News Kashmir Magazine

Bilquees Ara : Superwoman donating blood for humanity 

Mir Sabeen Gulrez

Meet Bilquees Ara who has been working as a Asha Worker since 2012, have so far donated 28 points of blood in a span of nine years. 

Hailing from a small village of Chabotra village of Kralgund Tehsil in Handwara, Bilquees Ara 32, is a Asha worker by profession. 

Becoming first  ray of hope for those who know that  her one time help would save them forever. Her blood donating nature  has set an example for the people. 

“I always wait how three months will end so that I can be able to donate more blood. So, that my one donation can bring smile on that faces who have lost hopes of their dear ones”, said Bilquees. 

while stating that, she always appeal especially her people in her locality to donate blood . She always wanted ladies to. Come forward for blood donation, she stated further. 

Dr Javid Rasool a Haemotologist in Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura, told that, “In  a year every person can donate 10-20ml per Kg can donate depending upon how much weight he/she has. After every three months he/she can donate the blood again. He/She should be a fit donor neither there should be any  chronic diseases related to liver, heart, kidneys nor he/she should have hepatitis like viral infections in their bodies”,said Dr Javid. 

“When a donor comes for donations they are screened first Whether they are physically fit, after that they are allowed for donations. We always check donor’s past and present history. There should be no chronic history as already stated above”,added Dr Javid. 

While having a  chit chat with News Kashmir Magazine Bilquees stated that, 

“These days scenario have been changed as  no patient  from Kupwara Or Handwara have referred for blood to district Srinagar. People usually come and donate blood . Even youth is always available 24*7. So that no other people suffer”, stated Bilquees Ara. 

While asking few questions like her response was like, “

1. What motivated you to donate blood? 

She said: It was a poor pregnant lady who was admitted in L. D Hospital Srinagar ; She was in labor pain family was arranging blood, but they are failing to do so. That day scenario changed and it was me who voluntarily came forward so that I can donate blood for her and especially for the new born. That moment feeling was out of the world. 

2. After donating blood do u feel any weakness? 

I never felt any kind of weakness rather I am healthy, Alhamdulillah. 

3. Do you feel any kind of health related problems after donating blood? 

 No, I don’t feel any kind of health related problems after donating blood. 

4. Do you go for regular check ups after donating blood? 

  Yeah sure sometimes almost after every two months I go for complete check up. 

5. Arw people around you getting motivated for blood donation? 

Yes, of course the people who are around me are always like 24*7 available for blood donations. 

6. How you feel when someone says you that it’s because of you their loved one is saved? 

 I am not only happy but surely proud of myself that Allah has chosen me for this purpose. 

7. Did you consult any dietician so that you can be healthy for next donation? 

 No, I have never consulted any dietician. 

8. What you usually include in you diet? 

: I usually believe in natural diet  like Fruits and Veggies, no more additives. 

9 . Any. Message for youth for donating blood?

My only message for youth is to donate blood so that   precious lives can be saved. 

According to the officials, During 2014-15, Government Medical College, Srinagar conducted a study titled ‘Gender Differences in Blood Donation ” among Donors of Kashmir. The study revealed that females contribute a meager 4.44% of blood donations by males was 95.56% in J&K.

In India, 65 is the upper age limit to donate the blood. The best age is 60. In developed countries, the upper age limit for the donations is 75,according to the officials.

Political empowerment of women must for Human progress : Rekha Mody 

Rekha Mody is a prominent women face of India and a well known social activist the founder of Stree Shakti – The Parallel Force. Her organization fights for ensuring women Empowerment,  especially the political empowerment in terms of reservations in Assemblies and parliament of country .

In an exclusive interview with News Kashmir,  she talks to Rameez Makhdoomi and Farzana Mumtaz. 

What is the main focus areas of your organization?

Our main focus of the organization  is equality for women and for that we work in three  areas .The first is visibility of  leadership of Women who can be Thinker,  Doctor , Writer,  etc. The second is issue of ageing women and the third is political empowerment.  Without political empowerment of women we can’t acheive desired human progress. When women is not empowered it makes both men and women also children unhappy. For society to progress in right direction women have to be politically empowered and we are fighting for this. 

