Education is in sane view pointed out to be a very much positive process that not only supports in, but also nurtures the mental and physical development of a child. In our part of the world the issue of weighty bags of children is emerging as a major issue .
This bleak facet is proven by the overweight school bags carried daily by the majority of students in Kashmir and has become a normal sight othere.
As a matter of fact, these overloaded bags are a health curse for the students. Weighty school bags are not helping in any way simply breaking the back of young students .
It is an established fact that the overstuffed school bags have always been a huge curse for children. Recent health studies at global have also shown negative impacts of weighty school bags on the overall health of children. As it can lead to poor flexibility of the back, poor exercise, and excessive weight-carrying can adversely affect the spine.
Few months back, Director, education, Kashmir, had issued guidelines to heads of the institutions asking them to set maximum weights for the school bags besides specifying which subject to be taught from which class as per the new National Educational Policy (NEP).
“The weight of the school bag for Classes 1 and 2 should not exceed 1.5 kg and the weight of school bags carried by students of Classes 3 and 4 should not exceed 3 kg,” the director of school education said in an order.
The order further had said the weight of school bags for students of Classes 6 and 7 should not go beyond 6 kg.
Eminent voices of youth
and Radio Jockey Sardar Nasir Ali Khan ,while talking to News Kashmir observed:”
The school bags are becoming heavier day by day, and you see that most of the time, they are being carried by parents who accompany their kids to the bus stop. A policy was framed by DESK regulating the weight of the school bags as per classes, but very little has been done to implement this in letter and spirit.”
The hope on ground is that weighty bags for our children would be soon done away with and schools will abide by rules in this regard.
The United Nations (UN) General Assembly at its 75th session declared 2023 the International Year of Millets.
To create domestic and global demand and to provide nutritional food to the people, Government of India had proposed to the United Nations for declaring 2023 as International Year of Millets.
In a significant development related to it,
Shree Anna’: Millet menu has been introduced at prestigious Lalit Hotel Srinagar.
Eminent voices expressed their delight over the same as 2023 is the global year of millets and India is the largest producer of Millets.
Lalit Suri Hospitality group has taken a lead in being symbol of ethos of Indian millets
The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group on Wednesday, 18 July, 2023 launched ‘Shree Anna’- a nationwide promotion of India’s millets, in support of the country’s Millet Mission.
Lalit Hotel Srinagar in this regard organised an impressive function on 18 July, 2023.
While talking to News Kashmir , The Union Territory Lieutenant Governor, Advisor Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar stated ” Diet is paramount constituent of human life, apart from sleep it plays vital role in human survival and healthy growth. INDIA has played a great role in getting 2023 declared as International year of millets. It is great for our overall health if we consume Millet rich diet. Millets are genetically very much resistant to climate change and also grow in less fertile soil. Millets taste even better than GRAINS or any other food item. They require very less pesticides and are thus environmentally friendly. In this age of growing disease like Diabetes and Cancer, millets offer good prospects as Diet. Shree Anna’: Millet menu introduced at prestigious Lalit Hotel Srinagar is not only healthy but tasty too and it is a commendable effort. “
We need to bear in mind that The theme for the International Year of Millets 2023 (IYM) is “Harnessing the untapped potential of millets for food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. Sane Voices are praising Lalit Suri Hospitality Group for taking the promotion of millets as forward.
One of the much debated topics across the world is the importance of sex education in schools. Sex education refers to a broad programme designed to impart knowledge/ training regarding values, attitudes and practices affecting family relationship. Its main objective is the transfiguration of a male child into manhood and a female child into womanhood. Sex is still considered a taboo in India. Parents feel embarrassed to talk openly with their children in this regard. Due to ignorance, children fall victim to many diseases like AIDS and unwanted pregnancies, etc. So, sex education is necessary to be introduced in the school for the benefit of the youth of our country.
Sex education comprises sexual development, affection, body image and gender roles. In other words, it is about learning how we grow, reproduce and change over the years. It also includes a positive view of sex. If the youngsters learn about sex objectively, they would be more careful before indulging in sex secretly. Sex is a natural part of life and when questions arise, they can be discussed in a matured way.
