extensive coverage of the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, followed by the region’s transition, brought insightful stories to national and international audiences. From the European delegation’s visit to the G20 summit in Kashmir, to the General Elections and the historic Assembly Elections of 2024, Quraishi’s reporting has offered a nuanced perspective on the region’s evolving landscape.
Multimedia Projects and Fellowships:
Beyond traditional journalism, Quraishi has founded several prominent multimedia projects in the Kashmir Valley, showcasing his innovative approach to storytelling. His contributions to the field have earned him international recognition, including fellowships from the Thomson Reuters Foundation in London (2013) and the Radio Netherlands Training Center (RNTC) in Hilversum, Netherlands (2016). These experiences enriched his skills in investigative journalism and multimedia production.
Awards and Recognition:
Irfan Quraishi’s excellence in journalism has been celebrated with prestigious accolades. In 2023, he received the coveted RedInk Award from the Mumbai Press Club in the Crime & Investigation (TV) category, recognizing an outstanding piece of journalism. In 2015, he was felicitated with the Youth Icon of the Year Award in the journalism category by JKIF and the University of Kashmir’s DLL, honoring his contributions as a young media professional.
Expertise and Impact:
With over a decade and a half of experience, Quraishi has cultivated authentic sources within defense, political parties, national probe agencies, and security establishments, particularly in terrorism-affected areas of Kashmir. His multilingual proficiency in English, Hindi, and Urdu enables him to report, write, and deliver live dispatches across diverse platforms. His coverage spans a wide range of topics, including human rights, media, health, tourism, education, and current affairs, with a particular focus on unrests, gunfights, and anti-militant operations in Kashmir since 2009.
Quraishi’s reporting is marked by its depth and reliability, earning him a reputation as a trusted voice on Jammu and Kashmir. His ability to break news and provide analysis on complex issues has made him a key figure in Indian journalism.
Personal Philosophy:
Irfan Quraishi’s approach to life and work is guided by two favorite quotes that reflect his passion and professionalism:
- On Life: “Choose a job in your life you like, and believe me, you will never have to work a single day in your life.” This philosophy underscores his love for journalism, which he views not as labor but as a calling.
- On Media: “I believe the ultimate star of a news media is News; that’s what people come to news media for.” This highlights his commitment to delivering factual, impactful stories that serve the public.
Legacy and Continuing Influence:
Currently, Irfan Quraishi remains a pivotal figure in Indian media, leading TV9 Network’s coverage of Kashmir with authority and insight. His journey from a small township in Baramulla to the national stage exemplifies dedication, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of truth. Through his reporting, multimedia initiatives, and mentorship of emerging journalists, Quraishi continues to shape the narrative of Jammu and Kashmir, bringing its stories to the world.
(This biography encapsulates Irfan Quraishi’s remarkable career and contributions. )