In a major development, the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, living up to his persona of a dynamic and able administrator with great fighting spirit against all odds, has retained his slot in the coveted ‘IE 100’ list of national English daily ‘The Indian Express’, figuring at number 24.
Significantly, the ranking of LG Sinha, who has secured a place in the prestigious list of “Most Powerful Indians” consecutively for the third time, has surged from 71 in 2022 to 24 this year.
In 2021, the Lieutenant Governor had secured 25th place in this list.
The prestigious list included the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar occupying top three slots respectively.
While enlisting qualities for placing the Lieutenant Governor of J&K at 24th spot, the national daily mentioned that it was “not easy to run Jammu and Kashmir, especially after the abrogation of its special status in 2019.
While it saw his predecessor being transferred in just a year after revocation of special status, Manoj Sinha has managed to cling on to power for almost three years now. Also at the Centre, the belief is that the dynasty reigns of the Abdullahs and the Muftis are passe and Jammu and Kashmir needs new faces. Sinha has been brought in to identify younger politicians, who can bridge the gap with seniors of the region as well as bring disparate sections of the society together,” the daily specified the rationale behind picking up LG Sinha among the “Most Powerful Indians” of 2023.
As a matter of fact,
LG Sinha, who thrice served as the Member of Parliament, is the second Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. A seasoned politician from Uttar Pradesh, he is a trained Civil Engineer with degrees of B Tech and M Tech from IIT (BHU) Varanasi.
became a Member of Parliament for the first time in 1996 and then in 1999 and 2014. During his third term in 2014, he was appointed as the Minister of State for Railways and in 2016 served as the Union Minister of State (independent charge) of the Ministry of Communication. He took over the charge of the Lieutenant Governor of J&K on August 7, 2020.
Describing his “Power Punch”, the national daily Indian Express pointed out that after a long gap, “Sinha managed to get the first Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Valley.”
“A two-screen cinema multiplex and a big shopping mall, now in the works, are two big visible changes that he is pushing for despite the security challenges. In pushing forward the development agenda, the L-G has always acknowledged that the conflict has scarred both the communities, which adds to his credibility,” it added.
With rising drug addiction the crime graph in Jammu and Kashmir especially the valley of Kashmir is also running north.
Unheard crimes and that of heinous, brutal nature are happening with regular occurrence in Kashmir.
As a matter of humongous shame, Matricide is also happening often.
In a grim episode, drug addict’ son killed his elderly mother in Dangerpora village of Sopore in north Kashmir’s on Wednesday night, 29 March , 2023.
The accused Showket Ahmed who strangulated his mother to death was a chronic drug addict and was taken by police in preventive custody several times owing to his drug addiction.
“Around 11:30pm, Showket knocked on our door and was carrying an iron rod in his hand. We got panicked especially my wife who had undergone a surgery yesterday. Showket told me there are some unknown men at his home but noticing him under the influence of drugs, I pushed him away and locked the door again,” said Showket’s brother, Mushtaq Ahmed, who resides next to mother’s house told to media outlet.
Confirming the unfortunate incident, a senior police officer said that they have launched a large-scale manhunt to nab the accused.
“We are looking into all possible angles regarding the incident”, the officer said adding, “Once any further details are available, same will be shared accordingly.”
Before it October last year, a resident of Kehribal in Anantnag killed his own mother only to steal money from the deceased. After the murder, the suspect, along with his friend, created a fake story to mislead the people and the police by blaming his relatives for the crime.
The heinous crimes in Kashmir are linked to rising drug abuse. Kashmir has become epicenter of drug abuse in country.
The National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment India through National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi has said that there are nearly 10 lakh drug addicts in Jammu and Kashmir.
The data was revealed after National Conference Member of Parliament Hasnain Masoodi in Lok Sabha sought details of total number of suspected drug addicts in the union territory.
As per the data, 1,08,000 males and 36,000 females were found using cannabis while 5,34,000 males and 8,000 females were found in the dragnet of opioids and 1,60,000 males and 8,000 females were found using sedatives of different kinds.
