When the G20 summit is held in Kashmir for the very first time in May of 2023, people from all over the world will be there to witness this historic event. This momentous event is going to provide a forum for the leaders of the world to discuss and find solutions to the challenges that face the entire world. Additionally, it is going to emphasize the grandeur and potential of the region. Because of Kashmir’s deep cultural past and breathtaking natural surroundings, tourism has always been an important economy in the region. The gathering of the G20 will provide an opportunity to draw attention to the natural beauty of the area and to promote the region’s potential as a tourism destination. After many years of upheaval, the summit will help attract attention to the efforts that the people of Kashmir have been making to repair their lives and their economy. These efforts include rebuilding their homes and their businesses.
The fact that the G20 summit will be held in Kashmir is indicative of the region’s growing geopolitical significance, not only within the region but also throughout the world. When the people of Kashmir attend the summit, they will have the opportunity to engage in conversation with individuals from all over the world and to present the diverse customs, practices, and history that are unique to their region. The world’s leaders will have the opportunity to discuss and find solutions to a variety of global concerns at the summit, including climate change, poverty, and inequality. In order to find solutions to the most pressing issues that the international community is currently confronted with, the leaders of the most significant economies in the world are going to get together in Kashmir. The meeting will take place on April 17
In addition to this, the fact that the G20 summit will be hosted in Kashmir will provide the economy of the region a significant boost, which is something that was not previously mentioned. The presence of delegates and journalists from all over the world in Kashmir will be beneficial to the promotion of the region as a destination for tourism, business, and investment. The people of Kashmir will stand to gain from these fresh opportunities, which will also make a contribution to the region’s economy and ensure that it continues to expand. The fact that Kashmir will serve as host to the G20 meeting will help to dispel the unfavorable stereotypes that are typically associated with the region. The summit will play an important role in bringing to light the rich culture of the region, as well as the peaceful coexistence of its several distinct communities and the region’s potential to become a hub for innovation, education, and technology. The decision to hold the G20 summit in Kashmir symbolizes a critical turning point in history and offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase the grandeur and potential of the region to the rest of the world. The summit will bring together the leaders of the world in order to discuss and find answers to the challenges that are now plaguing the entire world. In addition, the summit will open up new doors of opportunity for the people of Kashmir. This significant event will help debunk the unfavorable stereotypes associated with the region and will demonstrate the potential of the region as a centre for innovation, education, and technology.
World University of Design organises First International Sculptors Symposium
Delhi 28 Marchh: World University of Design organised the First International Sculptors Symposium, presenting 10 Artist (3 International Artist and 7 Indian Artists) along with 10 Young sculptors as assisting artists from reputed art universities of Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi College of Art, and Chandigarh University. Entitled “TATTVA” the International Sculptor Symposium is curated by Prof Rajan Shripad Fulari, Dean, at the School of Visual Arts, WUD, Sonipat. The event started from Tuesday, March 14th to Tuesday, March 28th, 2023.
TATTVA is one of its own kind of symposium which aims to bring art of sculpture close to the public.
As part of this Symposium, ten sculptors, Including some senior sculptors from Indian Contemporary Scenario, are stationed at WUD Campus from different parts of India and the world. The sculpture’s creation in the symposium will be exhibited on the university campus and open to the public for interaction and dialogue. This opportunity will be of great interest for students to have firsthand experience to learn in person.
TATTVA is an element or aspect of reality conceived as an aspect of deity, forming the basis of human experiences. Tattva is also an inseparable part of Indian philosophy with various schools of thought defining it in their own way. Further in context with Indian philosophy of TATTVA is also fundamental in bringing together the five elements in nature through Visual Arts and Sculptures being one of its forms. Keeping the sculptural tradition in India and arriving at new idioms in Contemporary Art is an attempt at WUD with this first International Sculptors Symposium.
The symposium opened on March 14th, 2023, with WUD Vice Chancellor Prof (Dr) Sanjay Gupta as the Chief Guest. Reaffirming the role of Art and how it touches lives of those around it, Prof Gupta said, “Art and Design connects the social fabrics in context with day today life which even crosses boundaries, and makes people curious to explore and deal closely with new avenues. This International Sculptors Symposium will be aligned on the same lines.”
TATTVA aims to bring together artists from different countries including India so that an exchange of ideas, conversation and dialogue can take place and provide an active opportunity to WUD students to make the most out of it, which is in line with university’s orientation in the years to come. This opportunity will provide a platform to artists participating to develop networks, exchange perspectives, understand use of different mediums, learn and exchange different techniques and most importantly build friendships and open doors for further collaborations.
Participating Sculptors and their profiles from India and Abroad includes Mr. Adwaita Gadanayak from Odisha, (Director General, NGMA), Ms. Canan Zongur from Turkey, Ms. Ana Maria Aurelia from Romania, Mr. Luka Radojevic from Montenegro, Mr. Tutu Pattanair from Delhi, Mr. Tridip Dutta from Assam, Mr. Robin David from Madhya Pradesh, Mr. Prashanta Mukherjee from Delhi, Mr. Vishal Bhatnagar from Chandigarh and Mr. Bolla Srinivasa Reddy from Telangana.
