Silence falls on a Young Life: How a lost Sound Processor stilled Numaan’s world

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Silence falls on a Young Life: How a lost Sound Processor stilled Numaan’s world

 

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Mohammad Hanief

Father’s Diary

 

In the serene beauty of Harwan Garden, where the laughter of children usually mingles with the rustle of trees, a sudden silence descended for ten-year-old Mohammad Numaan. A Class 3rd student at Legends School of Education, Sadrebal, Numaan lost the sound processor of his cochlear implant during a family outing — an incident that, in an instant, stripped him of the voices, music, and everyday sounds that had once filled his world. What for others might seem like a misplaced gadget has, for him, become a profound loss, affecting not just his hearing but his education, friendships, and daily life.

 

For most people, sound is a constant backdrop — the call of a parent, the greetings of friends, the clatter of a busy street. For Numaan, born with profound hearing loss, these sounds became part of his life only through the marvel of modern medicine. His cochlear implant — a combination of an internal surgical component and an external sound processor — serves as his bridge to the world of sound.

 

The internal implant rests securely beneath his skin, but the sound processor, worn externally, is the lifeline that captures noises, processes them, and transmits them to the internal component. Without it, there is only silence. On that afternoon in Harwan Garden, as he ran and played among the flowers and pathways, this vital link somehow came loose and vanished.

 

From that moment, the lively soundscape that accompanied his life was gone. Where there had been birdsong, children’s laughter, and the voices of his family, there was now stillness. Communication shifted instantly to a world of lip-reading, gestures, and guesswork. Even at home, where surroundings are familiar, the absence of sound can feel isolating and disorienting.

 

The loss has hit his education particularly hard. In a primary school classroom, learning is built on listening — following the teacher’s explanations, joining discussions, and responding to spoken instructions. Without his sound processor, Numaan cannot participate fully in oral lessons. Teachers at Legends School of Education have stepped in to adapt, using written instructions, visual aids, and extra one-on-one time. But the natural rhythm of interactive learning is interrupted.

 

There are social challenges too. During breaks, children chatter, call each other to games, and share jokes. Many games depend on sound — clapping patterns, calling out in hide-and-seek, or reacting to a shouted instruction. Without hearing these cues, Numaan is at risk of missing out. His classmates, aware of the situation, are making efforts to include him through visual signals and gestures, but the spontaneity of play is harder to maintain.

 

For a child who has been hearing with assistance for years, sudden silence is not something the brain adjusts to easily. It can lead to moments of confusion, frustration, and sadness. For Numaan, the change has meant extra effort to keep up with lessons, more concentration to read lips, and an increased need for support from both teachers and family. These adjustments, while necessary, are physically and mentally tiring for a child.

 

The effects extend beyond the classroom and playground. At home, casual conversation now requires eye contact and slower, clearer speech. Everyday background noises — the clang of utensils, the hum of appliances, the call to dinner — no longer reach him. Safety awareness is also affected, as he cannot hear approaching vehicles, alarms, or other warning sounds.

 

Therapy sessions, which play a crucial role in the development of speech and listening skills for cochlear implant users, have also been disrupted. These sessions rely heavily on hearing exercises and auditory feedback, which are impossible without the processor. While therapists can still focus on visual and speech articulation exercises, the progress made through regular auditory practice is paused.

 

The loss of the processor also highlights the vulnerability of such assistive technology. It is a device no bigger than a small matchbox, yet it carries the weight of a child’s access to spoken language, learning, and social interaction. One accidental loss can bring life to a standstill in ways that those without hearing challenges may never imagine.

 

In response to the incident, teachers, classmates, and family members have rallied to ensure that Numaan does not feel left out. In class, peers sit beside him to help with written notes. Teachers adapt their methods to include more visual demonstrations. Friends on the playground use hand signals and facial expressions to invite him to join games. This collective support has softened the blow, showing that communication can transcend spoken words when necessary.

 

Even so, the days without sound have been a reminder of the central role hearing plays in a child’s sense of belonging and confidence. For Numaan, regaining his processor will mean more than just hearing again — it will be the return of his independence in learning, his ease in conversations, and his full participation in the joyful noise of childhood.

 

Until that moment arrives, the world remains quieter for him. But within that quiet, there is also resilience — the resilience of a young boy adjusting to challenges, of teachers and classmates adapting their communication, and of a family ensuring he stays connected to the life he loves. The incident at Harwan Garden may have stilled his world for now, but the bonds of understanding and support around him ensure that silence does not mean isolation.

 

In the end, Numaan’s story is not just about the loss of a device. It is about the fragile but profound link between technology and the human experience, about the ways in which sound shapes learning and relationships, and about the compassion that emerges when a community comes together to bridge the gap left by silence. For those who know him, the hope is simple and strong — that soon, the gentle click of a new sound processor will bring back the voices, laughter, and music that make his young life complete.

 

The author can be mailed at m.hanief@gmail.com

X/Twitter: @haniefmha

 

Buried Beneath the Garbage: Jammu & Kashmir’s Silent Waste Crisis. Opinion 4 August,2025

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Buried Beneath the Garbage: Jammu & Kashmir’s Silent Waste Crisis.

By Dr Noour Ali Zehgeer

First Prime Minister of India used to love water from cheshmashahi, we were the state where hydel power generation was expected to cater the nation and yet we can foresee the water crisis in coming years, just because we abused water bodies of our state. Jammu and Kashmir takes strides toward development and modernization, an ugly and largely ignored issue continues to fester beneath the surface—solid waste. Despite several pilot projects and government promises, the garbage heaps lining roads, clogging water channels, and poisoning the very soil of the region tell a starkly different story.

Pilot Projects or Policy Placebos?

Over the past few years, the administration, often in collaboration with private companies, has launched various pilot projects aimed at improving waste management in both urban and rural areas. These initiatives, on paper, appear promising—offering structured collection systems, waste segregation at source, and improved processing techniques. However, in practice, they have yielded limited results.

One of the glaring issues is the symbolic nature of these efforts. Projects are often launched with pomp and media coverage but fizzle out due to lack of follow-through, mismanagement, or insufficient scale. The question then arises: Are these projects sincere efforts to address the waste problem, or merely exercises in public relations and fund utilization?