One hopes that this dangerous trend of cocktail of drug and crimes in Kashmir is brought to an end.
Grassroots Government is of vital importance for any place. Jammu and Kashmir region is seeing grassroots governance in full flow after many years.
In one of the largest reformative measures started few months back, J&K Administration has nearly completed appointing about 10000 educated and young persons belonging to different villages of the UT on the significant grassroots level posts of Lumbedars and Village Guards (Chowkidars).
As a matter of fact, the information was revealed in a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta and attended by DG, CID; Commissioner Secretary GAD; Commissioner Secretary IT & Information; Divisional Commissioners; Secretary PD&MD; Secretary, Revenue and all Deputy Commissioners of the UT either physically or virtually.
Dr Mehta applauded both the Divisional and District Administration for achieving this feat in a record time. He impressed upon the authorities to ensure that a training schedule is framed for these youngsters in order to sensitize them about their vital role as the grassroots level, frontline workers who have to work for the welfare and well-being of their villages.
He enjoined upon them that all these youngsters deserves to be given due respect and recognition as they would act as a bridge between the common masses and higher authorities. He advised them to create a WhatsApp group of these basic workers so that there is continuous communication between them and the District and Divisional Administration.
One hopes grassroots governance in Jammu and Kashmir would continue to thrive.
Gurugram: Paras Healthcare has unveiled its new brand identity campaign along with the launch of its new logo which reflects the commitment to building a healthy Bharat. Paras Healthcare is now renamed ‘Paras Health’. The new name represents the commitment to being a true partner in health to their patients and communities. Paras Health’s new visual identity emphasizes its 4 brand values – Compassion, Accessibility, Affordability and Quality that converge to make its vision a reality for all Bhartiyas. Paras Health will continue to focus on its mission of making affordable and quality tertiary health accessible to communities that lack such services. As part of the new initiative, Paras Health has also announced its entry into a new vertical of laboratories, Paras Labs for patients’ clinical testing needs.
The company is a network of 6 hospitals in Northern India that operates 1500 beds as of date. The chain, which started with its first hospital in Gurugram in 2006, has expanded to Patna, Darbhanga, Udaipur, Panchkula, Ranchi and now extending itself to Srinagar & Kanpur. These additions will provide and streamline services providing support to patients. Additionally, Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Digital Care Touchpoints will be implemented which will allow patients to access key services from the comfort of their own homes. Digital patient records will be maintained by Paras Health allowing tailored treatments and care for its patients.
Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director, Paras Health, Dr. Dharminder Nagar said, “For the last 17 years, Paras Health has been providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare services to our patients. The goal has always been to be present in any part of the country where there is a need for high-quality healthcare, and the organization has built a reputation for itself as a trusted healthcare provider that puts the needs of our patients first. Our transformation is not just limited to the change in our name and logo but also keeping in mind the future roadmap of Paras Health, which will encompass curative, preventive, and care from not only the hospital but also in patients’ homes.’’
Interacting with the gathering, Group COO, Paras Health, Dr. Santy Sajan, said “Paras Health’s mission has always been to provide compassionate and quality healthcare services to everyone. We have an exceptional team of people who are passionate about providing the best care for our patients and their families. Our extraordinary team of Doctors, Nurses, and operations team members are our compasses. We strive to improve healthcare services and enhance patient outcomes through Clinical Excellence, empathy, and compassionate care. Our 5 healthcare pillars of Patient-Physician-Process-People-Place will surely continue enhancing trust in our care and commitment to all healthcare needs of our communities.”
Paras Health aspires to be the largest private healthcare provider in North India by 2031 with 9000+ beds under its network. Of this, around 5000 beds will be added by FY 2028 through organic and inorganic expansion. The committed expansion pipeline of 2,000 + beds will be met through expansion at Kanpur, Srinagar, and Panchkula.
