The International Women’s Day marked every year on 8 March is an important celebration.
International Women’s Day, also known as IWD for short, grew out of the labour movement to become a recognised annual event by the United Nations (UN).
The seeds of it were planted in 1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote. A year later, the Socialist Party of America declared the first National Woman’s Day.
The idea to make the day international came from a woman called Clara Zetkin, communist activist and advocate for women’s rights. She suggested the idea in 1910 at an International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. There were 100 women there, from 17 countries, and they agreed on her suggestion unanimously.
It was first celebrated in 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. The centenary was celebrated in 2011, so this year we’re technically celebrating the 111th International Women’s Day.
The theme of this year’s women’s day is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”. It is aligned with the priority theme for the upcoming 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW-67), i.e. “Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls”.
Keeping the theme of this year in mind, we need to bear in mind that 37% of women do not use the internet. 259 million fewer women have access to the Internet than men, even though they account for nearly half the world’s population.
If women are unable to access the Internet and do not feel safe online, they are unable to develop the necessary digital skills to engage in digital spaces, which diminishes their opportunities to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related fields By 2050, 75% of jobs will be related to STEM areas. Yet today, women hold just 22% of positions in artificial intelligence, to name just one.
Maternal Deaths is an issue of grave concern. Every two minutes, a woman dies during pregnancy or childbirth, according to the latest estimates released in a report by United Nations agencies today. This report, Trends in maternal mortality, reveals alarming setbacks for women’s health over recent years, as maternal deaths either increased or stagnated in nearly all regions of the world.
“While pregnancy should be a time of immense hope and a positive experience for all women, it is tragically still a shockingly dangerous experience for millions around the world who lack access to high quality, respectful health care,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). “These new statistics reveal the urgent need to ensure every woman and girl has access to critical health services before, during and after childbirth, and that they can fully exercise their reproductive rights.”
The report, which tracks maternal deaths nationally, regionally and globally from 2000 to 2020, shows there were an estimated 287 000 maternal deaths worldwide in 2020. This marks only a slight decrease from 309 000 in 2016 when the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) came into effect. While the report presents some significant progress in reducing maternal deaths between 2000 and 2015, gains largely stalled, or in some cases even reversed, after this point.
The silver lining amid dark clouds is that there is good news from India. per the Special Bulletin on MMR released by the Registrar General of India (RGI), the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) of India has improved further by a spectacular 6 points and now stands at 97/ lakh live births.
On the regional level, Assam continues to have the highest MMR (195) but has improved its own performance over the years.
In 2014-2016, the northeastern state’s MMR was at a dangerously high 237 deaths per one lakh live births. This has improved significantly over the years to 229 in 2015-2017, 215 in 2016-2018 and 205 in 2017-2019, showed the data released November 28, 2022.
One hopes India and world is able to deal with the grave issue of maternal deaths.
To tackle maternal deaths, women need quality, respectful healthcare before, during and after pregnancy and childbirth.
It is worth mentioning here that India recorded the second highest number of maternal deaths in 2020, coming second at 24,000 to only Nigeria which saw 82,000 maternal deaths in the pandemic year. However, there has been an overall reduction of 73.5 per cent in maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in India — deaths per lakh live births .
Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over months or years. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems. Children younger than 6 years are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect mental and physical development. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal.
Lead poisoning is not a new concern. For more than a century, scientists have been aware that the naturally occurring metal has no biological function that can benefit the human body, but can cause devastating physical and developmental impacts.
However, despite the awareness, lead toxicity continues to be a public health concern. Half the children in India report high blood lead levels, reveals a 2020 report by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Pure Earth, a US-based environmental health non-profit. The report says 275 million children in India record blood lead levels of beyond the tolerable limit of 5 µg/dL. Of these, 64.3 million children’s blood lead levels exceed 10 µg/dL.
Adults are also affected by lead toxicity. In July 2022, Union government think tank NITI Aayog and the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) conducted a meta analysis of 89 datasets from 36 studies between 1970 and 2014; its results validate the UNICEF-Pure Earth report.
