Technology with Impacts

Technology With Impacts
Farheen Wani
All of the biggest technological inventions created by man – the airplane, the automobile, the computer – says little about his intelligence but speaks volumes about his laziness. –( Mark Kennedy)
Society gives purpose to technology, for technology is made to help man—for better or for worse. From the moment man picked up the first tool in his hand to aid him in his task, to where he is today with all the advancement he has accomplished, technology has always been there at man’s disposal.
The symbiotic union of society and technology has led the world to improvements beyond expectation, and yet, the future still holds an untapped growth potential, especially in the area of digital technology.
Digital technology gives birth to making our world reachable with its augmenting information highways like the Internet and the net. Across it, we have reinvented the way we interact and communicate with emails, conference calls, and social media apps, among others. It has improved the lives of students and teachers with digitization in the education sector. It has saved thousands upon thousands of lives with advanced machinery and innovations that have been introduced to the health industry.
We could go on and on, but the baseline is that digital technology and society are in this synergistic relationship that will get stronger further into the future as we dive deeper into the 21st century.
Technology is around us everywhere, from simple devices like our smartphones, laptop, and TV to background tech that we don’t notice. It isn’t taking off anywhere anytime shortly, we hold to get familiarized with it. Once we get the hang of manipulating technology in a privileged manner, it can enhance our vitalities.
On the other hand, tech can also make our lives harder. Whether tech has a positive or negative effect on our lives, it all depends on how we use it.
Positives Impacts of Technology on Our Lives
Technology has, without a doubt, made all our lives easier over the past two decades. From connecting with people across the globe from the comfort of your home to running a full-fledged business without a physical space, technology has impacted our lives positively in several ways.
1. New technology continues to come out faster than we can keep up with. The purpose is to boost business and make the daily management of enterprises more systematic, structured, and successful.
Tech has boosted businesses by improving the hiring process, error-free collection and analysis of business data, and better communication with clients and partners.
Additionally, tech has also changed the way we work remotely for the better. It is now commonplace for people to work from home. However, certain tech, like the cloud, has made it easier than ever to work whether you’re at the office or not.
2. Advancements in tech have made it easier for more people to access the internet, resulting in online shopping being more popular now than ever.
Currently, most people prefer to shop online without leaving the house because of its sheer convenience. Instead of wasting hours in the shopping mall, tech makes shopping simple. A few of the benefits of online shopping include cheaper products, saved time, fuel, and energy, easier-to-find items, a wider variety online, and no added pressure.
3. One of the most downplayed areas of technology that has dramatically improved over the past few years is education. Technology has been beneficial for those in the business world, but it has impacted education in a big way.
A few examples include the availability of online courses, accessibility of web seminars, and unlimited online resources for research. Before tech, you’d have to physically go to class, attend a meeting or go to the library to do research. Now, education is easier for everyone, no matter where you live. Online classes have made it possible for all students to enroll without leaving their homes.
Today, you can find several great sites for free college courses online, such as Udemy—a fantastic website that offers thousands of free and paid-for courses to choose from. Whether you want to create virtual reality games or become a yoga instructor, Udemy has a course that’s perfect for you.
In terms of technology, Udemy also offers a wide variety of great tech-related online courses. The categories available range from IT hardware and software to operating systems and network and security. So tech can help you master your chosen path and possibly broaden your career opportunities.
4 . Most technology these days is created to improve businesses and generate profit. However, tech can also make our daily lives so much better.
Tech has made an immensely positive impact on the daily lives of everyday people. Some positive examples include improvements in the transportation system.
Negative Impacts  of Technology on Our Lives
As much as we appreciate technology for the convenience it brought to our lives, several aspects of it have impacted our society negatively in more ways than one.
1. As technology advances, we are connected now more than ever, and it has become a huge part of our lives. That’s why technology negatively impacts physical health.
These physical health problems can be severe. Nevertheless, you can avoid most of them by creating healthy tech habits instead of bad ones.
Apart from creating unhealthy sleeping patterns, electronic devices can cause digital eye strain, poor posture, and increased inactivity, leading to health problems like obesity.
Taking regular breaks from these devices can help you avoid these health problems. You can find a range of apps that remind you to take frequent breaks.
2 . Job loss and downsizing are two significant adverse effects of technology. Because of advances in the tech field such as AI integration, automating and accomplishing tasks have become easy. In this day and age, most companies need to stay up to date with the latest technology, but in the process, low-skilled employees, like factory workers and cashiers, will be replaced.
Machines can now carry out tasks that only humans could do so far, which creates a massive shortage of jobs. The bottom line is that people aren’t necessarily needed for work tasks anymore because of how efficient tech has become.
3. Technology grows incredibly quickly, so the digital devices and gadgets that we use have a short lifespan and become outdated in a matter of months.
Since these devices are so important in our daily lives, we need to maintain and upgrade them regularly. Besides maintenance and upgrades, these pieces of tech may just become outdated and pushed aside by newer, more advanced versions.
Technology Is a Boon and Bane to Society
Overall, tech is amazing, and it has changed the world for the better, from improving our daily lives to building better businesses. The majority of the adverse effects of technology stem from its misuse.
The way we choose to utilize tech can help or harm ourselves and others. Instead of blaming the tool, we need to use technology in a healthy, more disciplined way. By doing this, technology can continue to benefit our lives.
The writer is a journalist and can be reached at farheenwani47@gmail.com

