Hindi Diwas, Editorial 18 September 2023 issue

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Hindi Diwas

Hindi Diwas or Hindi Day is celebrated in India to commemorate the date 14 September 1949 on which a compromise was reached—during the drafting of the Constitution of India—on the languages that were to have official status in the Republic of India.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah has extended his best wishes to the countrymen on the occasion of Hindi Diwas. In his message, the Home Minister said that India has been a country of diverse languages. Hindi unites the diversity of languages in the world’s largest democracy. He said that Hindi has been a democratic language. It has honoured different Indian languages and dialects as well as many global languages and adopted their vocabularies, sentences and grammar rules.

Union Home Minister said that the Hindi language played an unprecedented role in uniting the country during the difficult days of independence movement. It instilled a feeling of unity in a country divided into many languages and dialects. Hindi, as a language of communication, played an important role in carrying forward the freedom struggle from East to West and North to South in the country. Shri Shah said that the movements for achieving ‘Swaraj’ and ‘Swabhasha’ were going on simultaneously in the country. Considering the important role of Hindi in the freedom movement and after independence, the architects of the Constitution had accepted Hindi as the official language on 14 September 1949.
We need to bear in mind that Hindi serves as a bridge between different cultures, enabling communication and understanding between speakers of Hindi and other languages such as Urdu. This linguistic connection is particularly significant in the Indian subcontinent, where Hindi and Urdu share many similarities.

Choosing Careers Wisely: The Modern Kashmiri Youth Dilemma”

