Address Concerns of Diagnostic labs in Kashmir
Diagnostic labs have an important role to play in the health care especially when it comes to diagnosing diseases and health issues of the masses . The private Diagnostic centers also serve a purpose to lessen the burden on public health care .The diagnostician’s main role is determination of disease etiology. Secondary but equally important roles played by the diagnostic laboratory include: 1) consultative/advisory role; 2) interpretative role; and 3) disease surveillance role.In Kashmir too scores of diagnostic labs spread across length and breadth of Kashmir are rendering important services.
It is a matter of grim Concern in the valley of Kashmir the owners of hundreds of Diagnostic Labs in Kashmir fear they may have to wrap up their enterprises with a fresh rule being implemented in the UT that requires every laboratory, even those doing the most basic of tests, to have an MBBS doctor on board.It is worth mentioning here in this regard that the debate that has been going on in India for the past couple of years has reached Kashmir. With the Clinical Establishments Rule Amendment 2020, and its applicability in J&K, every diagnostic laboratory is required to have at least an MBBS doctor on board to sign the reports.
The Kashmir Private Diagnostic Centers Association (KPDCA) also recently urged the government to amend the registration policy and expedite the registration process of over 2000 diagnostic labs that have been waiting since 2019.
The need of the hour is to provide such pathway that neither people nor diagnostic labs suffer .
Improving Education Infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir
Improving Education Infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir News Kashmir Exclusive Education is cornerstone of the human civilization. Infrastructure is key to the development of education . Strong Education Infrastructure means vibrant education system. Buildings, classrooms, laboratories, and equipment- education infrastructure – are crucial elements of learning environments in schools and universities. There is strong evidence that high-quality infrastructure facilitates better instruction, improves student outcomes, and reduces dropout rates, among other benefits.The Jammu and Kashmir had been lagging in the education Infrastructure but now the situation is changing towards betterment.
With an aim to reform the educational ecosystem and infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, the largest single addition of education capacity in 70 years was done with the addition of new 25000 seats in 50 new colleges in one year only.The present administration under Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha is creating one of the best infrastructures for higher education in the country.“Two colleges of architecture and One engineering college was also established. IIT and IIM was established in record time,” official documents said.Speaking at a book launch of “Analysis of Accreditation Reports of Union Territories-Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh,” by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) during a function organised by NAAC in collaboration with the Central University of Kashmir (CUK), Lieutenant Governor (LG), Manoj Sinha recently said that the Universities and Colleges have immense power and a small shift in curriculum can have a decisive impact on the socio-economic environment.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that the world is heading towards an era that will be dominated by the knowledge economy, our biggest asset would be the human capital, a combination of talent, skill, and creativity.With the implementation of National Education Policy (NEP)-2020, more than 2500 kindergartens were established and another 2000 are being established under Capex Budget.
On the other hand of spectrum, 80,000 students are already enrolled in pre-pre-primary classes in 9000 Government primary schools. According to statistics of education department, 9643 Government schools from 6th to 8th classes were mapped with adjoining high and higher secondary schools for providing basic skills on vocational courses taught in 803 vocational labs. Every teacher will mentor 10 students of primary classes under the Student-Teacher Mentorship initiative launched in J&K with a focus on Foundation and Numerical Literacy.
The pulse on the ground in Jammu and Kashmir is hopeful that the education Infrastructure would continue to grow so that we make right strides in our education journey.
Counseling session held in Boys High Secondary school GG Mohalla Srinagar
Counseling session held in Boys High Secondary school GG Mohalla Srinagar
In an important academic development, A Counselling Session was held at Boys Higher Secondary School GG Mohalla in collaboration with UNICEF sponsored NGO KWIDE (Kashmir Women for Inclusive Development and Equality) for Adolescents through a series of activities related to mental health, decision making and Cognitive walkthroughs for testing concepts and terminologies .Students of age group 15 to 17 have actively participated and responded to experts in a healthy and highly motivated ambience that helped them to ease out from the stressful situations arising out of covid pandemic..