A Disjointed Strategy in a Fragile Ecosystem

J&K’s topography, climate, and socio-political fabric present unique challenges. From the snowbound mountains of Kupwara to the plains of Jammu, waste disposal needs context-specific strategies. Yet, the government seems to be relying on one-size-fits-all policies that fail to consider regional diversity.

Rural areas suffer the worst. Villages lack basic waste collection systems, leaving residents to resort to open dumping and burning. These practices not only degrade the environment but also pose serious health risks due to the release of toxins into the air and groundwater.

Lack of Community Involvement: The Missing Link

Perhaps the most fundamental failure lies in the near-absence of community participation. Waste management isn’t just about trucks and bins—it’s about behaviour change. And that change can only come through consistent public engagement, education, and accountability.

In many areas, residents are either unaware of or indifferent to the concept of waste segregation. Plastic, kitchen waste, medical waste—all go into the same bag. The absence of awareness campaigns, school programs, or grassroots mobilization means that people continue with old habits, unaware of the environmental cost.

 

Other Indian cities like Indore and Ambikapur have demonstrated that successful waste management begins at the community level. In those cities, citizens segregate waste, local women’s groups manage composting, and the government provides incentives for compliance. The results have been astonishing—cleaner streets, better public health, and even revenue generation.

Local Governance Left Powerless

While the success of any such initiative depends heavily on local governing bodies like Municipal Committees and Panchayats, in J&K, these institutions are either sidelined or under-resourced. Officials often lack the training, funds, and equipment necessary to implement waste management plans effectively.

Empowering these grassroots bodies with decentralised systems—like community compost pits, local recycling units, and door-to-door collection—can prove far more effective than large, centralised systems that are costly and difficult to maintain in J&K’s terrain.

Policy Paralysis and Poor Enforcement

In 2016, the Government of India laid down clear Solid Waste Management Rules that mandate segregation at source, door-to-door collection, and scientific disposal. But like many laws in the country, their implementation in J&K remains half-hearted at best.

There is little to no monitoring of whether these rules are being followed. Penalties for non-compliance exist only on paper. The absence of digital tracking systems, field audits, or citizen feedback loops means that violators go unpunished and responsible citizens remain unrecognized.

Time to Look Beyond Borders

If J&K’s policymakers are serious about addressing the waste crisis, they must look at success stories from across India and the world. Cities like Panaji, Pune, and Mysuru have achieved significant improvements by introducing user charges, integrating informal waste pickers, and incentivizing bulk waste generators like hotels and institutions to manage their waste responsibly.

Globally, countries like Sweden and South Korea have nearly eliminated landfill use through aggressive recycling and waste-to-energy initiatives. While such models can’t be transplanted wholesale, their principles—community involvement, strict regulation, and technological innovation—can certainly inspire localized adaptations in J&K.

A Crisis That Demands Urgent Action

At a time when the region is trying to attract tourism, boost its economy, and offer better quality of life to its residents, the mismanagement of solid waste threatens to undo all progress. Mountains of garbage not only mar the natural beauty of Kashmir but also pollute its lakes, rivers, and forests—assets that are integral to its identity and survival.

 

The current approach—sporadic projects, passive citizens, and invisible enforcement—simply won’t work. What is needed is a comprehensive, multi-pronged policy that addresses the issue at all levels: policymaking, implementation, community participation, and technological innovation. If the government continues to ignore the problem, it won’t just be squandering taxpayer money—it will be burying the future of Jammu & Kashmir under layers of plastic, toxins, and decay.

Conclusion

Solid waste isn’t just an environmental problem; it’s a social and economic one too. The need for urgent, coordinated, and community-driven action is non-negotiable. It’s time to stop dumping the responsibility from one agency to another and take collective ownership. The future of J&K quite literally depends on it.

Financial literacy for women in Kashmir: The Power to Rise, opinion 18 August 2025.

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 Financial Literacy for Women in Kashmir: The Power to Rise