In terms of average blood lead levels among the population, some 23 states exceed the 5 µg/dL margin; levels in the remaining 13 states and Union Territories cannot be determined as there is a lack of research and screening mechanisms to collect data.
We need to bear in mind that Lead in the body is distributed to the brain, liver, kidney and bones. It is stored in the teeth and bones, where it accumulates over time. Human exposure is usually assessed through the measurement of lead in blood.
Lead in bone is released into blood during pregnancy and becomes a source of exposure to the developing fetus.
There is no level of exposure to lead that is known to be without harmful effects.
Poverty has several consequences, which can differ in scope for residents of developed and developing countries. The outcome of poverty can be more severe for certain social groups within a society.
• The social consequences of poverty include family issues, impacts on social and cultural lives, and higher rates of crime and victimisation.
• The economic consequences of poverty are a lack of social mobility, problems with housing and homelessness, and a segregated society.
• Poverty can negatively impact health in a number of ways.
• Child poverty can have serious consequences on children’s education and development.
Poverty is one of the calamities that Allah swt has decreed should happen, either to a specific person or a family or a society. Poverty has negative effects on people’s beliefs and conduct. Immoral behaviour becomes widespread to a large extent because of poverty, as a means of meeting people’s needs, so theft, murder, zina and sale of haraam things become widespread.
Undoubtedly these things have a negative effect on individuals and societies.
Allah swt tells us that some of the mushrikeen used to kill their children, the apples of their eyes, either because of the poverty in which they were living or for fear of poverty that might befall them. Allah swt says of the first case (interpretation of the meaning):
“kill not your children because of poverty — We provide sustenance for you and for them” [al-An’aam 6:151]
And He says of the second case (interpretation of the meaning):
“And kill not your children for fear of poverty. We shall provide for them as well as for you. Surely, the killing of them is a great sin” [al-Isra’ 17:31]
In al-Saheehayn there is narrated the story of a woman of the Children of Israel who, when she needed money and felt under pressure, she could not find anyone but her paternal cousin who wanted to have his way with her in return for giving her money. Then Allah swt saved her from that after she reminded him of Allah swt and told him to fear Him.
Whatever the case, it is well known that poverty leads to crimes and corruption. Many nations suffer from it and are looking for solutions to this problem, but to no avail, and there is no solution except in Islam, which brought rulings for all people until the Hour begins.
Secondly:
The means that have been prescribed by Islam to solve the problem of poverty and combat it are as follows:
1 – Teaching people to believe truly that provision comes from Allah swt and that He is the Provider (al-Razzaaq), and every calamity that Allah swt decrees is for a reason, and that the poor Muslim should be patient in bearing his calamity and strive to relieve himself and his family of poverty.
Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily, Allah swt is the All Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong” [al-Dhaariyaat 51:58]
“And no moving (living) creature is there on earth but its provision is due from Allah swt. And He knows its dwelling place and its deposit (in the uterus or grave). All is in a Clear Book (Al Lawh Al Mahfooz — the Book of Decrees with Allah swt)” [Hood 11:6]
“Who is he that can provide for you if He should withhold His provision? Nay, but they continue to be in pride, and (they) flee (from the truth)” [al-Mulk 67:21]
“And indeed We have honoured the Children of Adam, and We have carried them on land and sea, and have provided them with At Tayyibaat (lawful good things), and have preferred them above many of those whom We have created with a marked preferment” [al-Isra’ 17:70]
It is because of these beliefs that a man should bear with patience whatever befalls him of the calamity of poverty, and turn to Allah swt alone in seeking provision, and accept the decree of Allah swt, and strive to earn a living.
It was narrated that Suhaib al-Roomi (may Allah swt be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah swt (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “How wonderful is the situation of the believer, for all his affairs are good. If something good happens to him, he gives thanks for it and that is good for him; if something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience, and that is good for him.” Narrated by Muslim (2999).
Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Truly, your Lord enlarges the provision for whom He wills and straitens (for whom He wills). Verily, He is Ever All Knower, All Seer of His slaves” [al-Isra’ 17:30].
Ibn Katheer (may Allah swt have mercy on him) said:
The words of Allah swt “Truly, your Lord enlarges the provision for whom He wills and straitens (for whom He wills)” tell us that He, may He be exalted, is the Provider, the Withholder and the Bestower, Who deals with His creation as He wills. He grants independence of means to whomsoever He wills and makes poor whomsoever He wills, with wisdom in that. Hence He says “Verily, He is Ever All Knower, All Seer of His slaves” i.e., He knows and sees who deserves to be rich and who deserves to be poor.
In some cases wealth may be a means of letting people get carried away in sin and poverty may be a punishment. We seek refuge with Allah swt from both. Tafseer Ibn Katheer (5/71).
2 – Seeking refuge with Allah swt from poverty.
The Sunnah relates to us what the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) used to do and what he taught his ummah to do, which is seeking refuge with Allah swt from poverty, because of the effect that it has on a person, his family and his society.
It was narrated that Muslim ibn Abi Bakrah said: My father used to say following every prayer: (O Allah swt, I seek refuge with You from disbelief, poverty and the torment of the grave), and I used to say them too. My father said: O my son, where did you get this from? I said: From you. He said: The Messenger of Allah swt (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) used to say that following every prayer.
Narrated by al-Nasaa’i (1347); classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i.
It was narrated from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah swt be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) used to say in his prayer: (O Allah swt, I seek refuge with You from sin and heavy debt).” Someone said to him: “How often you seek refuge from heavy debt!” He said: “When a man gets into debt, he speak and tells lies, and he makes a promise and breaks it.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (832) and Muslim (589).
3 – Encouragement to work and earn a living, and to travel in the land to seek provision.
Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“He it is Who has made the earth subservient to you (i.e. easy for you to walk, to live and to do agriculture on it); so walk in the path thereof and eat of His provision. And to Him will be the Resurrection” [al-Mulk 67:15]
“Then when the (Jumu‘ah) Salaah (prayer) is ended, you may disperse through the land, and seek the Bounty of Allah swt (by working), and remember Allah swt much, that you may be successful” [al-Jumu’ah 63:10]
It was narrated from al-Miqdaam (may Allah swt be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah swt (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “No one ever eats any food better than that which he has earned with his own hands. The Prophet of Allah swt Dawood (peace be upon him) ate that which he earned with his own hands.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1966).
It was narrated from al-Zubayr ibn al-‘Awwaam (may Allah swt be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “If one of you were to take a rope and bring firewood on his back and sell it, thus preserving his dignity, that is better for him than asking of people who may give to him or withhold from him.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1402).
4 – Making zakaah obligatory on the wealth of the rich
Allah swt has granted the poor a share of zakaah, which is to be given to the poor to keep, and is to be given until he becomes independent of means and is no longer poor.
Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakaah) are only for the Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al Masaakeen (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allah swt’s Cause (i.e. for Mujaahidoon — those fighting in a holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allah swt. And Allah swt is All-Knower, All-Wise” [al-Tawbah 9:60]
“And those in whose wealth there is a recognised right
25. For the beggar who asks, and for the unlucky who has lost his property and wealth (and his means of living has been straitened)” [al-Ma’aarij 70:24, 25].
5 – Encouragement to give charity, set up waqfs and sponsor orphans and widows
Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“So keep your duty to Allah swt and fear Him as much as you can; listen and obey, and spend in charity; that is better for yourselves. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, then they are the successful ones” [al-Taghaabun 64:16]
“and whatsoever you spend of anything (in Allah swt’s Cause), He will replace it. And He is the Best of providers” [Saba’ 34:39]
“And whatever good you send before you for yourselves (i.e. Nawaafil — non obligatory acts of worship: prayers, charity, fasting, Hajj and ‘Umrah), you will certainly find it with Allah swt, better and greater in reward” [al-Muzzammil 73:20]
It was narrated that ‘Adiy ibn Haatim said: I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) say: “Whoever among you can shield himself against the Fire, even with half a date, let him do so.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1347) and Muslim (1016).
