Kashmiri Sikh singer Manjeet Kaur shines in Sufi Music Farzana Bashir Srinagar: In order to promote communal harmony among two communities, a female Sikh singer in Srinagar has set on a journey to sing sufi and cultural songs in Kashmiri language to connect with the audience emotionally. Hailing from Chanapora area of Srinagar, Manjeet started singing sufi songs and bajans before two years, in 2018. Since then, she has produced and released twelve music songs in her voice, while eight songs are yet to be released. Manjeet has been interested in singing Sufi songs, as she says, the sufi music reflects rich musical heritage and cultural legacy. Being a teacher by profession and posted in remote village of Budgam district, Manjeet says that her passion for music goes beyond all barriers. “I’ve to travel two hours in a day to attend music classes in Bemina. After school, I straight away rush for my music classes”. Manjeet told News Kashmir Unlike other singers who sing to earn money, Manjeet spends her salary to make music albums , “I’ve never thought about making money through music, instead I spend my own money on making different music albums for the greater cause of unity”, she said. Manjeet has been fond of music since childhood, she has also done her PG in musics but unable to find any musical teachers around, she had to take a break from her passion due to the lack of guidance. “I was interested in music since my childhood but due to lack of music teacher in the city I could not continue singing. One needs a teacher to nurture who could nurture his skills .I used to participate in different events in school ” she added. However, after few years, Manjeet was filled with joy and happiness after coming to know about the music- teacher in Srinagar city’s uptown, Bemina. “I started taking music classes soon after coming to know about the teacher, guiding and grooming student having fond of music”, said Manjeet. Mother of two children, Manjeet calls her luckly to get good support of her husband towards pursuing her passion of music. “My husband supported me all through my journey of music. He never questioned my passion, and time which I used to spent during music classes”, she says. Manjeet recalls how her family and teacher supported her and stood by her side when everyone else mocked her. “I was saddened when few of my friends made fun of my passion , but I didn’tgive up on my dream of becoming a good singer. I proved them wrong finally” she said. Manjeet is looking forward to making more albums and bringing back peace, love and brotherhood to Kashmir through music.
The year 2020 was a horrible year for whole world on account of ragging pandemic Coronavirus . Throughout globe millions died and crores got infected due to Coronavirus . In Kashmir too hundreds died due to pandemic and thousands got infected . Besides inflicting huge emotional wounds the pandemic Coronavirus destroyed almost all economies .In Kashmir too many jobs and ventures were lost to pandemic . Tourism industry has been worst hit . The conflict bloodshed also marred Kashmir in 2020 with hundreds of Humanbeings across political divide getting killed . The farmers agitation in the country against newly passed farm bills aimed by Government to reform agriculture sector but it didn’t go well with many sections of farmers especially in Punjab and Haryana thus farmers agitation in different parts of country . One hopes the new year 2021 will offer new lease of hope – first and foremost people allover the world are hoping that Coronavirus would come to end . There are high hopes on many vaccines being successful in fight against the pandemic Coronavirus throughout the world . Kashmir valley people too hope that year 2021 would end the dark night of uncertainty and killings and peace and prosperity would be ushered in the pain hit valley .People of Kashmir are also hoping that they will get better facilities in form of Electricity and water in the year 2021.All the voices of sanity are praying for peaceful and prosperous 2021 for whole humanity.
News Kashmir Analysis DDC (District Development Council) Results have come in Jammu and Kashmir as a big surprise to one and all.The People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), led by Farooq Abdullah, won 110 seats of the total 280 constituencies in the maiden District Development Council (DDC) elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the single largest party with 75 DDC constituencies followed by J&K National Conference with 67 seats. The PDP bagged 27 while the Congress won 26 seats. The newly formed J&K Apni Party (JKAP) won 12 while JKPC and CPI-M bagged eight and five seats.278 results were declared out of 280 .While as top leader of PAGD and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted to say that the BJP “had made this election a prestige issue about Art 370 & J&K’s special status. The people have now spoke hin & it’s for those who believe in democracy to pay heed to these voices”.He added that All of us in the @JKPAGD are deeply indebted & grateful to the people of J&K for your support at this critical juncture. We reaffirm our commitment to use all democratic & legal weapons at our disposal to continue to fight for our rights.On the other hand , Union Minister for Law and Justice, Ravi Shankar Prasad, in a press conference at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi said that several candidates among independents who won 39 seats in DDC elections are BJP supporters.