By Tyima Bilal
When the first light of dawn touches the snow-capped peaks of Kashmir, women are already awake. They are already in motion.They carry baskets into saffron fields, their breaths visible in the crisp morning air. They weave Pashmina under the soft glow of a kangri. They tend to orchards, bake bread, sew garments, and run classrooms.They create beauty, value, and tradition, but too often, they do not control the money their work brings. Financial decisions, in many homes, are still left to men. And this silent exclusion holds back not just the women, but the entire community. They are the heartbeat of the valley, quiet, tireless, and strong. Yet too many times, their work ends with little more than the satisfaction of labour. The money they earn often slips from their hands before it can change their lives.
This is why financial literacy, the ability to understand, manage, and grow money,is not just helpful. In Kashmir, it is urgent. It is a tool of survival, a shield against uncertainty, and a ladder toward independence.
Breaking the Cycle of Dependency
Imagine a woman who spends months embroidering a shawl that will sell for thousands. When the payment comes, it is taken from her hands,sometimes with love, sometimes with authority, and she is left with little more than the pride of her craft. She is the maker of value, yet not the owner of it.A woman without financial knowledge may be left without savings, without a safety net, and without the ability to navigate the banking system. But when she knows how to manage money, she gains the courage to make choices for herself and her family.A financially literate woman in Kashmir is not just someone who can calculate profits from selling her handicrafts, she is someone who can plan for her children’s education, invest in her own business, and face life’s uncertainties with confidence.
 When Knowledge Becomes Freedom
Financial literacy is not simply about counting money,it is about claiming the right to decide. It is the power to say, “This is my earning, and I will use it to secure my child’s education, to invest in my dream, or to save for a day of uncertainty.” For a woman in Kashmir, understanding how to open a bank account, apply for a loan, or invest in a small business can mean the difference between dependence and dignity. It can mean the ability to leave an unsafe marriage. It can mean feeding her family when the orchards fail. It can mean standing tall when the world expects her to bow.Empowering a woman financially does not end with her. A financially literate mother teaches her children to be responsible with money. A financially independent sister inspires her siblings to dream bigger. A woman entrepreneur creates jobs, supports local economies, and breaks stereotypes.It’s not an exaggeration to say: when you educate a woman about finance, you uplift an entire community.
The barriers faced
When a woman is not financially stable, her life becomes a constant struggle between dignity and survival. Through her husband, she may face control, dependency, and sometimes even neglect, with no say in how money is spent. Through society, she bears judgment for her helplessness, as if poverty is her fault. And when a crisis strikes, when her child needs urgent medical care or her family needs shelter, the lack of even a small sum feels like a mountain she cannot climb. In those moments, financial independence is not a luxury, it is her lifeline.A woman without financial stability walks through life with invisible chains. Her dreams are paused by dependence on her husband’s will, her choices silenced by the weight of tradition. Society questions her worth, yet offers no hand when she stumbles. The simplest needs,a child’s hospital bill, repairs for her home, even a warm meal, become battles she cannot fight alone. These barriers are not just about money; they are about dignity, voice, and the power to stand without fear.
Government’s Role: Turning Promises into Pathways:
For Kashmiri women to break free from the cycle of financial dependency, government action must go beyond words on paper. It must be felt in their villages, in their markets, and in their bank accounts.
1. Financial Literacy Programs in Every District The government can set up women-focused financial literacy centers in rural and urban areas, where women learn about budgeting, savings, investments, and government schemes in simple, local languages.
2. Access to Credit & Microfinance: Many women with skills and dreams lack the capital to start. Low-interest loans, microfinance opportunities, and easy access to bank accounts can transform those dreams into businesses.
3. Skill Development & Employment Opportunities :Linking skill training programs directly with job placements or small-business grants ensures that learning translates into earning.
4. Health & Emergency Funds :Government-led women’s emergency funds can provide immediate financial aid for hospital bills, childbirth, or other urgent needs, a safety net that saves lives.
5. Digital Access & Banking Infrastructure:Expanding internet connectivity and digital banking services into remote villages ensures that women can manage finances without depending on others for travel or information.
The Call to Every Woman in Kashmir
Dear sisters, your dreams deserve more than waiting for someone else’s permission to come true. Financial independence is not just about money, it is about your voice, your choices, and your dignity. The moment you earn and manage your own income, you unlock the power to decide for yourself, to stand tall even when life shakes you, and to protect those you love without fear. No matter how small you start , a skill, a savings jar, a home-based venture, it is the first step towards a life where you are the author of your story. The world respects a woman who can stand on her own feet , be that woman.
To the women who rise before sunrise,
To the mothers who give without keeping,
To the dreamers waiting for the right time, The right time is now.
Financial literacy is not just about money,it is about dignity, safety, and power. It is the difference between hoping for security and building it yourself.
The valley has always been full of women who endure. Now, it must be full of women who decide. Because when a Kashmiri woman learns to manage her money, she does not just transform her life,she transforms the future of her family, her community, and her land.And in a place as breathtaking as Kashmir, women deserve to rise as high as its mountains and shine as brightly as its morning sun.
“When women earn, they don’t just make a living, they make a difference.”
 Penned by Tyima Bilal, for every woman who dreams of walking her own path.

Having a Mic in Hand Without a Degree: The Crisis of Ethical Journalism in Kashmir, opinion 30 June 2025

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Having a Mic in Hand Without a Degree: The Crisis of Ethical Journalism in Kashmir

By Rameez Bhat

In Kashmir, where words carry immense weight and a single sentence can change the course of public discourse, journalism has traditionally been more than just a career — it has been a vital instrument of truth, a reflection of society’s conscience, and sometimes, a battleground for narratives. But lately, an unsettling shift has taken hold. The microphone, once a symbol of trained responsibility, is now easily accessible to anyone with a smartphone and an internet connection. Formal education, ethical grounding, and professional training have taken a back seat. The region is witnessing a flood of self-proclaimed journalists who lack even the most basic qualifications but speak with authority and unearned conviction, often spreading misinformation and confusion.

The era of journalists being trained rigorously, learning under veteran editors, and gaining field experience is fading. In its place has emerged a generation of individuals who, with no grasp of journalistic principles or legal boundaries, consider themselves reporters by merely launching a social media page or a YouTube channel. They rush to every incident with their mics and cameras, making dramatic statements, interviewing victims, and speculating on crimes — all under the illusion of ‘citizen journalism.’ But being a concerned citizen is very different from being a journalist. The former is driven by emotion, while the latter demands education and responsibility.

While the Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, it does not give anyone the right to spread falsehoods, create communal disharmony, or emotionally exploit a vulnerable society. Kashmir, already burdened by political turmoil and emotional volatility, needs responsible journalism now more than ever. But what we often witness instead is reckless reporting by those unfamiliar with fundamental practices like verifying facts, maintaining neutrality, protecting identities, or distinguishing between opinion and factual reporting.

Simply possessing a microphone doesn’t make one a journalist — just as holding a stethoscope doesn’t make one a doctor, or yelling in court doesn’t make one a lawyer. The danger of this false equivalence is real. Many of these unqualified individuals end up interfering in police investigations, misrepresenting events, or even provoking social unrest through misleading or exaggerated content. With no editors to guide them and no ethical frameworks to follow, they act as unchecked agents of chaos. Their content reaches thousands, but their accountability reaches no one.

This wave of amateur journalism has done serious damage to the credibility of professional media in Kashmir. Veteran journalists who have spent years building trust now find themselves grouped with self-styled influencers and vloggers. The public, overwhelmed with contradicting versions of the same story, grows skeptical. Truth is no longer sacred — it’s often bent to suit trends, gain followers, or push personal agendas. The chase for online popularity has replaced the pursuit of honest storytelling.

Even more troubling is the misuse of journalism as a tool for personal benefit. Some use the press label to gain access to powerful figures, enjoy privileges, or coerce others. There have been instances where these so-called journalists, without any formal education, have used their platforms to defame individuals, extort businesses, or settle old grudges. Without any professional accountability, they are driven only by views, likes, and ego. This kind of corruption not only undermines public trust but also endangers the safety and dignity of innocent people.

The solution is not to silence voices but to restore standards. Journalism needs to be a regulated field, where a basic qualification like a diploma or degree in mass communication is essential. Those already in the profession but lacking academic background should be encouraged to attend certification courses, workshops, or training sessions. Journalist associations and press bodies in Kashmir must enforce stricter entry rules, ensuring only qualified individuals are recognized. Government agencies, too, must tighten procedures for issuing press credentials. Tech platforms should work to identify and restrict misleading content dressed up as journalism.