World University of Design organises First International Sculptors Symposium
Delhi 28 Marchh: World University of Design organised the First International Sculptors Symposium, presenting 10 Artist (3 International Artist and 7 Indian Artists) along with 10 Young sculptors as assisting artists from reputed art universities of Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi College of Art, and Chandigarh University. Entitled “TATTVA” the International Sculptor Symposium is curated by Prof Rajan Shripad Fulari, Dean, at the School of Visual Arts, WUD, Sonipat. The event started from Tuesday, March 14th to Tuesday, March 28th, 2023.
TATTVA is one of its own kind of symposium which aims to bring art of sculpture close to the public.
As part of this Symposium, ten sculptors, Including some senior sculptors from Indian Contemporary Scenario, are stationed at WUD Campus from different parts of India and the world. The sculpture’s creation in the symposium will be exhibited on the university campus and open to the public for interaction and dialogue. This opportunity will be of great interest for students to have firsthand experience to learn in person.
TATTVA is an element or aspect of reality conceived as an aspect of deity, forming the basis of human experiences. Tattva is also an inseparable part of Indian philosophy with various schools of thought defining it in their own way. Further in context with Indian philosophy of TATTVA is also fundamental in bringing together the five elements in nature through Visual Arts and Sculptures being one of its forms. Keeping the sculptural tradition in India and arriving at new idioms in Contemporary Art is an attempt at WUD with this first International Sculptors Symposium.
The symposium opened on March 14th, 2023, with WUD Vice Chancellor Prof (Dr) Sanjay Gupta as the Chief Guest. Reaffirming the role of Art and how it touches lives of those around it, Prof Gupta said, “Art and Design connects the social fabrics in context with day today life which even crosses boundaries, and makes people curious to explore and deal closely with new avenues. This International Sculptors Symposium will be aligned on the same lines.”
TATTVA aims to bring together artists from different countries including India so that an exchange of ideas, conversation and dialogue can take place and provide an active opportunity to WUD students to make the most out of it, which is in line with university’s orientation in the years to come. This opportunity will provide a platform to artists participating to develop networks, exchange perspectives, understand use of different mediums, learn and exchange different techniques and most importantly build friendships and open doors for further collaborations.
Participating Sculptors and their profiles from India and Abroad includes Mr. Adwaita Gadanayak from Odisha, (Director General, NGMA), Ms. Canan Zongur from Turkey, Ms. Ana Maria Aurelia from Romania, Mr. Luka Radojevic from Montenegro, Mr. Tutu Pattanair from Delhi, Mr. Tridip Dutta from Assam, Mr. Robin David from Madhya Pradesh, Mr. Prashanta Mukherjee from Delhi, Mr. Vishal Bhatnagar from Chandigarh and Mr. Bolla Srinivasa Reddy from Telangana.
1. Adwaita Gadanayak: Adwaita Gadanayak was born and brought up in Neulapoi village of Dhenkanal district in Odisha. Gadanayak pursued art education from BK College of Arts and Crafts and completed his masters from Delhi Art College. Gadanayak also studies art at Slade School of Fine Arts in London. He is a celebrated sculptor and received many awards: National Lalit Kala Akademi Award in 1993; Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi Award in 1999 etc. The sculptor’s most famous projects include Gandhi’s Dandi March statue in Rajghat, Police memorial in Delhi, Subhash Chandra Bose and also his works have found place in London as well. Gadanayak served as Director General of National Gallery of Modern Art.
2. Ana Maria Aurelia Negara: Ana Maria Negara born on August 9, 1984, in Braila, Romania, she get a PhD in visual arts at the University of Arts “George Enescu” University with the thesis “Tradition and modernity in contemporary sculpture”, and she made a master class sculpture (2008-2010) after a B.Sc. (2008), with the same specialization at the “University of Arts” George Enescu “Iasi, Romania. In 2010, Ana Maria was admitted as a member of the” Union of Professional Artists (UAP) in Romania. Ana is a well acclaimed sculptor internationally.