“Safeguarding the soul of Kashmir: Karnah’s Prized Forests

” Safeguarding the soul of Kashmir: Karnah’s Prized Forests”
Suman lone
In the northernmost region of India lies a mesmerizing land of unparalleled beauty – Kashmir. Adorned with snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and pristine lakes, this heavenly abode has earned the title of “Paradise on Earth.” Among the gems of Kashmir is a quaint and picturesque district called Karnah, where nature flourishes in all its splendor, thanks to the relentless efforts of the forest officials who diligently protect its green treasure.
Karnah, nestled near the Line of Control (LOC), holds a prominent place in the heart of Jammu and Kashmir. Covering an expansive forest area of 20,230 square kilometers, approximately 19.95% of the region’s total geographical expanse, this district is a haven for biodiversity. The significance of these forests extends far beyond their enchanting appearance; they play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, safeguarding against floods and natural calamities, and providing solace to those seeking refuge from the bustle of modern life.
In an era where people increasingly embrace organic and natural alternatives for a healthy lifestyle, the therapeutic value of nature cannot be overstated. The verdant forests of Karnah offer respite from the demands of a hectic life, providing a sanctuary for rejuvenation and mental peace. Imagine a vacation in a resort surrounded by this emerald treasure, where the melodies of chirping birds serenade your soul, and the gentle rustling of leaves soothes your spirit. Truly, nature has a way of healing our weary minds and souls.
Kashmir’s beauty is unparalleled, and Karnah stands as a testament to its magnificence. The district boasts a diverse array of trees, each adding to its allure. The forest officials of Karnah work tirelessly to preserve this breathtaking landscape and safeguard its rich biodiversity. Among these dedicated officials, Shamus ul Haq deserves special mention. His unwavering commitment to conservation has earned him recognition from the Forest Department of Jammu and Kashmir, a well-deserved acknowledgment of his exceptional contributions.
Living in a border area, Karnah faces its unique set of challenges. Crossfire and skirmishes in the region can brutally damage the precious forests. However, the forest officials remain undeterred and continue to protect this green treasure with unwavering vigilance. Their efforts are not limited to mere monitoring; they actively engage in afforestation programs to replenish any lost greenery and promote sustainable practices.
The forest officials’ relentless dedication to safeguarding the green treasure of Karnah is a testament to their love for nature and the desire to pass on this gift to future generations. They understand that nature’s bounty is not only a source of scenic beauty but also a lifeline for the entire ecosystem and a repository of our cultural heritage.
As we admire the beauty of Karnah’s forests, let us also realize the immense responsibility that falls upon each of us. It is not just the duty of the forest officials but also of every individual to protect and preserve the natural world. Together, we can ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to witness the same enchanting landscapes that captivate our hearts today.
In the words of the famous Columnist of our Kashmir Mr. Aubaid Akhoon  “Nature’s symphony is played in the pristine forests of Karnah, where every tree stands as a testament to resilience and grace. Let us be the guardians of this green treasure, for it is not just a part of our land; it is the very soul of Kashmir.”
As we celebrate the efforts of the forest officials, let us also pledge to join hands in their noble cause. Together, we can create a harmonious symphony of nature’s beauty that resonates for eternity in the heart of Karnah and beyond.
The Writer is a student of Amar singh College and can be reached at

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Zaheer Jan A one man army for children with special needs in J&K.

