Advocate Nalin kohli, BJP National Spokesperson Interview

Posted on by Editor
Advocate Nalin Kohli, BJP National Spokesperson Interview
Nalin Kohli is a well-known politician of BJP and a senior advocate at the Supreme Court of India. He is one of the official National spokespersons for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In an exclusive interview with News Kashmir, Nalin Kohli talks to Editor-in-Chief Farzana Mumtaz and Content Editor Rameez Makhdoomi.
Tell us a bit about your fascinating journey from media, politics to law?
The journey of life has been quite fascinating. I started my media journey from Doordarshan, reading the news and also in production and direction . I joined the Bharatiya Janata Party and headed the media wings of several states and became the national spokesperson. I then had a transition to law, becoming an eminent advocate of the Supreme Court. Media has been a passion, politics is an interest, and law has become a profession. So, yes, the journey has been quite fascinating.
How did you like Kashmir?
I often visit Kashmir right from my childhood days. Kashmir is very much beautiful. This time around, I visited mostly Srinagar – Tulip Garden, Jhelum, and played Golf at Royal Springs, as I love playing Golf. I also visited the sacred place of Mata Kheer Bhawani at Tulmulla.
Your take on the recently passed Waqf Bill?
The Waqf bill has been passed by the Parliament of the country recently, and it is law now. The 2013 bill brought by the Congress had several drawbacks. In the recently passed Waqf bill, the NDA government, before tabling it in Parliament, received lakhs of suggestions for positive reforms. The passed bill is historic in many senses – Firstly, it ensures women’s participation in Waqf, which was missing. Secondly, it allows, in an impartial and legal way, donation of land or property to Waqf only by those who are at least following the path of Islam for 5 years. Thirdly, to address rampant chaos and confusion and in a great leap towards transparency, it ensures correct digitization of Waqf property and land records so that no property is wrongly claimed as Waqf, and Waqf also gets its actual property legalized in government records.
How do you view Uniform Civil Code?
Uniform Civil Code is an essential part of our great constitution. One can’t pick and choose. We can’t say we will just follow fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution and ignore all-important fundamental duties and directive principles. While our great constitution maintains the right to religion, Uniform Civil Code is also essential and needed to address many things.
How do you view the relationship between Omar Abdullah-led Government and the center?
The people of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir and now the Union Territory voted in historic numbers. The NC led by Omar Abdullah got the mandate, and we respect that; the Lieutenant Governor is the representative of the Center in UT, and overall things are going smoothly. Omar Abdullah-led Government is also talking about positive things and development, and this is what Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji wants to see – a prosperous and peaceful Jammu and Kashmir.

IAS Dr. Rashmi Singh Interview

Posted on by Editor

IAS Dr. Rashmi Singh Interview

Commissioner Secretary Hospitality and Protocol , Government of Jammu and Kashmir and  Principal Resident Commissioner IAS Dr. Rashmi Singh in an exclusive interview with News Kashmir talks to Editor in Chief Farzana Mumtaz and Content Editor Rameez Makhdoomi.
A bit on recently concluded Sambhaav Utsav 2.0?
Well, we have had successful Sambhaav Utsav 1.0 in Feburary only with excellent participation and attractive programmes but recently concluded Sambhaav Utsav 2.0 took things to new levels of excellence.  Besides promoting arts and crafts and giving amazing platform to artisans and craftsmans of Jammu and Kashmir,  we had a Series of interactive sessions titled Manthan Satra , wherein we had dynamic sessions like Badlta Jammu and Kashmir,  Nikhrata Jammu and Kashmir,  Sawanrta Jammu and Kashmir.  The burning issues like Sustainable tourism,  e commerce,  more jobs for youth and opportunities were discussed . The prestigious organisations like NITI Ayog , Prasar Bharti shared their wisdom and input for better Jammu and Kashmir.
Those who write and speak on Jammu and Kashmir also shared their positive input.
We need to bear in mind that there was session on Skill and Entrepreneurship too , the contours of National Education Policy too were discussed in a session. Above all, the spread of awareness on all important film policy was also done.  It was made sure that stakeholders get to know how Jammu and Kashmir is becoming once again the film shooting hub of India with effective film policy and old glory of Jammu and Kashmir as global film destination is returning back. The Lieutenant Governor esteemed Manoj Sinha actively took part in all the programmes and ensured giving pragmatic shape to all the suggestions.
We didn’t just kept our programme Mundane but also colorful art and culture programmes were held daily that captivated the audiences and showcased the richness and diversity of the culture of Jammu and Kashmir.
So , it was a two way dialogue and an attractive platform for Jammu and Kashmir products ?
Absolutely yes, the youth  from Baramulla highly talented in music who performed interacted with Youth of Delhi . The people from Delhi especially those having less knowledge were mesmerized by culture , arts and crafts of Kashmir. There were different products from Saffron to Lavender on sale with about 10 farm organizations participating.  The designer clothes were showcased along with exquisite cuisine of Jammu and Kashmir with both vegetarian as well as Non vegetarian.  The programme was much success and paragon of excellence .