It was narrated that Sahl ibn Sa’d said: The Messenger of Allah swt (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “I and the one who sponsors an orphan will be like this in Paradise” – and he gestured with his forefinger and middle finger, holding them slightly apart.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari (4998). Muslim (2983) narrated a similar report from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah.
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “The one who strives to help widows and the poor is like the one who strives in jihad for the sake of Allah swt and the one who prays at night and the one who fasts during the day.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5038) and Muslim (2982).
6 – Prohibition on riba (usury), gambling and deceit in selling
Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“O you who believe! Fear Allah swt and give up what remains (due to you) from Ribaa (from now onward) if you are (really) believers.
279. And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah swt and His Messenger but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly (by asking more than your capital sums), and you shall not be dealt with unjustly (by receiving less than your capital sums)” [al-Baqarah 2:278-279]
“O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and Al Ansaab (stone altars for sacrifices to idols etc) and Al Azlaam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaytaan’s (Satan’s) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful” [al-Maa’idah 5:90]
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah swt (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) passed by a pile of foodstuff; he put his hand in it and found that it had gotten wet. He said, “What is this, O seller of the foodstuff?” He said: It got rained on, O Messenger of Allah swt. He said: “Why don’t you put it on top of the food so that people can see it? Whoever deceives (people) does not belong to me.” Narrated by Muslim (102).
That is because if these things are done and become widespread among people, it means that some are taking people’s wealth unlawfully, and people may lose all their wealth because of them. Hence the texts clearly forbid them.
7 – Encouragement to help the needy and support the weak
It was narrated that al-Nu’maan ibn Basheer said: The Messenger of Allah swt (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “The likeness of the believers in their mutual love, mercy and compassion is that of the body; when one part of it is in pain, the rest of the body joins it in restlessness and fever.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5665) and Muslim (2586).
It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah swt be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah swt (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “He is not a Muslim who eats his fill when his neighbour goes hungry.” Narrated by al-Bayhaqi in al-Shu’ab (9251) and by others. Classed as hasan by al-Albaani.
In Muwatta’ al-Imam Maalik (1742) it is narrated from Yahya ibn Sa’eed that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab met Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allah swt who was carrying some meat with him. He said: What is this?
He said: O Ameer al-Mu’mineen, we desired meat so I bought some meat for a dirham.
‘Umar said: Would one of you want to fill his belly apart from his neighbour or his cousin? What don’t you pay heed to the verse “You received your good things in the life of the world, and you took your pleasure therein” [al-Ahqaaf 46:20]?
In conclusion: This is a brief look at poverty, which points to some of its bad effects. The Muslim knows that poverty and richness, and whether things are given to one or withheld, are all subject to the decree of Allah swt. So he bears hardships with patience when they come, and he thanks Allah swt, may He be exalted, for good times when he finds them. But he is required to work and seek to earn a living so as to relieve himself and his family of poverty. But if someone is unable to do that because of health reasons or problems in his land, then Islam relieves him of poverty by means of zakaah and charity that are given by the rich. This is the share of their wealth that the poor are entitled to.
Environmental Pollution; Death Staring us in the Face
By Syed Mustafa Ahmad
In today’s world, there are many burning issues like poverty, human rights violations, global warming, green house effect, environmental pollution, etc. But here, I will discuss about the environmental pollution. It can be defined as the addition of some unwanted substances in the environment, which are harmful for both living and non living. It is not a recent phenomenon but it is the process of many centuries. The previous decade witnessed some of the hottest years of the century. It is visible in the decreasing of the ground water level in India, flooding of many areas, the bushfires of Australia, the melting of glaciers in the fragile Himalayan region, the thinning of ice cover in Antarctica, the extinction of species, the vulnerability of species, the huge storms, the spreading of deadly diseases, etc. If this is the situation, then what are the causes responsible for this global problem. Let us try to know more about this.