Your organization   also fighting for women reservation in Assembly , a bit about that?

After the Panchayat reservation dimension in 1993 there were  issues . Prajapati and Bahu beti brigade like things but things are changing towards better and with time good leaders are coming and things are changing for better for women .

Is Patriachy losing its grip in Indian society ?

We have to acknowledge that we were not a patriarchal society if we go to Vedic period , women choose their life partner and women were educated and many other good  things  . But due to several factors the patriarchy crept in and many invasions lead to Augmentation of patriarchy in our society .

Is your organization also fighting on rising crimes like rapes against women ?

No we are not dealing on such aspects as there are many other organizations fighting on women safety,  our focus is mainly political empowerment of women. 

Do you believe that political reservation you are fighting in assemblies and parliament would be a reality one day?

I am 100 percent sure that it would be reality soon and when our government is talking of 100 trillion dollar economy it can’t happen unless both men and women contribute equally. 

In post pandemic what role of women do you see in social and political revival of the country ?

Everyone has to play his or her role in revival of economy and infrastructure in the country especially in the post pandemic times. During the hard times of Pandemic it was revealed to us we need more medical colleges in the country to combat pandemics and disasters. 

What is your take of women position  in corporate world?

In entire world majority of companies are not giving them due role. Sometimes women also don’t want distant transfers due to family issues that also hinders their progress. 

Do you believe that women are mostly remote controlled by men relatives in politics ?

No this is not the reality as women are smart and make excellent independent decisions often when in power .

Do you believe that women also aid patriarchy?

No it is just a small percentage of women that aid patriarchy  but overall I believe  majority humans are good .

Do you believe we need to believe that both men and women can be good as well as bad  human ?

Yes absolutely  there is certain degree of men in every women and certain degree of women in every man so both as humans can be good or ok or bad .

What is your message to women of India ?

In India the sacrifice is part of our value system and thus focus is women to be better mother and nurture her children as good humans . When we raise our children as good humans tendency towards evil phenomenon would be less .

Girls should not be rendered as fragile flowers: Bilquis Mir 
Bilquis Mir is a global sports sensation  from Kashmir , a global water sports star . She has her roots in Downtown Srinagar .Bilquis is the first water sports coach, globally  acclaimed Sports Judge from Kashmir  and the first Olympic-level women’s kayaking and canoeing player from the Kashmir region.
She is Director  J&K Water Sports .In an exclusive interview with News Kashmir, she talks to Rameez Makhdoomi and Farzana Mumtaz .
Tell us a bit about your journey and the hardships you faced?I started my sports career from 5th class and depicted interest and participated in Water sports especially Kyaking sport . The field of water sports is seen as men dominated and I took this challenge head on being a woman. Dawning a track suit and structure of this sport is challenging for girls.  I started my participation from 1998 in a tournament organized by Police Department.  I stood first but was beaten at home when I went with Trophy and rupees 15000 . They too were unaware  and thus acted harshly . I believe the struggle of girl starts from the door of the house.  My journey was like that because I was not having direction or having any role model thus convincing family became difficult. 

A bit about your sports achievements?I have played more than 20 Nationals and bagged more than  20  medals   . My highest achievement was participation in 2009 world cup held in Hungary , I was lone  girl from country . I made my way upto Semifinal. I was India team Chief Coach for 8 years and made transition as Judge in an international panel . I was Judge in the prestigious  Asian Games.I broke many a times during my journey but I didn’t felt defeated.  I have visited more than 25 countries in my sports journey. Me and my mother felt that had I got defeated it would have been defeat of all girls. The society cursed me a lot due to their unawareness.  I also fell into depression during the zenith of my career as I felt my achievements were not being recognized duly but my well wishers kept me motivated.  I believe the more negative approach you face it encourages you to excel further. The struggles make your life polished.  Here in Kashmir and also in many parts of the world pale of gloom descends when daughter is born and treated as liability.   The sons are treated as blessing . Why such cruel bais exists in the Society? Woman in our part of the world is neither given identity nor home. We need to invest in girls, don’t make girls the fragile flower but a tough human ready to face every struggle. 

