Biography of Author Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai

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Biography of the Author Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai
Padma Awards Nomination also filled for year 2025
Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai
(DOB 07/06/1973) is a passionate Indian Author-cum- bilingual poet while a tremendous lecturer of English by profession in the Ganjam district of Odisha.He is an accomplished source of inspiration for young generation of India .His free verse on Romantic and melancholic  poems appreciated by everyone. He belongs to a small typical village Nandiagada of Ganjam District,the state of Odisha.After schooling he studied intermediate and Graduated In Kabisurjya Baladev vigyan Mahavidyalaya then M A in English from Berhampur University PhD in language and literature and D.litt from Colombian poetic house from South America.He promotes his specific writings around the world literature and trades with multiple stems that are related to current issues based on his observation and experiences that needs urgent attention.He is an award winning writer who has achieved various laurels from the circle of writing worldwide.His free verse poems not only inspires young readers but also the ready of current time.His poetic symbol is right now inspiring others, some of which are appreciated by laurels of India and across the world. Many of his poems been translated in different Indian languages and got global appreciation. Lots of well wishes for his upcoming writtings and success in future.He is an award winning poet author of many best seller books.Recently he is awarded Rabindra nath Tagore and Gujarat Sahitya Academy for the year 2022 from Motivational Strips . A gold medal from world union of poets France & winner Of Rahim Karims world literary prize 2023.The government of Odisha Higher Education Department appointed him
as a president to Governing body of Padmashree Dr Ghanashyam Mishra Sanskrit Degree College, Kabisurjyanagar.Winner of ” HYPERPOEM ” GUNIESS WORLD RECORD 2023.Recently he was awarded from SABDA literary Festival at Assam.Highest literary honour from Peru contributing world literature 2024.Prestigious Cesar Vellejo award 2024 & Highest literary honour from Peru.Director at Samrat Educational charitable Trust Berhampur, Ganjam Odisha.Nominated for Padmashree puraskar 2024
Completed 215 Epistolary poetry with Kristy Raines U SA.
Books.
1.Psalm of the Soul.
2.Rise of New Dawn.
3.secret Of Torment.
4.Everything I never told you.
5.Vision Of Life National Library Kolkata.
6.100 Shadows of Dream.
7.Timeless Anguish.
8.Voice of Silence.
9.I cross my heart from east to west . Epistolary poetry with Kristy Raines.
All eyes would be on him as prestigious Padma Awards Nomination have been filled.

 

Dengue threat

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Dengue threat
Dengue disease is a serious health concern especially in our country.
mosquito-borne viral disease occurring in tropical and subtropical areas.
Dengue can range from asymptomatic infection or mild illness to severe disease. An estimated 1 in 4 dengue virus infections are symptomatic. Symptomatic dengue virus infection most commonly presents as a mild to moderate, acute febrile illness. Infection with one of the four dengue viruses will induce long-lived immunity for that specific virus. Because there are four dengue viruses, people can be infected multiple times in their life. Early clinical findings are nonspecific but require a high index of suspicion because recognizing early signs of shock and promptly initiating intensive supportive therapy can reduce risk of death among patients.
As a matter of fact,
Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing an increase in dengue cases this year, with 934 cases confirmed so far, officials said. They added that the union territory recorded a steady rise in cases over the past week, with daily counts ranging from 19 to 83.
State Malariologist Dr D J Raina, speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said while the number of cases is increasing, the situation remains under control. He said that out of the 934 cases, 592 are from Jammu, followed by 103 from Samba, 87 from Kathua, 44 from Udhampur, 21 from Reasi, 20 from Rajouri, 23 from Poonch, 20 from Doda, six from Ramban, one from Kishtwar, nine from Kashmir, and eight from other states.
A total of 10,644 tests have been conducted this year, with 934 returning positive results, he said. Comparatively, last year saw 1,300 positive cases out of 10,935 tests conducted. Of the 934 confirmed cases this year, 167 required hospitalization, with 99 patients discharged and 62 still undergoing treatment.
The hope on ground zero is that we contain dengue .