First is industrialization. The heavy machinery creates havoc in the environment. The chimneys produce the toxic gases. The effluents or the hot waters from the industries go into the seas. They destroy the ecosystem of the marine life, which eventually disturb the ecological stability or balance of the environment. Moreover, the other wastes produced by the industries are dumped without any scientific watch. In Delhi, the dumping site is as big as a mountain. It kills animals, human beings, spreads diseases, wastes energy, litters the landscape, etc. In our valley, we also witness the same situation. There is no planning on the part of the government to decompose the wastes in a scientific manner.
Second is deforestation. Deforestation results in rain deficiency on the one hand and droughts on the other hand. It is being reported that a large part of the Amazon forests is cleared due to continuous felling of trees. In our valley, the smugglers are hand in glove with the government in looting our precious resources. Everyday we come across the news that smugglers are caught red-handed in this and that part of the valley. It has given rise to the loss of the habitats of the wild animals. The end result is the human-wild conflict. Overall, the continuous felling of trees has brought a lot of harm to the environment. Trees keep the ecological balance of the environment. When they are cut ruthlessly, there are cent percent chances of environmental pollution.
Third is the continuous rise in the plying of vehicles on the already narrow roads. Every day, new vehicles appear playing on the roads. First, the roads are not so wide to drive comfortably. The result is that many lives are lost. The fuel used in the majority of vehicles is non-renewable. It means that it won’t last forever. Moreover, these vehicles produce the toxic gases that disturb the environment on the large scale. Acid rain is a good example of this. Slowly and steadily, the ground is prepared for the environmental pollution.
Fourth is that we waste energy. The bulbs are on without any purpose. The taps drip through out the day and night. The vehicles are washed with the drinking water. The engines of the vehicles are not stopped at the red light. Food is wasted on most of the functions. Mobile phones are on without any purpose. The televisions and radios are running day and night without any listeners. Refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, etc., are on without any real purpose.
Last is that we are unaware about the importance of the environment. We take things for granted. We don’t have such kind of mindsets that may help us to ponder over the diversities in the environment. We never bother to respect the endowments bestowed upon us by the Creator of the universe. We come to senses when it is too late. This approach of ungratefulness is very dangerous. It is necessary to have compassion towards the environment. It pays and will pay if we remain little bit diligent.
A lot of damage has been done. Now, there is need to carry out the mission of the real construction. We have to remain careful in not destroying the environment further. There is an urgent need of this mindset. We can’t be so complacent. Let us pledge that every person at his or her individual level will try his or best to protect the environment.
Naveen Patnaik (born 16 October 1946) is an prominent politician of India serving as the current and 14th Chief Minister of Odisha. He is among the iconic leaders of India. He is also the President of the Biju Janata Dal, a writer and has authored three books. He is the longest-serving chief minister of Odisha and as of 2023, one of the longest-serving chief ministers of any Indian state, holding the post for over two decades, and only the third Indian chief Minister after Pawan Chamling and Jyoti Basu to win five consecutive terms as Chief Minister of an Indian state.
He is Chief Minister of Odhisa since 23 years and destined to be longest Chief Minister of India.
His life is full of accolades and noteworthy accomplishments which make him one of the tallest figures of India.
Patnaik was born on 16 October 1946 in Cuttack to Biju Patnaik, former Chief Minister of Odisha, and his wife, Gyan Devi .He was educated at the Welham Boys’ School in Dehradun, and later The Doon School.At Doon, he was a classmate of Sanjay Gandhi and three years junior to Rajiv Gandhi, who later became prime minister.After school, he went to the St. Stephen’s College of Delhi University, and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Naveen Patnaik is iron man of Odhisa and India. He has also an intellectual mind of par excellence.