Eminent Religious Scholar Aga Syed Mohammad Hadi interview

Posted on by Editor
Eminent Religious scholar Aga Syed Mohammad Hadi interview
  1. Aga Syed Mohammad Hadi Almoosavi is the Successor and the Elder Son of Aga Syed Mohammad Fazlullah. A very famous Islamic Scholar who’s popular among the youth completed his basic education in Kashmir. A Science Graduate from Kashmir University pursued Islamic Studies in Iran, and returned to Kashmir after 8 years with a purpose and a mission to reach the grassroots of community, addressing the problems faced by youth and setting a stage for lifting the downtrodden.

    Aga Syed Mohammad Hadi has a clear vision and Intellect. He’s currently the President of Anjuman e Sharie Shiayan, Shariatabad Budgam, a lecturer at Aga Syed Yousuf Memorial Educational Institute, Shiganpora, besides leading Prayers at Imambara Bemina.

In an exclusive interview he talks to Farzana Mumtaz and Rameez Makhdoomi.
What is the holistic vision of battle of Karbala and month of Muharram?
The holistic vision of Month of Muharram and battle of Karbala is that we have to always rise against injustice and tyranny. The path of Justice is enshrined in universal laws and things by the Almighty and we need to strive to unfurl justice.
What about some sections going for fast on 9th and 10th Muharram?
The sunni Muslims are having two opinions in this regard, one section believes in going for fast on these days while as other doesn’t go. When the fast has already been made mandatory in the holy month of Ramadan there is no scope for fast in other months. Plus it has been held that Bani Ummayad observed the fast in what they called celebration of victory of Yazidi forces.
In Shia school of thought there is no scope for fast in these days. Although on day of Ashura we drink almost just water but no fast .
How do you see the trend of making wishes and happiness by some sections of Muslims on eve of start of Islamic New year ?
This trend of wishing people on eve of Muharram as Islamic new year has no base or reason in the Islamic history.  There is lot of hypocrisy among few scholars who issue edicts on wishing when Christain new year begun while remain mum on eve of Muharram.
The second Caliph had carried forward the tradition of keeping Islamic new year from Muharram without any celebration and when there are numerous instances in favour of Mourning of Martyrs of Karbala then how can one make celebration is beyond logic and rationale .
What lessons can we draw in our lives from the battle of Karbala?
We need to bear in mind that from battle of Karbala we learn that we as humans have to identify first the path of truth and justice and then strive for achieving same. The battle of Karbala was fought for the sake of humanity and human values and to enrich same.
How do you see rising drug addiction and other crimes?
The basic things are that we only see a drug addict affected youth or a crime doing person but not the reasons that lead to such things. The religious scholars have responsibility to rise above secterain hate and work for betterment of society. We can learn lessons from Karbala that Imam Hussain (AS) can’t be an Imam of unhealthy society but a epitome of morality and positive deeds.
Do you belive on ground sunni shia relationships are strong in Kashmir?
Yes absolutely the bonds of harmony are strong. With the advent of Social media the message of Imam Hussain (AS) and Karbala is reaching far and wide. Karbala,  Imam Hussain ( AS,) is not just treasure of Shias but entire humanity.