Your take on rise in crime against women?Domestic violence in Kashmir is increasing and also in many parts of the world as right from her home girl is taught to be familiar with oppression and not raising voice.  This entails serious aftermath on them and as a result in laws often dominate them brutally .There are many sportspersons in both genders but very little have ambitions to become Judges. 
How did that transition happen?I had witnessed in the world cup from start to end and also in many events very rare women judges in panel.  When I was Judge in 18th Asian Games, I saw very few women judges and that was dream come true.  I qualified the world Judge exams of Kayaking and got second rank .
We talk of women Empowerment but there are very few women in decision making and this motivated me to be Judge. A bit about Kayaking Game that you have shined ?The Kayaking Game has its roots in Canada in 1924 and then later on  it became Olympic event in 1937. We people in Kashmir are blessed with scores of water bodies , we have both flat water and wild water . We in Kashmir can achieve zenith both in water and winter sports. Kyaking is becoming popular in Kashmir and world too .In month of June we are holding first ever rowing championship here and the Government is taking steps to promote it .We have 13 events in it like Canoe Sprint , Canoe polo , and Canoe slalom in wild waters.  We have dragon boat which is famous in Kerala.  I was more interested and shined in Canoe Sprint of 500 Meters as Single . 

What is future of water sports in Kashmir?I have a dream that we shine in world of water sports.  We need to make sports compulsory on school level. Sports as important as Math or English.  We can fight social menace like drug addiction  through water sports. I am sure in coming times we will have hundreds of Bilquis .Mobile addiction is dangerous as drug addiction and fit youth can be achieved only through sports.

Are schools approaching you for training ?
Yes we are training scores of school students in water sports and participation in sports these days generates innumerable jobs for our youth both in the Government and private sector.
Your inspiration?Initially I didn’t had many icons , but yes as I moved ahead Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom became my icon as I came to know how struggles shaped her to be global icon .
Your message to women ?

My message to women is don’t get discouraged after failures.  A women should not feel ashamed when she cries or faces failures but she should get up after every cry or failure to conquer the challenges .

JK got impressive Hajj Quota : Abdul Salam Mir
Abdul Salam Mir  executive officer J&K  Hajj Committee and  Director, FCS&CA, in an exclusive interview with News Kashmir talks to Farzana Mumtaz and Rameez Makhdoomi. 
Tell us a bit about Hajj 2022 participation of Kashmiri pilgrims?

We had initially received 12000 applications but due to the age bar imposed by the Saudi Government only 10000 applications were eligible. After draw of lots we were able to select the pilgrims as we got total 5281 quota , which was about 2200 more than deserving quota as due to Muslim majority Union territory we got this special treatment. We were able to take 700 pilgrims from Srinagar District but here the applications were about 2100.We also kept waiting list and if any one drops there would be draw of lots for that. We are also looking into arrangements of Ladakh UT pilgrims. What are the procedures since this first Haj after Pandemic Coronavirus?The guidelines at the time of depositing Hajj Form were at that time the aspiring Haj pilgrims should have dons both doses of covid  Vaccine and then they should also have negative report of Covid in form of RTCPR before 72 hours of proceeding  to the journey .
How many Khadim-ul-Hujjaj (KuH) are going this year ?

About 35 Khadim ul Hujjaj are going this year who will aid and train the Hajj pilgrims of our region.Why has quota been less ?The quota has been less due to pandemic Coronavirus which has not yet abated totally. If other States and UTs receive less response we would be able to accommodate more from waiting list .Still considering the situation and also population vise our quota is much large and impressive.

What is your message to the Hajj aspiring pilgrims?

The aspiring selected pilgrims should take utmost care of their health and be aware if they catch covid before journey especially 72 hours before then they can’t proceed . FOLLOW all the Covid protocols during Haj Journey  .
Any demands from Saudi Government of having booster Dose of Hajis ?

No there is no such demand of having booster Dose of Haj pilgrims.