Zaheer Jan A one man army for children with special needs in J&K.
Rameez Makhdoomi.
Special needs or disabled children feel most let down in our society due to unfavorable circumstances for them in all the spheres of life.
There are more than 1.2 lakh disabled children in J&K of which 83,567 are school-going others don’t attend schools because most of the private schools didn’t provide them admissions.
Kashmir-based Child & Disability Rights Activist, parent Advocate and Paediatric occupational Therapist  Zaheer Jan is like a one man army campaigning advocacy  for the right to decent inclusive education of the children with special needs. He is fighting against all odds to get these children their due in private schools. He is also trying his level best to get these children to get their due in elite schools who often show hegemony and reluctant approach while admitting these students.
Zaheer Jan laments the fact that After abrogation of Article 370, all central laws are applicable to J&K and as per RPWD Act 2016 all private schools or Govt schools should allow children with special need in mainstream.
Zaheer Jan has emerged as an icon for the persons with special needs he believes as a Rehab professionals this is our duty to help parents to provide them their  basic rights and to aware them of their rights.
He founded the organization Save the Destitute Foundation and I am its Chairman.  The aims and objectives of the organization are working for Child and disability rights , Capacity building and  Advocacy for persons with disabilities,  inclusive education,  disasters and health issues.  We have different areas of burning concern to work in our organization . When we saw an organization there was no awareness in Kashmir related to inclusive education,  Early intervention, job policy for PWDs and we organised many conferences and workshops to create awareness on same and till date we organised 6 conference and 2000 stakeholders attended our conferences.The role played by Zaheer Jan in uplifting the people with special needs is commendable. He said his organization provide 8000 Heath care kits among Asha workers, Health care workers and other NGO volunteers in all district in kashmir.
He started an online petition in change.org related to inclusive education for cwsn and 1809 people, parents across India signed his petition and after that Directorate of school education Kashmir as well as jammu issued circular not to denial of admission to children with special needs. He said these orders only on papers on grounds nothing happens schools still deny admissions to cwsn and doesn’t implement RPWD Act 2016 and Director school orders. His appreciable role in getting people with special needs is a morale boosting example for the society in these tough times.

Mohsina(Jr KAS) Asistant Director Handicraft and Handloom Srinagar talks on diverse aspects of Handloom sector

Mohsina(Jr KAS) Asistant Director Handicraft and Handloom Srinagar talks on diverse aspects of Handloom sector
National Handloom Day Special
Mir Sabeen Gulrez
9th National Handloom Day was celebrated by the Directorate of Handicraft and Handloom Kashmir  on 7th August -2023 at Kashmir Haat, Srinagar.
National Handloom Day is observed on August 7th every year to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement, which was launched on this day in 1905.
 The event was held under the Chairmanship of  Commissioner Secretary Industries and Commerce, Shri Vikramjeet Singh along with Director Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir,  Mr. Mehmood Ahmad Shah. The event was attended by Joint Director Handicrafts & Handloom Kashmir,  Joint Registrar, Induscos Kashmir, Director IICT , Deputy Directors of Handicraft and Handloom Kashmir and other staff members of Handloom Department, various Artisans, Weavers, & members of Cooperative Societies also attended the event.During the event, weaver registration certificates along with Mudra Sanction letters were distributed among the weaver community.
Journalist Mir Sabeen Gulrez talked to  Mohsina(Jr KAS) Asistant Director Handicraft and Handloom Srinagar about diverse aspects of Handloom Industry.
Reporter : What was the theme of National Handloom Day 2023?
Mohsina : The theme for this year  was “Handlooms for Sustainable Fashion”.
Reporter : How do you see the current picture of the Handloom sector in J&K?
Mohsina : The handloom sector in Kashmir is showing humongous growth, due to ongoing efforts of the department. The department of handicraft and handloom kashmir is implementing a number of schemes to benefit the weaver community. Under the credit card and MUDRA scheme a 7% interest Subsidy loan is given to the weavers. Around 500 weavers are sponsored every year for the said loans from district Srinagar Uber MUDRA scheme and 600 credit card loans are sanctioned every year from district Srinagar.
Reporter : How far is GI tagging helpful to Handicrafts?
Mohsina : GI tagging has been a game changer for the entire weaver community, by giving due credit to the hard labour of weavers and recognising the time, hard work and money that goes into hand weaving. It helped in placing the hand knit work on the forefront over the machine made work.
Reporter : Has GI tagging helped Pashmina?
Mohsina : The Pashmina sector in particular has seen a bloom post GI tagging the pashmina weaving community has now got recognition and a face of their product. The international market of Kashmiri pashmina products have seen a bloom post GI tagging which has helped in marketing and publicity of our products. GI tagged pashmina shawls were displayed in the G20 summit which was highly appreciated.
Reporter :Your take on weak economic conditions of weavers in Jk?
Mohsina: The department is constantly working to improve the economic condition of the artisan community. A  stipend of rs 1500 per month is provided to each trainee at the training centres run by the department,  various schemes are being implemented to provided loans to the artisans, under karkhandar scheme a sum of rs 2.5 lakh is given to an award winning artisan to start a training course of his own which has played a huge role in reviving the languishing crafts of Kashmir. Co-operatives have been opened in different crafts wherein 1 lakh rs is given to establish the society.