1. Adwaita Gadanayak: Adwaita Gadanayak was born and brought up in Neulapoi village of Dhenkanal district in Odisha. Gadanayak pursued art education from BK College of Arts and Crafts and completed his masters from Delhi Art College. Gadanayak also studies art at Slade School of Fine Arts in London. He is a celebrated sculptor and received many awards: National Lalit Kala Akademi Award in 1993; Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi Award in 1999 etc. The sculptor’s most famous projects include Gandhi’s Dandi March statue in Rajghat, Police memorial in Delhi, Subhash Chandra Bose and also his works have found place in London as well. Gadanayak served as Director General of National Gallery of Modern Art.
2. Ana Maria Aurelia Negara: Ana Maria Negara born on August 9, 1984, in Braila, Romania, she get a PhD in visual arts at the University of Arts “George Enescu” University with the thesis “Tradition and modernity in contemporary sculpture”, and she made a master class sculpture (2008-2010) after a B.Sc. (2008), with the same specialization at the “University of Arts” George Enescu “Iasi, Romania. In 2010, Ana Maria was admitted as a member of the” Union of Professional Artists (UAP) in Romania. Ana is a well acclaimed sculptor internationally.
3. Bolla Srinivasa Reddy: Srinivasa Reddy obtained his Diploma in Sculpture from the College of Fine Arts, JNTU (now JNAFAU), Hyderabad followed by a Post Diploma in the same at Faculty of Fine Arts, M S University of Baroda. He is the recipient of Junior Fellowship by the Government of India, and National Award by Lalit Kala Academi. He has successfully exhibited his works in many galleries in India and abroad over the last few decades. Well known as sculptor in Contemporary Indian Art and profound teacher.
4. Canan Zongur:Canan is highly commended and sought after as a sculptor for her public art works in stones. She has had an outstanding career as a teacher following formal study in art and sculpture. She has a doctorate from The Institute of Fine Arts at the DokuzEylül University, Turkey where she specialised in studies of the shaping of stone in 20th-century sculpture. Currently she is Professor of Fine Art at Ordu University, Turkey. Here Sculptures can be seen in various institutes in India too.
5. Luke Raojevic: Luke has an international art career as sculptor. He started from his hometown in Montenegro, and he continued to create and participate in art events worldwide. Joy of combining different materials and styles challenged him to make attractive and intriguing sculptures. Endless inspiration he finds in history, religion, science, love, Beside individual projects, he made several cycles of artworks which are called: “Trinity, Time, The secret of Jerusalem and Homo sapiens”. His sculptures found placement in many public areas, private properties, and business spaces.
6. Prashanta Mukherjee: Prasanta born – 1959 at Jamshedpur, India. He did his B.F.A. Sculpture in 1988 and also M.F.A. Sculpture in 1990 both from M.S.U. Baroda, India. He has been part of many national and international workshops. Also a recipient of many Scholarships, received a Fulbright Fellowship in 1999. Fellowship from Kanoria Center for Arts, Ahmedabad, India. 1990-1991 Study Grant From TISCO, India for doing post-graduation in sculpture, 1988-1990. Prashanta is also associated with various educational institutes in teaching assignments being a wonderful sculptor and teacher.
7. Robin David: Robin David is a renowned name among contemporary sculptors who played an important role in reviving the importance of sculpture in Madhya Pradesh. Robin David, who has been associated with the establishment of Bharat Bhawan, Bhopal, the multi art centre. David has made his invaluable contribution in establishing the international identity of this multicultural institution. Considered to be one of the pioneer artists in conducting various international sculptures symposium across India.
8. Tridib Dutta: Tridib Dutta is an Indian sculptor known for his innovative and contemporary approach to sculpture. He completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the Government College of Arts and Crafts, Assam. Tridib Dutta is a highly respected and influential figure in the Indian Art World, known for his unique and innovative contributions to the field of sculpture. His works are highly regarded for their unique style and exceptional craftsmanship. He continues to create art that reflects his love for nature and his passion for sculpting being based in the remote area of Jorhat in North-East.
9. Tutu Pattnaik: Tutu Patnaik is a Indian sculptor very well known across the world for his monumental sculptures. He completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture from the Faculty of Visual Arts at Banaras Hindu University. He went on to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture from Delhi College of Art. Pattnaik is known for his innovative sculptural techniques and styles. The most acclaimed sculptures can be seen in various institutes around the world.
10. Vishal Bhatnagar: Vishal Bhatnagar youngest among all is a renowned Indian sculptor who is known for his exceptional artistic skills and unique approach to sculpture. Bhatnagar pursued his education in sculpture at the Government College of Art in Chandigarh, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He then went on to obtain a post-graduation degree in sculpture from I.K.S. University Khairagarh, where he further honed his artistic skills. His sculptures are often characterized by their intricate details and intricate designs.
About World Design University (WUD) is India’s first university dedicated to educating students in the creative domain of Art and Design. Seated in the heart of the educational hub of India – Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonipat, Haryana – WUD plays the role of a harbinger of a revolution in the education system in India. It is the torchbearer of breaking stereotypical educational patterns and has facilitated the shift of studies pertaining to design from being solely vocation-oriented to academic-oriented; thereby offering substantiated degrees (under section 2(f) and 22(l) of the UGC Act) to its students instead of mere diplomas and certificates.
Established in 2018, World University of Design is a young university offering a myriad of programmes at undergraduate, post graduate and doctoral levels across disciplines like Architecture, Design, Fashion, Communication, Visual Arts, Performing Arts & Management. Equipped with the largest portfolio of design courses in India, the university offers a number of cutting-edge programs in computers & design, transportation design, animation & game design, UI/UX, film & video, built environment & habitat studies, design management, art education, curatorial practice etc.(KNB)
Poverty has several consequences, which can differ in scope for residents of developed and developing countries. The outcome of poverty can be more severe for certain social groups within a society.