Theatre a Dying Art in Kashmir
Theatre a Dying Art in Kashmir
Mir Sabeen Gulrez
Srinagar: “Theatre is a voyage into the archives of the human imagination.”– Natasha Tsakos
Artists from valley have given their life for theatre. In 1990’s when there was political turmoil , people used to stay back indoors to save their lives while they(artists) used to serve in theatres , without caring about their lives. It’s not only that they should care about their lives it’s about they were very passionate about their art. They used to love their work most importantly they used to respect their people not even caring about their caste , creed ,color or religion . Everyone was used to serve under one roof. Artists in Kashmir have seen everything from rise to fall. But it was only artist who remained consistent whatever the condition was .But with passage of time the artists during pandemic went through a dark phase, not only artist but everyone. Still they continued and emerged as winners.During 1990’s people used to watch DD Kashmir, Doordarshan with their families with fevor as they used to love to watch but with the advancement of social media influence people used to neglect these things intentionally or unintentionally. One time was when people used to love the characters and used to be like them now the scenario has changed even our kids don’t know the life their parents have lived while watching the characters like Ahadraaz, Johny etc etc.What is a theatre?Collaborative form of performing art where usually actors and actresses perform live shows, to present the experience of a real or imagined event before a live audience in a specific place, often a stage . With combination of gestures , speech songs, music and dance the performers may communicate this experience to the audience. The elements used for art such as Painted scenery and stagecraft such as lighting are used to enchance the physicality ,presence and immediacy of the artists.Who is an artist?An actor who uses the stage for performance based on a real or fictional story in front of a live audience in one take is known as Theatre Artist. Theatre artist is different from TV or movie actors as they do not get second chance to perform. They use songs, musicals, poems, drama, dance, speech to exhibit their art. As theatre artist never uses in their plays a cut which is usually seen in movies.Origin of theatre in ancient:The origins of theatre in ancient Greece, according to Aristotle (384–322 BCE), the first theoretician of theatre, are to be found in the festivals that honoured Dionysus. The performances were given in semi-circular auditoria cut into hillsides, capable of seating 10,000–20,000 people. The stage consisted of a dancing floor (orchestra), dressing room and scene-building area (skene). Since the words were the most important part, good acoustics and clear delivery were paramount. The actors (always men) wore masks appropriate to the characters they represented, and each might play several parts.(Source Internet).Origin of Indian Theatre.Indian theatre dates back around 5000 years. The earliest form of Indian theatre was Sanskrit theatre that emerged sometime around the 2nd century BC. It then flourished between the 1st and 11th centuries. Soon after, due to the Islamic conquests, theatre was banned and forbidden. Later, village theatre was encouraged across the subcontinent in an attempt to reassert indigenous values and ideas, developing in a large number of regional languages from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Modern Indian theatre developed during the period of British rule. Indian theatre has three specific periods: the classical period, the traditional period, and the modern period.In early forms, theatre performances were often narrative and included recitation, singing, and dancing. The earliest contribution to the Indian theatre came from Bharata Muni, who wrote the 36 books of the Natyashastra. (Source Internet).
Origin of Kashmiri Theatre:The roots of Kashmiri and Indian folk and modern theatre are rooted in three thousand years before the birth of the Christ. Linking with the Mohanjodaro and Harappa civilization, since the periods of Ved and Purans and during Sanskrit and Prakrit era, the elements of music , dance and theatre were there in the form of oral traditions of communication through Bards (Male Singers) and Ministrals (Male Singers).The folk theatre movement in Kashmir is usually said that the findings the Terrokota art and mentioned in the Neelmat Puran and Kalhan’s Rajtrangani the folk theatre in Kashmir started growing gradually and Abhinav Gupta, Madridutta, Bhat Tola, Shamimdra, Somdev,Ragavbhat contributed for the folk theatre movement and cultural tradition in Kashmir. Its believed that during the Dogra rule under the dynamic rule of Dogra King Maharaja Hari Singh, Kashmiri literature, culture and folk got open sky to breath freely and establish its existence among the masses. While speaking about the folk theatre and modern theatre of 20th century, he declared the period of 1966 to 1977 as the Golden period in the history of Kashmiri folk and modern theatre and in this period painters, writers, artists, singers also appreciated the folk and modern theatre in Kashmir. He also applauded the role of Mohan Lal Aima, Dina Nath Nadim, Pran Lal Kishore and also placed on record the contribution of Radio Kashmir, Srinagar and J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Srinagar.While talking to News Kashmir Dr Mirza Farooq Anwaar Chief Editor (Pahari) . Office Incharge Div.Office Kashmir JKAACL said that,” when kashmir had a political turmoil in 1990’s,Yes everything got shattered ,not only theatre but also other artists also suffered a huge loss .Cultural Academy always tried to help these artists from their end . As we after two three years of shut down managed to have festivals but even in far flung areas we also continued the activities.There is gap and we(academy) are trying to fulfill that gap. We are giving them chance for new set ups in form of festivals.