Tomato, Tamatar and Tamata , opinion 31 July 2023 issue.

Tomato, Tamatar and Tamata

By 

Kusum Kaull Vyas

Call this fruit, used as a vegetable, by any name but it’s ubiquitous presence in everyday Indian food has made it special and difficult to manage without. Though this red, round, good looking and these days much talked about, costly vegetable was introduced in Indian staple food only 250 years back, it has surreptitiously taken the place which cannot be replaced. There is a hue and cry about the Tomato Rs 200 per kilogram, everywhere in India right now.

Tomato the green, red, yellow, big, small, bright and shining is loved as a toast and zing to the vegetables, curries, lentils thrown in to add colour, taste and make any food palatable. It was not native to Indian subcontinent, Asia or Africa but to South and Central America only. In 1519, a business man brought the seeds to Europe and people started cultivating tomatoes for their ornamental curiosities but was not eaten. Most likely the first variety to reach Europe was yellow in colour since in Spain and Italy it was called Pome d’oro meaning yellow Apples. Italy was the first to embrace and cultivate tomatoes outside South America. May be this is the reason of using Tomato sauce sparingly in pizzas by Italians.

The French referred to tomatoes as Pommes d”amour or love apples as they thought them to have stimulating aphrodisiacal properties. In some western countries it was first known as wolf peach. Peach because it was round and yellow but fed to wolves. The English word Tomato comes from Spanish word Tomate. Though tomatoes were not adopted easily as this bright and shining fruit was eyed with suspicion for a long time in Europe. It went to America with the Europeans who settled there in large numbers in 18th and 19th century.

Portuguese introduced tomate in Indian subcontinent in the 16th century but people did not fit it in the vast Indian cuisine. It remained limited only for Portuguese consumption. It was much later when British laid the foundation of their Indian Empire, Indians took to tomatoes kindly. European sailors, traders, soldiers, missionaries, explorers and colonial officers introduced tomato along with other things to the subcontinent. Indian cooks who served in the British kitchens learnt how to use tomato as soup, broths and Shorba.

Hindus especially Brahmans even today don’t use tomatoes on Religious ceremonies be it any pooja, Shraad or yagna (Havan) like onion or garlic. I asked my mother why do Hindus put tomatoes in the category of onion and garlic, which is considered Tamsik , hot for the body whereas tomato is cooling . She had no clue. The answer I found was that perhaps tomatoes came from foreign shores besides it had no mention in Ayurveda or our scriptures. For a long time, tomato was considered as a brother of brinjals because of certain similarities in growth cycle and leaves. Till that time Indians used Tamarind pulp, coconut, yogurt as thickening material in different dishes.