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“Choosing Careers Wisely: The Modern Kashmiri Youth Dilemma”
Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon
Introduction: The vibrancy of a nation often rests upon the shoulders of its youth. Their education and employment opportunities are the lifeblood that sustains a nation’s vigor, allowing it to shine on the global stage. A society’s health is mirrored in the state of its youth; disheartened and anxious young individuals can hinder societal advancement. Therefore, it is imperative for nations to prioritize the well-being and prospects of their youth to thrive and progress.
In the picturesque realm of Kashmir, where nature’s beauty meets a rich cultural tapestry, the youth are brimming with immense talent and qualifications. However, opportunities have, at times, remained elusive. Despite their unwavering determination and dedication, many of them continue to grapple with unemployment and limited prospects, leaving them vulnerable to various social challenges. It is our collective duty to take proactive measures, carving a path towards their happiness, success, and growth, thereby unlocking their potential for the betterment of the region.
Kashmir, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and historical significance, has faced its own set of challenges over the years. The region’s youthful population, bubbling with promise and untapped potential, should not be left behind in the pursuit of progress and prosperity. This article delves into the unique challenges confronted by the youth in Kashmir and underscores the critical importance of empowering them for a brighter future. We will explore the formidable barriers they face and propose innovative solutions that can not only harness their latent potential but also contribute significantly to the overall development of Kashmir.
An unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates
Nestled within the enchanting valleys of Kashmir, where the beauty of nature knows no bounds, it becomes crucial to examine the prevailing aspirations of the region’s youth. For generations, the dream of securing a government job has been deeply etched into the cultural fabric of Kashmir. However, it’s time to reassess these aspirations and explore the multifaceted opportunities that lie beyond the realm of government employment.
 The Obsession with Government Jobs
Kashmiri society has long held government jobs in high regard. The promise of job security, a stable income, and the prestige associated with government positions have made them the ultimate goal for many. Young men and women invest their valuable time and energy in competitive exams, interviews, and navigating the bureaucratic maze in pursuit of these coveted positions.
 Challenges in the Private Sector:
While the allure of government jobs is undeniable, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges that come with this fixation. The private sector, often overlooked, offers a plethora of opportunities for the enterprising youth of Kashmir. Unlike the limited vacancies in government positions, private sector roles often outnumber job seekers, providing a broader spectrum of choices.
• Promoting Entrepreneurship: Encourage and support young entrepreneurs by providing easy access to funding, mentorship programs, and incubation centers. Entrepreneurship can create job opportunities and diversify the economic landscape.
• Skill Development: Establish vocational training centers and skill development programs tailored to the needs of the private sector. This will bridge the gap between the skills youth possess and the skills demanded by the job market.
• Government-Private Partnerships: Foster collaborations between the government and private sector to create job opportunities. Public-private partnerships can drive economic growth and provide employment avenues.
• Promote Startups: Create a favorable environment for startups by reducing bureaucratic hurdles, offering tax incentives, and providing access to co-working spaces. Startups can become significant job creators.
• Diversify Industries: Encourage the diversification of industries beyond traditional sectors. Invest in emerging sectors such as technology, renewable energy, tourism, and agriculture, which can provide diverse employment options.
 Dispelling the Heavy Workload Myth
One common misconception is that private sector jobs entail an overwhelming workload. While it’s true that these roles can be demanding, they also come with substantial benefits. Competitive salaries, enhanced growth prospects, and exposure to a diverse range of experiences make the private sector an appealing alternative.
• Work-Life Balance: Emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance in the private sector. Promote flexible work arrangements and stress management programs.
• Career Advancement: Showcase success stories of individuals who started in the private sector and went on to achieve great career heights. Highlight the potential for growth and advancement.
 Addressing the Rising Unmarried Ratio
A concerning trend in Kashmir is the rising unmarried ratio, where eligible youth find it increasingly challenging to secure life partners. One contributing factor is the preference among parents for government-employed sons-in-law. However, it’s essential to broaden our perspectives. Rizk (provision) is in the hands of Allah, and the occupation of the groom should not overshadow his character.
• Embracing Diversity in Marriage Prospects
In matters of matrimony, it’s time to shift our focus from government jobs to the character and qualities of potential life partners. A groom’s worth should not be solely determined by his job title but by his values, integrity, and the love and respect he offers. Empowering our daughters to choose partners based on these virtues can lead to more dignified and fulfilling marriages.
 Government’s Role in Job Creation
Amidst the pursuit of government jobs, it’s essential for the government to recognize the aspirations of the youth. The private sector in Kashmir is facing significant challenges, with limited job opportunities. The youth of Kashmir are often driven to despair, grappling with unemployment, and some even turn to destructive coping mechanisms.
• Invest in Infrastructure: Develop infrastructure that supports industries in the private sector, such as technology parks, industrial zones, and logistics hubs.
• Incentivize Job Creation: Offer incentives to private companies that create jobs, such as tax breaks, subsidies, and grants for hiring local talent.
• Promote Remote Work: Encourage remote work opportunities, which can bridge geographical gaps and provide access to a broader job market.
“Create jobs for others by using your experience in the private sector.”
Governments play a vital role in fostering economic growth and job creation. It’s imperative for policymakers to invest in and promote industries, entrepreneurship, and skill development to expand employment opportunities. Initiatives that encourage and support the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can provide a lifeline for the unemployed youth of Kashmir.
 Combatting the Menace of Drug Abuse and Suicidal Tendencies
The rising unemployment rate in Kashmir has led to dire consequences, with many unemployed youth succumbing to the dark abyss of drug abuse and even contemplating suicide. It is an urgent issue that cannot be ignored. The government, in addition to creating jobs, must prioritize mental health support and rehabilitation programs to help those struggling with substance abuse and despair.
• Mental Health Support: Establish accessible mental health services and helplines to provide support and counseling to those struggling with depression and despair.
• Community Outreach: Engage community leaders, schools, and religious institutions in raising awareness about the importance of mental health and seeking help when needed.
• Skill-Based Programs: Introduce skill-based programs and recreational activities to engage the youth positively and divert their focus away from destructive behaviors.
Tailpiece:
“Happiness depends upon ourselves.” – Aristotle
It’s high time for the youth of Kashmir to expand their horizons and explore opportunities beyond the traditional pursuit of government jobs. While these jobs provide stability, the private sector offers a wider array of experiences and competitive remuneration. Additionally, in matters of marriage, let us remember the words of Plato: “At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet.” May love and character be the guiding principles in the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment for the youth of Kashmir.
In this journey of self-discovery and empowerment, it’s essential to remember that life’s true treasures often lie beyond the conventional, waiting to be uncovered by those who dare to explore. The government must take active steps to address unemployment, mental health, and substance abuse issues plaguing the youth, ensuring a brighter and more hopeful future for Kashmir.
About the Author:
Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon is a renowned Columnist & Motivational Speaker and an Associate Editor of the Weekly Publication ‘Education Quill.’ He currently serves as the Senior EDP Head at DD Target PMT Kashmir, a reputable institute renowned for its coaching classes in the medical/JEE/Foundation Classes.