While talking to News Kashmir Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan , renowned and award winning actor,director,broadcaster ,theatre,practitioner told that,”its very difficult to survive whether he/she has earned in lakhs or in crores, no matter but the present income of everybody rich or poor big or small is in very difficult situation including me. No doubt my financial status must be better from many people but the survival in these things radio, television, stage had a big effect in Kashmir, only passion remained. Simply it’s an addiction, it’s an hobby, and there is a passion in what we are doing. If the intellect is used, the work will not be done; no one will do this work. If this hardwork, then I will use this understanding in some other work or business definitely I will earn more in this date. But what satisfies me internally is the way when I see my theatre is getting coverage by leading newspapers, channels and even social media is playing vital roles in this. Right now I am managing seven days theatre festival in which twenty three (23) groups are participating in these twenty three groups five(5) groups are from Jammu, ten(10) groups are from Kashmir and rest of the groups are from colleges ,schools of Kashmir, so its managed, coordinated by me single handed. I never switch off my cell phone even I at times put it on silent mode but never off it.Because once this number is switched off everything is gonna be shut like anything. If I start dealing in land property by same passion I will become a multi millionaire in just one year.But the passion is so much that I have spend my life on this and this passion doesn’t go away.Man is lost in it and this passion doesn’t go away. While I was doing a job I left it even my junior retired as director . Even I saw many people working . working only for money their passion is just to earn money that’s it. They (people) multiply their business while as what multiplies in me is my pages in the bio data. Today briefly my bio data is of seventeen (17) pages. In last four years if I see the coverage’s in the newspaper they are more than five hundred(500). This thing I took as my profit and this is my earning. I don’t earn in money, yes I can proudly say you can Google my name and see what my achievements are done for this theatre. Do I stand somewhere? That’s my property that’s my profit. We hardly sleep because of our passion.Whenever I finishe my program my first thought is that whether this Press Release have been reached to the concerned authorities or not. Even being a liable person I usually call them whether they have received my mail or not? I usually take conformations regarding my mails whether they have received or not?Even I have my vehicle, my house, even some of our artists don’t have these kind of facilities but what is same inside their passion about their work.My journey started in 1974 , I was just thirteen (13)years old, I started working in Doordarshan as a child artist. But I was studying. Even after schooling, went to college, then university. Even my parents especially my mother didn’t allow me to do all these things unless I complete my studies , till my mother actually wanted me to finish it of. I completed my post graduation after that she said to me ,”now you can do anything, now your have completed your education ,you can do whatever you want”. Then I started theatre , till that moment I even haven’t done thaetre.Even I worked in Radio also in the year 1975,76.In 1981 I entered fully in theatre. After that no one from my home asked me anything regarding this. I started my career with just one dialogue it was a hindi play ,”Nadi piyasi thi “play, I don’t remember the writer and the dialogue was ,”Bahu Jee Is Bar Phir Bhad Aye Ghei,Aur Hosakta hai Dhubnai Walae Mai Mera Beta Hi Kyun Na Hoo….Hahahahah”. For this dialogue I was so excited that I am gonna perform on stage . Gosh, I cant explain my feeling of joy at that time . After that I did many lead roles but at that satisfaction was there. Upto 1989 theatre was going ok here in Kashmir . last festival I did was 1987 in which in three plays I work as a leading artist . After that festivals were not celebrated here because of the turmoils and all that.Then I again started in 2005 when Doordarshan did festival.Some two three years back I was working as a consultant head north zone cultural academy centre that had a branch somehow at Srinagar so we used to assign some programs to groups of Bandhpathir and groups of Folk music , in a year we used to do these kind of programs twice or thrice now this time my number is saved with those persons till date they used to call me , when I asked them yes please go ahead they said we wanted to know hope you are doing good . And I know how much I get hurt because of that as I know what message they wanted to give me. I know I cant help them as they are expecting something from me. Once they got program from my side and they knew this thing that he (mushtaq sahib) is gonna give us work . I am not any authority but I always wanted to try for them. Government has helped but not upto the mark because the demands are not fulfilled you know how much they get paid per day Rs 800/= and the booking come maximum twice or thrice a month .Labour earns better. Same is the condition with contemporary theatre.