My Saurashtrian mother in law called tomato as tamata. Rightly so, the Portuguese must have introduced it in Daman and Diu as it must have reached Gujarat’s vast shores like Batata (potato). Gujarati name for Alu / potato is Batata, grown in 17th century for the first time in Indian subcontinent was cultivated along western coast. Britishers introduced Potatoes in Northern India, with the adopted name of yam from Sanskrit Allum. Similarly, tomata was Tamatar in North and central India. It was similarly introduced in Kashmir by Britishers and there also people called it Ruwangan, something associated with wangan, Brinjal. The delicacy wangan Tamatar is a tasty dish of Kashmiri cuisine. The only difference between the Kashmiris and rest of india during the high Tomato prices is that Kashmiris still hold on to their traditional wisdom of drying vegetables, more so the tomatoes, which are sun dried, a practice of hundreds of years. In Kashmir most of the vegetables are sun dried for the use during winters. This culture was a means to survive harsh winters, when snow covered the soil from December to March and nothing grew from October to March. Vegetables were cut in different shapes and sizes, put on a sheet under the sun, covered by a Malmal cloth and left to dry. Garlands of few vegetables like bottle gourd, brinjals, turnip, red chillies etc. would be seen hanging on the outside walls of the houses in Autumn. Tomatoes were sun dried so it would give them a firm texture and unique sweet tart flavour. These were used in winter when there were no fresh tomatoes available like other vegetables.

Today vegetables from Jammu and Punjab come easily in winters through the road connecting Jammu, Anantnag and Srinagar. This was possible only after Jawahar Tunnel was made in 1956, In the Pir Panjal range on its highest peak of Manimahesh kailash peak. Banihal tunnel another name for Jawahar tunnel connects Banihal and qazigund round the year. Prior to 1956, the road to Jammu was to travel on this mountain range on foot, horses and horse carts. Some people would get injured, die, fall off cliffs during rain and snow. This arduous journey was taken only by few, who could not afford to take the long route of Kashmir, Muzaffarabad (presently Pakistan occupied Kashmir), Muree, Rawalpindi, Lahore (Now Pakistan) and Dilli. No one would be back before one month or more, from Srinagar to Dilli which today takes half an hour by Aeroplane. If someone got any vegetables from anywhere in winter, it would be spring by the time he reached back to the valley. In such difficult winters, using dried vegetables was the best practice. Today we get every vegetable from any corner of the world with the click of a finger. Sun dried tomatoes are extremely popular now and are used in wide variety of dishes, soups, salads, pasta, pizza in meat and fish as a delicacy because of its particular taste. They also are a quick snack on their own. It has a shelf life of 6-9 months, when packed in malmal cloth or a tight plastic bag. I would suggest keeping them in fridge in a hot climate like Gujarat. Ripe tomatoes when cheap in winters here, can be sun dried. Another way is to cut the tomato in half, sprinkle with sea salt, lay on mats or cloth under heat until moisture is eliminated. Do cover with malmal cloth or a net otherwise the over dust may sprinkle its flavour. Drying intensifies their flavour, tart acidity and appeal in creamy texture. This is a ready supply of tomatoes all year long. There will be no tension of price rise of tomatoes, come what may.

Italians had taken early to sun dried tomatoes and even today they rehydrate them by marinating with oil or vinegar, with added zing of herbs and spices. If you are in Rome, Florence or Venice, do order a dish with sun dried tomatoes, I bet you will love it. Ask for Ruwangan flavoured dish, when in Kashmir. You will spend the same amount of money for tomato in Italy, tamatar in Dilli and tamata in Gujarat, provided it is Sun dried.

-Kusum Kaull Vyass

TRADITIONAL CURRICULUM VS MODERN CURRICULUM: CHOOSE THE LATTER, opinion 31 July,2023

TRADITIONAL CURRICULUM VS MODERN CURRICULUM: CHOOSE THE LATTER 

By Syed Mustafa Ahmad 

Curriculum has been defined in many ways according to the needs  of the times.  Some decades ago, traditional curriculum was in dominance. It is  also called bookish curriculum. It focuses  on books, exams, discipline, fixed time tables, paper degrees,etc. However, it is  against the individual differences. Same kind of syllabus was for different children. There is no scope for critical thinking. Status quo reigns everywhere.  

      But with the revolution in information technology, the need for the modern curriculum has increased more than before. The present age is the age of AI, Robotics, Quantum mechanics, etc. Innovation is the order of the day. Men have started to colonize other celestial bodies. There are chances of life on other planets  as well. The calculations that used to take thousands of years, are done in few seconds. Men have surpassed the speed of light. Gene scissors are in the market to protect us from lethal diseases. Carcinogenic diseases are controlled. In this way, there can be no liking for the traditional curriculum that only choked the rational voices. Let us contrast both curricula in some detail.