• The social consequences of poverty include family issues, impacts on social and cultural lives, and higher rates of crime and victimisation.
• The economic consequences of poverty are a lack of social mobility, problems with housing and homelessness, and a segregated society.
• Poverty can negatively impact health in a number of ways.
• Child poverty can have serious consequences on children’s education and development.
Poverty is one of the calamities that Allah swt has decreed should happen, either to a specific person or a family or a society. Poverty has negative effects on people’s beliefs and conduct. Immoral behaviour becomes widespread to a large extent because of poverty, as a means of meeting people’s needs, so theft, murder, zina and sale of haraam things become widespread.
Undoubtedly these things have a negative effect on individuals and societies.
Allah swt tells us that some of the mushrikeen used to kill their children, the apples of their eyes, either because of the poverty in which they were living or for fear of poverty that might befall them. Allah swt says of the first case (interpretation of the meaning):
“kill not your children because of poverty — We provide sustenance for you and for them” [al-An’aam 6:151]
And He says of the second case (interpretation of the meaning):
“And kill not your children for fear of poverty. We shall provide for them as well as for you. Surely, the killing of them is a great sin” [al-Isra’ 17:31]
In al-Saheehayn there is narrated the story of a woman of the Children of Israel who, when she needed money and felt under pressure, she could not find anyone but her paternal cousin who wanted to have his way with her in return for giving her money. Then Allah swt saved her from that after she reminded him of Allah swt and told him to fear Him.
Whatever the case, it is well known that poverty leads to crimes and corruption. Many nations suffer from it and are looking for solutions to this problem, but to no avail, and there is no solution except in Islam, which brought rulings for all people until the Hour begins.
Secondly:
The means that have been prescribed by Islam to solve the problem of poverty and combat it are as follows:
1 – Teaching people to believe truly that provision comes from Allah swt and that He is the Provider (al-Razzaaq), and every calamity that Allah swt decrees is for a reason, and that the poor Muslim should be patient in bearing his calamity and strive to relieve himself and his family of poverty.
Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily, Allah swt is the All Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong” [al-Dhaariyaat 51:58]
“And no moving (living) creature is there on earth but its provision is due from Allah swt. And He knows its dwelling place and its deposit (in the uterus or grave). All is in a Clear Book (Al Lawh Al Mahfooz — the Book of Decrees with Allah swt)” [Hood 11:6]
“Who is he that can provide for you if He should withhold His provision? Nay, but they continue to be in pride, and (they) flee (from the truth)” [al-Mulk 67:21]
“And indeed We have honoured the Children of Adam, and We have carried them on land and sea, and have provided them with At Tayyibaat (lawful good things), and have preferred them above many of those whom We have created with a marked preferment” [al-Isra’ 17:70]
It is because of these beliefs that a man should bear with patience whatever befalls him of the calamity of poverty, and turn to Allah swt alone in seeking provision, and accept the decree of Allah swt, and strive to earn a living.
It was narrated that Suhaib al-Roomi (may Allah swt be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah swt (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “How wonderful is the situation of the believer, for all his affairs are good. If something good happens to him, he gives thanks for it and that is good for him; if something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience, and that is good for him.” Narrated by Muslim (2999).
Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Truly, your Lord enlarges the provision for whom He wills and straitens (for whom He wills). Verily, He is Ever All Knower, All Seer of His slaves” [al-Isra’ 17:30].
Ibn Katheer (may Allah swt have mercy on him) said:
The words of Allah swt “Truly, your Lord enlarges the provision for whom He wills and straitens (for whom He wills)” tell us that He, may He be exalted, is the Provider, the Withholder and the Bestower, Who deals with His creation as He wills. He grants independence of means to whomsoever He wills and makes poor whomsoever He wills, with wisdom in that. Hence He says “Verily, He is Ever All Knower, All Seer of His slaves” i.e., He knows and sees who deserves to be rich and who deserves to be poor.
In some cases wealth may be a means of letting people get carried away in sin and poverty may be a punishment. We seek refuge with Allah swt from both. Tafseer Ibn Katheer (5/71).
2 – Seeking refuge with Allah swt from poverty.
The Sunnah relates to us what the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) used to do and what he taught his ummah to do, which is seeking refuge with Allah swt from poverty, because of the effect that it has on a person, his family and his society.
It was narrated that Muslim ibn Abi Bakrah said: My father used to say following every prayer: (O Allah swt, I seek refuge with You from disbelief, poverty and the torment of the grave), and I used to say them too. My father said: O my son, where did you get this from? I said: From you. He said: The Messenger of Allah swt (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) used to say that following every prayer.
Narrated by al-Nasaa’i (1347); classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i.
It was narrated from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah swt be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) used to say in his prayer: (O Allah swt, I seek refuge with You from sin and heavy debt).” Someone said to him: “How often you seek refuge from heavy debt!” He said: “When a man gets into debt, he speak and tells lies, and he makes a promise and breaks it.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (832) and Muslim (589).
3 – Encouragement to work and earn a living, and to travel in the land to seek provision.
Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“He it is Who has made the earth subservient to you (i.e. easy for you to walk, to live and to do agriculture on it); so walk in the path thereof and eat of His provision. And to Him will be the Resurrection” [al-Mulk 67:15]
“Then when the (Jumu‘ah) Salaah (prayer) is ended, you may disperse through the land, and seek the Bounty of Allah swt (by working), and remember Allah swt much, that you may be successful” [al-Jumu’ah 63:10]
It was narrated from al-Miqdaam (may Allah swt be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah swt (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “No one ever eats any food better than that which he has earned with his own hands. The Prophet of Allah swt Dawood (peace be upon him) ate that which he earned with his own hands.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1966).
It was narrated from al-Zubayr ibn al-‘Awwaam (may Allah swt be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “If one of you were to take a rope and bring firewood on his back and sell it, thus preserving his dignity, that is better for him than asking of people who may give to him or withhold from him.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1402).
4 – Making zakaah obligatory on the wealth of the rich
Allah swt has granted the poor a share of zakaah, which is to be given to the poor to keep, and is to be given until he becomes independent of means and is no longer poor.
Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakaah) are only for the Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al Masaakeen (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allah swt’s Cause (i.e. for Mujaahidoon — those fighting in a holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allah swt. And Allah swt is All-Knower, All-Wise” [al-Tawbah 9:60]
“And those in whose wealth there is a recognised right
25. For the beggar who asks, and for the unlucky who has lost his property and wealth (and his means of living has been straitened)” [al-Ma’aarij 70:24, 25].
5 – Encouragement to give charity, set up waqfs and sponsor orphans and widows
Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“So keep your duty to Allah swt and fear Him as much as you can; listen and obey, and spend in charity; that is better for yourselves. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, then they are the successful ones” [al-Taghaabun 64:16]
“and whatsoever you spend of anything (in Allah swt’s Cause), He will replace it. And He is the Best of providers” [Saba’ 34:39]
“And whatever good you send before you for yourselves (i.e. Nawaafil — non obligatory acts of worship: prayers, charity, fasting, Hajj and ‘Umrah), you will certainly find it with Allah swt, better and greater in reward” [al-Muzzammil 73:20]
It was narrated that ‘Adiy ibn Haatim said: I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) say: “Whoever among you can shield himself against the Fire, even with half a date, let him do so.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1347) and Muslim (1016).
It was narrated that Sahl ibn Sa’d said: The Messenger of Allah swt (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “I and the one who sponsors an orphan will be like this in Paradise” – and he gestured with his forefinger and middle finger, holding them slightly apart.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari (4998). Muslim (2983) narrated a similar report from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah.
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “The one who strives to help widows and the poor is like the one who strives in jihad for the sake of Allah swt and the one who prays at night and the one who fasts during the day.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5038) and Muslim (2982).
6 – Prohibition on riba (usury), gambling and deceit in selling
Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):
“O you who believe! Fear Allah swt and give up what remains (due to you) from Ribaa (from now onward) if you are (really) believers.
279. And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah swt and His Messenger but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly (by asking more than your capital sums), and you shall not be dealt with unjustly (by receiving less than your capital sums)” [al-Baqarah 2:278-279]
“O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and Al Ansaab (stone altars for sacrifices to idols etc) and Al Azlaam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaytaan’s (Satan’s) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful” [al-Maa’idah 5:90]
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah swt (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) passed by a pile of foodstuff; he put his hand in it and found that it had gotten wet. He said, “What is this, O seller of the foodstuff?” He said: It got rained on, O Messenger of Allah swt. He said: “Why don’t you put it on top of the food so that people can see it? Whoever deceives (people) does not belong to me.” Narrated by Muslim (102).
That is because if these things are done and become widespread among people, it means that some are taking people’s wealth unlawfully, and people may lose all their wealth because of them. Hence the texts clearly forbid them.
7 – Encouragement to help the needy and support the weak
It was narrated that al-Nu’maan ibn Basheer said: The Messenger of Allah swt (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “The likeness of the believers in their mutual love, mercy and compassion is that of the body; when one part of it is in pain, the rest of the body joins it in restlessness and fever.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5665) and Muslim (2586).
It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah swt be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah swt (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “He is not a Muslim who eats his fill when his neighbour goes hungry.” Narrated by al-Bayhaqi in al-Shu’ab (9251) and by others. Classed as hasan by al-Albaani.
In Muwatta’ al-Imam Maalik (1742) it is narrated from Yahya ibn Sa’eed that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab met Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allah swt who was carrying some meat with him. He said: What is this?
He said: O Ameer al-Mu’mineen, we desired meat so I bought some meat for a dirham.
‘Umar said: Would one of you want to fill his belly apart from his neighbour or his cousin? What don’t you pay heed to the verse “You received your good things in the life of the world, and you took your pleasure therein” [al-Ahqaaf 46:20]?
In conclusion: This is a brief look at poverty, which points to some of its bad effects. The Muslim knows that poverty and richness, and whether things are given to one or withheld, are all subject to the decree of Allah swt. So he bears hardships with patience when they come, and he thanks Allah swt, may He be exalted, for good times when he finds them. But he is required to work and seek to earn a living so as to relieve himself and his family of poverty. But if someone is unable to do that because of health reasons or problems in his land, then Islam relieves him of poverty by means of zakaah and charity that are given by the rich. This is the share of their wealth that the poor are entitled to.