While talking to News Kashmir Kashmir’s famous artist Nazir Josh aka Ahadraaz said that,:
In 1970 I started from my early school life Higher secondary school Budgam. I started from school life in the year 1970 Higher secondary school budgamThere I used to perform short dramas. Prem Nath Premi was teacher and he was poet and performed short dramas and I worked with him. Then I completed my higher secondary school. At that time, in 1972 in budgam National theatre bugam came into being. I used to do serious roles, I was a serious actor then I kept going on. I completed my BA. Why comedian? How was your journey from nazir josh to ahedraz? Personally I am very shy, but coming to the dramas my body language, expression, dialogue delivery was altogether different. There was a comedian those days, he dictated me terms but he used to take fees, that was very I high, that was not possible for me to pay. Then my director told me to try Alibaqal. I tried in 2,3 shows and it was famous among people and people were happy. I was appreciated by director about my dialogue delivery and as a good character. From there I started as a comedian. When did you gave your audition for TV? In November 1972 . There was festival at that time it was on valley level cultural academy. Today it is district level. In1973 there was a festival in Tagore hall Srinagar’s there was TV and theater in 73.it was a mesmerizing festival. Many popular shows were performed in Tagore hall at that time like, RANGMUNSH, KALAKINDER, NAVRAN, KAMESHVAR KENDER, VASANT THEATRE etc etc . These Indian dramas were also played. We also played and I wrote the script myself and in that year 1973 I also became a writer. My first script was TEMI GAURI GAYI, which is actually a proverb,That time in that very festival makhanlal. Saraf, etc also participated. Padamshri Sinths drama “Nav Nosh” also was played. Three 3 dramas got best award. They were shuturmurgh, our drama “tem gaurigayi”, and “rang munch”, “Nav Nosh”. After receiving award I was encouraged and I moved forward in my field. I was not performing leading roles till then. But my character was both serious and numerous.. Then Farooq nazki was producer doordarshan at that time. He was send to Germany for further training for 1 year and 6 months . Then after coming back he searched for script and he came to my home in budgam and told me to write the script as he knew my potential.. I took 5,6 days and wrote concept BALAY TAUTMA tautma is a character and balay was act of speaking in a very different way.. We shot the serial and it was a blockbuster and went viral. That time in this serial I was registered as leading role. Slow motion in this was for first time. In 85 I gave this concept.. He encouraged me to write more. Then I wrote HAZAR DASTAN. After 3,4,5 episodes, it went so viral that it overtook all the leading serials of that time including pakistans top drama andherayujalay. All used to watch hazardastan popularly known by people as ahedraaz. It was such a blockbuster that people sold land, jewellery to buy tv sets and watch aheddraaz. Today much has changed, how do you see it as changed political era as it is social media influence everywhere? I used to perform double role, tripplerole.In 89 it was continued by private producers. Then I also became a producer in doordarshan. For One serial I used to get some 40 or 50 lakh. In a year I took up almost 3 dramas. Doordarshan benefitted all including hoteliars houseboat owners directly or indirectly.. After 2003 , Government closed funds for doordarshan then the work stopped and never restored. Today it is social media, at that time we used to hier cameramen, technology, lighting, which required lot money. As production needs money kashir channel was also shut. All actors including leading ones were idol. Except those having talent and potential. I recently started laughter therapy on social media which got over 5 lakh views. I upload the old ones also.
While talking to News Kashmir Hassan Javeed told that, “You are talking about my life, I am starting at my career in 1990, although I have approach Television in 1989, JLNL academy has been awarded as best ACTOR by that time there was some sport programme going on named as “Khel and Khiladi” which was been anchored by Dear Roshan Khayal, where I asked them to visualise 2 sportsperson among them , initially I have started with an article for news magazine “Nawaz Ali” ,then having curiosity in TV since childhood, I went for Acting but because of having unsmoothen condition it was difficult for me to travel each day using pass since I was into cricket as well. Then after 2.5 month of struggle someone sent me pass I got a chance to act as “Deputy Nazeer” , it was an role of an a foreigner’ Servant by that time I was 17yr old, Then no growth of mustache and beard and I want too lean and I played those side roles till 1998, then Mr Mujahid , the director has given a a chase to feature me as a main character known as “Dadgah”, which was been writer by Dr Nazer. Then DADASAH has been offered to me as well which was of 400 episode, and I got established then.
But sooner I realised that, Being in lobby was important and Only the actors from lobby get further offer so sooner in 2000, I started my own production house which was named as “BAHAR Films” , And in 2002 I have emerged as director and made series even after criticism , I continued as serial direct and 450 episode, and majors serials got great hit. E.g- Dasha, Shortcut and I even gained more popularity after the commercial film- “DUS numbari”, that gave a name of “JONNY” and I have been started getting recognized as that name which was written by “shahzad SHABBIR” , After that I get a phone call from police station as I have featured one of the police role in that commercial as funny so they get offended and when I entered police station, IO was very serious but when I have praised him as AMITABH BAcchan, he laugh out lauder.