      First is that the traditional curriculum is about books. Books are more important than children. Education is imparted in specialized buildings. There are strict teachers and management. There are fixed classes in a day. Teachers prepare what they have to teach in a particular period. They try their best to complete the syllabi. They, by hook or crook, complete their syllabi and prepare students for examinations while the modern curriculum is child-based. All the focus is on  a child. His or her differences are known in the beginning. His or her psychology is understood so that teaching or learning becomes easy and fruitful. Here, a child is free to learn according to his or her taste. There are no specialized buildings for this curriculum. A child learns everywhere. He is trained in such a way that every experience becomes learning for him. He looks at animals. He doesn’t dread them. In cases of beautiful landscapes, he or she tries to know its Creator. This is the best characteristic of the modern curriculum.

       Second is that the traditional curriculum is exam-dominated. Children, from the very beginning, are frightened that they have to pass with flying colors. They are in constant fear that if they don’t get a distinction or a position, they will be treated harshly. They, instead of reading textbooks, find short cut ways to get good marks. In this way, they become addicted to the hand made notes and guides prepared by some unknown persons. They learn questions and answers without knowing their crux. They become good in rote learning. In this way, the marvellous brains are lost. However, in case of the modern curriculum, there is no space for exams. A child learns different subjects and skills at the same time to be the master of those subjects or skills. He or she is expert in dealing with his or her subject because he or she likes to learn those very subjects. There is no thrust upon them. They learn what they learn. They use their creative powers to go against the views of their teachers. Children don’t believe blindly. Curriculum teachers them to criticize.

      Third and last is paper degrees. In the traditional curriculum, degrees matter the most. A teacher without a particular degree is deemed unfit for teaching. However, he or she may be expert in his or her subject but she or he does not possess the required degree, he or she is unfit for that very post. But in case of the modern curriculum, there is no need for paper degrees. A rickshaw puller can be an engineer. Jack Ma, the founder of Ali Baba, can be the source of inspiration for those who have doctorates in many subjects. 

       In short, there should be such kind of curriculum that can know the individual differences in  children. Until and unless the individual differences are unknown, we cannot think of any progress. Let us embrace the curriculum that makes child a child. I request parents and teachers to embrace the curriculum that is reasonable. Overall, we are living in the age of Science and technology which needs a totally different approach.  Hope good sense prevails among all of us.

Ripples of Life by Monalisa Parida

Title:-  RIPPLES OF LIFE

By Monalisa Parida

Stop dimming your light for others 

Glow,

Shine,

Illuminate, 

Dazzle them,

Set them as pyrotechnics.

Just never hide your light, 

Making them comfortable 

Was never your responsibility. 

Once you stop counting 

The leaves you lose 

You will eventually stand tall

And wait for the new ones to grow. 

You know the purpose of life 

Is not to just survive 

But to live. 

Time waits for no one 

And time is moving constantly!

Of course 

You hold on to your breath, 

And the moments you’re given, 

To make more memories, 

And savour the details. 

You cannot stop this river 

But you can resist its flow.

Ebbing is existence and flooding is life.

And the ripples are memoirs.

Bio:- Monalisa Parida is a post graduate student of English literature from India, Odisha and a prolific poetess. She  is very active in social media platforms and her poems have also been translated into different  languages and publish in various e-journals.

   She has got 100 international award for writing poetry. Her poems have been publishing international e-journals “New York parrot”, “The Writers Club” (USA), “Suriyadoya literary  foundation”, “kabita Minar”, “Indian Periodical” (India) and “Offline Thinker “, “The Gorkha Times “ ( Nepal), “The Light House”(Portugal), “Bharatvision”(Romania), “International cultural forum for humanity and creativity”(Aleppo, Syria), “Atunispoetry.com”(Singapore) etc. And also published in various newspapers like “The Punjabi Writer Weekly(USA)”,  “News Kashmir (J&K, India)”, Republic of Sungurlu (Turkey)” etc.

One of  her poem published an American anthology named “The Literary Parrot Series-1 and  series-2 respectively (New York, USA)”. Her poems have been translated in various languages like Hindi, Bengali, Turkish, Persian, Romanian etc.  And she is the author of the book “Search For Serenity”, “My Favourite Grammar”, “Paradigm”, “Beyond Gorgeous”.

Lalit Suri hospitality group promotes Millet diet in grand fashion

Lalit Suri hospitality group

promotes Millet diet in grand fashion 

Rameez Makhdoomi/ Farzana Mumtaz 

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly at its 75th session declared 2023 the International Year of Millets.

