In the evolving landscape of digital journalism, some voices rise above the noise, carving out spaces for unheard communities. One such voice is Dil Bar Irshad, a visionary journalist from Doda in Jammu and Kashmir’s Chenab Valley. As the founder of VoM News, Dil Bar has not only revolutionized local news reporting but also brought the region’s stories to global platforms.
Early Life and Academic Pursuits
Dil Bar Irshad’s journey began in the serene district of Doda, where he completed his schooling at GHSS Goha, Marmat. His passion for learning led him to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Arts from IGNOU. Fuelled by a desire to make an impact through media, he furthered his studies with a Master’s in Journalism and Mass Communication from Swami Vivekananda University, Meerut. Additionally, Dil Bar’s commitment to environmental awareness is evident in his Master’s degree in Environmental Science.
Birth of VoM News: Voice of the People
In 2015-16, Dil Bar founded VoM News, initially known as Voice of Marmat. What began as local event coverage quickly transformed into a digital platform called Voice of Masses (VoM News), amplifying the concerns and stories of Chenab Valley. His relentless reporting on public grievances and local events helped VoM News emerge as a trusted news source, capturing the attention of the wider community.
Expanding Horizons: National and International Journalism
Dil Bar’s expertise in journalism grew as he took on the role of District Correspondent for Khalsa Express News during 2019-2020. His linguistic skills and cultural understanding also led him to Sada e Kohistan as an Urdu Correspondent. By 2021, he had joined Millennium Post as the J-K Correspondent, extending his influence in regional journalism.
His international breakthrough came in 2023, when he became an International Correspondent for Global News Agency – BNN. Covering critical events in Jammu and Kashmir, global news stories, and even stock market insights, Dil Bar’s voice began reaching audiences far beyond Chenab Valley. This international experience expanded in 2024 when he joined TrimFeed as an International Correspondent, making him one of the few journalists from Doda to work on a global scale.
Recognitions and Achievements
Dil Bar’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. His list of accolades includes:
- Best Journalism Award (2018) from Tehsil Administration Marmat, Doda.
- Social Upliftment Award (2017-18) from Khidmat Foundation Trust, Jammu Kashmir.
- Outstanding Performance Award (2019) during the pandemic by the International Human Rights Organization (IHRO).
- Peace Contribution Award (2019) from IDrive Institute Jammu.
- World Wetland Day Honor by Alpine Institute of Technology & Science.
- Digital Journalism Training Certificate (2021) from Reuters.
- Press Member Nomination (2025) at Press Club Welfare Worldwide Foundation.
- Swami Vivekananda Pride Achievers Award (2025) by Welred Foundation.
- Mother Teresa Indian Excellency Award (2025) by Famous People, India World Organization.
- Nelson Mandela International Excellence Award (2025) by the Asian Council of Education & Research.
These awards reflect his impact not only as a journalist but as a community leader committed to truth and social development.
The Future of VoM News
Under Dil Bar’s leadership, VoM News continues to expand its reach, offering real-time news, community insights, and in-depth coverage of political and social issues. His forward-thinking approach has made VoM News a beacon of digital journalism in Chenab Valley, proving that authentic storytelling can transcend borders