While Atal Bihari Bhajpyee was prime minister and they has allotted a channel for kashmir, which scheme was on 15k which then get shut after 15 years. Then we switched to private sector and then You tube as well for quality episodes under which we tried to only show the family scenes.
Then in 2010, after invention of mobile, thing started vanishing from TV, and article 370 was on air and we get deteriorated by 100 years. By that time we were expecting daughter, there my wife got amazed wha scene she saw after entering hospital as I have been call as “KASHMIR k Shahrukh Khan”.
Since that time I have been earning by only one medium where as government employed have been earning by 2- 3 medium and pled government for help and they did, but for once only they help all the artist with rupees 9000/- in 2020 and has never took any update. In sopour event, I have given a female artist rs 2000/- but then she replied with big sparkling eye and hopes as she thanks for that amount as it was really miserable condition.
We did a many protests against the government of India, still they were not releasing there amount and there was so much corruption, also there has been no action taken from the government.
Now a days artist are only getting mere wages of 2k to 5k rupees, also for voice over they only get 300 rupees, so I am seeing career of actor, voice artist and drama artist no where in kashmir and there is no money and profit in this sector in KASHMIR.
EVEN we want to more to small job in any private company to earn livelihood.
Message from our valleys renowned artist Nazir Josh aka Ahadraaz to youth is that,” Here, talent is awesome, rabab players, musicians, better than old but they lack proper script and concept. Need is to consult the writer who knows formulas, dialogues. Join workshops, and not write by themselves as such. Go through proper guidance and training. Do not make this as your profession till it becomes the proper industry here in Kashmir”.
Ramadan: Month of Humanist Spirituality
RAMADAN: MONTH OF HUMANIST SPIRITUALITY
Dr Suhaib Ashraf Bhat.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is deemed auspicious and the holiest. During this month, which consists of 29 to 30 days, Muslims worldwide observe Roza (a fast from sunrise to sunset). This month focuses on Sawm (fasting – one of the five pillars of Islam). It is a month which is venerated in the Islamic religion, and it is distinguished from the other months by a number of characteristics and virtues, including the following:
1 – Allah swt has made fasting this month the fourth pillar of Islam, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month” [al-Baqarah 2:185]and it was narrated in al-Saheehayn (al-Bukhaari, 8; Muslim, 16) from the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Islam is built on five (pillars): the testimony that there is no god except Allah swt and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad; establishing prayer; paying zakaah; fasting Ramadan ; and Hajj to the House (the Ka’bah).” 2 – Allah swt revealed the Qur’aan in this month, as He says in the verse quoted above (interpretation of the meaning): “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)…”[al-Baqarah 2:185]And Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning): “Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’aan) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree).”[al-Qadr 97:1]3 – Allah swt has made Laylat al-Qadr in this month, which is better than a thousand months, as Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning): “Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’aan) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree).And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is?The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allah swt in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months).Therein descend the angels and the Rooh [Jibreel (Gabriel)] by Allah swt’s Permission with all Decrees,(All that night), there is peace (and goodness from Allah swt to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn”[al-Qadar 97:1-5] “We sent it (this Qur’aan) down on a blessed night [(i.e. the Night of Al-Qadr) in the month of Ramadan — the 9th month of the Islamic calendar]. Verily, We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torment will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of worship]”[al-Dukhaan 44:3]Allah swt has blessed Ramadan with Laylat al-Qadr. Explaining the great status of this blessed night, Soorat al-Qadr was revealed, and there are many ahaadeeth which also speak of that, such as the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah swt be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month which Allah swt has enjoined you to fast, during which the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained up. In it there is a night which is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived.” Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 2106; Ahmad, 8769. classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 999. And Abu Hurayrah (may Allah swt be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Whoever spends Laylat al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, will be forgiven his previous sins.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1910; Muslim, 760. 