To create domestic and global demand and to provide nutritional food to the people, Government of India had proposed to the United Nations for declaring 2023 as International Year of Millets.

In a significant development related to it, 

Shree Anna’: Millet menu has been  introduced at prestigious Lalit Hotel Srinagar. 

Eminent voices expressed their delight over the same as 2023 is the global year of millets and India is the largest producer of Millets. 

Lalit Suri Hospitality group has taken a lead in being symbol of ethos of Indian millets

The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group on Wednesday, 18 July, 2023  launched ‘Shree Anna’- a nationwide promotion of India’s millets, in support of the country’s Millet Mission.

Lalit Hotel Srinagar in this regard organised an impressive function on 18 July, 2023.

While talking to News Kashmir , The Union Territory Lieutenant Governor, Advisor Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar stated ” Diet is paramount constituent of human life, apart from sleep it plays vital role in human survival and healthy growth.  INDIA has played a great role in getting 2023 declared as International year of millets. It is great for our overall  health if we consume Millet rich diet.  Millets are genetically very much resistant  to  climate change and also grow in less fertile soil.  Millets taste even better than GRAINS  or any other food item. They require very less pesticides and are thus environmentally friendly. In this age of growing disease like Diabetes and Cancer, millets offer good prospects as Diet. Shree Anna’: Millet menu introduced at prestigious Lalit Hotel Srinagar is not only healthy but tasty too and it is a commendable effort. “

We need to bear in mind that The theme for the International Year of Millets 2023 (IYM) is “Harnessing the untapped potential of millets for food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. Sane Voices are praising Lalit Suri Hospitality Group for taking the promotion of millets as forward.

Need for Sex Education in Schools, opinion 17 July 2023 by Syed Mustafa Ahmad

       Need for  sex Education in Schools

Syed Mustafa Ahmad 

One of the much debated topics across the world is the importance of sex  education in schools. Sex education refers to a broad programme designed to impart knowledge/ training regarding values, attitudes and practices affecting family relationship. Its main objective is the transfiguration of a male child into manhood and a female child into womanhood. Sex is still considered a taboo in India. Parents feel embarrassed to talk openly with their children in this regard. Due to ignorance, children fall victim to many diseases like  AIDS and unwanted pregnancies, etc. So, sex education is necessary to be introduced in the school for the benefit of the youth of our country.

      Sex education comprises sexual development, affection, body image and gender roles. In other words, it is about learning how we grow, reproduce and change over the years. It also includes a positive view of sex. If the youngsters learn about sex objectively, they would be more careful before indulging in sex secretly. Sex is a natural part of life and when questions arise, they can be discussed in a matured way.

      The sole aim of such an education is to teach children to establish and accept the role and responsibility of their own gender by acquiring knowledge of sex. Understanding the differences and similarities between two genders; in terms of body and mind will set up a foundation for the future development in the their acquaintance with friends and lovers and their interpersonal relationship. It will also help to develop emotionally stable children and adolescents who feel sufficiently secure and adequate to make decisions regarding their conduct without being carried away by their emotions. 

       If we were to go the data published by WHO, sex education should be imparted to children who are 12 years and above. It has also been seen that it is the age group of 12 to 19 years that counts for some 34% of the HIV infected person in the world. Experts claim that “ Youth in India needs sex education more than the youth in any other country since  child marriage ensures that one not only have sex at a young age, but girls also have teenage pregnancy”. In a world full of exploitation, children are the most vulnerable section of the society. They should be taught between the good touch and the bad touch in order to protect themselves from various forms of child abuse.

      If a regular teacher tries to talk about this topic with students, it can get awkward and uncomfortable, but it can never be vulgar. These sessions are always held by people who are trained to do it. Counsellors who can talk about these subjects without blinking an eyelid, are the ones who help in making the students confident too. Parents in India are known to hide their love towards each other, in front of their children. The children grow up to believe that love is a taboo and it is improper to display one’s affection in public. Parents must understand the psyche of their children. They must share with their children the love they share and behave like normal friends.

      Sex education is a part of the syllabus from class 7 onwards anyway, when the students learn about the reproductive system in their biology classes. There are so many other issues that kids of this age group face and need to be sensitized about. It once happened  with me that in the  coaching centre, when the diagram of the female reproductive system came in front of the eyes of the male students, they blushed. They couldn’t understand what they were  being taught. This situation should change. It should be a smooth flow of things. Moreover, topics like dealing with rejections, getting too serious in relationships, friendships, etc., should be taught at the earliest.