Dr. Vivek Gupta Interview

Posted on by Editor
Dr. Vivek Gupta interview
Dr.Vivek Gupta – prominent  Neurointerventional Radiologist in Fortis  Mohali in an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.
Tell us a bit about Neurological interventions ?
The Neurological intervention is a new technique of repairing the blood vessels of brain without opening the brain, similar to manner in which cardiologists repair heart arteries and  vessels without opening heart. It is operating brain without opening it.
What is the cost of this surgery?
The minimum cost is 4 to 5 lac and it can go to even 15 lac ,so it is still slightly costly.
How many days patients stay in hospital?
In case of Neurological interventions the patient comes a day prior of Neurological intervention, and within 2 to 3 days is discharged.
Any precautions for patients after Neurological interventions?
Generally there are no major  precautions ,and within 5 days patients can resume there normal life and in some cases blood thinners are prescribed and asked to avoid contact sports like Swimming for sometime in order to avoid injury.
Do you believe dearth of Neurological intervention experts is there in India ?
Yes there is dearth of Neurological intervention experts in India and centers, but with passing time the experts and centers are increasing and it will improve with the time .
Do you believe there is increase in brain Haemorage cases in Young ?
Yes the cases are increasing and it could be due to varied factors especially lifestyle changes.  Many youth consume lot of junk food, do very little exercise, sit whole day in front of computers and this causes raise in blood pressure and thus increase in brain Haemorage cases.
Your message for healthy brain ?
My message is eat healthy and do often exercises ,shun lethargic lifestyle and remain active .

Dr. Sanjay Chaudhary, World Known Opthalmologist Interview 

Posted on by Editor
Dr. Sanjay Chaudhary, World Known Opthalmologist Interview
Dr. Sanjay Chaudhary is the founder and director of the ​group of Eye7 Chaudhary Eye Centre ,a chain of Eye Hospitals across Delhi, NCR. In an exclusive interview especially on Speeding for Sight a eye donation awareness campaign from Kashmir to Kanyakumari organized by Eye7 and Seven Sight Foundation ,he talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.
Tell us a bit about your endeavors of Eye Donation awareness from Kashmir to Kanyakumari?
We have selected exotic Lamborghini car to attract everyone’s attention towards eye donation in our awareness campaign on same ,from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. The Eye7 Chaudhary Eye Centre is a chain of Eye Hospitals in Delhi ,NCR . We in India have millions of people not able to have Eye vision as cornea donation is still abysmally low, with We being able to do just 15000 operations per year  with available donations. As a result, millions of pendancies are there.
Srilanka a tiny island nation is the world largest cornea donating country providing eyes donation to entire world.
What is your thrust on?
Our thrust is to encourage more and more people towards noble cause of Eye donation and also once one has willed to donate eyes , immediately after death his family should inform the Eye donation bank to fulfil the wish of deceased and thus help humanity at large .
What is importance of organ donation?
The organ donation is of high importance as it saves lives. There can be no bigger gift than donation of Eyes after you leave this world, as donation from single human can help two visionless humans to see world. There is no bigger gift of Sight in this world.
Your take on awareness of Eye donation in Kashmir?
The awareness with reference to Eye donation is still very low in Kashmir, and we are trying to increase it. The response from Honorable Divisional Commissioner and Medical, Hospital administrators has been awesome and they are charting to devise road map for increasing the magnitude of Eye donation. This will help lot of blind people in Jammu and Kashmir to see again once Eye donation increases.
Do you think due to lack of Eye donation, India is blind capital of world?
Yes due to poor donation rate India is blind capital of the world. But, people here are ready to donate and only thing needed is awareness.  They just want to know what ,when and how of the process of Eye donation.
What is role of religious scholars in Organ donation?
The religious scholars have a very crucial role to play on the all important phenomenon of organ donation. Religious leaders across spectrum are playing a key role in this regard.
Lastly, why have you chosen Lamborghini car for your Speeding for Sight awareness campaign ?
Eye donation is a crucial subject and much needs to be done to increase Eye donation in India. We didn’t want our awareness campaign to be dull but active in every sense. When children see Lamborghini car they tell there parents about same as it is their dream car. They also thus spread message of campaign in proactive manner.