Education institutions across Kashmir must also expand journalism programs that go beyond theory. Students should be equipped with real-world experience, ethical understanding, and media literacy. They must be taught that journalism is not just about breaking news — it’s about handling truth with care, respecting boundaries, and serving the public good. Without this foundation, the media risks becoming a source of confusion rather than clarity.

The microphone is a powerful symbol — it can amplify suppressed voices, challenge power structures, and narrate the stories that matter. But when misused, it distorts reality, deepens divisions, and misleads society. In Kashmir, where every word carries the potential to influence emotions and decisions, allowing untrained voices to dominate journalism is dangerous. True journalism isn’t something one claims by picking up a mic — it’s a responsibility earned through learning, ethics, and experience.

The freedom to speak is sacred, but it must be paired with the discipline to speak wisely. When journalism becomes a stage for untrained performers, it loses its credibility and moral compass. It turns into drama instead of duty, a show rather than a service. And in that transformation, it betrays the very public it was meant to inform and protect.

Kashmir deserves better — journalism that is honest, intelligent, and ethically grounded. Journalism that values truth over trends and substance over spectacle. A mic in the hand without a degree is more than a personal gap — it is a danger to collective trust and social harmony. In the world of journalism, especially in a place as sensitive as Kashmir, knowledge isn’t optional — it’s the very foundation. Because in the end, a loud voice without wisdom is just noise. And noise, no matter how viral, can never substitute for truth.

 

 

Gender Gap Widening: A National Alarm, Not Just a Statistic

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Gender Gap Widening: A National Alarm, Not Just a Statistic

By Dr Noour Ali Zehgeer

Equality between genders is a myth in India. We may showcase ourselves as Female tolerant country but the truth is Gap is widening on every passing day. Men In India are becoming more intolerant against women and women is India is fighting for her rights and existence. A country where Women is worshipped in the name of Durga and Sita same country does not treat females at par with men.

India’s consistent decline in the Global Gender Gap Index should be a matter of national concern. In the 2024 Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum, India was ranked 131st out of 148 countries—slipping two positions from the previous year. This drop does not merely indicate a statistical decline but highlights the persistent structural and cultural barriers that women in India continue to face. In a world slowly inching towards gender parity, India’s regression underscores deeper systemic failures.

The Gender Gap Index evaluates countries across four crucial pillars: economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment. India’s overall score stands at 64.1%, falling short of the global average of 68.5%. Worryingly, within South Asia, India trails behind nations like Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan—countries with fewer economic resources but stronger commitments to gender equity.

Economic Inequality: A Stubborn Divide

Despite some movement in women’s economic involvement, India’s female labour force participation remains low at 45.9%. Women continue to be overrepresented in undervalued sectors like caregiving, education, and health—often receiving significantly lower pay than men for similar work. The persistent gender wage gap—ranging from 20–30%—shows no sign of narrowing.

Crucially, unpaid domestic work done predominantly by women remains invisible in economic data. This unaccounted labour forms the backbone of India’s informal economy but is still not recognized in the country’s GDP. Such oversight perpetuates the idea that women’s work is secondary, both economically and socially.

Education: Access Isn’t the Same as Equity

India has made considerable progress in primary education, but secondary and higher education remain challenging for many girls, especially those from rural or marginalised communities. The female literacy rate stands at approximately 70%, well below the global average of 87%.

Participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields remains abysmally low among women. Girls continue to drop out due to societal pressures, early marriage, lack of sanitation facilities in schools, and conservative family mindsets. The education system, while expanded, has not adequately addressed these gender-specific barriers.

Health and Survival: Deep Disparities Persist

 

India’s ranking in health and survival continues to be a point of concern. The sex ratio at birth is approximately 929 girls per 1,000 boys—a glaring indicator of societal preference for sons. This is not merely a demographic imbalance but reflects gender-biased practices such as sex-selective abortions and neglect of girl children.

Rural women face heightened risks due to malnutrition, maternal health complications, and inadequate access to healthcare. Anemia is still prevalent among adolescent girls and pregnant women, while lack of awareness and accessibility to reproductive health services widens the health gap.

Within families, women’s health is often deprioritized, with nutrition and care commonly directed toward male members. These disparities are less about medical infrastructure and more about ingrained social values.

Political Participation: Promise Without Practice

 

While women’s political participation has grown marginally over the decades, it remains insufficient. Currently, women hold only 13.8% of seats in Parliament, and a mere 5.6% of Cabinet positions. This, despite the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill in 2023, which aims to reserve one-third of legislative seats for women. Unfortunately, its implementation remains stalled due to delays in the census and constituency reorganization.

The disconnect between policy formulation and execution is evident. Without political resolve and urgency, such reforms remain symbolic rather than transformational.

Lessons from Neighbours

Countries like Bangladesh and Nepal, despite their own economic limitations, have managed to make significant strides toward gender parity. Bangladesh, through investments in female education and microfinance, has empowered rural women and improved their socio-economic status. Nepal’s constitution mandates women’s participation in local governance, setting a strong precedent in inclusive policymaking. These examples demonstrate that political will, not just financial resources, determines progress. India must adopt similar targeted strategies with a firm commitment to results.

The Economic Case for Gender Equality

Gender parity is not only a human rights issue but an economic imperative. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, bridging the gender gap in India could add $700 billion to the country’s GDP by 2025. A more inclusive workforce leads to stronger economic outcomes and enhances productivity and innovation.

 

Moreover, gender-inclusive policies in education, health, and governance contribute to more stable and resilient societies. Ensuring women’s equal participation isn’t just morally right—it’s strategically smart.

The Way Forward: From Plans to Practice

India’s development narrative will remain incomplete until it embraces gender equality as a core principle. The following steps are vital:

Prioritise the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill by expediting the census and constituency delimitation. Recognise unpaid domestic labour in national statistics and offer social protections like pensions and health insurance to homemakers. Create safe, inclusive, and flexible workplaces, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, to boost female employment. Ensure women’s representation on company boards and in leadership positions across sectors.

Launch mentorship programs for women in technology, science, politics, and business to nurture future leaders. Bridge the digital gender divide by providing affordable devices and internet access along with digital literacy training at grassroots levels. Mandate the collection of gender-disaggregated data in all government schemes to assess progress and guide policy.