He further said that the BJP has emerged as the single largest party in DDC election in Jammu and Kashmir with the 74 seats and highest number of votes, i.e. 4.87 lakhs.
“The People Alliance for Gupkar Declaration was formed because the component of that alliance knew they could not fight BJP single-handedly,” said Prasad during the press conference.BJP is rejoicing over the fact that it first time ever won three Seats from the Kashmir valley while as PAGD is countering it by saying that they won 35 seats from Jammu region . Mushtaq ul Haq Ahmad Sikander , eminent political analyst stated : “DDC elections have depicted that citizens of J&K still have not accepted BJP. Although the election boycott trend is still vibrant but people have supported PAGD candidates. The newly launched JK Apni party did not fare well in these elections despite the aura created around it. Apni party is home to more than half of the renegade PDP candidates and congress dissidents, but it’s performance was quite poor, making one surmise that it cannot prove to be alternative to NC, PDP and other such parties. BJP lost many seats in Jammu region too, pointing out the fact that assembly elections whenever they will be held will not prove to be a cakewalk for it. The three seats that BJP won in Kashmir, make it clear that election boycott plus Pandit vote can prove decisive for BJP in Kashmir valley.”The next big curoisty would be how many DDC chairman’s and Vice Chairman each alliance bags out of 20 Districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
The writer is a Student The DDC results have witnessed the emergence of fresh new candidate’s who are brimful of enthusiasm & carry a torch of grit for future.Here in Handwara’s Rajwar constituency,Suliaman Ah Mir of PAGD has also won the seat & taken the center stage for his stunning success.He is one of the dazzling figures who is emulated by the young people for his élan,eclat & alacrity.He is one of those candidate’s who has been massively supported by the young people & made his victory possible.Before DDC,Suliaman Ah Mir has also been a Sarpanch who always took the responsibility of people with great commitment & his public engagement has always caught the attention of other’s.Now as people have elected him as their representative as DDC,the expectations are massive & he will have to not only measure up to their expectations but also make this constituency a model constituency.Among the young,fresh new candidate’s,Suliaman Ah Mir is at the top who can deliver his promises well.People of Rajwar constituency are looking forward for Development which has been the basic ingredient of the DDC election’s & for them Suliaman Ah Mir is the ideal candidate who can make & shape the constituency for a bright & best possible future. How good it would be for Suliaman Ah Mir to swing himself into DDC will be seen in the future but his ability,boldness & courage is what makes him the dazzling emblem of Kupwara district.He is a DDC of quality who will set an example in dealing development issue’s. It has been a long yearning desire of people in Rajwar especially the young to see Suliaman Ah Mir as their representative who will lead change & address their issue’s.Now as a DDC,he has a massive responsibility on his shoulders for future.Not only the youth in his constituency but his appeal to other people in other places has supported him massively.