India’s Marvel to Moon

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India’s Marvel to Moon
A pride moment for me as Indian
By Faisal Khankashi
The Indian journey to moon with success has nothing short of a fairy tale. It is the result of untiring hard work and efforts of the scientists of this country. Whole nation is ecstatic after success of Moon mission of India. I as a kashmiri and Indian feel proud on the achievements of our nation  and salute the resolve and hardworking of the scientists of our country.
It is a matter of great joy that The Lander Module (LM) of the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) third lunar mission Chandrayaan-3, launched on July 14, made a successfully landing on the Moon’s surface on August 23, making India only the fourth country after the erstwhile USSR, the U.S. and China to make a soft landing on the lunar surface.
It is the result of utmost dedication shown by our leadership since independence and also dynamic efforts given by the  Prime Minister Narendra Modi lead Government to ensure that India becomes the first nation to reach the South pole axis of Moon and attains a global superpower status.
The remarks of esteemed Prime Minister Narendra Modi summed up the mood of entire nation.
Addressing ISRO, PM Modi congratulated the scientists and said, “No country has reached the South Pole of the Moon before. With the hard work of our scientists, we have reached there. India’s successful Moon mission is not just India’s alone…This success belongs to all of humanity.”
PM Narendra Modi also said that the successful landing on the Moon is the dawn of a new India. “When we see such historic moments it makes us very proud. This is the dawn of new India,” PM Modi said.
Every nook and corner of India after the successful mission is much confident that soon the nation of Bharat would be a global superpower.
The nation of Bharat is rightly lauding its heroes.
A recent video which was quite heartwarming showed that
ISRO chairman S Somanath being welcomed on an Indigo flight has won people over. The video shows Indigo cabin crew Pooja Shah announcing how they are extremely happy to have S Somanath with them on the flight. Whole ISRO team is being saluted by the entire country. The brain behind India’s ambitious moon mission is S Somanath. Besides, P Veeramuthuvel is the project director for India’s latest lunar touchdown, with Kalpana K as the deputy project director.
The successful moon journey has given new flight to dreams of India of conquering the space.
As a matter of great pride,
India launched its first spacecraft dedicated to studying the sun, building on a month of historic successes for the country’s civil space efforts.
The spacecraft, called Aditya-L1, launched from Sriharikota, an island off the Bay of Bengal, at 11:50 a.m. Saturday local time (2:20 am ET). And it’s headed to a parking spot in orbit about 930,000 miles (1.5 million kilometers) from Earth.
The successful liftoff of Aditya-L1 comes less than two weeks after India’s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organization, made history by landing its Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft on the lunar surface. The achievement made India only the fourth nation in the world — and the second in the 21st century — to land a vehicle safely on the moon.
I as a youth of Jammu and Kashmir urge my people especially the youth to study hard and excel in scientific world with vigor so that India becomes global leader and we the youth of Kashmir contribute much to our nation  building.
The nature of success achieved by the moon mission of India has made it sure that India can as a nation achieve anything and nothing is impossible for us as country.
( The writer is prominent tourism stakeholder of Jammu and Kashmir, India ).

World Suicide Prevention Day, Editorial 11 September, 2023

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World Suicide Prevention Day

Suicide is a major public health problem with far-reaching social, emotional and economic consequences. It is estimated that there are currently more than 700 000 suicides per year worldwide, and we know that each suicide profoundly affects many more people.

 

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). The 10th of September each year focuses attention on the issue, reduces stigma and raises awareness among organizations, government, and the public, giving a singular message that suicide can be prevented.
“Creating Hope Through Action” is the triennial theme for the World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021-2023. This theme serves as a powerful call to action and reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and that through our actions we can encourage hope and strengthen prevention.

By creating hope through action, we can signal to people experiencing suicidal thoughts that there is hope and that we care and want to support them. It also suggests that our actions, no matter how big or small, may may provide hope to those who are struggling.