Conclusion: A National Priority

India’s slide in gender rankings is not just an international embarrassment; it is a national crisis. The statistics reveal a reality where half the population remains marginalized from the country’s progress. Without equal access and opportunity for women, the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ or developed India will remain aspirational.

The tools for change—laws, policies, and frameworks—already exist. What’s urgently needed is the courage to act. Only when women are equally represented, respected, and rewarded will India truly advance as a just, inclusive, and prosperous nation.

Kashmir In Clinate Crossroads: Between Paradise and a Hot hell, opinion 23 June 2025

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Kashmir in Climate Crossroads: Between Paradise and a Hot Hell

Musaib Bilal

Climate describes the typical weather of an area over many years, usually 30 years or more. It includes temperature, humidity, precipitation, and seasonal patterns, and gives us a sense of what to anticipate in an area. In contrast to the day-to-day changes in weather, climate is long-term and stable. Climate determines our seasons, farming, water cycles, and lifestyle.

As climate starts to alter, it disturbs such long-settled patterns. A couple of degrees of increase in average temperature or change in the pattern of rainfall can give rise to a series of environmental, economic, and social impacts. Climate change can cause increased heatwaves, erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and melting ice caps, all of which can destabilize ecosystems, agriculture, and human habitats.

Climate may vary because of natural causes like volcanic activities, fluctuations in solar radiation, and ocean currents. Human activity has overtaken the natural causes in the last few decades. Fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, industrial processes, and industrial-scale agriculture have elevated greenhouse gas concentrations, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). These gases strengthen the greenhouse effect, increasing the amount of heat in the Earth’s atmosphere and hastening global warming.

The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that warms the Earth to a habitable temperature. The sun’s rays penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere, are absorbed by the surface, and radiate back as heat. Greenhouse gases capture some of this heat in the same way that glass in a greenhouse retains heat. Though necessary in balance, human presence has strengthened this effect, resulting in a warmer Earth and increased global temperatures.

Kashmir has been famous for its moderate and elegantly balanced climate for centuries. The valley was blessed with four clearly defined seasons: winter snows, colorful springs, mild summers, and golden autumns. Winters were marked by snowfall essential for water storage and cultivation, spring brought almond blossoms and greenery to life, summers were temperate relative to mainland India and did not go over 30°C, and autumns, which are referred to as harud locally, marked the harvest season amidst scattered chinar leaves. This regular cycle determined Kashmir’s ecological pattern, tourism seasonality, and farming schedule.

In recent decades, Kashmir has seen disturbing shifts in climate. Temperatures have increased on average by around 1.45°C during the last century, with the majority of warming taking place in recent decades. Winters are shorter, snowfall has decreased, and summers have intensified and become drier. Glaciers are melting at a rate that is nothing short of alarming, with some estimates suggesting as much as 0.5 meters annually. Spring comes earlier than usual, and rainfall is becoming spasmodic, leading to flash floods one day and weeks of unending dryness the next. The apple belt of the region is creeping up in altitude, while traditional crops such as saffron are being plagued by unpredictable weather.

The increase in temperature in Kashmir is closely associated with the strengthening of the greenhouse effect. As greenhouse gases build up in the atmosphere as a result of regional and global emissions, they retain more heat, disrupting the natural climate pattern of the valley. This has resulted in glacier retreat, changing snowfall patterns, and enhanced evaporation from water reservoirs. The warming is also shifting the timing and intensity of seasons, exposing the region to floods, droughts, and crop failure.

Though modernisation and globalisation have initiated development and connectivity to Kashmir, they have also played an important role in environmental degradation. Deforestation, rapid urbanisation, widening of roads, and uncontrolled building have decreased green cover and interrupted ecosystems. The usage of fossil fuels in transportation and energy, along with rising plastic waste and pollution, has added to the ecological imbalance of the region. Wetlands and lakes are encroached, and agricultural land is used to create concrete buildings, cutting down forests and the ability of land to hold water and regulate temperature.

Consequences of increasing temperature in Kashmir are many and interconnected. Glaciers, which replenish the rivers of the region, are melting, posing a risk to water availability in the long run. Lakes such as Dal and Wular are decreasing in size because of evaporation and encroachment. The decline in snowfall averts ancient water systems and farming, especially for temperature-dependent crops such as saffron and apples. Increased temperature also enhances the likelihood of forest fires and the outbreak of diseases such as dengue, which were previously a rarity in Kashmir’s chilly climate. Not only do these changes impact the environment but also have profound economic and social implications.

Kashmir’s natural climate has been a tourist hotpot, drawing people for snow in winter, tulip flowers in spring, and summer cool-offs. Tourism is an important sector of the economy, providing livelihood for thousands of people—from the owners of shikaras to hotel owners. Climate change, however, threatens this industry. Lower snowfall affects winter tourism and skiing activities in areas such as Gulmarg. Warmer summers and erratic weather deter travel. Flash floods and landslides are safety hazards. When tourist trends change, the local economy becomes insecure.

The idea that development requires sacrificing nature and heritage is a weak one. Rome, Prague, and many areas of Germany have proved that cities can be modernized without losing cultural and ecological integrity. Kashmir can also forge a different path. By putting money into sustainable infrastructure, curbing urban sprawl, encouraging eco-tourism, and conserving traditional architecture, Kashmir can develop responsibly. Growth here should be gentle, not violent; based on long-term strength, not short-term greed. The valley shouldn’t try to imitate concrete metropolises—it can pioneer as an example of friendly growth.

Kashmir is at a climate crossroads. It can either permit unregulated growth and increased temperatures to wipe its natural and cultural identity, or take action now to safeguard its heritage for the future. Global warming is not some future danger—it is already changing life in the valley day by day. The way forward needs consciousness, policy reform, community engagement, and a commitment to green development. With the proper vision, Kashmir can remain the paradise that it has forever remained—not merely in poetry or memory, but in reality.