Abhishek Boney Singha – An Inspiration 
News Kashmir Desk Lauded as Padman of the North East the young and dynamic Abhishek Boney Singha has done a commendable job in the field of hygiene and Sanitation especially when it comes to ensuring required assistance to the women gender in this regard .
Abhishek Boney Singha hails from the picturesque district of Golaghat in Assam wherein women did not use sanitary napkins and did not have any proper  awareness of menstrual hygiene. He points out that majority  of the women did not know about sanitary napkins and would begin laughing on the idea. He said that this zero awareness of health issues motivated him to begin the white revolution. Incidentally, this is the first sanitary pad bank in Assam and as Abhishek pointed the communities in the region were rife with superstition, taboos which often pushed these women to adopt unhealthy ways like use of a dirty cloth, during periods.
Due to this  the women were thus exposed to deadly diseases in the later stages of their lives.But Abhishek Boney Singha has come as fresh air of change .As a matter of fact , he started his work from Ground zero.  reaching out to the community elders and educated women in the villages. He also got health workers on board for this mission. To create a model of deliverance, he reached out to Suhani Jalota of Myna Mahila Foundation that has set up a factory which manufactures sanitary products and employs underprivileged women. As part of Singha’s health awareness camps, women were educated about how to take care of their health and hygiene during menstruation using locally available means and food. “He is certainly a human of inspiration.

Wood Carving is the  Soul of Kashmir Handicrafts: Mudasir Muran 

Young and energetic  Mudasir Muran is the most prominent name when it comes to world famous  wood carving sector of Kashmir .He is arts & craft entrepreneur with legacy of 200 years based in srinagar kashmir. Under Paradise Wood House , Prominent showroom of Wood carving products they make traditional contemporary handmade high end walnut wood furniture and luxurious  interior Decors .In an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir, He talks with Farzana Mumtaz and Rameez Makhdoomi. 
Tell us a bit about your journey?
Our family has a journey of 200 years in the Wood carving sector . I started myself in 2005. We had the manufacturing unit in home and used to get motivated on seeing customers and artisans who worked under my Father and Uncle. In 2005, I went to Goa and got lot of exposure and realized how much we were exploited by capitalists. I did buisness there with cousin  for two years in Goa  but it failed as my  cousin had less patience.  I then joined private sector like Pharma  but came back quickly to my wood carving roots . I then started selling wholesale our wood carving products and went for sometime to Gujarat  . You have to remember  Traders that used to purchase from me often used to exploit in wrong way by giving very less rate.  How did Paradise wood House happen?After much experience I decided to give our world class wood carving products a physical showroom . It was not easy that a son of Artisan would go to start his own wood carving store of Walnut carving products.  I had no help from Government or from any body . Going to Lethpora in 2012 , at that time with few shops now I have come a long way to be the owner of biggest wood carving products made of Walnut works .How did covid impact your business?
The Coronavirus waves brought our buisness to zero and it simply destroyed our buisness .It will take a lot of time to emerge from its after shocks. 
What about recent Gulf investment  summit in which you too were seen promoting your products,  are these events fruitful ?
Being an entrepreneur in wood carving sector of Walnut products, I would like to say that investment summits or any events act as great source of promotion  for our products . The Government  should conduct more such events as they provide good platform for our Handicrafts to get highlighted thus promoting the business  .
The likely impacts of ongoing good tourist arrivals on your buisness ?The high number of tourist arrivals in Kashmir are going to lift every buisness directly or indirectly. Be we the Handicrafts buisness owners or the artisans and the transport sector.  It also helps the freight and courier sector. The ripple effects of tourism are such that it improves the health of overall economy by lifting all the sectors directly and indirectly.  Tourism season  has been good so far and last year too we had good tourism towards ending months. 
What are main changes you would like to see ?We would like to see more Government  support . We are urging that let us give our airports a makeover so that it becomes epicenter of every craft of Kashmir be it wood carving or pashmina or Paper Mache or any crafts . Look how Mumbai airport after makeover is acting as great platform for Handicrafts of that region .Similarly,  Government often gives rewards and awards to undeserving as their is lot of favouritsm in it . The grassroots artisans and entrepreneurs like us should be encouraged which is not being done .A bit about Speciality of Wood Carving Craft ?Wood Carving is the basic Handicraft of Kashmir, flourishing since times of Sultan Zainul Abadeen . Wood carving promotion has since ages been thought as main craft that could promote economy of Kashmir. Unfortunately  it is now dying art along with carpet . My Uncle is the lone surviving artisan of many Wood carving Walnut works and I am the lone entrepreneur . We make super luxury products of Wood with perfection  ranging in price from  lacs to millions.  Nothing can match excellence of Wood carving products made of Walnut wood in Kashmir .
What is your market?The entire country of India is our big market but lot of fake products are hurting us . A dining table of wood carving takes years to complete and also beds take months together,  but products made within  days of common wood by carpenters  should not be sold in name of wood carving as that is carpentry not wood carving .A compact GI tagging for all wood carving products is need of the hour .
What you want from  the Government?The artisans are living a poor life without attention  from  the Government as there sufferings in recent years have been neglected . We as wood carving artisans,  entrepreneurs  have never got due awards , rewards or platform from  the Government.  Not a single state award to our historic wood carving related family by the Government so far . The Government  needs to uplift us by giving us due of our heritage and talent .
How much important role you see of Handicrafts Department?Handicrafts Department role is paramount.  They did craft Safari tour which is worth appreciative.  But the Department  has been selective not encouraging grassroots voices Iike us be it the granting of awards or taking us to exposure trips .A lot of favoritism has hurt the genuine Handicrafts artisans and entrepreneurs of Kashmir.