The sole aim of such an education is to teach children to establish and accept the role and responsibility of their own gender by acquiring knowledge of sex. Understanding the differences and similarities between two genders; in terms of body and mind will set up a foundation for the future development in the their acquaintance with friends and lovers and their interpersonal relationship. It will also help to develop emotionally stable children and adolescents who feel sufficiently secure and adequate to make decisions regarding their conduct without being carried away by their emotions.
If we were to go the data published by WHO, sex education should be imparted to children who are 12 years and above. It has also been seen that it is the age group of 12 to 19 years that counts for some 34% of the HIV infected person in the world. Experts claim that “ Youth in India needs sex education more than the youth in any other country since child marriage ensures that one not only have sex at a young age, but girls also have teenage pregnancy”. In a world full of exploitation, children are the most vulnerable section of the society. They should be taught between the good touch and the bad touch in order to protect themselves from various forms of child abuse.
If a regular teacher tries to talk about this topic with students, it can get awkward and uncomfortable, but it can never be vulgar. These sessions are always held by people who are trained to do it. Counsellors who can talk about these subjects without blinking an eyelid, are the ones who help in making the students confident too. Parents in India are known to hide their love towards each other, in front of their children. The children grow up to believe that love is a taboo and it is improper to display one’s affection in public. Parents must understand the psyche of their children. They must share with their children the love they share and behave like normal friends.
Sex education is a part of the syllabus from class 7 onwards anyway, when the students learn about the reproductive system in their biology classes. There are so many other issues that kids of this age group face and need to be sensitized about. It once happened with me that in the coaching centre, when the diagram of the female reproductive system came in front of the eyes of the male students, they blushed. They couldn’t understand what they were being taught. This situation should change. It should be a smooth flow of things. Moreover, topics like dealing with rejections, getting too serious in relationships, friendships, etc., should be taught at the earliest.
Such guidance is much needed in the present times of information overload. In fact, parents feel that it is the schools that have to be proactive and arrange for classes and sessions like these, so that the day the child is curious, he or she gets answers from trained professionals and not from some anonymous website. The biggest advantage of sex education in India is that it will help the country fight against the tremendous spread of AIDS. Also, sexual exploitation is spreading at a high rate wherein the small kids are the highest prone to such incidents.
Last but not the least, awareness of sex education is the most significant factor necessary to lead a secure life. Usual educational practices are very simple to learn but we cannot consider sex education on the Same line. It comprises physiological, psychological and social issues, especially when we think of including it as a part of academic syllabus. As these complications occur, a question may arise in the minds of people about the need for sex education providing to the children. While children reach teenage level, lack of sex education may lead the way to their unusual behavior. If not corrected at the exact time, it may generate problems of immature misbehavior in these children’s lives.
Now, it is high time for introducing sex education in school. This will create a liberal thinking among the youth and give them a safer, healthier life style. Many psychologists argued that sex education has the potential to liberate the young generation from socially organized sexual oppression. It helps them to overcome feelings of guilt and shame and they start to see the world in a matured way. Thus, we can say that the proper sex education can ensure a safer, healthier life style for the youth. The governments both at the centre level and at the state level should create an atmosphere of liberalism, where there is no shallow mind-set of approaching sex as something dirty and avoidable. All have to contribute in this regard. Many children have become the scapegoats. We won’t like more to fall into this trap. Religious institutions should also show interest in this matter. Trained scholars should be brought in to teach the adolescents. Moreover, adolescents should be given a chance to talk to each other. It will prove beneficial in the long run. My experience is that there is a wide chasm between the male adolescents and the female adolescents. This gap has to be bridged. In short, our schools have to act like the whole society.
References:1) Arihant Books on Sex Education and Gender Equality
Topaz Shrestha is an Irish/Nepalese PhD researcher from University College Cork (UCC), Ireland. Her area of expertise is in Environmental and Ecopsychology. She is passionate about restoring our bond to the natural world and equal access to nature for all. Her current work revolves around the interconnection between human and environmental health; climate change and psychological well-being. Specifically, she is exploring the relationship between our environment and well-being and how forming a strong connection to the natural world can enhance health and happiness while simultaneously forming the basis for environmental stewardship.