4 – Allah swt has made fasting Ramadan and spending its nights in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward a means of forgiveness of sins, as was proven in al-Saheehayn (al-Bukhaari, 2014; Muslim, 760) from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah according to which the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” And al-Bukhaari (2008) and Muslim (174) also narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Whoever spends the nights of Ramadan in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” The Muslims are unanimously agreed that it is Sunnah to pray qiyaam at night in Ramadan . Al-Nawawi said that what is meant by praying qiyaam in Ramadan is to pray Taraweeh, i.e., one achieves what is meant by qiyaam by praying Taraaweeh. 5 – In this month, Allah swt opens the gates of Paradise and closes the gates of Hell, and chains up the devils, as is stated in al-Saheehayn (al-Bukhaari, 1898; Muslim, 1079), from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah who said that the Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained up.” 6 – Every night Allah swt has people whom He redeems from the Fire. Imam Ahmad (5/256) narrated from the hadeeth of Abu Umaamah that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “At every breaking of the fast, Allah swt has people whom He redeems.” Al-Mundhiri said: there is nothing wrong with its isnaad; and it was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 987. Al-Bazzaar (Kashf 962) narrated that Abu Sa’eed said: The Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Allah swt has people whom He redeems every day and night – i.e., in Ramadan – and every Muslim every day and night has a prayer that is answered.” 7 – Fasting Ramadan is a means of expiation for the sins committed since the previous Ramadan , so long as one avoids major sins. It was proven in Saheeh Muslim (233) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “The five daily prayers, from one Jumu’ah to the next and from one Ramadan to the next are expiation for (sins committed) in between, so long as you avoid major sins.” 8 – Fasting in Ramadan is equivalent to fasting ten months, as is indicated by the hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim (1164) narrated from Abu Ayyoob al-Ansaari: “Whoever fasts Ramadan then follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be like fasting for a lifetime.” Ahmad (21906) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan , a month is like ten months, and fasting six days after al-Fitr will complete the year.” 9 – Whoever prays qiyaam in Ramadan with the imam until he finishes, it will be recorded for him that he spent the whole night in prayer, because of the report narrated by Abu Dawood (1370) and others from the hadeeth of Abu Dharr (may Allah swt be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Whoever prays qiyaam with the imam until he finishes, it will be recorded for him that he spent the whole night in prayer.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Salaat al-Taraaweeh, p. 15 10 – ‘Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj. Al-Bukhaari (1782) and Muslim (1256) narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas said: The Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said to a woman among the Ansaar, “What kept you from doing Hajj with us?” She said, “We only had two camels that we used for bringing water.” So her husband and son had gone for Hajj on one camel, and he left the other for them to use for bringing water.” He said, “When Ramadan comes, go for ‘Umrah, for ‘Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj.” According to a report narrated by Muslim, “… is equivalent to doing Hajj with me.” 11 – It is Sunnah to observe i’tikaaf (retreat for the purpose of worship) in Ramadan , because the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) always did that, as it was narrated in the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah swt be pleased with her) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) used to spend the last ten days of Ramadan in i’tikaaf until he passed away, then his wives observed i’tikaaf after him.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1922; Muslim, 1172. 12 – It is mustahabb in the sense of being strongly recommended in Ramadan to study the Qur’aan together and to read it a great deal. You may study the Qur’aan together by reciting it to someone else and by having someone else recite it to you. The evidence that this is mustahabb is the fact that Jibreel used to meet the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) every night in Ramadan and study the Qur’aan with him. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6; Muslim, 2308. Reading Qur’aaan is mustahabb in general, but more so in Ramadan . 13 – It is mustahabb in Ramadan to offer iftaar to those who are fasting, because of the hadeeth of Zayd ibn Khaalid al-Juhani (may Allah swt be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Whoever gives iftaar to one who is fasting will have a reward like his, without that detracting from the fasting person’s reward in the slightest.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 807; Ibn Maajah, 1746; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 647. May this Ramadan be successful for all of us and provide us with good health and wealth. Remove all our sins, May this holy month of Ramadan be a month full of blessings. May we all be showered with peace, joy and prosperity. Aameen.