Srinagar in limelight-Phase 2 Assembly elections

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Srinagar in limelight- Phase 2 Assembly 2024
News Kashmir Analysis
Srinagar is the soul of Jammu and Kashmir.  It is an historic city.
This year the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar has been officially recognised as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Crafts Council last week as its recognition will boost the handloom and handicraft sectors of the valley as this prestigious honour underscores the city’s rich heritage and the exceptional skills of its artisans whose dedication and artistry.
The assembly elections happening after a gap of 10 years and first after the historic abrogation of article 370 have brought much focus on Srinagar,  which has history of very low voting.
The Election campaign in Srinagar has been electrifying with after gap of nearly 40 years such festive atmosphere being witnessed as candidates try to woo voters.
During the last elections,  Hazratbal Assembly Constituency had the highest voting percentage of 29 percent among the Constituencies with Habbakadal lowest of 21 percent.  Zadibal Assembly Constituency had voting percentage of mere 23.64 and Khanyar 26 percent.
As a matter of fact , Srinagar after delimitation has 8 Assembly constituencies.  The Chanapora Assembly Constituency is the latest addition. Srinagar has been historically a NC bastion with often NC winning most of the seats. This time around a nail bitting fight is witnessed between PDP and NC on 7 seats ,with Apni Party also putting a strong fight in Chanapora.
The women underrepresented in these elections is a matter of serious concern.
of 93 candidates vying for eight assembly seats in Srinagar, only three are women. This minuscule representation becomes even more pronounced when these three candidates contest in only two of the eight constituencies.
PM Modi too during recent Srinagar rally struck historic pulse.
We have said in the parliament that we will restore (the region’s) statehood. Only the BJP will fulfill this commitment,” PM Modi said to a cheering crowd at the rally while referring to Bharatiya Janata Party, without specifying any timeline for the return of statehood.
He called the ongoing election the festival of democracy in the region. “Jammu and Kashmir is strengthening the democracy of India, and I congratulate the people for this,” he said.
The political pulse is excited whether the current elections would witness increase in voting percentage in Srinagar or not .
The eyes would be all set on the 24th September to watch the key elections and analyze them.