 

The writer is an author, speaker and a Mental Health advocate currently pursuing bachelor’s in chemistry at Amar Singh College. Can be contacted at musaibilal.216061@gmail.com

 

 

Missiles & Manners: China’s Peace Lecture While Shipping Warheads

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Missiles & Manners: China’s Peace Lecture While Shipping Warheads

By Dr Noour Ali Zehgeer

The wars fought in Last 100 years were of different nature, the guns will blaze and soldiers will fall like pack of cards. The causality was human lives and destruction of infrastructure was not of that quantum. India and Pakistan have always chosen partners not politically motivated, but as per need based. India sided with USSR and Pakistan did join with China since its existence. India has always added new allies by having excellent foreign policies since 2000, who have acknowledged India being the 4th power in the world and dominated in ASIAN BELT for long time. USA also acknowledged the supremacy of India at various events of international importance. On other side Pakistan had no option but to remain with China to survive as their Army has been always responsible to create instability for their personal Gains. During the times of Bhutto, Pakistan tried best to create a Muslim Front with People or countries have common goal and Mind set. This was not well received by USA and we witnessed elimination of Muslim leaders like Saddam, Gaddafi and Bhutto himself.

A twist of geopolitical theatre worthy of a tragicomedy, China, the global superpower that enjoys thundering around the South China Sea and baring its fangs at Taiwan, has taken up a new role: peace ambassador in South Asia. After India launched precise airstrikes on May 7 under “Operation Sindoor,” targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the April 22 Pahalgam tourist attack, Beijing decided to break its usual silence.

Lin Jian, the foreign ministry spokesperson of China, draped in the usual diplomatic jargon, labelled India’s strikes as “regrettable.” Suddenly, the dragon that snarls over island disputes began preaching yoga-level calmness and restraint to India and Pakistan. The irony? China happens to be the principal arms supplier to Pakistan. If restraint were ammunition, Beijing would be fresh out of stock.

 

To understand China’s sudden transformation from military muscleman to monk, one needs to revisit its ever-blossoming friendship with Pakistan. For decades, China has handed over more than $20 billion in advanced weapons to Pakistan, from JF-17 fighter jets to state-of-the-art drones, satellite surveillance systems to PL-15A beyond-visual-range missiles. In fact, over 80% of China’s global arms exports are wrapped, boxed, and labelled “For Pakistan.”

 

So, the country calling for peace is also the one helping Islamabad point bigger, shinier guns at New Delhi. That’s not diplomacy; that’s supplying kerosene and then lecturing on fire safety.

And it doesn’t stop with hardware. China has aided Pakistan’s missile development, generously extending its range to cover all of India. One could say Beijing’s contribution to regional stability is like handing a toddler a chainsaw and hoping he learns to garden.

Let’s add another layer to this absurdity. Back in July 2021, when nine Chinese engineers were killed by terrorists in Pakistan’s Dasu hydro project, the Chinese state media — including their favourite mouthpiece, Global Times — screamed for missile strikes inside Pakistan. Peace and dialogue? Apparently, those are only for India.

 

This time, the same Global Times claimed India’s May 7 operation killed 26 civilians and injured 46 others. They even conjured up a tale of three Indian jets being shot down, prompting the Indian Embassy in Beijing to send a “fact-check” note, diplomatically telling the Chinese tabloid to stop binge-watching military fiction.

Meanwhile, on the international stage, China has been Pakistan’s loyal diplomatic bouncer. At the United Nations Security Council’s 1267 committee on counter-terrorism, Beijing has repeatedly used its veto muscle to shield Pakistan-based terrorists from international censure. The recent Pahalgam attack? China made sure the resolution read more like a mild reprimand than a strong condemnation.

All this mollycoddling isn’t born out of brotherly love. It’s business. It’s real estate. It’s logistics. It’s the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $62 billion artery of roads, railways, and pipelines slicing through Gilgit-Baltistan and PoK — territories India rightfully claims. Since the 1963 border agreement where Pakistan gifted portions of PoK to China, the latter has been building its influence inch by strategic inch.

China’s infrastructural invasion is guarded by an entire division of Pakistan’s military whose full-time job is not fighting terror but protecting Chinese-funded highways, hydro projects, and whatnot. Sovereignty violations? Apparently, Beijing calls those “development opportunities.”

 

Back in 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wasn’t buying any of it. At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Qingdao, he firmly called CPEC a blatant breach of India’s sovereignty. Fast forward to 2025, and India’s surgical retaliation is a thunderous reminder that New Delhi will not sit back while Beijing plays geopolitical puppeteer with Pakistan.

But China wants it both ways: play the benefactor in Islamabad, the peacemaker in New York, and the regional hegemon in Asia. It’s a curious diplomatic yoga pose: one leg on military escalation, the other on strategic restraint.

India, however, has read the dragon’s playbook. It knows that a nation that weaponizes foreign policy can’t also claim to be the torchbearer of peace. Not when it blocks UN sanctions against terror groups on one hand and signs billion-dollar arms deals with their sponsors on the other.

And now, as India takes a firm stance against terrorism with its airstrikes, the same China that wants to establish police stations across Pakistan to protect its own engineers is urging everyone else to “calm down.” Maybe Beijing should send those messages to itself before posting them on state-run news tickers.

I would like to mention her China does not help Pakistan out of love, but for an agenda where they want to grab territory of India in North East and Jammu Kashmir. He is helping enemy of the neighbouring country.

So, next time you hear Beijing say, “We urge both sides to de-escalate,” remember — this is coming from the same country that fuels one side, with the problem, blocks the solution, and still wants applause for being neutral.

 

Because nothing says “peacemaker” quite like a crate of drones and a side of double standards.

Emotional intelligence, opinion 26 May 2025

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Emotional Intelligence 
 
By Nazema Parray

Emotional intelligence to  a common man is something related to emotions. Their understanding to this is limited and hence they seems less intrested with the same.But experts who knows it’s importance are working continually around the globe to make people understand its power and control on human minds. Incredible work has been done so far. More knowledge on this will bring human close to their authentic self. They will interpret not only their emotional phase correctly but emotions of others around.They can develop good emotional well-being of themselves.