Juveria Javaid and her mother Rozaa epitome of women sucess 
Mir Sabeen GulrezSrinagar:  Juveria Javaid 23 a student of Bachelors of arts and her mother Rozaa Ahmed 41 who is a home maker, just started their successful journey in a go, they are examples of starting sucessful buisness from scratch  .While Juveria  father is  serving in government sector. At  start  the duo mother and daughter  didn’t  know even ABC of business. But it was Juveria who in beginning just started with a click and became internet sensation with a name “Juveria’s Blake and Flake “,who established her business with a just an unforgettable sweet dish name,”Tosha” . On social media (Facebook) there is women’s group namely Yakjut were not only ladies share their thoughts but help each other to stand for themselves. This group gave her chance and she took the advantage and her first post was the start of Juveria’s journey who gave her dreams wings so that she can fly.                                                                                                                                    In the year 2019 she posted famous dish of Kashmir Tosha (Tosha, an age-old dessert, has its roots in North Kashmir. Its history is drawn in the Sufi roots of Kashmir Valley. Tosha is usually made as a symbol of respect on the occasion of joy or grief and has religious values and sentiments attached to it), which she prepared with the help of her mother .This duo (mother and daughter) without looking night and day are very passionate about the establishment of their online  business. They didn’t left any stone unturn to reach people of J&K and all over India . Their services and feedback are always very appreciable on the group. People always talk about their services and their feedbacks are always upto mark whenever considered. While talking to News Kashmir Juveria narrated her story of success.“The credit of my journey goes to “Yakjut Group” where I gained a lot of experiences while developing my entrepreneur skills and undoubtedly my mother who tirelessly worked with me like anything. It was the year 2019 when I posted about the famous sweet dish of Kashmir, Tosha on Yakjut “, Juveria said.I usually got tremendous response from people. I remember getting 50 orders within a span of just two days after posting Tosha on Yakjut “, she further added.Even though she started her journey before 2019 but after the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A everyone in the valley got affected because of suspension of Internet, her business also suffered a set back. But when connectivity restored in valley I again resumed my work. During suspension of internet connectivity who were aware of her residence used to come there for orders.When valley was again back to its normal and also when internet connectivity restored her  business started flourishing again and this time with an extended menu . She added Rasmalayee,Harisa and other delicacies as well.“Even to our surprise people order Harisa even in summers . Then in the year 2020  , we stepped into baking and started baking cakes as well for various occasions”,her mother Rozaa Ahmed  replied, who is a home maker.“Throughout my journey my mother has been a great support for me.She has supported me with her warmth and has helped my business to grow in a tremendous way. With my mother’s remarkable cooking skills me and her always shine with the grace of almighty Allah”,Juveria added.“We work as a team where I always handle the presentation and technological aspects as well”, she futher added.
“We got a lot of love and support from our family and friends in our journey . Our Customers have trusted us all the way and we hope to serve them more in future In Sha Allah”,said Rooza Ahmed.While asking Juveria whats her message to the people she added,”My advice to young girls who aim for being entrepreneurs is to establish their ideas on a small scale to start with. Then with time if Allah wills, things will get better soon .”