Patnaik is a writer and had for the most part of his youth been away from both politics and Odisha, but after his father Biju Patnaik’s demise, he entered politics in 1997 and a year later founded the Biju Janata Dal, named after Biju Patnaik, which won the state election with the BJP as its alliance and formed the government in which Patnaik became Chief Minister. His mild mannerism, “Stand against corruption” and “Pro-poor policies” have resulted in the development of a huge support base in Odisha, which has voted him to power in the last five consecutive terms. Like his father, he has managed to control the bureaucracy and transformed it into a machine for the development of the state.
His Honest, dedicated spartan personal lifestyle and detachment from material possessions has been liked by the people of the state.He is also one of the founding members of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage.His elder sister is the writer Gita Mehta.
Undoubtedly, Naveen Patnaik is towering personality of India under whose leadership Odhisa has transformed into oasis of development.
Under his great leadership,
each one of the 4.5 crore Odias is the catalyst of change.
Naveen Patnaik is synonym of progress and prosperity.
Hosting of the prestigious Men’s Hockey World Cup in Odisha for the second time, industrialisation and attracting investment, growth of self-help groups, ST transformation, Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, KALIA, Millet mission and other initiatives of the state government under great leadership of Naveen Patnaik are applauded by one and all.
He has bagged prestigious awards and global recognitions. The United Nations in 2019, complimented Naveen for his government’s proposal of reserving 33% of seats for women in the National Parliament as well as in the state’s Legislative Assembly.
Naveen Patnaik is undoubtedly the precious diamond of Indian politics.
Kashmir is known all over the world for its exquisite handicrafts products. Preserving traditional arts should be our priority. One such art is the Kani Shawl art .Handicrafts is an age old industry in Jammu and Kashmir having history of centuries, it has thrived and kept the economy of region moving. The artisans of Jammu and Kashmir are famous for making some of the exquisite Handicrafts of the world.
Sozani embroidery, Walnut wood carving,Hand-knotted carpet, Pashmina, Papier Mache etc are some of the world known Handicrafts of Kashmir.
One of the important handicraft products of the valley of Kashmir has been the Kani shawls. Kani Shawls are woven on a fame-loom using fine wooden sticks locally called ‘Tooj’i, which have coloured woolen threads attached to them. A Kani shawl takes about three months to a year for an artisan to complete depending on the embroidery and fetches a very handsome amount nationally and globally.
Over the years fake handicrafts sold in name of handicrafts of Kashmir is a matter of serious concern.
The adverse impact of this unscrupulous trade is that now one of Kashmir’s oldest handicraft legends and legacy, the Pashmina, is threatened by its imitations as the high-priced handmade fabric is increasingly being eased out from markets by its cheap, machine-made namesake.
It is also learnt since long that some fake elements are selling cheap Handicrafts of Amritsar and seeling it in name of the Brand Kashmir in other parts of the country.
But Jammu and Kashmir Government along with Union Government is taking multiple steps to revive the legacy of Handicrafts of Kashmir.
In a major achievement, Jammu and Kashmir has become the first region in the country to issue Quick Response (QR) labels for its 13 different GI and non-GI registered handicrafts.
The QR code labels are a step towards providing global recognition of the traditional arts and crafts of the Himalayan region. The government has been aiming to make J-K products popular across the globe through special marketing strategies and schemes.
Recently, The Director Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir launched 8 online Services for the artisans, weavers, trainees and other stakeholders. These services are integrated with the Single window system, with aim to provide all Handicrafts and handloom services under “One Umbrella-Single Window System.
The main objective of this system is to facilitate the artisans and other stakeholders to get digital clearances and other benefits in a time bound manner.
The visible efforts are being put in to promote revive Kashmir Handicrafts, thereby bringing visible change in the lives of Artisans and Weavers.
The export picture is improving much .
2021-22, handicrafts products worth 563.13 crore were exported to different markets. Carpets topped the list with exports touching Rs 251.06 crore. It was followed by shawls and rumals with exports touching Rs 165.98 crore.