How the Landscape of Overseas Education is Changing in India

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How the Landscape of Overseas Education is Changing in India
The current trends in India’s education financing sector are challenging the estimated projections for the future of the industry. But is there a silver lining?
India’s overseas education landscape has faced significant changes over the past year. In 2023, more than 1.2 million students travelled abroad for quality education [1]. This number was expected to reach 1.5 to 2 million by 2025 [2]. However, recent trends and data indicate a major shift in these projections.
Decline in Interest in Abroad Education?
GyanDhan conducted an analysis between March 2024 and May 2024 to understand the current trends. The report estimated a significant 22% drop in the number of students looking for abroad education loans as compared to the same period last year. This decrease in interest was even more pronounced in some states. Telangana witnessed a 30% drop and Gujarat, a 35% drop. Here is an overview of some other states:
Overall (India) -21.92%
Punjab & Chandigarh -28.41%
Maharashtra  -12.79%
Kerala -12.39%
What is Causing This Trend?
Many factors have influenced this declining trend. In the last three years, Indian students who travelled to the US have been facing challenges in bagging jobs. One such student, Ankit Kumar, an MS in Supply Chain Management graduate from the University of Texas at Dallas, pointed out, “There’s a dark reality to studying in the US. Finding a job is not easy and not everyone gets lucky enough to get a work visa.” He further added, “Working in non-tech fields, especially in supply chain, has become tricky for immigrants to be able to survive.”
Canada’s imposition of caps on international student admission [6] [7], Australia’s introduction of stricter student visa evaluations along with doubling of the fees [3] and the UK’s initial plan to consider restricting student entries [4] [5] have all been motivators of this decline. Together, these have made students and their families more careful about investing in an overseas education.
Future Outlook: Will It Get Better?
The critical question is whether this trend will improve in the coming years. GyanDhan’s analysis further examined aspirants’ preparation for exams and their interest in universities. Here are the findings for India as a whole:
Interest in GRE -13%
Interest in IELTS -24%
Interest in TOEFL -16%
These declines are particularly significant in states like Telangana with a drop of 30% in interest in GRE, Gujarat with a 43% drop in interest in TOEFL, and Punjab, with a 57.36% drop in interest in IELTS. These numbers indicate that the upcoming intakes, Spring 2025 and Fall 2025, may continue to experience similar trends until substantial changes in policies come into the picture.
The Other Side of the Picture
The overseas education industry in India may have taken a hit, but this is just one side of the story. International policymakers are soon to meet the results of economic forces. Over time, the exponential rise in the number of students travelling abroad has become an income source that many universities depend on [8]. A recent report highlighted many university staff layoffs and course suspensions in the UK, Canada and Australia [9]. This resulted from restrictive government policies on international students, “reducing an important income stream.”
In Australia, the overseas student caps have agitated universities. In a submission to the federal Department of Education, the University of Sydney says that no attempt has been made to assess the impact of “arbitrary enrolment limits” on a university funding model that is “heavily reliant” on international students’ fees [10]. Almost 44% of their income last year was from foreign students. They’ve requested the department to “consider changes of this magnitude extremely carefully”.
Ankit Mehra, CEO of GyanDhan, emphasises the implications of the restrictive measures on international students, “These measures not only affect universities but also hinder the potential contributions of talented graduates to their country’s economy.”
This was also recently highlighted by Donald Trump in his landmark proposal concerning international students. Preparing for the November presidential elections in the USA, he proposed ‘automatic green cards’ for Indians graduating from the US. He added, after their graduation, the brilliant students return to their country and “become billionaires”. [11]
Most of the recent policy changes and proposals are driven by pandering to the voter base given the impending elections in these geographies. Ankit Mehra further states, ”The economic fallout of alienating the international student segment will be too significant for these countries to ignore. We can expect a return to normalcy once the election cycles conclude and the hype settles.“
The Silver Lining
Despite the current challenges, there are many positive aspects one must consider. The reduction in interest will likely weed out less scrupulous parties who do not prioritise students’ best interests. This market correction could lead to a more transparent and student-focused industry.
Another silver lining for the overseas education industry is the increasing affluence of the upwardly mobile middle class. With the desire for superior educational opportunities, global exposure, and better career opportunities, more parents are sending their children abroad for undergraduate studies.
This surge can be seen in the GyanDhan analysis as well. There has been a notable 20% increase in interest for the ACT and SAT exams in India, both prerequisites for undergrad courses abroad.
Exam-wise searches  (Mar-May’23 versus Mar-May’24) % Change across India % Change across Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh  % Change across Punjab & Chandigarh
ACT 19.92% 8.84% 53.28%
SAT -0.31% 2.27% 1.17%
GRE -13.22% -30.36% -18.38%
GMAT -6.10% -6.99% 2.80%
IELTS -23.84% -20.02% -57.36%
TOEFL -15.60% -1.83% -24.29%
Additionally, the analysis highlighted a growing interest in countries apart from the traditional destinations, the USA, the UK, Canada and Australia. Universities in Ireland, Germany and Spain, among others, are witnessing a surge in interest among Indian students. For instance, abroad education aspirants in Punjab have shown a 99% increase in interest in German universities. Similarly, there is almost a 100% increase in interest in Irish universities among aspirants in Gujarat, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
Conclusion
The overseas education sector in India experienced significant transformations over the past three years– a surge in students travelling abroad post COVID aided by the upwardly mobile middle class driving an increasing demand for superior educational opportunities and global exposure. There have also been numerous changes in immigrant rules.
While the current trends pose challenges, the policy changes intended to address unscrupulous practices should ultimately result in a more sustainable growth for the overall industry. ###
Sources
1. Business Standard Article, 30 May 2024: Where are Indian students headed, how much do they spend abroad?
2. India Today, 8 Dec 2023: By 2025, Indian students studying abroad are expected to spend up to $70 billion
3. Business Standard, 1 Jul 2024: Australia hikes student visa fee by 125%: How Indians will be affected
4. The Economic Times, 25 May 2024: UK tightens student visa rules but keeps Indian students’ favourite graduate route intact for now
5. Hindustan Times, 24 May 2024: What UK’s new visa rules mean for Indian students and migrants, as per experts
6. Frontline, 23 Jan 2024: Canada’s two-year cap on international student visas likely to impact Indians
7. India Today, 26 Jun 2024: Number of Indian students seeking Canada Visa drop due to restrictions
8. Financial Review, 3 Jul 2024: Slashing Foreign student numbers would be economic self-harm
9. The Pie Network, 2 May 2024: Higher ed policies drive layoffs and cuts in the UK, Australia and Canada
10. Times Higher Education, 19 Jun 2024: Australian overseas student caps ‘jeopardise housing projects’
11. TOI, 21 Jun 2024: Donald Trump promises US green cards for foreign graduates
More to Read
1. Shiksha, 20 Jun 2024: India to be the largest source of International students for the US by 2034
2. Economic Times, 5 Feb 2024: Higher education ‘enrolment cliff’ likely to open doors for more Indian students
3. Financial Express, 13 May 2024: Australia announces changes in temporary graduate visa rules
4. The Hindu, 29 Feb 2024: Growing Mismatch between Indians going abroad and foreigners coming to India for higher studies
5. Deccan Chronicle, 30 Jun 2024: Indian students in US wary after rise in violent attacks
6. The Globe and Mail, 21 Jun 2024: The right question to ask about international students and housing