World Renowned Fertility Expert and Gynaecologist Dr.Pooja Mehta interview

Posted on by Editor
World renowned Fertility Expert and Gynaecologist Dr.Pooja Mehta interview
Dr. Pooja Mehta – MBBS, MD (Fertility Expert)
Head of Department
Fortis Bloom IVF Centre,  Mohali in an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.
What would you tell those who want to go for IVF, but have fears in their hearts?
You need to understand that  In vitro fertilisation (IVF) needs both healthy eggs and Sperm and healthy embryo.  It is process of creating new life so success rate would never be hundred percent as nobody can take the role of God. Plus the Lab in which IVF is done should have advanced techniques to ensure good success rate.
What are the precautions in IVF Pregnancy?
The IVF Pregnancy is just like normal pregnancy and the precautions that are in normal pregnancy like to avoid fall, avoiding staircases and excessive loads are to followed in IVF pregnancy too. Plus avoiding too many preservatives and outside food. Yes for few months there are some extra medicines to be taken in IVF  pregnancy.
What are reasons of too much PCOD in young girls?
Polycystic Ovarian Disease or PCOD is caused by hormonal balance as young girls are taking too much junk food and sometimes protein supplements for muscles this is causing spurt in incidences of PCOD. They should stick to often exercises , balanced diet and mostly healthy food.
What is your message to young  boys and girls in wake of rising infertility?
The males have an easy test to check there fertility in the form of semen analysis.  While as the girls if they are not getting the Mr. Right should after age of 27 go for fertility tests through ultrasound and blood test especially
AMH test which measures the amount of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) in your blood. They should do this test often.

Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi Exclusive interview, 22 April 2024 issue

Posted on by Editor
Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi Exclusive Interview
Candidate from Srinagar Parliament Seat for National Conference Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi is a noted political leader of Jammu and Kashmir and  a well known religious  cleric succeeding his father Aga syed Mehdi.
As a matter of fact,  Aga syed Ruhullah Mehdi is ex-MLA Budgam as well as a former cabinet minister.
Aga Syed Ruhullah won three times legislative assembly election’s from Budgam constituency.
In an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir, he talks to Farzana Mumtaz and Rameez Makhdoomi.
How do you see the Lok Sabha Election contest from Srinagar?
My focus is on that through my Election campaign I give voice to the voiceless people of Kashmir as post abrogation of Article 370 the voice of masses has been scuttled and oppressed. I want to give platform to that voice of people through my effective Election campaign.
The result would be seen later on ,my priority is a strong Election campaign to give voice to the masses.
How do you see contest with PDP?
Everybody has a right to contest.  I want to also urge on People’s Democratic Party to give through their forceful campaign a strong platform to the voice of people and raise the issues of masses especially there suffocation since past 5 years.
You are seen a  sort of very vocal or angry voice within party especially after the abrogation of article 370 abrogation?
It is not the issue of being angry or vocal.  It is about my feelings and emotions reflecting the mood of repressed people who are disempowered and dis-  enfranchised . If my feelings and emotions don’t Potray the emotions and feelings of masses then there is no use of speaking or being in politics.
Did you believe taking Budgam and Beerwah assembly segments  out of Srinagar Loksabha seat after delimitation would hurt your chances?
It is a good question. Had I thought from mere petty votebank politics then taking Beerwah and Budgam from Srinagar Loksabha seat would have been an issue, but then identities and feelings are similar be it Budgam , Beerwah or Srinagar and Shopian or any other part of Jammu and Kashmir,  as we have collectively been robbed of our identity by unconstitutional abrogation of article 370. We all feel suppressed as people and issues, problems are same every year .
What is your development vision ?
A role of Parliament member in development process of his Constituency is there but limited one as it is limited to development fund and centrally sponsored schemes.  Yes, but people are facing lot of issues and the Lieutenant Governor lead administration imposed from Delhi has no clues . We saw a major boat tragedy recently and it was evident that a stalled work on bridge for long time caused it and all this proves lack of development. As Member Parliament I can’t just harp on single issue but have to speak on wide range of issues, but yes my primary Goal as Member Parliament would be to speak on the political rights of masses.
People voting on sectarian lines has been an issue outhere, your take on this ?
You can take my all speech records , online footprints from my days in Assembly and find I have never done politics on sectarian lines. I believe in inclusion of all communities and sectarian politics is never ever in mind and history bears testimony to this fact.
Is NC worried that BJP crossing 400 seats in elections , would harm the  politics of NC?
National Conference is a small entity on national level. If BJP bags huge victory it will be last nail in the coffin of Indian democracy,  as BJP leaders openly talk of ending democracy,  changing constitution and converting India into Hindu Rashtra. Look at the bleak condition of important Institutions like ED, CBI etc under BJP rule as they have eroded Institutions slowly.
What is your message to Waheed Para ?
My message to him is raise in a very emphatic manner the issue of masses of Jammu and Kashmir, who are at this time feeling a lot repressed. Use your Election campaign to raise the voice of people.
Do you believe BJP will be having proxy candidates in Jammu and Kashmir?
Yes for sure. In some constituencies be it Loksabha or Assembly polls they would either put direct candidates or support there B team . Few time back a head of the party openly said BJP is backing him. BJP will have direct or proxy candidates in elections.
Your message to masses?
My message to masses is never lose hope and courge. If we are on right path ,God will definitely grant us victory. Losing hope is not allowed in  our religion.