One hopes all the efforts given with reference to promotion of handicrafts of Kashmir would be given.
Hidtoric 2023 Union Budget was announced recently.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her fifth Budget today (February 1, 2023). This is the last full-fledged budget of the second Narendra Modi government ahead of the general elections in 2024.
Tabling the Budget 2023, FM Sitharaman said: “This is the first budget in Amrit Kaal, this budget hopes to build on the foundation laid in previous budget and the blueprint laid for India@100, we envision a prosperous and inclusive India in which the fruits of development reach all.”
“The Indian economy is on the right track, heading to a bright future. Our focus on reforms and sound policies resulting in Jan Bhagidari helped us in trying times, our rising global profile is due to several accomplishments,” she added.
The highlights of Budget include :
The Indian economy is on the right track, heading to a bright future. Our focus on reforms and sound policies resulting in Jan Bhagidari helped us in trying times, our rising global profile is due to several accomplishments,” said FN Nirmala Sitharaman.
“The world has recognized India as a bright star, our growth for current year is estimated at 7.0%, this is the highest among all major economies, in spite of massive global slowdown caused by pandemic and the war”.
7 Priorities of Budget 2023- Inclusive development, Reachinglast mile, Infrastructure and investment, unleashing potential, Green growth,Youth Power, Financial Sector and Finance Minister.
Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture to be built as open source, open standard, interoperable public good. Will enable inclusive farmer-centric solutions & help improved access to farm inputs, market intel, support for agri industry, startups.
One hopes that Union Budget 2023 proves a good omen for the country .
The suicide rate in Kashmir is increasing with each passing day. In the past week, four cases of suicide have been reported across the Kashmir valley. A study done by one of the government agencies claimed that around 127 people died by suicide in the Kashmir valley in last 16 or 18 months. The data by the State Disaster Response Force reveals that 365 attempts of suicide were recorded. Out of them , 238 survived after taking extreme steps.
The media report on which the commission took suo-moto cognizance mentioned that 20,000 people have attempted suicide due to the socio-political turmoil in the Valley. About 3,000 of them have died and most of them were in the 16- 25 age group.
Other report mentions that 575 cases of suicide attempts have been admitted in the SMHS Hospital alone . In the entire State, at least one suicide is recorded every alternate day and there is hardly a hamlet or mohalla that has been untouched by more than one incident of suicide attempts. Quoting a psychiatrist, the report said that the incessant violence in the valley has devastated the psyche of the Kashmiris and stress-related diseases have grown manifold across the social spectrum, driving people mostly youngsters increasingly to suicide.
Most suicidal individuals give warning signs or signals of their intentions. The best way to prevent suicide is to recognize these warning signs and know how to respond if you spot them. If a friend or family member is suicidal, you can play a role in suicide prevention by pointing out the alternatives, showing that you care, and getting a doctor or psychologist involved.
Major warning signs for suicide include talking about killing or harming oneself, talking or writing a lot about death or dying, and seeking out things that could be used in a suicide attempt such as weapons and drugs . These signals are even more dangerous if the person has a mood disorder such as depression or bipolar disorder , suffers from alcohol dependence and previously attempted suicide or has a family history of suicide. All must come forward in preventing suicides. It is a challenge and it needs to be dealt with proper guidance. Doctors feel that awareness among youngsters need to be increased across the Kashmir valley. Doctors also say that there is a suicide contagion that needs to be prevented.