Growing up in rural Ireland, Topaz has noticed the profound effect of spending time in nature on her own well-being and the potential for this connection to support our intrinsic motivation to engage in pro-environmental behaviour. Research demonstrates a consistent positive trend between engagement with nature and improved physical and mental health outcomes. Moreover, the research emphasises that nature-connectedness is one of the strongest predictors of pro-environmental behaviour. Therefore, it is of significant concern that urbanisation, environmental degradation and the challenges of modern living are reducing engagement with the natural environment. A presiding narrative is that modern- urbanized lifestyles have diminished healthy human relationships with nature, resulting in many health issues and reduced well-being. Many of us seem physically and psychologically disconnected from nature, which has implications for both personal and planetary well-being. This disconnect is particularly evident within younger generations who are often deprived of direct contact with nature. Longitudinal evidence suggests that over the last few decades, contemporary youth are spending less time outdoors than previous generations (Chawla, 2015; Larson et al., 2019) and that this movement away from nature has had a negative impact on not only our well-being but has engendered an apathetic attitude towards nature that has perpetuated climate inaction and the destruction of ecosystems into adulthood. This wider movement away from nature is reflective of a zeitgeist whereby we perceive ourselves as separate from nature and engage in activity which has ultimately led to the climate crisis we face today.
The government and public health administrations are beginning to recognise the importance of proximity to and engagement with nature as not only a health promotion tool and a
determinant of well-being but also as a powerful catalyst for environmental stewardship. Recently, there is growing interest in this disconnection between humans and nature. This interest has inspired a movement towards a synergistic approach to addressing the climate
crisis in tandem with restoring our bond to the natural world. This interest is predominantly driven by young people who have recognised that they are not merely victims of the climate crisis but can be the agents of change and are subsequently integral to long-term efforts to create a more sustainable and equitable society (WHO, 2022). Young people are often most vocal in calling for urgent and ambitious climate action. According to mental health professionals, the array of climate-related emotions that many young people feel is reflective of their awareness of our disconnection from the natural world and compassion towards the Earth (Diffey, 2022; Hickman, 2020). This awareness and compassion, along with the unique perspective of many young people can act as a catalyst to promote nature-connection and help societies to mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis.
Topaz’s PhD research focuses on this topic. She is currently working on two interdisciplinary projects at the climate-biodiversity health nexus. Firstly, along with my supervision team made up of Dr Zelda Di Blasi, Dr Sarah Foley and Dr Marica Cassarino, she is carrying out an umbrella review which aims to synthesise the available evidence on nature–based interventions (NBIs). NBIs are health interventions which aim to promote health and wellbeing by bringing you physically and psychologically closer to nature. This project focuses mainly on the intersections of nature–based interventions that enhance mental health and wellbeing, while promoting the restoration of the natural world. This research has an impact at the intersection of two major global crises; mental health and climate change.
Nature-based solutions (NBS); solutions that are inspired by nature, are cost-effective, and synergistically have the potential to provide environmental, economic and social benefits for diverse populations. From her previous work, Topaz recognises that here is a need to consider the personal meaning that people hold for nature if we are to collectively respond to the mental health and climate challenge. Accordingly her second project revolves around the personal meaning that young people hold for the natural world – exploring how young people perceive, experience and make sense of natural spaces and what makes them want to protect it. At a foundational level, more research is required to understand how young people in varying circumstances and SES communities perceive nature, and what their relationship to nature looks like
Interdisciplinary research is crucial to addressing societal challenges, which are generally highly complex. This project which revolves around interdisciplinary collaboration – combining theories and hypotheses from youth work, conservation/biodiversity management and environmental, positive, environmental and ecopsychology – is in alignment with global objectives. The European Union has identified seven priority challenges where targeted investment in research and innovation can have a tangible impact. How we respond to these challenges, nationally and internationally, will be the key determinant of societal development in the coming years. Furthermore, this research addresses issues of health equity and environmental justice. Social inequalities in access to natural spaces and the quality of these environments is one of the biggest barriers we face, which has been echoed in our qualitative findings. The United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.7 proposes that “by 2030, [states should] provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.” This project will help to achieve these goals by capturing the individual testimonies of young people which emphasise the need for equal access to nature and ensuring these appeals are shared with people in positions of power/decision-makers.