3. Bolla Srinivasa Reddy: Srinivasa Reddy obtained his Diploma in Sculpture from the College of Fine Arts, JNTU (now JNAFAU), Hyderabad followed by a Post Diploma in the same at Faculty of Fine Arts, M S University of Baroda. He is the recipient of Junior Fellowship by the Government of India, and National Award by Lalit Kala Academi. He has successfully exhibited his works in many galleries in India and abroad over the last few decades. Well known as sculptor in Contemporary Indian Art and profound teacher.
4. Canan Zongur:Canan is highly commended and sought after as a sculptor for her public art works in stones. She has had an outstanding career as a teacher following formal study in art and sculpture. She has a doctorate from The Institute of Fine Arts at the DokuzEylül University, Turkey where she specialised in studies of the shaping of stone in 20th-century sculpture. Currently she is Professor of Fine Art at Ordu University, Turkey. Here Sculptures can be seen in various institutes in India too.
5. Luke Raojevic: Luke has an international art career as sculptor. He started from his hometown in Montenegro, and he continued to create and participate in art events worldwide. Joy of combining different materials and styles challenged him to make attractive and intriguing sculptures. Endless inspiration he finds in history, religion, science, love, Beside individual projects, he made several cycles of artworks which are called: “Trinity, Time, The secret of Jerusalem and Homo sapiens”. His sculptures found placement in many public areas, private properties, and business spaces.
6. Prashanta Mukherjee: Prasanta born – 1959 at Jamshedpur, India. He did his B.F.A. Sculpture in 1988 and also M.F.A. Sculpture in 1990 both from M.S.U. Baroda, India. He has been part of many national and international workshops. Also a recipient of many Scholarships, received a Fulbright Fellowship in 1999. Fellowship from Kanoria Center for Arts, Ahmedabad, India. 1990-1991 Study Grant From TISCO, India for doing post-graduation in sculpture, 1988-1990. Prashanta is also associated with various educational institutes in teaching assignments being a wonderful sculptor and teacher.
7. Robin David: Robin David is a renowned name among contemporary sculptors who played an important role in reviving the importance of sculpture in Madhya Pradesh. Robin David, who has been associated with the establishment of Bharat Bhawan, Bhopal, the multi art centre. David has made his invaluable contribution in establishing the international identity of this multicultural institution. Considered to be one of the pioneer artists in conducting various international sculptures symposium across India.
8. Tridib Dutta: Tridib Dutta is an Indian sculptor known for his innovative and contemporary approach to sculpture. He completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the Government College of Arts and Crafts, Assam. Tridib Dutta is a highly respected and influential figure in the Indian Art World, known for his unique and innovative contributions to the field of sculpture. His works are highly regarded for their unique style and exceptional craftsmanship. He continues to create art that reflects his love for nature and his passion for sculpting being based in the remote area of Jorhat in North-East.
9. Tutu Pattnaik: Tutu Patnaik is a Indian sculptor very well known across the world for his monumental sculptures. He completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture from the Faculty of Visual Arts at Banaras Hindu University. He went on to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture from Delhi College of Art. Pattnaik is known for his innovative sculptural techniques and styles. The most acclaimed sculptures can be seen in various institutes around the world.
10. Vishal Bhatnagar: Vishal Bhatnagar youngest among all is a renowned Indian sculptor who is known for his exceptional artistic skills and unique approach to sculpture. Bhatnagar pursued his education in sculpture at the Government College of Art in Chandigarh, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He then went on to obtain a post-graduation degree in sculpture from I.K.S. University Khairagarh, where he further honed his artistic skills. His sculptures are often characterized by their intricate details and intricate designs.
About World Design University (WUD) is India’s first university dedicated to educating students in the creative domain of Art and Design. Seated in the heart of the educational hub of India – Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonipat, Haryana – WUD plays the role of a harbinger of a revolution in the education system in India. It is the torchbearer of breaking stereotypical educational patterns and has facilitated the shift of studies pertaining to design from being solely vocation-oriented to academic-oriented; thereby offering substantiated degrees (under section 2(f) and 22(l) of the UGC Act) to its students instead of mere diplomas and certificates.