      Such guidance is much needed in the present times of information overload. In fact, parents feel that it is the schools that have to be proactive and arrange for classes and sessions like these, so that the day the child is curious, he or she gets answers from trained professionals and not from some anonymous website. The biggest advantage of sex education in India is that it will help the country fight against the tremendous spread of AIDS. Also, sexual exploitation is spreading at a high rate wherein the small kids are the highest prone to such incidents.

      Last but not the least, awareness of sex education is the most significant factor necessary to lead a secure life. Usual educational practices are very simple to learn but we cannot consider sex education on the Same line. It comprises physiological, psychological and social issues, especially when we think of including it as a part of academic syllabus. As these complications occur, a question may arise in the minds of people about the need for sex education providing to the children. While children reach teenage level, lack of sex education may lead the way to their unusual behavior. If not corrected at the exact time, it may generate problems of immature misbehavior in these children’s lives.

      Now, it is high time for introducing sex education in school. This will create a liberal thinking among the youth and give them a safer, healthier life style. Many psychologists argued that sex education has the potential to liberate the young generation from socially organized sexual oppression. It helps them to overcome feelings of guilt and shame and they start to see the world in a matured way. Thus, we can say that the proper sex education can ensure a safer, healthier life style for the youth. The governments both at the centre level and at the state level should create an atmosphere  of liberalism,  where there is no shallow mind-set of approaching sex as something dirty and avoidable. All have to contribute in this regard. Many children have become the scapegoats. We won’t like more to fall into this trap. Religious institutions should also show interest in this matter. Trained scholars should be brought in to teach the adolescents.  Moreover, adolescents should be given a chance to talk to each other. It will prove beneficial  in the long run. My experience is that there is a wide chasm between the male adolescents and the female adolescents. This gap has to be bridged. In short, our schools have to act like the whole society. 

References:1) Arihant Books on Sex Education and Gender Equality 

2) IAS NOTES ON GENDER EQUALITY AND SEX EDUCATION 

Mistakes are part of life , opinion 10 July, 2023 issue .

Mistakes are a part of life 

BY: Syed Mustafa Ahmad

( The Writer is from Hajibagh, Budgam)】

Mistakes are a part of life. A human being is capable of doing mistakes. Some mistakes are major while some are minor.  Some have negligible repercussions while some  leave long-lasting results.  But the truth is that mistakes happen with a human being.  This world is created in such a fashion that there are cent percent chances of going astray.  Holding tightly to religious principles can go loose and the person is thrown into the abyss of wrongdoings.  In this Universe,  there is constant tussle between evil and good. It has usually been observed that evil triumphs at the end of the day, whatever the reasons. 

         If a mistake is committed by a person,  what is to be done? Is the person convicted in a court of trial or is the person be given another chance to mend his or her ways? Depending upon the mistake,  the verdict or decision should be accordingly made. However,  mercy is more powerful than cruelty.  God is full of mercy.  So, a human being must be merciful in all his or her activities. 

       But in today’s world, paradoxical things  take place.  One who is guilty of committing blunders, is set free, while the person who has done a minor mistake,  is taken to the task.  It is the visible mockery of the rule of law. The person who loots his or her country,  is given special treatment, while on the other hand,  the person  who consciously or unconsciously is caught doing something  opposite to society,  is thrown into a prison or beaten to the pulp. We have a range of examples where minor mistakes have taken heavy toll of those people who commit the mistakes. 

         In order to live a happy life, mistakes must be distinguished.  The major mistakes,  after thorough checking,  must be dealt accordingly.  In the same vein, the minor mistakes  must be neglected after proper counselling.  The most important thing to know about the origin of mistakes is why mistakes are done. Why do people do mistakes? This question  is quite important.  It is better to stop an evil than to punish an evildoer.  In our society,  the evildoers  are beaten, while the evil itself is roaming freely.  Evil has liberty to go where it wants to go. It has no bars. The fact of the matter is that it is generally welcomed.  

          Let us try to be merciful as much as we can. Mistakes happen, but let us forgive each other.  Punishing others is quite easy. But forgiving has more value in the eyes of God.