World Poetry Day 2022 Special talk with Poet Monalisa Parida 

World Poetry Day is celebrated on 21 March, and was declared by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 1999, “with the aim of supporting linguistic diversity through poetic expression and increasing the opportunity for endangered languages to be heard.News Kashmir’s Rameez Makhdoomi talks to well known young women poet of India Monalisa Parida on eve of World Poetry Day 2022.
Excerpts :Q.1 Your journey as poet ?Ans:-    As a toddler, heard mother’s lullabies. As a child heard grandmother’s reading Puranas Shashtras (mythological ).As a student heard class room rhymes. As a girl heard film songs. All these musical notes had a profound feeling in me to know the real meaning.Q.2 Your favourite poet ?Ans:- William Wordsworth, John Donne, William Blake. Q.3 Your message on world poet day ?Ans:-   Let the world feel as light and free like a song which has no boundaries. Let the songs bring solace to mothers, sisters, daughters, lovers who lose their sons, brothers, fathers & beloved ones in these merciless wars.
Q.4 What is your favourite poem of your own?Ans:- UNCLASSIFIED PAST     O’Love! Wait a while    Now,    I am a lioness in a birdcage    A bird in the depths of an ocean    I am powerful and free    But I am not    Where I should be.
    I am trapped,    Here in the box of lost memories    Waiting for you      To come and claim me as yours.      I am battered and wounded      From the unclassified past.      Rooted and thrashed out into the barren land.      But the root still finds soil      In your love.
      O’Love! Spare me some time      I will fight      And I will definitely win      And rebound to you.      I know,      I have a long way to go      But I get intoxicated with the fragrance of your love.      And I vow this time      I will be the cedar      To touch the sky of love.Q.5 What are your future plans?Ans:-    Let there be heart to heart intermingling of all friends, foes, brothers at war and sisters quarrelling to come together to have a world like: “Life is a song, sing it”.Q.6 How do you see role of women in poetry ?Ans:-  Women the epitome of love, solace, empathy, care, grace and ability to bear labour pains have the true role to give a motherly, sisterly, loverly, daughterly goodness to all human beings as well as to flora, fauna, natural resources and environment.