By Suhaib Ashraf Bhat. “Every container pours out what is in it. If your heart is good, it will only pour out khair- goodness”.Allah swt created the creation to worship Him, worship gathers together within its scope knowledge of Him, turning to Him in penitence, loving Him, and being sincere to Him. Through performing his dial. do hearts find tranquillity and through seeing Him in the Hereafter will the eyes feel bliss. There is nothing that will be more beloved to the servants than seeing Him on that Day and there is nothing that is granted them in this life greater than faith. Mans need of Him in worshipping Him is greater than his need of Him in His creating, nourishing and sustaining him, because worship is his object and source of fulfilment. There is no correction, no success, no felicity, no delight without worship and whoever turns away from the dhikr of his Lord,”His life will be a dark and narrow one and on the Day of Rising We will gather him blind” [Ta Ha (20:124)].The Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad Salalahualihwasalam narrated from his Lord that He Said: “I am as my slave expects Me to be.Ahmad bin ‘Umar al-Qurtubi Rahimullah said:“It is said that His Saying “I am as my slave expects Me to be” means if one expects an answer when he supplicates, his repentance to be accepted, something repugnant to be repelled from him, his deeds to be accepted that are performed with their proper conditions…And this is supported by his saying: “Call upon Allah while you are certain that you will be answered.” Likewise, it is incumbent upon the one who repents, seeks Forgiveness, and does good deeds to exert himself in fulfilling his obligations while he is certain that Allah will accept his actions and Forgive his sins, as Allah has promised that He will accept any truthful repentance and righteous deeds. So, whoever performs such a deed and believes and expects that Allah will not accept it and that it will not benefit him, this is despair from the Mercy of Allah, and is from greatest of the major sins. Whoever dies upon this will be delivered to that which he expected.” ‘Al-Mufhim li ma Ushkil min Talkhis Kitab Muslim’ (5/267)Whatever you do, however you do everything will come to an end. So when you do a good deed or action, you should not look at whether the person deserves it or not and hence do the action without expecting anything in return. Allah swt is the most Generous, and He rewards you for your actions. You stood firm with someone in their hard times, You did your best to help them in every way, Don’t forget, this too will end. its not necessary that person will always remember or be thankful for what you did for them. Let it be still and it will gradually become clear. And if this is only for sake of Allah swt then surely you will be rewarded.In the story of the woman who gave the dog water, she showed her care for this animal when it was thirsty, and she did something good not expecting anything in return; this is something that Allah swt loves! She didn’t do it to show off, to be praised or to gain any benefit in this dunya. So, whatever you do, do it for the sake of Allah swt. Our skin is soft, but our heart is cruel. Ya Allah, our hearts are aching now. Ya Allah, things are going so hard, Ya Allah it sometimes appear that we are not able to bear it now, Ya Allah have mercy on us, Ya Allah, Pardon us and grant us Forgiveness.Aameen. Suhaibbhatt85@gmail.com
Women in the Age of Digital LiteracyBy Syed Mustafa Ahmad
With the advent of science and technology, the need for skills have got more importance. Being a literate in the present context, is not enough. Literacy has now changed into digital literacy. Digital literacy is important both for men and women. A skilled man or a skilled woman is of utmost importance in the age of information revolution. In our country, the need to impart digital education to women in particular and men in general can’t be overlooked. Among 130 crores of people, half are women. They, unlike men, are exploited at every stage. Their social life, economic life, political life, moral life, etc., is miserable. They lack everything. But the most important thing they lack is literacy. It is a conspiracy to let them remain backward. Their enlightenment will shake the mindless rituals of the society. They have been taken for granted since time immemorial. The books of morality are full of pages to give humanitarian approach to the women folk. Everywhere there is a hue and cry that women should be empowered. But when it comes to reality, there is nothing. There, in fact is barbarity. However, the desire to help them to empower has gained momentum. Now to some extent, the people at the helm of affairs have understood that why it is in the best of interests to give them what for actually they are entitled. Nevertheless, it will take centuries to get a concrete shape. Here, we look at the innovative approach of Facebook with the Government of India to empower the exploited group of our society, women. Basically, digital literacy has been defined as the ability to of individuals and communities to understand and use digital technologies for meaningful actions within life situations. Any individual who can operate computer/ laptop/ tablet/ smartphone/ and use other IT related books is being considered as digitally literate. Recently, Facebook launched the ‘ We Think Digital’ programme in partnership with the’ National Commission for Women(NCW) and Cyber Peace Foundation to provide digital literacy training to 1,00,000 women across states. The programme seeks to provide digital literacy training to 1,00,000 women across seven states in Uttar Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, and Bihar. Its objective is create digital leadership amongst women and help them use technology to empower, enable them to make smart choices and be secure from online risks. Starting from the state of Uttar Pradesh, the programme will be expanded to other states including