The writer can be reached at suhaibbhatt85@gmail.com
Addressing Plastic Pollution
Addressing Plastic Pollution
Plastic is one of the serious menace faced by the humanity throughout the world . The need to address Plastic menace is felt since long .Addressing plastic pollution is recognized as a global environmental challenge.Recently in a major development, The resumed session of fifth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 5.2) held from 28th February 2022 to 2nd March 2022 in Nairobi, considered three draft resolutions to address plastic pollution. One of the draft resolutions under consideration was that of India. The draft resolution submitted by India called for immediate collective voluntary action by countries.India engaged constructively with all member states in UNEA 5.2 to develop consensus on the resolution for driving global action on plastic pollution by setting up of an intergovernmental negotiating committee for a new international legally binding treaty.On the insistence of India, the principle of national circumstances and capability while taking actions to address plastic pollution was included in the text of the resolution to allow developing countries follow their development trajectories.India also stood for not mandating the inter-governmental negotiating committee with development of targets, definitions, formats and methodologies, at this stage, pre-judging the outcome of deliberations of the Committee. The provision for immediate collective voluntary actions by the countries was also included to address plastic pollution on urgent and continual basis.After long protracted negotiations, the principal objectives of India’s draft resolution were sufficiently addressed in the resolution on “End plastic pollution: Towards an international legally binding instrument” adopted in the resumed fifth session of UNEA, which concluded on 2nd March 2022. The UNEA 5.2 will be remembered for agreeing for collective global action while respecting national circumstances.
Drug Prices Hit Common Masses
Drug Prices Hit Common Masses
Rameez Makhdoomi
Medicine or drug is the basic need of every human to tackle the various diseases and ailments. They give us often immediate relief from suffering caused by the disease . Medicines are chemicals or compounds used to cure, halt, or prevent disease; ease symptoms; or help in the diagnosis of illnesses. Advances in medicines have enabled doctors to cure many diseases and save lives.As a matter of fact , The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority of India had earlier announced a 10.7 per cent hike in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for the calendar year 2021 over the corresponding period in 2020.With this hike, the cost of about 800 scheduled medicines on the National List of Essential Medicines will increase by 10.7 per cent since the beginning of this financial year.The common man on ground zero is worst hit by this steep rise in the price of medicine .Nazir Ahmad, a commoner stated ” The recent steep hike in about 800 essential medicine is bound to break the back of common man. In a place like Kashmir majority of humans are dependent on different medicines on daily basis .Many depend on costly medicines to treat their ailments. Further increase in these prices means terrible things for many households . We are hopeful that soon the prices of these medicines would be reduced .”per NPPA’s order, the price of medicines that are used to treat fever, heart diseases, infections, skin diseases, high blood pressure and anaemia will be increased from April 1. These include medicines like Paracetamol, Phenobarbitone, Phenytoin Sodium, Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin Hydrochloride and Metronidazole.The demand of the majority of the population is that the prices of medicines should be within their reach and especially in the times when the pandemic has broken back of many people both economically as well as mentally.Recently in Lok Sabha Congress member Dean Kuriakose raised the issue of prices of lifesaving drugs.“Prices of essential medicines including painkillers, antibiotics, anti-infectives are set to go up from April with the government allowing an increase of over 10 per cent for the scheduled drugs,” Kuriakose said. He said that India’s drug pricing authority on Friday allowed a price hike of 10.7 per cent for scheduled drugs, which are under price control.“This is the highest price hike allowed. Over 800 drugs under the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) will see a price rise from April,” he said.One hopes we will enter an era in our country wherein the prices of essential medicines or drugs are within the reach of pocket of common man.
Global warming knocks Jammu and Kashmir
Global warming knocks Jammu and Kashmir
News Kashmir Exclusive
In the year 2022 Kashmir is witnessing an abnormal higher temperature in the Spring season causing worry amongst one and all . It seems that the phenomenon of Global Warming has knocked our doors in a big way in the Kashmir valley .As a matter of fact, climate system observed since the pre-industrial period (between 1850 and 1900) due to human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth’s atmosphere.Many have not seen such higher temperatures in the month of March in Kashmir. The switching on of Fans and other cooling systems used to happen in month of Kashmir but this year in the month of March Fans are on in Kashmir. It is worth mentioning here that India Meteorological Department (IMD) somedays back said for month of April, similar above normal maximum temperatures are likely to be recorded in most parts of northwest and central India and some parts of northeast India.It is matter of worry that Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing the hottest March after seven decades. The mercury broke all records in March with Jammu and Kashmir recording an all-time high of 37.3 degrees Celsius on Sunday (March 27).The other parts of the country too are witnessing abnormal high temperatures. The expert pulse is that the Northern Hemisphere including India, winds in anti-cyclonic circulation rotate in clockwise direction. In layman’s terms, the building up of a high-pressure area during the month of March resulted in dry weather across the north and central India from the last 20 days. As winds were blowing from the Thar desert of Rajasthan, it was supposed to be moisture-free and hot. Humidity levels went way below 20 percent in peak afternoon hours along with exceptional rise in maximum temperature across India.Since last few years the experts have made it clear that Erratic snowfall and snowfall pattern and unusual warm winters are some of the characteristics of the climate change in Jammu and Kashmir.