Lastly, it serves as a reminder that suicide prevention is a public health priority and urgent action is required to make sure suicide mortality rates are reduced. WHO will continue to work with its partners to support countries to take concrete measures in this direction.
In Kashmir too Suicide rate has climbed much causing concerns and efforts should be given to counsel those feeling tremendous depression.
We need to bear in mind that we can all play a role in supporting those experiencing a suicidal crisis or those bereaved by suicide whether as a member of society, as a child, as a parent, as a friend, as a colleague or as a person with lived experience.

G20 in India

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G20 in India
News Kashmir Analysis
The G20 is composed of most of the world’s largest economies’ finance ministries, including both industrialised and developing countries; it accounts for around 80% of gross world product (GWP), 75% of international trade, two-thirds of the global population, and 60% of the world’s land area.
Leaders from the most powerful nations in the world flocked  to New Delhi for the G20 Heads of State and Government Summit held on September 9-10.
It has been seen as the rise of India as a global leader .
The culmination of India’s year-long presidency of the G20, the summit envisages to be  concluded with the adoption of a G20 Leaders’ Declaration, which will state the participating leaders’ commitment towards the priorities discussed and agreed upon during the respective ministerial and working group meetings.
The summit was  held at the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) complex, also known as Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated this complex on July 26 this year. It boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a convention centre, exhibition halls, and an amphitheatre.
As a matter of fact, As of 2023, there are 20 members in the group: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, South Korea, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union. Guest invitees include, amongst others, Spain, the United Nations, the World Bank, the African Union and ASEAN.
United States President Joe Biden on Friday said that he is headed for India to hold discussions with other G20 leaders on several pressing world issues. Taking to his official X (formerly known as Twitter) account, Biden said that every time the G20 engages, it “gets better”.
“I’m headed to the G20 – the premier forum for international economic cooperation – focused on making progress on Americans’ priorities, delivering for developing nations, and showing our commitment to the G20 as a forum that can deliver. Every time we engage, we get better,” Joe Biden said.
As a matter of fact, The main agenda for the annual meeting of the G20 countries in Delhi includes climate change, economic development and debt burdens in low-income countries as well as inflation including food and fertilizers. On each of these issues, there are deep divisions among the participants with the Russia-Ukraine war causing a major schism between Russia and China at one end and the Western Block on the other.
The holding of G20 summit 2023 in India is a big achievement for India.

I am passionate about traveling: Preeti Chopra

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I am passionate about traveling: Preeti Chopra
Preeti Chopra is a well known traveler, known for exploring different parts of world especially India. She is a dynamic intellect.
In an exclusive interview with News Kashmir  she talks with Rameez Makhdoomi.
A bit about your early life?
I grew up in a typical middle class Punjabi family in Delhi, where both of my parents were government employees so you can pretty much imagine my childhood, it was restricted conservative(too an extent) and very very disciplined. The good thing is that it instilled very strong ethics and values in me and shaped my character. I don’t meet a lot of people like me and I stand my ground because of my parents upbringing. Having said that , there was a lot of pressure of getting into a good government post and very high expectations from me since I was a scholar as a kid. Apparently my story flipped totally, and breaking from my family patterns has been, still is the biggest battle and struggle of my life.
A bit about your academic life?
I was definitely a nerd growing up, obsessed with scoring the highest marks, topping the class and sections , I was the class monitor, captain head and cultural head girl , teachers favourite. Always into books and finishing the syllabus before session even started. Everything changed after 10th grade. My perspective changed on academics. I opted for commerce but pursued my graduation in arts and then a diploma in special education and master’s in psychology. Out of all, I realised psychology came very naturally to me. But I haven’t pursued any career out of it yet.
Tell us about your travelling zeal ?
I am very very passionate about traveling. I am more of an explorer. I have domestically travelled quite a lot. I love India. I’m not saying this because I’m Indian but because you go to a different state, it’s a different world, you can dress differently, food is different. It’s so rich in culture. I have been from Jammu and Kashmir to Karnataka, to Gujarat to Kolkata, Rajasthan, Goa, Varanasi, Tripura, Himachal, uttrakhand, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Agra, and many other smaller cities.
Your inspiration?
 I derive my inspiration from various sources, people around me , stories books, movies. Very few times from a celebrity. But I have been the biggest fan of Princess Diana and Sadguru.
What are your professional fortes?
Dancing, acting and Theatre. I am also a public speaking and creative writing trainer. But performing arts fuel me the most.
Your message to humanity?
Stop Delaying things on Tomorrow and Being Kind. Procrastination is a theif of joy. Do whatever you have to do now, with or without someone else. I took my first solo trip after an accident. If it had been tragic, I would have regretted plans I made for future. Tomorrow isn’t promise so take the trip, enroll yourself in the course, pursue the hobby you always wanted and apply for that job. Don’t fear failure. Failure is only a feedback. And be kind while you do all this. Don’t screw people over. We need compassion for others , and most importantly for ourselves.