Assam, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, and Bihar throughout the year. The programme will focus on digital literacy and citizenship, addressing issues around privacy, safety and misinformation. The status of digital literacy among women can be understood by this fact that digital gender gap in India is huge. Less than a third of India’s total internet users are female that is 29%. Globally in developing countries, the number of women using the internet is 12% less than men. The reasons for low digital literacy amongst women are manifold. The first among them is social conditioning. Women , often didn’t make use of ICTs meant to empower them because of several obstacles such as lack of self confidence, low self-esteem, illiteracy, averseness in use of modern technology resulting in low exposure and awareness. The second cause is affordability. Mostly due to poverty and lack of resources, they are unable to afford computer and internet services readily. Given that women on average earn 25% less than men globally, high internet prices discriminate disproportionately against women. The third reason is digital skills and education. Women face several barriers such as lack of competence in use of equipment, lack of training facilities, etc. Yet, the country is making slow progress on providing digital literacy training and Internet access in public institutions at large scale. The fourth cause is grim situation in rural sphere. Women in rural India face multiple issues for gaining digital literacy, such as lack of education, awareness, accessibility and often restrictions because of their gender. The fifth is online safety. Mostly, police and courts are still not equipped to handle ICT mediated violence and harassment cases, Legislation to protect the privacy of data and communication is also not implemented in true spirit, bringing an overall aversion from the digital services. The process of digital literacy and digital inclusion is significant for women because of accession to financial services. Knowledge of and access to these digital services such as mobile money services can empower women to start small businesses and give them greater control over their money and savings. This has positive implications for their communities as women globally reinvest about 90% of their income into the households. For example, M-Pesa mobile money service in Kenya has gained much traction in development circles M-Pesa , as it has lifted 2% of Kenya’s households out of poverty. The results are most compelling for female beneficiaries. Another advantage of this process is increasing activism and participation in campaigns against gender inequality. Women’s ability to connect and mobilise via social media and the internet is increasingly vital to the success of campaigns against gender inequality. For example, #Delhi GangRape resulted in anti rape provisions being built into India’s Criminal Code. #Sendeanlat(‘tell your story’) has generated national discussions on violence against women in Turkey. #metoo movement, brought the issue of workplace sexual harassment to the fore globally. Apart from these, access to information, connection and liberation. The internet means access to a wealth of information. Women’s ability to communicate with each other freely, regaining a sense of agency in their own education as they teach themselves new skills. For example, it may be deemed an appropriate when girls and women ask questions regarding sensitive subjects like reproductive health, sex, religion, politics and social norms. Internet has a wide range of resources that can provide women with information about their health and well-being. Moreover, it gives access to educational resources. The biggest benefits of being digitally literate is that there is a plethora of free learning resources online. From YouTube videos to educational apps, one can use these platforms to supplement the education, to learn new skills, etc. Furthermore, digital literacy helps women to fight social discrimination through digital inclusion. A study on mobile phone ownership and usage by women in India, found that households where women had mobile phones reported lower tolerance for domestic violence and higher women’s autonomy in mobility and economic Independence. Last but not the least, it helps to counter Cyber threat. With the advent of laptops, smartphones and online learning, there is an urgent need to give girls the tools to be safe in this online environment, as new challenges, such as cyberbullying, make it critical to equipment girls with the relevant skills and awareness. There is a wide range of avenues that is available if we only implement it in letter and spirit. Thus, we must see “ digital gender divide” as “ digital gender opportunity”, as it will present a tangible opportunity for women to tackle long-standing challenges of gender inequalities, including access to employment, income, education and health services.REFERENCE: VISION IAS NOTES
We live in times of Disasters when natural and man made disasters are wrecking havoc throughout the world.Media as a fourth pillar of democracy has a key role in disaster management .media assists in the management of disasters by educating the public about disasters; warning of hazards; gathering and transmitting information about affected areas; alerting government officials, relief organizations and the public to specific needs; and facilitating discussions about disaster preparedness.Recently in a welcome development in this regard Webinar on “Media for Disaster Risk Reduction” was jointly organised by National Institute of Disaster Management and Institution of Engineers (India) J&K State Centre, Srinagar, today, in collaboration with J&K Information and Public Relations Department, Kashmir Editors Guild, Kashmir Press Club and J&K State Emergency Operation Centre, Srinagar. The webinar was inaugurated by Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar, Director Information and Public Relations Department.