Established in 2018, World University of Design is a young university offering a myriad of programmes at undergraduate, post graduate and doctoral levels across disciplines like Architecture, Design, Fashion, Communication, Visual Arts, Performing Arts & Management. Equipped with the largest portfolio of design courses in India, the university offers a number of cutting-edge programs in computers & design, transportation design, animation & game design, UI/UX, film & video, built environment & habitat studies, design management, art education, curatorial practice etc.(KNB)
Stree Shakti trains women leaders to run for office In an important development, the The Parallel Force, one of the prominent organizations of country have been asking for 33 percent reservation in Parliament, state and Union territory assemblies and also championing role of women via political empowerment held a week-long training programme aimed to equip women with practical and multidimensional skills to actively participate in politics. On 17 March in Delhi they had amazing event and give certificates to all participants. Rekha Jha , motivational speaker from Delhi also got certificate and recited the famous poem है पंख नहीं मेरे मैं आसमान में उड़ती हूँ. Farzana Mumtaz Editor in Chief News Kashmir also participated in the programme. The programme was held under able leadership of dynamic personaliyy and Stree Shakti founder Rekha Mody
My favourite Genre is Romantic: Dr Prasana Kumar Dalai
A poet of global calibre, Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai M.A, Ph.D. and D.Lit in English is a poet of global caliber. He also teaches English in Odhisa, in an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir , Dr. Prasana Kumar Dalai talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.
Tell us about your favourite authors ?
My favourite Authors
John Keats,W B Yeats and John Donne.
A bit about yourself?
My name is Dr Prasana Kumar Dalai born in 07.06.1973 in a small typical village Nandiagada under Kabisurjyanagar block Ganjam district Odisha.I belong to a middle class farmer family my early days was not so romantic in a very difficult situation i have done my schooling and college from Kabisurjyanagar,M A English and PhD from Berahmur University.only blessings of God ,my parents and my teachers i am trying to achieve my goal
Your professional engagements?
I am working as an English lecture in Kabisurjya Baladev vigyan Mahavidyalaya, Kabisurjyanagar Ganjam.
Your authored poems?
My authorised poems are secret of torment.
Farewell forever,Till the Dusk and many more.
Your genre?
My genre is Romantic.
I used to write with poetical images pretty small having full packed meanings.
Tell something about your honours and all.?
Last year was golden era of my life though I have so many International honours like jaidev Puraskar ,Mother Teresa ,Nelson Mandela etc But last year Rabindranath Tagore and Gujarat sahitya Academy award one of precious for me.
The rising crime rate in Jammu and Kashmir is a serious matter of concern. Such crimes are happening that were unheard in the history of Kashmir.
The brutal Budgam Soibug Murder has rocked entire Kashmir . This has brought to fore the utmost brutality in some minds who committ humanity ravaging crimes.
Recently, the officials told the Kashmir News Service (KNS), that the girl was missing from last four days in Soibugh village of Budgam district. The 45-year-old man identified as Shabir Ahmad Wani son of Abdul Aziz Wani, a resident of Mohanpora Ompora, a carpenter by profession killed a 30-year-old girl of Soibug at his home in Mohanpora Ompora, he said.
He chopped off her head, sliced the body into pieces and dumped the same at different spots in Budgam, they said .
During questioning, the man has revealed that he has murdered the girl and cut her body into pieces and disposed off at different locations i,e Railway bridge Ompora and Sebden, where from her head and other parts of body were recovered last night, Police said.
The accused person has been arrested, all the body parts were recovered from location.
Last year it was known that
overall crime graph in Jammu and Kashmir increased by 24.6 per cent in 2021 as compared to the previous year, while the cases of violent crimes declined marginally, the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) said in its latest report.
