OUR INSPIRATION
A Voice That Echoed Through The Valley
ABOUT SHANTA KAUL
Shanta Kaul, a voice that reached every household through the medium of the Radio, was celebrated as a luminary of the Valley of Kashmir for decades. Before entering Radio as the first-ever Kashmiri lady to join broadcasting—at a time when such ventures by women in the valley were unthinkable—Shanta had already made her way through several professional arenas, owing to her multiple skills and talents.​
A graduate in Hindi from the Oriental College of Languages, she began her career by teaching at the same institute. Her literary talent, recognized during her studies, led to her becoming the editor of the well-established college magazine Rajhans, a position she held until she joined Radio Kashmir in 1952 as an announcer.
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In 1947, Shanta Prakash married Pran Kishore Kaul, a fellow pioneer who had also broken free from traditional professional expectations. However, that year was tumultuous for Kashmir as ruthless Qabailis (tribesmen from across the borders), attacked the valley. Not one to remain confined within the safety of her home, Shanta joined the women’s wing of the Students’ Federation to combat the crisis. As part of their training, she became one of the first women to be trained in the use of a 303 rifle! She was all of 17 then.
1947 - A Turning Point
Cultural Renaissance and Firsts on Stage
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As the valley began to recover from the Qabaili attack, Shanta remained active in the women’s movement and joined the newly formed National Cultural Front, which initiated a cultural renaissance in Kashmir.
A play portraying the freedom fighter, Shaheed Sherwani, faced a challenge when no Kashmiri girl would act on stage, a taboo at the time. Shanta stepped forward, becoming the first Kashmiri woman to act and sing on stage, even while she continued teaching at Mahila Maha Vidyalaya.
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When Radio Kashmir Srinagar began broadcasting on 1st July 1948, Shanta auditioned and was included in the first list of speakers. Her voice, diction, and flawless Urdu impressed the Station Director, who urged her husband to convince her to join as a permanent announcer.
Though initially hesitant due to societal norms, Shanta eventually accepted the offer with her husband’s encouragement. She thus became the first woman broadcaster from Kashmir. In her long journey, she not only achieved great heights but also inspired a generation of Kashmiri women to pursue careers as broadcasters, singers, and radio artists—many of whom she mentored personally.
Trailblazer in Broadcasting
BELOVED 'AAPA JAAN'
Shanta later became the producer and anchor of the Children’s Program, which quickly gained widespread popularity. She became affectionately known as Aapa Jaan to the children of the Valley — both those who participated in the program and those who listened from home on Sunday mornings. Many of these children remained in touch with her throughout their lives, seeking her guidance and remembering her with deep warmth and affection.
The Voice of Culture
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As Kashmir’s cultural scene flourished, Radio Kashmir hosted live concerts by eminent national artists. Shanta, with her experience and elegant Urdu, became the preferred compere. Even the ghazal queen Begum Akhtar admired her voice and often asked to hear her poetry before performances. Shanta also compered popular radio programs such as Vaadi Ki Aawaz and Aap Ki Farmaish. Her popularity soared across borders, with hundreds of fan letters pouring in even from neighbouring countries.
Actress and Radio Dramatist
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Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad Memorial Award – for awakening social consciousness, especially among children, through broadcasting.
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Broadcaster of the Decade Award – for her unmatched contribution to radio.
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Selection Grade – awarded by All India Radio for meritorious service.
Awards and Accolades
As an ‘A’ grade drama voice in both Urdu and Kashmiri, Shanta played the iconic role of Khatija in the popular comedy serial Machama, among other memorable performances.
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Blessed with a gifted voice, Shanta also had a flair for writing. While busy in her broadcasting career, she occasionally contributed to periodicals and magazines. In January 1990, she was posted to the National Channel of Akashvani, Delhi, from where she took premature retirement in January 1991. Post-retirement, she focused more on writing and published two notable books:
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Kaali Raat Ka Sooraj – a collection of short stories set against the backdrop of Kashmir’s insurgency, released by J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
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Anant Yatra – a compilation of her poems, published posthumously after her passing on 4th August 2012.
Author and Poet
A LASTING LEGACY
“The Aapa Jaan of Radio Kashmir is no more. Radio Kashmir has lost its Golden Voice.”
This tribute echoed in newspapers like *Daily Excelsior, Greater Kashmir, Kashmir Times, Voice of Kashmir, Kashmir Calling*, and others. Shanta Kaul’s legacy continues to inspire generations, as a pioneer, artist, mentor, and woman of indomitable spirit.