Additionally, this project aims to ensure that the voices of young people are amplified in a meaningful way. Currently, young people often only have a tokenistic involvement in climate discussions (Diffey et al., 2022; Arora et al., 2022). For instance, during COP26, numerous young activists felt they were involved in the event as a novelty but did not actually feel heard (Brown, 2022). Individuals of all ages and cultural backgrounds should have their lived experiences, opinions and experiential knowledge valued; and they should be encouraged to contribute meaningfully to the solutions we need (Diffey et al., 2022). We envision this research supporting an equitable transition into a society which is characterised by enhanced nature connection and a wider consciousness of our symbiotic relationship with the natural world. We hope that this project empowers young people to understand that they are not merely victims of the climate crisis, but rather they can be the agents of change at the forefront of a global movement towards a happier, more sustainable future. Further, this research may provide individuals with personal reflections on their relationship to nature. We hope that this research will encourage people to reflect on the reciprocal nature we have with the Earth and recognise how human and environmental health are deeply interconnected. This process of reflection and consideration of our connection with the natural world may help to empower people to feel more motivated in the fight against the climate/biodiversity crisis.
This intergenerational collaboration and knowledge exchange, across cultures and disciplines is essential if we are to tackle these issues which are pervasive on a global scale. Young people must be given platforms by governments, institutions and corporations to share their thoughts, feelings, needs and hopes for the future.
Links
Link to Topaz’s Masters thesis, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH). This projected investigated the impact of our environment on vitality, mood and wellbeing. Findings indicated that one’s sense of
wellbeing is closely related to our immediate environment. This research provided insight into the multiple mechanisms through which nature can support human health and emphasised why as a collective we must think about the importance of protecting the natural elements that surround us and increasing people’s opportunities to access them. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/4/2003
Anemia is a worrying disease. Anemia is a problem of not having enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all other organs in the body. Having anemia can cause tiredness, weakness and shortness of breath.
As a matter of fact, there are many forms of anemia. Each has its own cause. Anemia can be short term or long term. It can range from mild to severe. Anemia can be a warning sign of serious illness.
On the otherhand,
Treatments for anemia might involve taking supplements or having medical procedures. Eating a healthy diet might prevent some forms of anemia.
According to the report released recently, 66 percent women in Jammu and Kashmir have anaemia, including 25 percent with mild anaemia, 38 percent with moderate anaemia, and 3 percent with severe anaemia.
“Anaemia is particularly high among rural women, women aged 15-19, and other backward class women, but anaemia exceeds 40 percent for every group of women.”
per the report, during NFHS-4, 49 percent non-pregnant women aged between 15-49 were anaemic, which has increased to 67.3 percent during NFHS-5.
However, slight improvement has been in anaemic condition of pregnant women aged 15-49 as during NFHS-4 46.9 percent women were found anaemic while during NFHS-5 44.1 percent women were found anaemic.
The prevalence of anaemia among children aged between six months to five years has increased to 73 per cent in Jammu and Kashmir in the last few years, Union Health Ministry in its report said.
As per the figures compiled by Union Health Ministry, the prevalence of anaemia among children aged six months to five years is highest in Ladakh (90 per cent), followed by Gujarat (80 per cent), Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (76 per cent), Madhya Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir (73 per cent), and Punjab and Rajasthan ( 71 percent).
Dr. Ratan Lal Kaul world renowned in Opthamology and neurology fields ,while talking to News Kashmir stated :” Anaemia is very much present in large proportions in Jammu and Kashmir. Children and women are most hit by Anaemia. The reasons are multifold . First and foremost our eating habits are not good. The vegetarian and non vegetarian diet we get is compromised. The food here is of most substandard quality. Poverty is also compounding the problems like Anaemia. Protein deficiency and Vitamin D deficiency is also adding to the diseases like Anaemia.”
One hopes we will take corrective measures to address anemia in Kashmir.