The overall crime graph in Jammu and Kashmir increased by 24.6 per cent in 2021 as compared to the previous year, while the cases of violent crimes declined marginally, the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) said .
Expert pulse is also stating that increase in thr heinous crimes especially in the valley of Kashmir over the past few years is the direct result of moral degradation in the society, as youth have lost pulse with the morality and society pulse . Moral degradation has reached optimum levels which needs to be reined in.
The need of the hour is to do a introspection in the society so as to arrest the rising rate of crimes in the society.
Education is the cornerstone of development. Jammu and Kashmir academic scenarios needed a much overhaul to make it reformative.
The pathbreaking interventions and concrete efforts by the government are transforming the educational scenario of Jammu and Kashmir.
The School Education Department has taken up several initiatives like reducing dropout ratio, increasing enrolment rate and others.
The whole nation is witnessing significant transformation in the education system with implementation of new National Education Policy. The policy has put special emphasis on engagement and involvement in both classroom as well as field study.
Notably, Mentorship Programme: Student Teacher Engagement for Educational Reinforcement (STEER) will revolutionize the school education system by identifying learning gaps and understanding the constraints being faced by the children, their capabilities besides providing the teachers an opportunity to bring changes in their teaching methods.
It is great development that
Under this mentorship program, more than 21,000 schools have been covered and five lakh students have been mapped. Moreover, 40,000 teachers have been trained to mentor the students in 1:10 ratio.
Further, efforts are being made to improve the quality of school education and employment-oriented higher education through
the National Education Policy. Necessary changes have been made in the education system to cater to the human resource requirement of the fourth industrial revolution and digital economy of the twenty-first century.
Under the policy, Higher Education Council will ensure that colleges and universities become hub of research and innovation and contribute in developing a highly skilled national human capital.
The need of the hour is to make the education system of Jammu and Kashmir more sync with the needs of present times.
Women Reservation in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly can be historic development
News Kashmir Desk
Women are as paramount as men to take forward the cradle of civilization.
Women are often dynamic leaders of change, galvanizing women and men to get involved, claim their rights, strengthen their communities and protect their planet. Their participation is fundamental to democratic governance.
Women in India participate in voting, run for public offices and political parties at lower levels more than men. Political activism and voting are the strongest areas of women’s political participation.
In 1993, a constitutional amendment was passed in India that called for a random one third of village council leader, or sarpanch, positions in gram panchayat, to be reserved for women. There is a long-term plan to extend this reservation to parliament and legislative assemblies.
The reservation of women in State and Union Territory legislatures and Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha is a long term dream, that would uplift the women.
Stree Shakti – The Parallel Force, one of the prominent organizations of country have been asking for 33 percent reservation in state and Union territory assemblies only . It is a natural step upwards. After Panchayat , Zila Parishad and Nagar Nigam it is only correct to give reservation in State Assemblies and Union Territories .
The expert pulse is that If Jammu and Kashmir will have this reservation implemented it would be positive and historic development.
Chairperson J&K Hajj Committee and Chairperson Baramulla DDC Safina Baig , while talking to the News Kashmir observed that :”
Women reservation in politics is the need of the hour. It is unfortunate reality that political parties give less mandate to women, no nation can grow without the effective participation of women in politics. By virtue of 73th 74th ammendment we had I Jammu and Kashmir women getting the due in panchayat Municipal to DDC. JK Union Territory assembly reservation for women can prove positive omen for entire country. Women are known for having compassion and human touch that would solve many problems, so the Reservation of women in upper levels of politics is must.
33 percent minimum reservation is need of hour in State, Union Territories legislatures and Parliament. Reservation Bill is pending in the Parliament. Under the leadership of honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiatives of hand holding especially for marginalized sections and many great things are happening. Yes definitely we are oldest and largest democracy but only 11 percent women representation in Rajyasabha and 10 percent in Loksabha is less and it needs to increase. India getting tribal women as President is a historic development and deserves all appreciation . I am hopeful that women reservation in all levels of politics would be a reality soon.”