Zameer Ul Amin Bhat,Dance Guru of Kashmir 

Mir Sabeen Gulrez

Srinagar:  Zameer Ul Amin Bhat from Natipora Srinagar started his journey of Dance from his teens in 1999 when Jammu And Kashmir was facing Political Turmoil. His Passion of Dancing made him what he is actually these days. Valley was going through its worst phase but in Kashmir there was always social proscription on Dance.He is among the pioneer when it comes to  starting dance academy in Kashmir so as  to train young buds in dancing field. 
Zameer has done his schooling from Muslim Educational Institute (M.E.T) Baghat where he always participated in cultural dance shows.Zameer who not only fought with society for his passion  but this time is the  owner of the “All J&K Dance Sports Association”, where not only students learn dance but also get chance to represent themselves on state and national level. Not only this at atleast 60 students have enrolled in this academy so far.Zameer was the first person from valley whose dance shoot was telecasted on Doordarshan. And soon after he got chance to perform as an artist in many DD Kashmir serials.In the year 2000 Zameer was the first person who started his own dance academy as the youth who was influenced by his dance wanted him to be their teacher.Initially zameer gave it a name as Eagles Dance Group who not only performed theatre,dance shows, events etc.“I even got life threats but I did not look here and there and  focused on my work,which I never wanted to leave . I wanted that this leagacy of dance should go beyond boundaries as its better that our  youth instead of going in drug abuse or any other heinous crime will be in safe hands, and one day will make their families proud”, Zameer said.Zameer said,”In the year 2003,Tagore hall Srinagar was thrown open for public after long time due to political instability in the valley and it was my group which performed in the dancing event. After this my group never looked back. In 2005 I made a contract with Zee for new year program that got very much highlighted as it was for the first time that such event was telecasted live on Zee”.While narrating his story to News Kashmir Zameer said, My journey was not easy I had to face many backlash from society as well initially people used to taunt me and my group we were called “Nachanwael” etc etc. Than later on, this mindset of people got changed and they also started encouraging and supporting me. Later on my group performed outside Kashmir, did republic day event, independence event etc. Army also approached my group and we did many of the dancing events with them. In the year 2007 my group collaborated with Art, Culture and Information Department of J&K where my group got registered and we did lot of State and national level programs with them and my group got facilitated many a times. My group also represented J&K in the International folk festival at Rajasthan  were we emerged as winners and brought laurels to J&K. It was the time when no dancing events at local and state level was organized. It was me who started dancing shoot for new program that was telecasted on Doordarshan.  Those days no stage program was held so. With the passage of time people started recognizing me and appreciating my performances. And at the same time I performed as an artist for many TV serials in DD Kashmir. From here I started my career as an artist in television after that I got a chance to perform at Amritsar for solo dance and I emerged as a winner in that very event.While talking to News Kashmir Zameer’s mother told that, “every mother should have a son like zameer what he said me earlier that one day he will not only make me proud but all was a  correct statement because as not only me he made proud the whole system , the whole society, I Don’t give a damn to society what they said to me , but what I feel as a mother is much more important”. Zameer is an extraordinary son who not only takes care of everything but manages each and everything in a good manner. Zameer I am proud of you said his  mother with tearful eyes”.

Zameer’s wife told News Kashmir, who is an Advocate by Profession initially when my in-laws approached my parents for marriage proposal ,my father said that after getting confirmation from his relatives and friends (Which is a social custom in  Kashmir) that everyone was like your daughter will be the luckiest as this guy is an extraordinary person who always takes care of everything. But as a wife I Feel very “proud of my husband”, really he is a man of integrity. He is a good son, a good father, a good brother more important a good husband. I am lucky enough to have him in my life. Zameer told News Kashmir that his family has been always his strength as his sister(name with held) has been always a main support to him whenever society used to be at odds against him. I am lucky to be a brother of her. She is best among all. My  father who always being a strict member of my family never showed directly his love like a coconut shell hard outside but very soft inside. My brother and me are like two bodies and one soul . My first priority is always my family said Zameer.

