Celebrating the life of Humra Quraishi: A fearless journalist, compassionate storyteller, and relentless advocate for Kashmir and marginalized voices, whose words continue to inspire justice and empathy. Vinta Nanda writes…

Humra Quraishi, a renowned journalist, author, and human rights activist, dedicated her life to illuminating the struggles of Kashmir and marginalized communities in India. Through her powerful writings in The Daily Eye, books like Kashmir: The Untold Story, and articles addressing communal tensions and gender inequalities, she became a harbinger of truth and justice. Humra's unique ability to blend hard-hitting commentary with poetic grace earned her widespread respect and admiration. Her fearless critiques of majoritarianism and advocacy for minority rights resonate deeply in today’s socio-political landscape, making her legacy a source of inspiration for generations to come.

Humra Quraishi, a journalist, author, and human rights activist whose poignant words and unflinching dedication to truth shaped countless narratives, passed away on the 16^th January 2025. Her sudden demise leaves a void in the world of journalism and human rights that feels almost impossible to fill. A woman who carried Kashmir in her heart and wove its essence into every story she wrote, Humra's legacy will continue to inspire and challenge us all.

I first met Humra in 2018 at a literary festival in Bangalore. Though I had seen her bylines in numerous publications and read her insightful works, meeting her was an experience in itself. She approached me with a warmth that belied her sharp intellect and began a conversation about Kashmir. She knew everything about me—my origins in Jammu and Kashmir, my father’s family, and even my father’s sister. I was taken aback by the depth of her knowledge and assumed she must be from Kashmir herself. To my surprise, she revealed that she hailed from Uttar Pradesh but carried an unshakable love for Kashmir in her heart. Her exhaustive research and empathy for the region’s plight left me in awe, and from that day, we became instant friends.

Humra’s short stories, which she graciously shared with me, were steeped in the beauty and turmoil of the Valley. Each story was a window into lives lived on the edge of hope and despair. During the uncertain days of the COVID-19 pandemic, I revisited these stories and found solace in their poignancy. At the time, I was experimenting with turning an old project under the same name into an online magazine, which later became The Daily Eye. When I asked Humra if I could publish her stories, she not only agreed but also began contributing regularly to the platform. Her eclectic mix of fiction, commentaries on contemporary politics, and reflections on social fault lines became a cornerstone of The Daily Eye’s content.

Her book, The Diary of Gull Mohammad - A Kashmiri Muslim boy’s journey from Kashmir to Kerala, stands as a testament to her ability to illuminate the human condition. Reflecting on the challenges faced by Kashmiri children, she wrote, "I have seen for myself the anxieties and apprehensions they go through. It’s a tough existence for them." This empathy and insight were hallmarks of her writing, which often provided a voice to the voiceless.

Humra had a remarkable ability to present the harshest truths with grace. She often wrapped her searing commentaries in verses of great poets, the writings of luminary authors, and the wisdom of her mentor, Khushwant Singh. This unique style drew readers to her weekly columns, making them a staple for many. Yet, her fearless critique of majoritarianism and her advocacy for the marginalized often drew ire from certain quarters. On my WhatsApp broadcast lists, while most responses to her work were glowing, a handful of detractors resorted to abuse and vitriol. They demanded her contact information to voice their grievances directly, which was never to happen, and Humra remained undeterred. She faced both praise and criticism with the same calm dignity that defined her.

Her reflections on communal tensions are poignantly captured in her article, "Politics: Communal Divides Urgently Call for Unity," where she critiques divisive political rhetoric and emphasizes the need for unity. She wrote, "India is witnessing a dangerous rise in communal tensions fuelled by divisive political rhetoric." Her voice served as a ray of hope, urging society to confront and overcome these fractures.

Humra’s keen observations extended to the broader socio-political landscape of India. In her article, "Politics: Missing Girls and Hate Speeches," she highlighted the alarming number of missing women and girls, urging society to confront these harsh realities. She questioned, "Several fundamental questions arise: In what conditions are these girls and women recovered? What is their future?" These poignant questions showcased her relentless pursuit of justice and truth.

Humra’s contributions extended beyond journalism. Her books, including Kashmir: The Untold Story (co-authored with Balraj Puri) and Views: Yours and Mine, are testaments to her unwavering commitment to shedding light on stories that often remain untold. Her writings were not mere reportage; they were acts of resistance, windows into the lives of those marginalized and forgotten.

To those who hurled accusations and historical justifications for their hate, Humra would often respond indirectly through her work. I often urged them to imagine themselves in the shoes of a Muslim man or woman in today’s India—educated, secular, and deeply sensitive, but trapped in a cycle of alienation, fear, and hopelessness. Her words cut through the noise of propaganda, reminding us that no historical grievance justifies the cruelty of the present.

Through her writings, Humra consistently advocated for the marginalized, shedding light on issues often overlooked. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the power of the written word in challenging injustice and encouraging empathy. As The Daily Eye grew under her influence, writers like Khalid Mohammed, Dhruv Somani, Monojit Lahiri, Shantanu Ray Chaudhuri, Rinki Roy Bhattacharya and Aparajita Krishna joined the platform. Together, we navigated the pandemic years, building something meaningful. Today, The Daily Eye reaches over half a million followers, a testament to the collective efforts of contributors like Humra.

Her departure is a profound loss, not only for The Daily Eye but for all who value truth and compassion. Humra Quraishi was more than a writer; she was hope in a time of despair, a voice for the voiceless, and a relentless advocate for justice. Her dream of equality rising like the morning sun may not have materialized in her lifetime, but her work will continue to light the way for those who share her vision.

Rest in power, Humra. Your words will echo through the ages, challenging us to be better, kinder, and braver.  

You can read all her writings in The Daily Eye here.