Speaking on the occasion Dr Sehrish said media is the most effective link between the Public and the Administration, and Information Department is the link between Government and Media. She said that coordination mechanism with media needs to be further strengthened, in order to ensure that media has timely access to disaster related data, otherwise it can lead to publishing of unverified and speculative reports. She implored the concerned officers that should share relevant information about each incident promptly, otherwise reporters have to rely on information which may not be accurate. One hopes in our part of the world media role in disaster management would be critical in coming times .
The pharmaceutical industry discovers, develops, produces, and markets drugs or pharmaceutical drugs for use as medications to be administered to patients, with the aim to cure them, vaccinate them, or alleviate the symptoms. Pharmaceutical companies may deal in generic or brand medications and medical devices. In Jammu and Kashmir region many pharmacy shops over the decades have functioned in a very dubious manner with untrained and non professionals running them . There has been a growing demand to provide pharmacy shop license only who are well versed as lack of same act as a great peril and threat towards public health . Jammu and Kashmir has been also plagued by the massive prevelance of fake drugs in market ,which many studies and surveys over the years have pointed out .Pharmacy reforms in Jammu and Kashmir are long due and now are happening steadily ,which is a good news . Recently in a very positive development with reference to it , Jammu and Kashmir Financial Commissioner, Health and Medical Education Department, Atal Dulloo, formally launched portal for online registrations/validation of Pharmacies under Pharmacy Act, 1948.
As many as, 3 candidates who had uploaded their documents were handed over certificates as Registered Pharmacist on spot.
Financial Commissioner, while appreciating functioning of Pharmacy Council of Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, expressed hope that all stakeholders shall get immensely benefitted by this initiative. He said that Pharmacists play a pivotal role in the healthcare system and their contribution is critical towards mitigating sufferings of ailing masses.He expressed hope that the Pharmacy Council shall strive hard to ensure that the practice and profession of Pharmacy in the Union Territory of J&K is regulated in an efficient manner and this body continues to uphold the sanctity of moral ethics, code and conduct among Pharmacy professionals.
He appreciated the Jammu & Kashmir Pharmacy Council for eliminating physical interface in various services offered by it. He said that a transparent, accountable and time bound system is always required to address the problems being faced by candidates aspiring to acquire grant/renewal of their Pharmacist Registration certificates.Expert pulse has been in favour of what they term the implementation of central pharmacy laws to the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh that in a positive manner ended the hegemony and monopoly and shook the nerves of under-qualified practitioners as now as per central laws every Tom, Dick and Harry can’t enter the profession of pharmacy without valid credentials – the old practice much prevalent in Jammu and Kashmir.In another great development this year IMAGEJammu and Kashmir Government has established 12 AMRIT Pharmacies across the Union Territory to reduce Out Of Pocket Expenditure for consumers. These stores provide branded drugs and implants surgical and disposable at affordable prices. AMRIT pharmacies, which are operating under an MoU between both central and Union Territory administrations, sell branded drugs such as those used for treating cancer and cardiovascular diseases at an average discount of up to 60 per cent. These pharmacies offer an inventory of more than 5,200 drugs, implants, surgical disposable and other consumables besides ensuring availability of generic and lifesaving branded drugs is its prime objective. The pulse on ground is quite positive over the public interests reforms being brought in Jammu and Kashmir .