Environmental Pollution; Death Staring us in the Face
By Syed Mustafa Ahmad
In today’s world, there are many burning issues like poverty, human rights violations, global warming, green house effect, environmental pollution, etc. But here, I will discuss about the environmental pollution. It can be defined as the addition of some unwanted substances in the environment, which are harmful for both living and non living. It is not a recent phenomenon but it is the process of many centuries. The previous decade witnessed some of the hottest years of the century. It is visible in the decreasing of the ground water level in India, flooding of many areas, the bushfires of Australia, the melting of glaciers in the fragile Himalayan region, the thinning of ice cover in Antarctica, the extinction of species, the vulnerability of species, the huge storms, the spreading of deadly diseases, etc. If this is the situation, then what are the causes responsible for this global problem. Let us try to know more about this.
First is industrialization. The heavy machinery creates havoc in the environment. The chimneys produce the toxic gases. The effluents or the hot waters from the industries go into the seas. They destroy the ecosystem of the marine life, which eventually disturb the ecological stability or balance of the environment. Moreover, the other wastes produced by the industries are dumped without any scientific watch. In Delhi, the dumping site is as big as a mountain. It kills animals, human beings, spreads diseases, wastes energy, litters the landscape, etc. In our valley, we also witness the same situation. There is no planning on the part of the government to decompose the wastes in a scientific manner.
Second is deforestation. Deforestation results in rain deficiency on the one hand and droughts on the other hand. It is being reported that a large part of the Amazon forests is cleared due to continuous felling of trees. In our valley, the smugglers are hand in glove with the government in looting our precious resources. Everyday we come across the news that smugglers are caught red-handed in this and that part of the valley. It has given rise to the loss of the habitats of the wild animals. The end result is the human-wild conflict. Overall, the continuous felling of trees has brought a lot of harm to the environment. Trees keep the ecological balance of the environment. When they are cut ruthlessly, there are cent percent chances of environmental pollution.
Third is the continuous rise in the plying of vehicles on the already narrow roads. Every day, new vehicles appear playing on the roads. First, the roads are not so wide to drive comfortably. The result is that many lives are lost. The fuel used in the majority of vehicles is non-renewable. It means that it won’t last forever. Moreover, these vehicles produce the toxic gases that disturb the environment on the large scale. Acid rain is a good example of this. Slowly and steadily, the ground is prepared for the environmental pollution.
Fourth is that we waste energy. The bulbs are on without any purpose. The taps drip through out the day and night. The vehicles are washed with the drinking water. The engines of the vehicles are not stopped at the red light. Food is wasted on most of the functions. Mobile phones are on without any purpose. The televisions and radios are running day and night without any listeners. Refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, etc., are on without any real purpose.
Last is that we are unaware about the importance of the environment. We take things for granted. We don’t have such kind of mindsets that may help us to ponder over the diversities in the environment. We never bother to respect the endowments bestowed upon us by the Creator of the universe. We come to senses when it is too late. This approach of ungratefulness is very dangerous. It is necessary to have compassion towards the environment. It pays and will pay if we remain little bit diligent.
A lot of damage has been done. Now, there is need to carry out the mission of the real construction. We have to remain careful in not destroying the environment further. There is an urgent need of this mindset. We can’t be so complacent. Let us pledge that every person at his or her individual level will try his or best to protect the environment.
Naveen Patnaik (born 16 October 1946) is an prominent politician of India serving as the current and 14th Chief Minister of Odisha. He is among the iconic leaders of India. He is also the President of the Biju Janata Dal, a writer and has authored three books. He is the longest-serving chief minister of Odisha and as of 2023, one of the longest-serving chief ministers of any Indian state, holding the post for over two decades, and only the third Indian chief Minister after Pawan Chamling and Jyoti Basu to win five consecutive terms as Chief Minister of an Indian state.
He is Chief Minister of Odhisa since 23 years and destined to be longest Chief Minister of India.
His life is full of accolades and noteworthy accomplishments which make him one of the tallest figures of India.
Patnaik was born on 16 October 1946 in Cuttack to Biju Patnaik, former Chief Minister of Odisha, and his wife, Gyan Devi .He was educated at the Welham Boys’ School in Dehradun, and later The Doon School.At Doon, he was a classmate of Sanjay Gandhi and three years junior to Rajiv Gandhi, who later became prime minister.After school, he went to the St. Stephen’s College of Delhi University, and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Naveen Patnaik is iron man of Odhisa and India. He has also an intellectual mind of par excellence.
Patnaik is a writer and had for the most part of his youth been away from both politics and Odisha, but after his father Biju Patnaik’s demise, he entered politics in 1997 and a year later founded the Biju Janata Dal, named after Biju Patnaik, which won the state election with the BJP as its alliance and formed the government in which Patnaik became Chief Minister. His mild mannerism, “Stand against corruption” and “Pro-poor policies” have resulted in the development of a huge support base in Odisha, which has voted him to power in the last five consecutive terms. Like his father, he has managed to control the bureaucracy and transformed it into a machine for the development of the state.
His Honest, dedicated spartan personal lifestyle and detachment from material possessions has been liked by the people of the state.He is also one of the founding members of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage.His elder sister is the writer Gita Mehta.
Undoubtedly, Naveen Patnaik is towering personality of India under whose leadership Odhisa has transformed into oasis of development.
Under his great leadership,
each one of the 4.5 crore Odias is the catalyst of change.
Naveen Patnaik is synonym of progress and prosperity.