Historic J&K First Phase Polls

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Historic J&K First Phase Polls
News Kashmir Analysis
The historic Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are around the corner.  These are first major elections after abrogation of article 370 on August 5, 2019. These elections are going to be quite unique ,interesting and historic.
All major political parties are fighting with full might. Iltija Mufti, Daughter of PDP head and former CM Mehbooba Mufti , Former NC MP Hasnain Masoodi and Dr Harbaksh Singh of AIP are prominent candidates in Kashmir in fray for the first phase.
political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir has undergone significant changes since the BJP withdrew its support from the PDP-led government in 2018. The removal of Article 370 in 2019, followed by the delimitation, has not only redrawn boundaries and added seats but also set the stage for the upcoming 2024 election, where every party is recalibrating its strategy.
Of the total 219 candidates contesting the first phase of the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, scheduled for September 18, a striking 50 per cent have declared assets exceeding Rs 1 crore, a report compiled by the Association of Democratic Reform (ADR) said on Friday.
The average assets of the phase one candidates stood at Rs 3 crore. There are a total 13 candidates with at least Rs 10 crore worth of assets.
Out of 219 candidates, only nine are women, which makes up just 4 percent of the total.
Mehbooba Mufti-led Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has the highest crorepatis: 18 out of 21. The richest candidate in the first phase also belongs to PDP: Abdul Gaffar Sofi, contesting from Anantnag West. In his election affidavit, Sofi declared assets worth over Rs 66 crore. He is followed by PDP’s Imtiaz Ahmed Shan with more than Rs 34 crore in assets.
2014, the election ended with a hung assembly. The PDP won 28 seats, the BJP grabbed 25, the JKNC took 15, and the Congress managed 12. Independents and smaller parties shared seven seats. The BJP and the PDP claimed nearly half the votes, but the close result reflected deep political divisions. The vote share of 2014 told a similar story of division. The BJP garnered 23 per cent of the votes, while the PDP secured 22.7 per cent. The JKNC came in with 20.8 per cent, and the Congress followed with 18 per cent.
Undoubtedly , the Assembly elections in 2024 September are going to go one of the historic epochs.