Marriage is one of the most pious and highly revered occasion across the cultures and faiths, a mystical union of souls that binds together two people for the entire life. But owing to the variegated intrusions it has witnessed is more of a concern in the current times. Are we losing the plot? Kashmiri wedding traditions are unique. There are several things which makes Kashmiri wedding traditions quite distinctive from the traditions of other communities. However, this holy union has underwent swath of changes and its essence is fading at fast pace. Arrange & engage in cooking delicious meals ‘wazwaan’ but it should be simple as possible. Don’t add unimportant things to it in order to show dignity & shower impression on other. These things get noticed all the time & are put before one & other in a more complex way as ‘demand’. Dowry, being one of them is a necessary social evil. To get hitched is good but why to hiccup others. These given utmost attention & preference are nothing but ‘Biddah’ (unnecessary increments). Which results in trauma to parents & suicidal bag for others. We should care about the other members of society. In a society, we live in interdependence and any change favouring vague will automatically force every single individual to go with it. However, exceptions can’t be termed out. On a positive note, two souls can interpret and preferably can change two families without wasting time & notes.
A Bond defining Togetherness and Tradition Marriage ceremony is an important social duty performed by the families and it takes shape in presence of huge social gatherings. Plenty of people are invited in the dinner parties by the families of both bride and groom by strictly following rituals from the pre-wedding to post wedding ceremonies. Starting with matching the horoscope of the bride and the groom (sitaar). Our people stress on checking the compatibility between the family of the bride and the groom, check the backgrounds of each other’s family, reputation and status (Family Tree). Most likely a Middle man/woman fixes the dates of the wedding after matching the horoscopes and then the two parties agree to go with it. After that several steps are followed in the pre-wedding period like Vaana, Livun, Wanwun, Manzirat, Duribat,Devgon etc.
Vaana: Vanna is formal engagement or commitment ceremony that takes place after the two parties agreed to form the alliance. Vaana takes place in front of an idol, which is followed by the meeting of parents and other elderly persons from the family of bride and the groom. The two parties meet in a temple and exchange flowers that symbolizes the formalization of the ceremony. The bride’s family invite the groom party for a meal that comprises traditional Kashmiri food. Cash, dry fruits, candies and a pot containing nabad (misri) is sent by the bride’s family to the groom’s house.
Livun: Cleansing of the houses of both the bride and the groom before wedding. The participation of all female members in the Livun is customary.
Wanwun: It is the next part of the pre-marriage rituals and is held a few days before wedding. Wanwun are actually music sessions that are held every evening at both and are attended by the relatives and neighbours of both sides. However, these things are now-a-days not being performed at some hard religious followers. Message is spreading but it will take time to make people concisely conscious.
Maanziraat: The ceremony that take place a day before the wedding is the most depressing night, full of futile activities. All nonsensical things are performed that night. Further, coming on the ceremony, it begins with krool khanun, a ceremony for decorating the main entrance of both the houses. Then an elaborate bathing of the bride, then ‘henna’ or ‘maanz’. Women are invited in the ceremony and are served special Kashmiri meals & kehwa with saffron.
Apart from these the other parts of Kashmiri wedding traditions in the pre-marriage session include; Bariyan, sending of thaals, sending of phool ka gehna (ornaments made of flowers), mehendi (decoration of Bride’s hand, palm and feet with Mehndi), Diugun, Sanzvaru and Devgon. These things are really burden on a poor family. A poor girl rejects marriage proposals because of these factors. This type of marriage system in Kashmir has become a hell of fire. People wedded through such ceremonies rarely last for years. They only sow poison for other fellows and also in person end with the same fate – living dead.
Reviving the Charm again
Then, it comes to the reception of baarat; the groom and his party by the bride’s family, First, Vidai: (the farewell of bride from her home) and then welcoming the newly-weds at groom’s house. The newly wedding is also followed by some post-wedding rituals like, Satraat, Phirlath, and Roth Khabar. On a lighter note, these things make no sense in real sense. They only add burden to the poor families. This is the cause ‘love marriages’ are preferred over ‘arranged’ one’s viz. court marriages etc. to avoid extra time consumption in fixing dates and other futile deals. “Baje kore henz czhopei gye ankaar”- but marriage is a commitment (solid union). What I want to say is that, “get married but let always way open for other’s & never try to show off.” Please carry your daughter or son’s marriage in a social way, leaving a moral print for others to follow. Arranging feasts & squandering all along is letting us all down. Simply trying to be simple won’t be a problem.