Awareness Key in Combating Fire Incidents- Aqib Hussain Mir, Assistant Director Fire and Emergency Services Jammu and Kashmir

Posted on by Editor
Awareness key in combating fire incidents- Aqib Hussain Mir, Assistant Director Fire & Emergency Services Department Jammu and Kashmir
Aqib Hussain Mir, Assistant Director  Fire & Emergency Services Department Jammu and Kashmir in an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir talks to Editor in Chief Farzana Mumtaz.
How do you see Rising Fire Incidents in Kashmir?
You have to Understand that the valley of Kashmir is different from rest parts of the country, as the period of winter is prolonged here and people use heating Gadgets of LPG and Electricity . Sometimes due to careless attitude in using same unfortunately fire erupts. We used to have in old times the houses fully made of wood and thus quite vulnerable to fire, but now we have many houses made of concrete thus less vulnerable. Still, there are good number of houses that  use Wood in Panelling and Flooring and are thus vulnerable to fires.
Since the esteemed Director has taken over in the year 2020 the awareness programmes by the department have increased manifold as we believe awareness is main key to combat fires.
We have due to awareness seen such fires wherein people after attending our programmes had swiftly doused fires . We have also in our awareness programmes visited Hospitals,  Banks and other important establishments.
We need to bear in mind that every fire starts from tiny spark so initial response is much pivotal.
The need of the hour is that we have proper staircases in houses so as to escape fire and need of well dimensioned exit points .
Every household should keep the basic fire extinguishers and Fire Hose Reels.
What is your take on some deaths also during Fire incidents?
The deaths are definitely a tragic aspect. We at the Fire & Emergency Services, J&K have conducted scores of awareness programmes in Srinagar and other districts ,with our focus on grassroots and thus focusing on school children . The challenge is that we as Department still do not have enforcing power and for residential houses wherein most of tragic fires occur no NOC is mandatory from our side,  we just Give NOC on Demand. The people should also have basic fire extinguishing equipment at home.
How do you combat challenges of fire especially in highly congested Downtown Srinagar, any changes in fire combating vehicles in such areas ?
The Srinagar District is highly vulnerable and in it the Downtown Srinagar is more vulnerable,  as in Downtown Srinagar the fire gaps between houses is very very less and congested lanes are everywhere. This makes fire dousing job highly difficult, to add to it the wrong parking of vehicles in Downtown Srinagar and wrong loading of construction materials makes both health and fire emergency a challenging task in Downtown Srinagar.
Now , we are placing fire tenders at distance and using many hose Reels to douse fire, but then there is a limit at which Hose Reels can be placed from Fire extinguisher.
Is Srinagar the most affected in terms of fire incidents in Kashmir valley?
Yes due to high house density and population density makes the Srinagar district very vulnerable to fires along with Anantnag and Sopore. Take for example Ganderbal the house density is low and there the fire incidents are low.
Does Department have modern equipment to deal with fires in Kashmir?
The Fire and Emergency Services Department has well sophisticated Hydraulic Platforms to tackle fires in high rise buildings as well. Basically,  you need to understand some equipments are specific for fires and in case of petrol pump fires water tenders are of no use and in that case we use foam tenders.  We have all the modern equipments to tackle major fires.
Do our big hospitals have fire combating measures in place?
The major hospitals in Kashmir have complete fire audits done and also the private hospitals because until then registration is not done if an institution does not undergo fire audit.
The majority hospitals also have fire extinguishing equipment in place if God forbid fire takes place.
Recommended fire gaps for residential houses?
The ideal gap for residential houses is 15 to 18 feet but at least houses should keep 10 to 12 feet gap in case to thwart major fires from spreading.