Hosting of the prestigious Men’s Hockey World Cup in Odisha for the second time, industrialisation and attracting investment, growth of self-help groups, ST transformation, Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, KALIA, Millet mission and other initiatives of the state government under great leadership of Naveen Patnaik are applauded by one and all.
He has bagged prestigious awards and global recognitions. The United Nations in 2019, complimented Naveen for his government’s proposal of reserving 33% of seats for women in the National Parliament as well as in the state’s Legislative Assembly.
Naveen Patnaik is undoubtedly the precious diamond of Indian politics.
The suicide rate in Kashmir is increasing with each passing day. In the past week, four cases of suicide have been reported across the Kashmir valley. A study done by one of the government agencies claimed that around 127 people died by suicide in the Kashmir valley in last 16 or 18 months. The data by the State Disaster Response Force reveals that 365 attempts of suicide were recorded. Out of them , 238 survived after taking extreme steps.
The media report on which the commission took suo-moto cognizance mentioned that 20,000 people have attempted suicide due to the socio-political turmoil in the Valley. About 3,000 of them have died and most of them were in the 16- 25 age group.
Other report mentions that 575 cases of suicide attempts have been admitted in the SMHS Hospital alone . In the entire State, at least one suicide is recorded every alternate day and there is hardly a hamlet or mohalla that has been untouched by more than one incident of suicide attempts. Quoting a psychiatrist, the report said that the incessant violence in the valley has devastated the psyche of the Kashmiris and stress-related diseases have grown manifold across the social spectrum, driving people mostly youngsters increasingly to suicide.
Most suicidal individuals give warning signs or signals of their intentions. The best way to prevent suicide is to recognize these warning signs and know how to respond if you spot them. If a friend or family member is suicidal, you can play a role in suicide prevention by pointing out the alternatives, showing that you care, and getting a doctor or psychologist involved.
Major warning signs for suicide include talking about killing or harming oneself, talking or writing a lot about death or dying, and seeking out things that could be used in a suicide attempt such as weapons and drugs . These signals are even more dangerous if the person has a mood disorder such as depression or bipolar disorder , suffers from alcohol dependence and previously attempted suicide or has a family history of suicide. All must come forward in preventing suicides. It is a challenge and it needs to be dealt with proper guidance. Doctors feel that awareness among youngsters need to be increased across the Kashmir valley. Doctors also say that there is a suicide contagion that needs to be prevented.
Marriage is one of the most pious and highly revered occasion across the cultures and faiths, a mystical union of souls that binds together two people for the entire life. But owing to the variegated intrusions it has witnessed is more of a concern in the current times. Are we losing the plot? Kashmiri wedding traditions are unique. There are several things which makes Kashmiri wedding traditions quite distinctive from the traditions of other communities. However, this holy union has underwent swath of changes and its essence is fading at fast pace. Arrange & engage in cooking delicious meals ‘wazwaan’ but it should be simple as possible. Don’t add unimportant things to it in order to show dignity & shower impression on other. These things get noticed all the time & are put before one & other in a more complex way as ‘demand’. Dowry, being one of them is a necessary social evil. To get hitched is good but why to hiccup others. These given utmost attention & preference are nothing but ‘Biddah’ (unnecessary increments). Which results in trauma to parents & suicidal bag for others. We should care about the other members of society. In a society, we live in interdependence and any change favouring vague will automatically force every single individual to go with it. However, exceptions can’t be termed out. On a positive note, two souls can interpret and preferably can change two families without wasting time & notes.
A Bond defining Togetherness and Tradition Marriage ceremony is an important social duty performed by the families and it takes shape in presence of huge social gatherings. Plenty of people are invited in the dinner parties by the families of both bride and groom by strictly following rituals from the pre-wedding to post wedding ceremonies. Starting with matching the horoscope of the bride and the groom (sitaar). Our people stress on checking the compatibility between the family of the bride and the groom, check the backgrounds of each other’s family, reputation and status (Family Tree). Most likely a Middle man/woman fixes the dates of the wedding after matching the horoscopes and then the two parties agree to go with it. After that several steps are followed in the pre-wedding period like Vaana, Livun, Wanwun, Manzirat, Duribat,Devgon etc.
Vaana: Vanna is formal engagement or commitment ceremony that takes place after the two parties agreed to form the alliance. Vaana takes place in front of an idol, which is followed by the meeting of parents and other elderly persons from the family of bride and the groom. The two parties meet in a temple and exchange flowers that symbolizes the formalization of the ceremony. The bride’s family invite the groom party for a meal that comprises traditional Kashmiri food. Cash, dry fruits, candies and a pot containing nabad (misri) is sent by the bride’s family to the groom’s house.
Livun: Cleansing of the houses of both the bride and the groom before wedding. The participation of all female members in the Livun is customary.
Wanwun: It is the next part of the pre-marriage rituals and is held a few days before wedding. Wanwun are actually music sessions that are held every evening at both and are attended by the relatives and neighbours of both sides. However, these things are now-a-days not being performed at some hard religious followers. Message is spreading but it will take time to make people concisely conscious.
Maanziraat: The ceremony that take place a day before the wedding is the most depressing night, full of futile activities. All nonsensical things are performed that night. Further, coming on the ceremony, it begins with krool khanun, a ceremony for decorating the main entrance of both the houses. Then an elaborate bathing of the bride, then ‘henna’ or ‘maanz’. Women are invited in the ceremony and are served special Kashmiri meals & kehwa with saffron.