Technology with Impacts

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Technology With Impacts
Farheen Wani
All of the biggest technological inventions created by man – the airplane, the automobile, the computer – says little about his intelligence but speaks volumes about his laziness. –( Mark Kennedy)
Society gives purpose to technology, for technology is made to help man—for better or for worse. From the moment man picked up the first tool in his hand to aid him in his task, to where he is today with all the advancement he has accomplished, technology has always been there at man’s disposal.
The symbiotic union of society and technology has led the world to improvements beyond expectation, and yet, the future still holds an untapped growth potential, especially in the area of digital technology.
Digital technology gives birth to making our world reachable with its augmenting information highways like the Internet and the net. Across it, we have reinvented the way we interact and communicate with emails, conference calls, and social media apps, among others. It has improved the lives of students and teachers with digitization in the education sector. It has saved thousands upon thousands of lives with advanced machinery and innovations that have been introduced to the health industry.
We could go on and on, but the baseline is that digital technology and society are in this synergistic relationship that will get stronger further into the future as we dive deeper into the 21st century.
Technology is around us everywhere, from simple devices like our smartphones, laptop, and TV to background tech that we don’t notice. It isn’t taking off anywhere anytime shortly, we hold to get familiarized with it. Once we get the hang of manipulating technology in a privileged manner, it can enhance our vitalities.
On the other hand, tech can also make our lives harder. Whether tech has a positive or negative effect on our lives, it all depends on how we use it.
Positives Impacts of Technology on Our Lives
Technology has, without a doubt, made all our lives easier over the past two decades. From connecting with people across the globe from the comfort of your home to running a full-fledged business without a physical space, technology has impacted our lives positively in several ways.
1. New technology continues to come out faster than we can keep up with. The purpose is to boost business and make the daily management of enterprises more systematic, structured, and successful.
Tech has boosted businesses by improving the hiring process, error-free collection and analysis of business data, and better communication with clients and partners.
Additionally, tech has also changed the way we work remotely for the better. It is now commonplace for people to work from home. However, certain tech, like the cloud, has made it easier than ever to work whether you’re at the office or not.
2. Advancements in tech have made it easier for more people to access the internet, resulting in online shopping being more popular now than ever.
Currently, most people prefer to shop online without leaving the house because of its sheer convenience. Instead of wasting hours in the shopping mall, tech makes shopping simple. A few of the benefits of online shopping include cheaper products, saved time, fuel, and energy, easier-to-find items, a wider variety online, and no added pressure.
3. One of the most downplayed areas of technology that has dramatically improved over the past few years is education. Technology has been beneficial for those in the business world, but it has impacted education in a big way.
A few examples include the availability of online courses, accessibility of web seminars, and unlimited online resources for research. Before tech, you’d have to physically go to class, attend a meeting or go to the library to do research. Now, education is easier for everyone, no matter where you live. Online classes have made it possible for all students to enroll without leaving their homes.
Today, you can find several great sites for free college courses online, such as Udemy—a fantastic website that offers thousands of free and paid-for courses to choose from. Whether you want to create virtual reality games or become a yoga instructor, Udemy has a course that’s perfect for you.
In terms of technology, Udemy also offers a wide variety of great tech-related online courses. The categories available range from IT hardware and software to operating systems and network and security. So tech can help you master your chosen path and possibly broaden your career opportunities.
4 . Most technology these days is created to improve businesses and generate profit. However, tech can also make our daily lives so much better.
Tech has made an immensely positive impact on the daily lives of everyday people. Some positive examples include improvements in the transportation system.
Negative Impacts  of Technology on Our Lives
As much as we appreciate technology for the convenience it brought to our lives, several aspects of it have impacted our society negatively in more ways than one.
1. As technology advances, we are connected now more than ever, and it has become a huge part of our lives. That’s why technology negatively impacts physical health.
These physical health problems can be severe. Nevertheless, you can avoid most of them by creating healthy tech habits instead of bad ones.
Apart from creating unhealthy sleeping patterns, electronic devices can cause digital eye strain, poor posture, and increased inactivity, leading to health problems like obesity.
Taking regular breaks from these devices can help you avoid these health problems. You can find a range of apps that remind you to take frequent breaks.
2 . Job loss and downsizing are two significant adverse effects of technology. Because of advances in the tech field such as AI integration, automating and accomplishing tasks have become easy. In this day and age, most companies need to stay up to date with the latest technology, but in the process, low-skilled employees, like factory workers and cashiers, will be replaced.
Machines can now carry out tasks that only humans could do so far, which creates a massive shortage of jobs. The bottom line is that people aren’t necessarily needed for work tasks anymore because of how efficient tech has become.
3. Technology grows incredibly quickly, so the digital devices and gadgets that we use have a short lifespan and become outdated in a matter of months.
Since these devices are so important in our daily lives, we need to maintain and upgrade them regularly. Besides maintenance and upgrades, these pieces of tech may just become outdated and pushed aside by newer, more advanced versions.
Technology Is a Boon and Bane to Society
Overall, tech is amazing, and it has changed the world for the better, from improving our daily lives to building better businesses. The majority of the adverse effects of technology stem from its misuse.
The way we choose to utilize tech can help or harm ourselves and others. Instead of blaming the tool, we need to use technology in a healthy, more disciplined way. By doing this, technology can continue to benefit our lives.
The writer is a journalist and can be reached at farheenwani47@gmail.com