Balanced Diet, Healthy lifestyle and avoiding smoking key to cancer prevention: Dr Azhar Jan Battoo, renowned oncologist ( World Cancer Day 2024 special interview)

Posted on by Editor
Balanced Diet, healthy lifestyle and avoiding smoking key to cancer prevention: Dr Azhar Jan Battoo, renowned oncologist
( World Cancer Day 2024 special interview)
Dr Azhar Jan Battoo, Associate Director, Surgical- Head & Neck Oncology at the Paras Hospitals, Srinagar
Surgical Oncology is an eminent oncologist of Jammu and Kashmir.
On the eve of World Cancer Day 2024, Dr. Azhar Jan Battoo in an exclusive interview with News Kashmir he  talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.
How has your short journey been so far in Paras Hospital Srinagar ?
You have answered your question by and large, rightly terming it short journey. Our motive is to improve patient care . We are not stagnant and are progressing in right direction.We are on track in our journey, Day by day the services are improving. We are becoming a full State of Art cancer Hospital.
How has patient feedback been ?
When the whole team including me joined the Surgical Oncology here ,we had no idea how many patient will come. But, to our utter surprise patients have come in large numbers. A patient recently from far flung area ,from poor economic background but for love of his mother and with effective cooperation from hospital authorties was able to get his mother treated. When we can spend lacs on marriage, similarly we need to save money for healthcare. Patients are coming and getting  treated efficiently. Nowhere in the world healthcare comes free.
On eve of world Cancer Day 2024, do you believe cancer cases are alarmingly increasing here in Kashmir and situation is bleak ?
The situation is not bleak. The manpower and human resource dealing with diseases like cancer in Kashmir are of world class nature.  Here doctors are of par excellence standards.
Cancer cases are increasing globally as population is also increasing.
  With increasing diagnostic modalities; we are able to diagnose more patients. Take for example thyroid cancer previously undiagnosed till even 80 years is quickly diagnosed now.
Third reason is smoking and chewing of harming products along with adulterated food is also responsible along with our negative  lifestyle for spurt in cancer cases.
The global pulse is diagnosis vise we have moved lot ahead but still lacking on treatment side of cancer disease.  Your take?
  1. Yes it is a truth and mystery. While diagnosis have improved vastly throughout world, the treatment still remains a challenge.  We cure patient completely and spend 9 to 10 hours with him or her  daily during treatment but suddenly after 8 or 9 months or few years the cancer comes back. Each cancer has got its own signature or nature. Down the line in next 10 to 15 years with advancing treatment each cancer would be having personalized therapies and we would definitely make a big headway on treatment side.
How much prevelant is head and neck cancer cases in Kashmir?
Head and neck cancer cases here are proportionate to the ratio of cases in Sub continent . Be it throat cancer or of skull they are proportionate here . Oral cancer cases here are less.
How much is balanced diet needed to prevent cancer ?
The balanced diet especially consisting of organic food and also vegetables, fruits free from pesticides would go a long way in ensuring cancer free world.
Your message on world Cancer Day 2024 ?
My message to entire humanity is take your health seriously as it is the most important thing in your life.  Consume balanced diet, maintaing healthy life style and avoid smoking .