Climate change hits the life hard and adds to woes of common masses. Already it has been made clear that different types of ecosystems and communities, especially the poor rural people, living in the mountains across the Jammu and Kashmir are among the most affected by the climate change.We need to respect the environment in order to survive on this planet.
Record breaking Tourism in Kashmir
Record breaking Tourism in Kashmir
Kashmir is known to world as a heaven full of beautiful places and world class scenic spots. But owing to Turmoil of last three decades and the pandemic since last few years in shape of Coronavirus the tourism activity in Kashmir had come to grinding halt. But now since past few months the tourism activity of Kashmir is picking up.Currently, the Kashmir valley in ongoing Spring 2022 season is witnessing record tourist footfall. The present reality is one of hope and positivity. More than 3 lakh tourists have arrived here in the first three months to enjoy the cool climes and witness winter sports events like skiing, winter sport championships, gandola etc.
More than 90,000 tourists have already visited Asia’s largest Tulip garden in Srinagar in the first week after it was thrown open for visitors. Approximtaely1.5 million Tulips of 68 varieties are decked up across the sprawling garden overlooking the world famous Dal Lake.
On the other hand of the spectrum , India resumed normal international air travel on Sunday, travel trade stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir are optimistic that footfall of foreigners will significantly pick up in days to come.The Kashmir tourism is once again witnessing boom and it is a good news for one and all .It is pertinent to mention here that Jammu and Kashmir government recently that Kashmir has recorded highest ever tourist footfall in last six months and that a further increase in tourist arrivals was expected in the months ahead.After inaugurating Tulip festival at Asia’s largest Tulip garden, Chief Secretary AK Mehta had stated to media persons that Kashmir in the month of March so far has recorded highest–ever tourist footfall and in the last six months the number of tourists visiting Kashmir remained all-time high. The famous Tulip garden was also thrown open for general public.
Mudasir Rehman Dar Shines in Painting World
Mudasir Rehman Dar Shines in Painting World
Mir Sabeen GulrezSrinagar : Mudasir Rehman Dar 26, from Kulpora Kulgam bring laurels to the valley by being awarded in India Book Of Records and Asia Book Of Records.First Kashmiri artist who first gained popularity via using Social Media Platforms .Mudasir didn’t learn this painting art from anybody while he is god gifted of being like this. His first issue was to highlight social issues. Firstly people recognized him via Social Media Platform. His creative approach led him what he is actually today. Even his painting have got famous on International as well as National level.In Medium Art Gallery have my paintings already in their gallery. In Amritsar there was an exhibition where my paintings were displayed. Even in Chandigarh there was an art exhibition M.F Hussains were even my paintings were also displayed. His unique art style is so different even his painting on ring stone is world’s smallest painting of Holy Kabbah(Most sacred site in islam), and a leaf and a pencil lead.Mudasir is known for is known in whole India for creative abstract Artist, paintings, ModernArt, ContemporaryArt, sufiArt sketching, landscapes, IslamicArt, calligraphy, socialArt, and portraits winning several awards at mega stages.While talking to News Kashmir MudasirRehman Dar said that,” Was just naturally attracted towards the art since my childhood. “Different paintings gave different messages to society. My focus was always on social evils through my art work like drug addict, child labour and other social injustices which are ongoing ,” While adding he said, “this art work is giving me peace of mind.” Asia book of records is the one where I have got “Grand Master” title while as in India Book of records,World Record I got ” feet achieved” title besides that I have won so many awards at national, state and district level besides dozens of certificates are there with me. Getting an entry in Asian and Indian book of records is acknowledgement of your work which makes a person happy but real happiness is will be when he will have a platform where he can show his real talent.
Mudasir Rehman said that,” getting appreciation because of the art at different mega stages but the support which “I need to continue my art work from government is nowhere in sight.”
Mudasir Rehman Dar said that Kashmiri youth are talented but they lack platforms where they can show their talent and government must look into it seriously.My inspiration is really the pain and agony of the people which they are passing through everyday. If we can talk about art it’s an ocean and I am just a drop of this ocean. I don’t think that I am a big artist I am just a learner as being a learner I can learn new things each and every passing day.We should always be down to earth as we should live for the society. An egostic person can never learn anything as he always thinks that I am the only one and no one can stood infront of me.Because of my humble nature I met those renowned artist whom I can never even imagined in my life. Even I feel lucky that Allah has given me such an ability where I feel privledged,he further added.