Muḥarram (Arabic: ٱلْمُحَرَّم) (fully known as Muharram ul Haram) is the first month of the Islamic calendar.It is one of the four sacred months of the year when warfare is forbidden.It is held to be the second holiest month after Ramadan.
We are well aware that tenth day of Muharram is known as Ashura. Better known as part of the Mourning of Muharram, Shia Muslims mourn the tragedy of Karbala in which Imam Hussain ( As) along with companions were martyred.
Shia Muslims hold many events to offer condolences to Imam Husain ( As). and to honor the martyrs by prayer, reading supplications, and holding charity events.
Karbala teaches us: Never support injustice and oppression no matter how powerful the oppressor might be.
The objective of all believers should be to please Almighty Allah. Imam Hussain ( AS) said in one of his speeches that the only objective of the Prophet’s Holy Household (peace be upon them) is to please Allah. Whenever he saw family members martyred, he would utter: “It’s bearable only because Allah is its witness.
It is heartening to note that
Muharram is the month in which justice rose against injustice and truth stood up against falsehood and proved that in the course of history, the truth has always triumphed over falsehood.
Muharram as a month preaches us love, kindness and tolerable. The battle of Karbala that took place in thr month of Muharram changed the course of human history and gave eternal message of justice and preserving human values. The need of the hour is we Muslims and humanity in general learn lessons from Karbala tragedy and follow the path of Justice and kindness.
Many a voices across the countries have often opined that
Uniform Civil Code a need to strengthen the democracy in India. It is also been viewed as iron pillar of secularism.
We need to bear in mind that Uniform Civil Code or UCC is implement personal laws of citizens which apply on all citizens equally regardless of their religion, gender and sexual orientation. Currently, personal laws of various communities are governed by their religious scriptures.Implementation of a uniform civil code across the nation is one of the contentious promises pursued by India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
We have had historically different communities themselves moving towards Uniform Civil Code and sanity from time to time.
Those who favour Uniform Civil Code in India states its implementation is the need of the hour. For the purpose of equality and equal justice we need Uniform Civil Code. Without uniform civil code some people also try to misuse their personal laws. As we can see the child philosophy some are still governed by their personal laws which is like a playing game with their future. In personal laws women did not get their rights after divorce or at the time of death of husband but with the implementation of Uniform Civil Code they will get their rights, children can have their future bright and even it will also help our country to grow and to develop.
But there are some who oppose Uniform Civil Code.
The main argument against a UCC is that it violates the constitutional freedom to practice the religion of choice which allows religious communities to follow their respective personal laws. For example, Article 25 gives every religious group the right to manage its own affairs.
The need of the hour is to take every angle into consideration before following final opinion on implementation of Uniform Civil Code.
Mistakes are a part of life. A human being is capable of doing mistakes. Some mistakes are major while some are minor. Some have negligible repercussions while some leave long-lasting results. But the truth is that mistakes happen with a human being. This world is created in such a fashion that there are cent percent chances of going astray. Holding tightly to religious principles can go loose and the person is thrown into the abyss of wrongdoings. In this Universe, there is constant tussle between evil and good. It has usually been observed that evil triumphs at the end of the day, whatever the reasons.
If a mistake is committed by a person, what is to be done? Is the person convicted in a court of trial or is the person be given another chance to mend his or her ways? Depending upon the mistake, the verdict or decision should be accordingly made. However, mercy is more powerful than cruelty. God is full of mercy. So, a human being must be merciful in all his or her activities.
But in today’s world, paradoxical things take place. One who is guilty of committing blunders, is set free, while the person who has done a minor mistake, is taken to the task. It is the visible mockery of the rule of law. The person who loots his or her country, is given special treatment, while on the other hand, the person who consciously or unconsciously is caught doing something opposite to society, is thrown into a prison or beaten to the pulp. We have a range of examples where minor mistakes have taken heavy toll of those people who commit the mistakes.
In order to live a happy life, mistakes must be distinguished. The major mistakes, after thorough checking, must be dealt accordingly. In the same vein, the minor mistakes must be neglected after proper counselling. The most important thing to know about the origin of mistakes is why mistakes are done. Why do people do mistakes? This question is quite important. It is better to stop an evil than to punish an evildoer. In our society, the evildoers are beaten, while the evil itself is roaming freely. Evil has liberty to go where it wants to go. It has no bars. The fact of the matter is that it is generally welcomed.