Apart from these the other parts of Kashmiri wedding traditions in the pre-marriage session include; Bariyan, sending of thaals, sending of phool ka gehna (ornaments made of flowers), mehendi (decoration of Bride’s hand, palm and feet with Mehndi), Diugun, Sanzvaru and Devgon. These things are really burden on a poor family. A poor girl rejects marriage proposals because of these factors. This type of marriage system in Kashmir has become a hell of fire. People wedded through such ceremonies rarely last for years. They only sow poison for other fellows and also in person end with the same fate – living dead.
Reviving the Charm again
Then, it comes to the reception of baarat; the groom and his party by the bride’s family, First, Vidai: (the farewell of bride from her home) and then welcoming the newly-weds at groom’s house. The newly wedding is also followed by some post-wedding rituals like, Satraat, Phirlath, and Roth Khabar. On a lighter note, these things make no sense in real sense. They only add burden to the poor families. This is the cause ‘love marriages’ are preferred over ‘arranged’ one’s viz. court marriages etc. to avoid extra time consumption in fixing dates and other futile deals. “Baje kore henz czhopei gye ankaar”- but marriage is a commitment (solid union). What I want to say is that, “get married but let always way open for other’s & never try to show off.” Please carry your daughter or son’s marriage in a social way, leaving a moral print for others to follow. Arranging feasts & squandering all along is letting us all down. Simply trying to be simple won’t be a problem.
Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Dr Shah Faesal and Fazlul Haseeb are among the top IAS officials of Jammu and Kashmir administration who have passed the UPSC exams in 2008, 2010 and 2017 respectively and became role model heroes of hundred of youths of Jammu and Kashmir those intending to qualify the UPSC exams from time to time to attain bureaucratic positions.
Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary is a 2009 batch Indian Administrative Service officer from Jammu and Kashmir cadre and the current administrative secretary of Tribal Affairs Department and Chief Executive Officer, J&K Mission Youth, Mission Director, Skill Development Mission. He secured an All India Rank 51 in the UPSC’s Civil Services Examination for the year 2008. Shahid was the first Muslim from Jammu region to get into Indian Administrative Service as a direct recruit.
Dr Shah Faesal, is an Indian bureaucrat currently posted as deputy secretary in the ministry of culture, Government of India. In 2010, he became the first Kashmiri to place first position in the Indian Civil Services Examination.
Faesal, who did his MBBS from Sher-i- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, topped the UPSC examination in his first attempt proves that anyone can achieve it by hard work.
Fazlul Haseeb cracked UPSC examination in 2017 and secured rank 36 is presently posted as Director, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism department, Kashmir. Haseeb topped the candidates from Jammu and Kashmir region in 2017 as he was groomed to get into the civil service and the idea was fed to him since childhood by his father, who kept guiding him and inspiring him to join the services.
Notably at least seven candidates from the Jammu region were confirmed to have made it to the latest batch of All India Civil Services while Kashmir Valley has been drawn completely blank. It is for the first time that no one from Kashmir Valley has been able to crack the Civil Services Exam for 2021 result of which was declared on May 30, 2022.
Shruti Sharma, Ankita Agarwal and Gamini Singla have secured the first, second and third rank respectively in the civil services examination 2021, results of which were announced by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on May 30, 2022.
The IAS dream is exclusive to the millions of Indian youth who devote years of their time and make innumerable sacrifices to achieve it. Every year, thousands of aspirants enroll themselves in the best IAS academy they can find, in order to chart their course towards the IAS dream.
For those who harbour the IAS dream, it is essential to know the kind of duties, powers and responsibilities that are part and parcel of the illustrious post. Indian Administrative Service Officers are an intricate part of the Indian bureaucracy and government machinery. The career is a complete package comprising an attractive pay package, job security, social status, and an excellent platform for serving the nation on various levels.
Lakhs of aspirants fill the form every year with an aspiration to join Lal Bahadur Shashtri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) which is the last and final step before joining the duty and coming to terms with living the life of an IAS officer.
The civil services examination is conducted annually by the UPSC in three stages preliminary, main, and interview to select officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and the Indian Police Service (IPS) among others.
Once an IAS aspirant successfully aces the civil service exams, his/her life transforms into a very disciplined and busy one. IAS officers have to complete several duties in a day, based on their department. Most of the responsibilities involve going through daily reports, delegating duties, and overseeing policy formulation. The duties also involve extensive travelling across the length and breadth of their administrative area or district.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Civil Servants for the East India Company used to be nominated by the Directors of the Company and thereafter trained at Haileybury College in London and then sent to India. Following Lord Macaulay’s Report of the Select Committee of British Parliament, the concept of a merit based modern Civil Service in India was introduced in 1854. The Report recommended that patronage based system of East India Company should be replaced by a permanent Civil Service based on a merit based system with entry through competitive examinations. For this purpose, a Civil Service Commission was setup in 1854 in London and competitive examinations were started in 1855.
Nevertheless, in 1864, the first Indian, Shri Satyendranath Tagore brother of Shri Rabindaranath Tagore succeeded. Three years later 4 other Indians succeeded.