World Suicide Prevention Day, 9 September Editoral 2024

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World Suicide Prevention Day
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death. Mental disorders (including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and cognitive disengagement syndrome), physical disorders (such as chronic fatigue syndrome), and substance abuse (including alcoholism and benzodiazepine use and withdrawal) are risk factors.
Suicide is a serious public health issue with wide-ranging social, emotional, and financial ramifications. As per the data, around 700,000 suicides are reported annually on average around the world, which profoundly affects the lives of many. And to curb the unfortunate crisis September 10 is observed as World Suicide Prevention Day annually. The day aims to encourage understanding, sharing experiences and reaching the masses to take action and prevent suicides.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization (WHO) together created World Suicide World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) in 2003. Every year on September 10, organizations, governments, and the general public are encouraged to increase awareness of the problem and focus attention on it with the clear message that suicides may be avoided.
World Suicide Prevention Day each year aims to focus attention on the issue, reduce stigma and raise awareness among organizations, governments, and the public, giving a singular message that suicides are preventable. It represents a global commitment to focus attention on suicide prevention. All of us- family members, friends, co-workers, community members, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, political officials, and governments can take action to prevent suicide in the Region.
We in Kashmir too have witnessed a spurt in suicide cases over the past few years and lot needs to be done to save people from committing this cruel and painful act.
A lot needs to be especially done to heal those who are facing crushing depression and stress.

Mother!

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MOTHER!
By Monalisa Parida
        It is a painful subject if you think or write about a ‘Mother’. No writer has substantiated till today writing about any Mother. All are dying in debt of mother’s womb but could not elaborate and clearly express the pain of her. She is the key of all grandiose history, reason behind all inventions of science, root of all politics and adjectives of all literatures.
            If mother Kousalya was not there then Ram couldn’t be the Lord of an age and if Debaki was not there then Krishna’s ‘Dharmasansthapanarthaya’ work might be fragmentary.
A mother faces all trials and tribulations for her child. She always craves the best for her child. Wind, storms and rains will come but a mother will understand the pains of her child. She will care and shower love and compassion towards her child. Her child is her world and she is always a symbol of love and care for her child.
           Mom, mother, ayi, amma so many different names still less to put it in what she actually is. Mother the one who’s connected with their child both mentally and physically. She will be happy, sad, angry, proud anything for her child but in the end she want her child to be happy no matter what.

National Sports Day, 26 August 2024

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National Sports Day
Sports are very vital for human health. They keep us fit and are also source of entertainment for us. We can also make a good career in diverse sports.
helps us to stay healthy, fit, and active. It teaches us the value of teamwork and encourages us to work hard and never give up. Sports also help us develop discipline, dedication, and commitment, which are essential values for success in life. It is also a great way for people to socialize and make new friends.
We need to bear in mind that sports are integral part of the human life and there is great importance of sports in all spheres of life. Furthermore, Sports help build the character and personality of a person.
The National Sports Day of India is celebrated on August 29 every year. It is a timely reminder for the need for sporting activities in life. National Sports Day 2024 is on Thursday.
States like Haryana, Punjab and Karnataka, among others, organise various sporting events and seminars aimed at spreading awareness about the importance of physical activities and sports in life.
Over the years, the government has also used this day as a platform to launch various sports schemes, including the Khelo India movement, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018.
We need to remember that
National Sports Day in India is celebrated on 29 August every year. It is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand Singh. The day also serves as a reminder for all of us to recall the contributions, determination and extraordinary achievements of the athletes and their influence in shaping societies. The first National Sports Day was celebrated on August 29, 2012 and hence this year marks the 12th anniversary of Rashtriya Khel Divas.
We too in Jammu and Kashmir should take sports seriously and encourage our children to take different sports.