Let us try to be merciful as much as we can. Mistakes happen, but let us forgive each other. Punishing others is quite easy. But forgiving has more value in the eyes of God.
Don’t stop your children from achieving their goals: Nikita Bhaduri
Nikita Bhaduri is an interior designer and an aspiring Bikini Athlete . She is known for her dynamism and fitness icon.
A bit about your journey?
My name is Nikita Bhaduri. I first cried on 3rd June 1996 and the journey began.
Born and raised in Kolkata
Schooling from Ramakrishna Mission.
I have completed my graduation from Calcutta University.
I am an interior designer by profession.
My childhood was full of struggles. Coming from a well-to-do middle-class family, becoming an athlete was not easy.
After my marriage, my husband supported me a lot in exploring myself.
I have seen many ups and downs and poverty too but I never stopped to achieve my goals.
What about your journey as athlete?
As a bikini category athlete I was humiliated but I didn’t stop.
Because my goal is big. I dream of the Olympia stage.
If my luck is on my side I will try my best to achieve my goals no matter what.
Your role models?
My role models are my coach Mr. Pratik Ovhal and 2x Arnold Classic Bikini Champion Laurel.
Your hobbies?
I love painting, dancing and cooking.
Your vision?
As a woman I should say don’t judge a book by its cover. When you look at another person you have to change your mind.. bring some positivity. You can’t judge a human by his outer. In this social media lifestyle we have faced many humiliation. If you don’t like someone, stop chasing them.
Be brave, be fearless, take care of your health and don’t listen to the opinions of unwanted people.
For parents I would like to say don’t stop your children from achieving their goals because I have faced many things in my past life.. It’s really painful when your parents are always afraid to let go of your hands.
You will walk for your dreams, you will get hurt, you will break, you will understand and one day you will heal yourself.
Your future goal?
My future goal is to become a well-known bikini athlete in India who wants to be on the Olympia stage before 2029.
Land to Homeless has always been a burning topic. To own a land in order to build a house is dream of every human and family in this world. To have a home and piece of land is a basic indication of development and progress.
In a development laced with positivity and dynamism the
Jammu and Kashmir administration has started providing 150 square yard plots to landless families here for the construction of their houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (PMAY).
The LG said five marlas land (1,360 square feet) will be provided to each landless family.
The entire spectrum of Jammu and Kashmir is buoyant over the development.
” Few years ago the Prime Minister decided that every poor person should have a roof over their head. The main obstacle here was that there was no provision for giving land to landless families. We made a provision and approved it in the administrative council to provide land to landless construction of houses under the PMAY,” Manoj Sinha told in a press conference.
Voices across spectrum have welcomed this move.
Syed Irfan Hashmi, a socio-economic analyst states ” To own a home is biggest dream and need of the world from every humans vision.
The major issues faced by the landless and homeless people of Jammu and Kashmir were ignored since long. The LG administration has done a lot for them and this step of granting 5 marlas of land to each landless family has created widespread joy in Jammu and Kashmir. It was music to ears when LG Manoj affirmed that We have given plots to 2,711 landless families across Jammu and Kashmir. We will be providing land as per the list we have and hope to complete the existing backlog by March . Theseh are really grear steps which would go a long way in transforming lives of poor people of Jammu and Kashmir towards prosperity. “
LG Manoj Sinha made his vision clear.
P”The rural development department has identified 1.83 lakh families who do not have their own houses. We are working on it. It is a step that will not only provide a house to them but transform their lives,” he said.
“With housing needs taken care of, these families will start thinking of earning a better livelihood and education for their children. This puts them on the path to development,” LG Manoj Sinha said.
The LG said the Union Territory administration is duty-bound to provide land to remaining landless families.
“In the last 3-4 years, we have had success in providing social justice to people. There is no contradiction in our interactions and actions,” he added.
The pulse of Jammu and Kashmir is welcoming the move to provide land to landless and a step aimed to lift poor.