“Safeguarding the soul of Kashmir: Karnah’s Prized Forests

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” Safeguarding the soul of Kashmir: Karnah’s Prized Forests”
Suman lone
In the northernmost region of India lies a mesmerizing land of unparalleled beauty – Kashmir. Adorned with snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and pristine lakes, this heavenly abode has earned the title of “Paradise on Earth.” Among the gems of Kashmir is a quaint and picturesque district called Karnah, where nature flourishes in all its splendor, thanks to the relentless efforts of the forest officials who diligently protect its green treasure.
Karnah, nestled near the Line of Control (LOC), holds a prominent place in the heart of Jammu and Kashmir. Covering an expansive forest area of 20,230 square kilometers, approximately 19.95% of the region’s total geographical expanse, this district is a haven for biodiversity. The significance of these forests extends far beyond their enchanting appearance; they play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, safeguarding against floods and natural calamities, and providing solace to those seeking refuge from the bustle of modern life.
In an era where people increasingly embrace organic and natural alternatives for a healthy lifestyle, the therapeutic value of nature cannot be overstated. The verdant forests of Karnah offer respite from the demands of a hectic life, providing a sanctuary for rejuvenation and mental peace. Imagine a vacation in a resort surrounded by this emerald treasure, where the melodies of chirping birds serenade your soul, and the gentle rustling of leaves soothes your spirit. Truly, nature has a way of healing our weary minds and souls.
Kashmir’s beauty is unparalleled, and Karnah stands as a testament to its magnificence. The district boasts a diverse array of trees, each adding to its allure. The forest officials of Karnah work tirelessly to preserve this breathtaking landscape and safeguard its rich biodiversity. Among these dedicated officials, Shamus ul Haq deserves special mention. His unwavering commitment to conservation has earned him recognition from the Forest Department of Jammu and Kashmir, a well-deserved acknowledgment of his exceptional contributions.
Living in a border area, Karnah faces its unique set of challenges. Crossfire and skirmishes in the region can brutally damage the precious forests. However, the forest officials remain undeterred and continue to protect this green treasure with unwavering vigilance. Their efforts are not limited to mere monitoring; they actively engage in afforestation programs to replenish any lost greenery and promote sustainable practices.
The forest officials’ relentless dedication to safeguarding the green treasure of Karnah is a testament to their love for nature and the desire to pass on this gift to future generations. They understand that nature’s bounty is not only a source of scenic beauty but also a lifeline for the entire ecosystem and a repository of our cultural heritage.
As we admire the beauty of Karnah’s forests, let us also realize the immense responsibility that falls upon each of us. It is not just the duty of the forest officials but also of every individual to protect and preserve the natural world. Together, we can ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to witness the same enchanting landscapes that captivate our hearts today.
In the words of the famous Columnist of our Kashmir Mr. Aubaid Akhoon  “Nature’s symphony is played in the pristine forests of Karnah, where every tree stands as a testament to resilience and grace. Let us be the guardians of this green treasure, for it is not just a part of our land; it is the very soul of Kashmir.”
As we celebrate the efforts of the forest officials, let us also pledge to join hands in their noble cause. Together, we can create a harmonious symphony of nature’s beauty that resonates for eternity in the heart of Karnah and beyond.
The Writer is a student of Amar singh College and can be reached at