Tobacco Monster in J&K, cover story 26 August 2024

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Tobacco Monster in J&K
News Kashmir Analysis
Tobacco is the common name of several plants in the genus Nicotiana of the family Solanaceae, and the general term for any product prepared from the cured leaves of these plants. More than 70 species of tobacco are known, but the chief commercial crop is N. tabacum. The more potent variant N. rustica is also used in some countries.
The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing over 8 million people a year around the world. More than 7 million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while around 1.3 million are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke (4).
All forms of tobacco use are harmful, and there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco. Cigarette smoking is the most common form of tobacco use worldwide.
As a matter of fact,
Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory has been identified as having the 6th highest prevalence of tobacco use in the country, with over 20 percent of the population engaging in tobacco consumption, according to officials.
Tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year, including an estimated 1.3 million non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke (4).
Around 80% of the world’s 1.3 billion tobacco users live in low- and middle-income countries.
In 2020, 22.3% of the world’s population used tobacco: 36.7% of men and 7.8% of women.
To address the tobacco epidemic, WHO Member States adopted the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in 2003. Currently 182 countries are Parties to this treaty.
According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2 data, 35.2% of men, 5.1% of women, and 20.8% of all adults in J&K smoke tobacco. It adds that 6.8% of men, 1.5% of women, and 4.3% of all adults currently use smokeless tobacco. Overall, 39.7% of men, 6.2% of women, and 23.7% of all adults either smoke tobacco or use smokeless tobacco.
Tobacco is definitely a monster which we need to do away with .
The expert pulse is that we need to aware the youth about perils of Tobacco menace and make them shun it. One hopes in the great country like India we need to reach a stage where we ban all products of Tobacco . Tobacco is a hydra headed monster and there is no doubt about same .

IAS Dr. Rashmi Singh Interview

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IAS Dr. Rashmi Singh Interview

Commissioner Secretary Hospitality and Protocol , Government of Jammu and Kashmir and  Principal Resident Commissioner IAS Dr. Rashmi Singh in an exclusive interview with News Kashmir talks to Editor in Chief Farzana Mumtaz and Content Editor Rameez Makhdoomi.
A bit on recently concluded Sambhaav Utsav 2.0?
Well, we have had successful Sambhaav Utsav 1.0 in Feburary only with excellent participation and attractive programmes but recently concluded Sambhaav Utsav 2.0 took things to new levels of excellence.  Besides promoting arts and crafts and giving amazing platform to artisans and craftsmans of Jammu and Kashmir,  we had a Series of interactive sessions titled Manthan Satra , wherein we had dynamic sessions like Badlta Jammu and Kashmir,  Nikhrata Jammu and Kashmir,  Sawanrta Jammu and Kashmir.  The burning issues like Sustainable tourism,  e commerce,  more jobs for youth and opportunities were discussed . The prestigious organisations like NITI Ayog , Prasar Bharti shared their wisdom and input for better Jammu and Kashmir.
Those who write and speak on Jammu and Kashmir also shared their positive input.
We need to bear in mind that there was session on Skill and Entrepreneurship too , the contours of National Education Policy too were discussed in a session. Above all, the spread of awareness on all important film policy was also done.  It was made sure that stakeholders get to know how Jammu and Kashmir is becoming once again the film shooting hub of India with effective film policy and old glory of Jammu and Kashmir as global film destination is returning back. The Lieutenant Governor esteemed Manoj Sinha actively took part in all the programmes and ensured giving pragmatic shape to all the suggestions.
We didn’t just kept our programme Mundane but also colorful art and culture programmes were held daily that captivated the audiences and showcased the richness and diversity of the culture of Jammu and Kashmir.
So , it was a two way dialogue and an attractive platform for Jammu and Kashmir products ?
Absolutely yes, the youth  from Baramulla highly talented in music who performed interacted with Youth of Delhi . The people from Delhi especially those having less knowledge were mesmerized by culture , arts and crafts of Kashmir. There were different products from Saffron to Lavender on sale with about 10 farm organizations participating.  The designer clothes were showcased along with exquisite cuisine of Jammu and Kashmir with both vegetarian as well as Non vegetarian.  The programme was much success and paragon of excellence .