To me emotional intelligence is a self awareness.Its understanding of one’s own emotions the real one and not the biased one.  People with higher emotional intelligence seems contented , satisfied and self aware .They are empathetic towards others .They know how to control their emotions well. Lack of emotions intelligence lead us to self doubt .We sabotage our true identity, because without the inability to understand oneself we become inevitably lost and we get stuck at wrong places.
The world is changing drastically so is changing the man. We have become impatient, impulsive, inconsistent and above all emotionally unavailable. Change is a beautiful thing if it will bring out the best it becomes destructive if happen negatively. We do not change drastically but slowly and eventually. As beautifully illustrated by Brainna Wiest  “you don’t change in break throughs you change in Microshift.”Change is progressive but slow. Once you become familiar with it you embrace it. Today’s world need paradigm shift. We need to get up on our own to help community to grow in a positive manner. We need to show empathy to others. Internet has done more of damage to our young generation rather than helping. Wholly Internet cannot to be blamed it’s upon its users wheather to enjoy it’s advantages or disadvantages.
More awareness is to be provided at primary level regarding emotional intelligence. Seminars and workshops has to be organised with younger generation. Counsellor should be hired in schools and colleges. They will help them to know what they actually want. Parents should come on board with school and college to help. They should be available to their kids rather then being busy with their own problems. They are busy giving their kids luxurious life rather then being a listeners. Today parents are not available for their kids. They should help them to understand the difference between realistic and unrealistic expectations. They should stop fulfilling every demand of their children.
This way they are doing more damage to their children.
Today’s generation are not aware about what they actually want.They seem spending more time to impress people online who even doesn’t know them. They care more about convincing others that they are ok when actually they are not. Their main priority in life is to get likes and followers online even if it comes at the expense of anything horrible.They value their doubts more than their potential.They trust others rather then trusting themselves. Young generation need to come out of this trauma of emotional instability. They need better understanding of their emotions rather then anything else. Young generation need listening ears not the judgmental eyes.
This emotional intelligence is a life saving thing. It should be made compulsory in every schools and colleges. It can do wonders if understood correctly.

Turkish Apple Boycott Sparks New Growth for Kashmir’s Orchardists, Opinion 19 May, 2025 issue

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Turkish Apple Boycott Sparks New Growth for Kashmir’s Orchardists

By: Dr Noour Ali Zehgeer

Jammu and Kashmir has seen many situations, where business like Tourism, Handicrafts and Horticulture have suffered, due to political situations, natural calamities and lack of Infrastructure like Cold storages and Transport facilities. Apple growers have faced price challenges against Iran, American and Domestic products.

A growing boycott of Turkish apples across India is being welcomed as a long-awaited lifeline by Kashmiri apple growers, who have endured years of falling profits due to foreign competition. Driven by geopolitical tensions and recent diplomatic strains between India and Turkey, the shift in trade dynamics is now offering renewed hope for the Valley’s struggling horticulture sector.

This surge of optimism follows India’s military campaign, “Operation Sindoor,” after which Turkey’s vocal support for Pakistan prompted widespread backlash. In response, fruit traders in several key agricultural markets have begun rejecting Turkish apples — a move now creating space for domestic producers to reassert their dominance in Indian markets.

Revival Amidst Crisis

‘’This might be the turning point we’ve been waiting for,” said Bashir Ahmad Basheer, President of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Union. “The influx of cheaper Turkish apples had severely dented our earnings. If a ban or strong restrictions are put in place, we could finally regain lost ground.”

Kashmir accounts for nearly 70% of India’s total apple production, yielding about 1.5 million metric tons annually. Despite this substantial output, local growers have faced steep challenges in recent years. Apple imports from countries like Turkey, particularly varieties such as Delicious and Red Gala that mirror Kashmir’s own offerings, have flooded Indian markets and sold at lower prices, undercutting Kashmiri farmers.

As competition increased, many orchardists saw their income shrink. Skyrocketing input costs including labour, fertilizers, and transport — have further worsened the situation, especially for small and medium-scale growers. Some families even considered abandoning the trade altogether.

Iranian Apples: The Bigger Threat?

While Turkish imports have been the immediate focus of the boycott, local horticulturists emphasize that another player looms even larger: Iranian apples.

“Iranian apples pose the greatest threat to our market,” Basheer added. “They enter India in huge quantities, often through indirect routes, and are priced 15-20% lower than our produce. We’re urging the government to impose a protective import duty on these apples to give Indian growers a fighting chance.”

Growers across Kashmir argue that unless both Turkish and Iranian imports are regulated, local cultivation will continue to suffer. Many believe that the current geopolitical moment should be leveraged to build long-term policies that protect India’s horticulture sector from market flooding and price suppression.

Economic Ripple Effect

Agricultural experts note that any improvement in the apple sector would directly impact Kashmir’s economy, which relies heavily on horticulture. With around 700,000 families in the region involved in apple farming, even modest improvements in pricing can create widespread socio-economic benefits.

“Apple growing is more than just a livelihood here — it’s the backbone of our rural economy,” said a senior agricultural economist based in Srinagar. “Half the population in the Valley is connected to this industry in some way. An upswing in domestic demand and pricing would be transformative.”

Early indications suggest this could be the best harvest in recent years. Weather conditions in spring have been ideal for fruit development, and growers are expecting a bumper crop. If Indian markets continue distancing themselves from Turkish produce, local farmers may be ideally placed to step in and fill the supply gap.

Himachal Pradesh Joins Forces

It isn’t only Kashmiri growers who are demanding action. Apple cultivators from Himachal Pradesh — another major apple-producing state — have also raised the alarm over Turkish imports. In a recent meeting with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, representatives of the Himalayan Apple Growers Society submitted a memorandum requesting an immediate ban on Turkish apples. The delegation emphasized that Turkish apples, subsidized by their government, were severely disrupting India’s domestic apple economy. They also raised security concerns, citing Turkey’s military ties with Pakistan.

“Importing goods from a country that supports our adversaries’ compromises both our economy and national interests,” the memorandum stated. “We must prioritize our own farmers and strategic autonomy.”

The Himachal growers stressed that apple cultivation supports millions across the Himalayan belt, and that the current situation is threatening their very survival.

Future at the Crossroads

 

Despite growing optimism, experts caution that the current momentum may not last unless it is institutionalized through policy. While market boycotts are effective in the short term, lasting change will require structured reforms, including import duties, tighter customs monitoring, and government incentives for local horticulture.

“There’s a real opportunity here,” said the economist. “But it has to be seized with clear policy actions, not just emotion-driven boycotts. Otherwise, the same problems will resurface the moment the public attention wanes.”