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Screen Time Hurting Children, Cover story 4 September 2023

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Screen time hurting children
News Kashmir Analysis
We live in day and age when the technology has seen lot of Innovation and it has bore more fruits. Television was a big invention so was mobile phone and internet. Although,  The flip side of technology is there mainly due to not good use by humans. Kids and children spending too much time on screen is a major worry. This is eating the health and intelligence capacity of children. Parents also give in a wrong manner mobile phones to kids in order to escape from responsibility of care. All this is having negative impacts on our children and youth.
Expert pulse is worried.
Handing phone to your babies could delay their speech, problem-solving skills according to sane opinion.
In this regard,  the Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on few days back said handing phone to your babies could lead to delay in their development.
“The more time babies spend on smartphones, the more likely they are to have developmental delay,” said DAK President Dr Nisar ul Hassan.
Dr Hassan said parents hand over phones to children to calm them. Also, it allows parents to get other tasks done like cooking, cleaning and washing.
“Letting your baby play with a phone may seem like a simple way to keep them occupied, but it could affect their development,” he said.
“According to a new study published on August 21 in the Journal of the American Medical Association Paediatrics, babies who spent more time on phones at age one year were more likely to have delays in speech and problem-solving skills,” said Dr Hassan.
“Researchers found that by age two years, babies who had spent up to 4 hours in front of the screen were 3 times more likely to have communication and problem-solving delays, while those who had spent 4 or more hours on screens were 4.78 times more likely to have underdeveloped communication skills, 1.74 times more likely to have subpar fine motor skills and two times more likely to have underdeveloped personal and social skills,” he said.
“By age four years, risk remained only in the communication and problem-solving areas.”
The DAK President said kids develop their language skills by interacting with others including parents and if they are just watching a screen they are not having an opportunity to practice talking.
“Babies need face to face interaction for social development. Looking at people’s faces is when our brain turns on to figure out how to interact with them,” he said
“Screens disrupt interactions and limit opportunities for kids to practice interactive problem-solving skills,” he added.
“Parents should spend time with their kids and delay introducing phones to infants and young children,” said Dr Nisar.
“World Health Organisation and American Academy of Paediatrics recommend that children under age 2 should not be exposed to screens at all and limit screen time to one hour per day for children aged 2-5 years,” he said.
The need of the hour is we cut screen time of our children.
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LPG Price Relief to Masses. Editorial 4 September, 2023

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LPG Price relief to masses
The domestic gas is lifeline for masses of India. At a time when Indian and global economy is still reeling from the negative impacts of pandemic Coronavirus years  the LPG prices matter  lot for masses.
move that will bring respite to households across the nation, the Government led by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, has announced a substantial reduction in the price of cooking gas. Effective 30.08.2023, the price of a 14.2 Kg LPG cylinder will be reduced by Rs 200 in all markets across the country. In Delhi for instance, the decision will bring down the cost of a 14.2 Kg cylinder from the existing Rs 1103 per cylinder to a more affordable Rs 903 per cylinder. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “This is a gift to crores of my sisters of the country on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Our Government will always do everything possible that improves people’s quality of life and benefits the poor and middle class.”
This reduction is in addition to the existing targeted subsidy of Rs 200 per cylinder to PMUY households, which will continue. For PMUY households therefore, the effective price in Delhi after this reduction will be Rs 703 per cylinder.
It may be noted that there are more than 31 Cr domestic LPG consumers in the country including 9.6 Cr PMUY beneficiary families and this reduction will help all LPG consumers in the country.
The cut in prices of LPG will give lot of relief to the common man. The Government of India deserves appreciation for being a very pro poor Government and keeping their interests in mind.