Report Each and Every Incident :  SSP Rakesh Balwal 

According to latest report, the National Crime Record Bureau has said that J&K  has been over 10% increase in Crime against women during 2020.There are three types of violences. 1.Physical Abuse in Relationship (beating, rape). 2. Economic Abuse meaning. 3.Emotional Abuse meaning. 
While talking to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar Rakesh Balwal in an exclusive interview Farzana Mumtaz and Mir Sabeen Gulrez talk on diverse issues faced by women. Excerpts :
According to survey there is rise in domestic violence during Pandemic even people are very much aware and People nowadays are very much digital as even they know there rights but still lack why? SSP : First of all we have set guidelines and contact numbers like….. Whosoever is suffering through violence can report us as soon as possible to us. You (reporter) said that there is rise in cases to some extent it is true but there is another aspect that we shouldn’t deny is that nowadays people are reporting immediately to their nearest police stations. For these cases we have established stations. From our level our first priority is to take care of the Complaintant but for that they have to come forward and do report to us. We have to understand that our society is patriarchal society and there are always such cases but still then how they do report to us. Emphasis have always given even on smallest complaints which comes to our way. It’s not like we left her on God’s mercy. We see the situation and even after that we take action as usually small quarels lead to bigger Catastrophes. For example If we receive a complaint that some girl is being stalked  we never leave the accused one as later on it will be a big issue. Like earlier too we(Police) used to take actions immediately. But unfortunately at that time social awareness was not like as we have these days. Now we(Police) also give it in a Press Release that like at this date and time we receive a complaint from this person as he has filled a complaint for her missing daughter. When we recovered that abducted girl but we hide her identity but to make people aware of this we do give a Press Release of that. But those who are involved in this heinous crime. We cover their faces but we give their identity who actually are they. Our first preference is that society should know these people who are in such wrong activities. You can even see how we(Police) people are dealing with drug peddlers as  we even are not sparing them. In these last two months we have registered 41 FIR’s this year so far while as last year we have registered 78FIR’s.Even we have shown even smallest recoveries so far to the people. As we have to keep these things on record. Those who are in such wrong activities should be publicly shown to people, but here we just hide their faces whenever we publish their photos but surely their names should be known to the society. In South India we usually receive very rare cases. Before this I was posted in North East there also we usually receive very rare cases but here why there is a rise just because we are living in a patriarchal society we should know that whenever  a lady gives birth to a son whole family celebrates but at the same time when she gives birth to a girl child they felt sorry for her. Whenever society have such a strong patriarchal norms even though in Islam there is equality but even though society is baised. It is necessary society should at least get changed their mind setup towards this menace if not these things will usually happen. See our youth don’t have much awareness these days like people in Jammu, Delhi goes to shopping malls, PVR’s etc to hangouts but here our youth is taking refuge in Narcotics. In this mess they usually do these wrong activities.Like if the same youth is at home and is addict. His wife will stop him and he will try to get refrained from these things. Even we have received such complaints where a husband has sold his wives gold to get the drug’s from the market. If she resist to give it to him then he will start beating or other violences to her and that is also part of violence. Yesterday, I gave a statement that 90% of the crimes in Srinagar are happening because of the narcotics. And for all this menace we have assured that proper Investigation should be done, proper FIR’s should be registered and these people should be taken to task. Is emotional abuse a crime in India? No emotional abuse is not a crime but nowadays Supreme Court is having a second thought about this. Norms are changing as per society and similarly laws should reflect the norms of thr society at that time. Saying that there is a rise in Crime is not a right statement but the right statement is this that Police have taken cognizance of all such reports that used to come in their way. He just see wherever there comes an evidence in any case that some kind of Physical Abuse has happened we immediately go for FIR. It never happened before. We have women’s Police Station in Solina. Only ladies are there, this is because whenever any lady or girl come there with a complaint she should feel comfortable with the staff. While narrating her ordeal. What is a women’s right of residence under the Domestic violence Act? Marriage is a special bond between the two where as per the norms a girl has to stay with her in-laws. Rest in a civil matter. We (police) come into the picture where there is physical abuse or when there is some Harrasment Or some tangible evidence that this episode has occurred. Then at that time a girl or her family can approach us through phone Or there are other means of communication also. Marriage law as per Hindus or Muslim’s the domicile of the girl is staged by civil laws, we are not in picture but if there is some tangible evidence where she is abused or something like that we come into picture . Then we do take care that nothing wrong should happen with her. But usually we don’t go into civil matters. What has been your experience with women who call in for help with domestic violence situations? Our first step is we listen the whole story first then immediately I refer that case to our nearest station they call the other side and if the girls parents feel that there daughter is in trouble. The first preference is that policeman ask the girls in-laws to sign a Good Behavior Bond. And after that  the girls parents get a sigh of relief. After that if there is some tangible evidence we register FIR. 
Women often overlook red flags, thinking they can change the man once they are married to him. What would you like to tell such women? Don’t keep everything under the carpet report immediately as soon as possible. When a person can’t be good in initial how can he be good after mirrage. 
Your  message to people? Report each and every incident as soon as possible. As small things create havoc always. We shouldn’t keep everything under the carpet. Don’t feel that social stigma will gonna help you but we(Police) can help them at every step. You are my daughter’s, sisters, mothers please dont be silent stand for yourself as it’s the need of the hour.