By Suhaib Ashraf Bhat. (Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it. Khalil Gibran)If something bad happens to a believer, he either bears it with patience or panics. If he is patient he earns a great reward and accepts the will and decree of Allah swt, because he knows that it comes from Allah swt, so he feels content with it and accepts it. So what reason is there to panic and feel stressed?On the contrary, if he is not patient and he reacts to what befalls him of sin with panic and anger, and worry and stress, he will lose the reward that Allah swt has promised to those who are patient. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):“Only those who are patient shall receive their reward in full, without reckoning” [al-Zumar 39:10]One of the salaf said: “Believers and unbelievers alike may have patience at a time of adversity, but only people of strong faith can have patience at a time of ease.” Therefore Allah warned against the fitnah of wealth, wives and children: “O you who believe! Let not your riches or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. If any act thus, the loss is their own.” (al-Munâfiqûn 63:9) “O you who believe! Truly, among your wives and your children are (some that are) enemies to yourselves: so beware of them!” (at-Taghâbûn 64:14)The enmity referred to in these aayat is not that which results from hatred and conflict, but that which results from love and care, that might prevent parents from religious duties such as hijrah, jihad, seeking knowledge and giving sadaqah.Trouble is inevitable in the life of this world; this is how Allah swt has decreed it and He has made it a place of trials and tests, and a bridge to the Hereafter. Even the best of His creation, the prophets, were never free of troubles. Life is never plain sailing for anyone, young or old. You may have reason to rejoice one day, then reason to feel sad for many other days; this is how it always is in the life of this world and this is how people are all the time. Who among us has not felt grief and sorrow as a result of the calamities we see befalling the Muslims, day after day? Who among us has not lost interest in this world and everything in it, because of what we hear or see? But when these feelings of sadness and loneliness or bad moods persist and prevent us from living a normal life or carrying out the duties that are required of us, or fulfilling the rights of others, or they cause us to neglect the blessings of Allah swt which He has bestowed upon us and fail to give thanks for as we should, at that point sadness moves from being something natural to being a case of weakness and sickness that needs to be treated. There is no greater remedy for that than patience and fearing Allah swt, and thinking positively of Allah swt, the Lord of the Worlds, putting one’s trust in Him, delegating one’s affairs to Him and turning to Him in all times of calamity. “And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him.” [al-Talaq 65:3]i.e., He will be sufficient for all that is worrying him in his spiritual and worldly affairs. The one who puts his trust in Allah swt will have strength in his heart and will not be affected by anything he imagines or be disturbed by events, because he knows that these are the result of vulnerable human nature and of weakness and fear that have no basis. He also knows that Allah swt has guaranteed complete sufficiency to those who put their trust in Him. So he trusts in Allah swt and finds peace of mind in His promise, and thus his worry and anxiety are dispelled; hardship is turned to ease, sadness is turned to joy, fear is turned to peace. Lets sincerely ask Allah swt to keep us safe and sound, and to bless us with strength and steadfastness of heart, and complete trust, for Allah has guaranteed all good things to those who put their trust in Him, and has guaranteed to ward off all bad and harmful things from them. May Allah swt make things easy for us. Aameen
Kashmir Train hopes A train link from Kashmir to Jammu has always been high hope for the masses of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the project commenced few decades back only Baramulla to Banihal , Udhampur to Jammu has been completed .The Banihal Katra section is yet to be completed ,which once completed will directly connected Srinagar with Jammu. Now in a good news the Northern Railway will be completing the most difficult 111-kilometre long section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link by December 2022 that would connect Kashmir to the rest of India through the railway network, a senior official said recently . “The work is going on in full swing. The prestigious project will be completed by the end of 2022”, Northern Railway General Manager Ashutosh Gangal told reporters.According to the officials of Northern Railways, perhaps, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project is the most difficult new rail line project undertaken by the national transporter. The project has been divided into three sub-sections for execution purposes. The most difficult stretch of this rail line project, Katra-Qazigund leg, and its alignment which is 129 km long, passes through the ranges of Patni and Pir Panjal. One hopes train hopes of Jammu to Srinagar which would give great boost to economy of Jammu and Kashmir would help in economic boom and ease to commuters once completed .