Farmers and trade unions are now looking toward the Centre, hopeful that the government will take concrete steps to protect India’s apple industry. They are also calling for support in marketing, cold storage infrastructure, and export facilitation to make Indian apples more competitive globally.

A Glimpse of Recovery

For now, Kashmir’s orchards are alive with cautious optimism. In villages across the Valley, apple growers are preparing for the coming harvest with renewed enthusiasm. They hope that a combination of favourable weather, reduced imports, and rising domestic demand will offer a new lease of life to their age-old tradition.

It is very important that Government provide sufficient support in terms of Technology, financial assistance, latest methods to improve production, packaging and Marketing for the Apple Growers, so that revival becomes eminent and prosperity returns to Apple growing districts.

While the future remains uncertain, the boycott of Turkish apples has undeniably shifted the mood — from despair to possibility. Whether this marks a temporary reprieve or the beginning of long-term reform depends on what happens next in Delhi’s corridors of power.

JEE Broke Me , opinion 5 May 2025 issue

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JEE Broke Me: The Dark Side of India’s Coaching Culture”

Musaib Bilal

SUBHEADLINE: How the relentless pressure of competitive exams is pushing students to the brink—and why we need to talk about it.

Ahmad’s Story: Dreams Crushed Under the Weight of JEE

Today I want to tell a story of an everyday guy from India let’s call him Ahmad, Ahmad  was just 17 when he enrolled at Hikers Coaching Institute in Srinagar, dreaming of cracking the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and securing a seat at an IIT. But within months, his enthusiasm turned into dread.

“Every day felt like a battle I was losing,” he recalls. “The teachers said sleep was for the weak. My parents compared me to cousins who ‘made it.’ And no matter how much I studied, I never felt good enough.”

Ahmad’s story, is not unique. It exposes the brutal reality of India’s JEE coaching industry—where profit trumps pedagogy, and students pay the price with their mental health.

The Coaching Trap: Factories of Stress, Not Success

Coaching centers like Hikers and Shining Star (fictional) promise “guaranteed ranks” but operate like high-pressure assembly lines:

  • Grueling Schedules: Students are pushed to study 18-20 hours a day, surviving on 3-4 hours of sleep. One teacher famously told Ahmad’s class:

“You have to only sleep for three to four hours. The rest is for JEE.”

  • False Promises: Screening tests are often just formalities to fill seats. Ahmad scored 60/360 in his entrance test—yet was declared “passed” and pressured to pay fees immediately.
  • Emotional Blackmail: When Ahmad considered quitting Shining Star, the owner guilt-tripped him:

“We treated you like our child. Is this how you repay us?”

Society’s Role: “If You Don’t Crack JEE, You’re a Failure”

The pressure doesn’t just come from institutes. Families and society reinforce the idea that JEE is the only path to success.

  • Relatives’ Taunts: At a family gathering, Ahmad’s uncle dismissed his aspirations outright:

“He’s got no chance at a good college.”

  • Parental Pressure: His mother fretted over “what people will say” if he failed, while his father dismissed his struggles, calling him a “brat” for wanting rest.
  • The Topper Curse: Even after scoring in the top 5% in his board exams, Ahmad felt worthless—because in the JEE world, “only 100% matters.”

The Mental Health Toll: Anxiety, Burnout, and a Late ADHD Diagnosis

Ahmad’s breaking point came when he realized he couldn’t focus, no matter how hard he tried.

  • Panic Attacks: Before mock tests, his hands would shake uncontrollably. He’d stare at physics problems for hours, unable to solve them.
  • Undiagnosed ADHD: Years of being called “lazy” or “distracted” finally made sense when a therapist diagnosed him with ADHD—a condition his teachers and family had ignored.
  • Suicidal Thoughts: In his lowest moments, he wrote in his journal:

“I promised myself I wouldn’t end my life… but I didn’t know how much longer I could take this.”

The Bigger Picture: Why This System is Failing Our Students

Ahmad’s story is a microcosm of a systemic issue:

  1. Coaching Institutes ≠ Education: They’re businesses, selling dreams while exploiting insecurities.
  2. Society’s Narrow Definition of Success: Engineering or bust—ignoring passions, creativity, and mental well-being.
  3. No Safety Nets: Students crumble under pressure because nobody teaches them how to cope.

The Way Forward: What Needs to Change?

  • Regulate Coaching Centers: Cap study hours, mandate mental health support.
  • Parental Awareness: Success isn’t just a rank. Let kids breathe.
  • Normalize Alternatives: Not every brilliant mind belongs in IIT. Careers in arts, writing, and entrepreneurship matter too.

As Ahmad puts it:

“I thought JEE would decide my future. Instead, it almost destroyed me. We need to stop treating this exam like a life-or-death battle.”

The JEE grind isn’t just about studying hard—it’s about surviving a system that often values ranks over well-being. How many more students like Ahmad will break before we change it?

Why This Matters:
This isn’t just Ahmad’s story. It’s the story of lakhs of Indian students trapped in the same cycle. It’s time to rethink what “success” really means.

2025 Tragedies: The System Still Fails

Despite years of discourse around the flaws in the JEE ecosystem, 2025 proved that little has changed—and if anything, the situation has worsened. A series of heartbreaking events, including falsified results and multiple student suicides, exposed the system’s continued failure to protect those it claims to serve.

  • The False Result Scandal:
  • Suicide Spike:
  • The Kashmir Case: Faisal Bashir’s Death:
    Among the most heartbreaking incidents was that of 19-year-old Faisal Bashir from Gunipora, Kupwara, Kashmir. On April 19, 2025, just a day after the JEE results were announced, Faisal was found dead in his rented room in Dudwana. He had been under significant academic pressure leading up to the examination. Local residents remembered Faisal as a bright and respectful student. His death has sparked widespread concern about the mental health impact of academic pressures in Kashmir.
  • Institutional Apathy:
    Even in the wake of such events, many coaching institutes continued with business-as-usual strategies—focusing on “damage control” PR campaigns rather than genuine reform. Instead of acknowledging their role in the burnout culture, they doubled down on aggressive marketing. Parents were handed new flyers, teachers held pep talks, and students were reminded that “only the weak quit.”

These 2025 incidents reinforce that the JEE system—backed by profit-hungry institutes and societal obsession—remains a deeply harmful machine. It continues to churn out numbers while crushing dreams, sanity, and even lives.