Advocate Syed Junaid Sadaat interview,1 January 2024 issue

Posted on by Editor
Kashmiri Youth Have immense potential: Advocate Syed Junaid Sadaat
Chairman White Globe NGO, Renowned Advocate and Social activist Advocate Syed Junaid Sadaat is a well known youth face of Jammu and Kashmir.
In an exclusive interview with news Kashmir Syed Junaid Sadaat talks to Editor in Chief  Farzana Mumtaz.
Farzana Mumtaz (FM): Advocate Syed Junaid Sadaat, Chairman of White Globe NGO, Renowned Advocate, and Social Activist, you’ve become a prominent youth face in Jammu and Kashmir. Can you briefly share your journey with us?
Advocate Syed Junaid Sadaat (AJS): Certainly, Farzana. I hail from Shopian District and underwent a transformative journey from Muhamaddiya School in Chanpora to Woodland School in Srinagar, where I completed my law studies. My professional journey started as a standing counsel for government departments, but about five years ago, I transitioned to focus more on social work. Through White Globe, we’ve undertaken various projects addressing societal challenges
FM: It’s commendable that you’re actively contributing to societal betterment. Can you elaborate on some of the projects undertaken by White Globe?
AJS: Absolutely. We initiated projects ranging from raising awareness about the drug menace to empowering women and combating domestic violence. Our project “Kinara” aims to help orphan children acquire essential handicraft skills. Notably, we’ve established a unique behavioral assessment center for specially-abled children facing autism and cerebral palsy, a cause close to my heart
FM: I understand you filed a significant PIL related to ambulances. Could you provide some insights into that?
AJS: Ambulances are crucial for our healthcare system. In 2018, we filed a PIL highlighting the need for hassle-free ambulance movement, specific SOPs, trained drivers, and improvements in both urban and rural healthcare. The government admitted drawbacks, and currently, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir is overseeing efforts to enhance the ambulance system.
FM: Addressing gender injustice is a complex challenge. How do you believe it can be effectively tackled?
AJS: Gender injustice, particularly against women, is deeply rooted in our patriarchal society. I believe fostering mutual respect between couples can significantly diminish gender injustice.
FM: Working closely with the youth, are you optimistic about their future in Kashmir?
AJS: Absolutely. The youth in Kashmir possess immense potential. They exhibit profound knowledge across various subjects and excel in diverse fields, making me optimistic about their future contributions.
FM: There’s a debate on the extent of the drug menace in Kashmir. What is your perspective on this matter?
AJS: While I believe figures might be slightly exaggerated, the situation is indeed concerning. I’ve personally witnessed cases of entire families succumbing to dangerous drug addiction, including the alarming rise of synthetic drugs. If left unchecked, we risk facing a scenario similar to “Udtaa Punjab
FM: Old age homes, unfortunately, have become a necessity. Could you elaborate on their relevance in Kashmir?
AJS: Regrettably, old age homes are relevant in Kashmir due to a shift away from traditional values, necessitating alternative care for the elderly
FM: Lastly, what message do you have, especially for the youth?
AJS: My message to the youth is to steer clear of vices such as alcohol, adultery, and drug addiction. Following the teachings of Islam can bring peace and enable positive contributions in various fields.
FM: Thank you, Advocate Syed Junaid Sadaat, for sharing your insights and the impactful work you’re doing in the community.
AJS: It’s my pleasure, Farzana. Thank you for having me