Throughout the next 50 years, Indians petitioned for simultaneous examinations to be held in India without success because the British Government did not want many Indians to succeed and enter the ICS. It was only after the First World War and the Montagu Chelmsford reforms that this was agreed to. From 1922 onwards the Indian Civil Service Examination began to be held in India also, first in Allahabad and later in Delhi with the setting up of the Federal Public Service Commission. The Examination in London continued to be conducted by the Civil Service Commission.
Similarly, prior to independence superior police officers belonged to the Indian (Imperial) Police appointed by the Secretary of State by competitive examination. The first open competition for the service was held in England in June, 1893, and 10 top candidates were appointed as Probationary Assistant Superintendents of Police. Entry into Imperial Police was thrown open to Indians only after 1920 and the following year examinations for the service were conducted both in England and India.
Indian Administrative Service (IAS) was formerly known as the Imperial Civil Service (ICS) is the Civil Services Examination and one of the toughest competitive exams in India. It is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for the recruitment of officers for the All India Administrative Civil Service.
It is very important for aspirants to know and understand the requirements of the examination such as the UPSC IAS syllabus, pattern, eligibility criteria, application procedure and other such significant details before kick-starting the registrations.
The selection of the candidates will be made through the preliminary exam, main examination and an interview/personality test. This year-long selection process will begin in the month of June and conclude in April. The final merit list for the CSE will be released in May.
The role of IAS officers is very venerable, demands a great deal of responsibility and reverence. It is also important that an officer is physically and mentally fit and healthy to handle the work pressure without giving in. Handling affairs of government that involve framing and implementation of policy in consultation with the concerned minister Implementing policies through supervision and also traveling to the places where the approved policies will be implemented.
Implementing policies comprises disbursement of funds through personal supervision answerable to the Parliament and State Legislatures for any violation of rules while on duty functions and responsibilities differ at different levels of career. Initially, IAS officers join the state administration at the sub-divisional level, resuming their services as sub-divisional magistrates, and look after law and order, general administration and development work in the area assigned to them.
At the Centre, the IAS officers play a key role in formulation and implementation of policies related to a particular area for instance, finance, commerce, etc. During formulation of a policy and decision making, IAS officers serving at different levels i.e. joint secretary, deputy secretary give their valuable inputs. The policy takes its final shape through a final decision the minister concerned or the cabinet, depending on the seriousness of the situation.
With the roles and responsibilities of an IAS officer, aspirants might have understood that Civil Services is opted not for attractive salary or perks though the pay scale of an IAS officer is lucrative.
The life of an IAS officer is indeed hectic yet an interesting one! They are the ones who have the real power to bring about the necessary change in society and help the underprivileged get their rights in a real sense.
(The author is a regular columnist and can be mailed at m.hanief@gmail.com)
Social media are very useful for us . In today’s era, the use of social media has become a necessary activity. Billions of people around the world use social media to share information but we can’t say that it is only boon, but it has disadvantages as well. First of all let us look at the advantages of the social media.
Social media have changed the lives of modern society. People talk and chat with other people through this . It has the potential for employment opportunities for the unemployed . We can make many friends on it who live far away from us. People can express their talent on social media sites, they can get money for their talent. If any student gets stuck in any question, they can use the YouTube or educational apps to solve their doubt. Self study has become easy for . If We have no time to buy things from shops . we can use social media sites ( shopping apps ) and can order online from home. If we want to taste different types of food, we can also order them, wherever want to order. We can pay from our social media platforms . We can play online games with our friends.
Now let’s look at some disadvantages of the social media. Today, people are addicted to social media. They utilise it for entertainment. They are becoming lazy day by day. People have lose connections with the real friends and family members. Sometimes social media can provide us fake news. Some people cleverly steal other’s information to blackmail them. Sometime students don’t get the actual answers of their question from social media platforms. Shopping from online shops can prove disastrous. Kids have got addicted to the online games
Social media have both pros and cons. However, it is up to us to use social media in the best possible manner. Proper guidance is necessary in this regard. In the pursuit of benefits, we must not lose the sight of the disastrous sides of the social media.
Narrative of Kashmir has taken different shapes in the lives of people across India and it still stands as a very interesting topic of discussion among many stakeholders. While Kashmir has always been in the news for political paradigm shifts, killings, stone pelting etc but surprisingly representing the other side has been neglected too nicely which might have led to relevance and cohesion. There is more to Kashmir than Apples, Walnuts & Mountains. A place where sufi’s had curated mystic verses, where lal-ded/laleshwari saw shiv, where writers found poetry and where singers found songs in the breeze.
Kashmir has been always discussed through the lens of authorities and vested interests. When we talk about the modern day Kashmir narrative we forget to mention how women have equally played a role in shaping it. It’s very important to understand what type of information has been produced to build the Kashmir narrative and by whom?
This article is an attempt to represent a fresh perspective from an inverted lens of women in kashmir.
Kashmiri women have been rarely discussed in the media and amongst the political agenda and not much work has been carried out to make the discourse more gender neutral. It is personally very important for me to help people locate the place of women in ongoing Kashmir dynamics.
Women are as important as men for carrying forward the cradle of civilization. The women of Kashmir despite long decades of Turmoil have not let that be a roadblock and shine in every field of life. The propaganda voices in the past tried to paint Kashmiri women and their life a certain way which was far from truth. Kashmiri women didn’t even leave the place to pursue higher education let alone for jobs. But the truth has changed for the better, be it in the Silicon city of Country Bengaluru or the heart of country Delhi, Kashmiri women can be seen in every sphere of life contributing to national progress and building their careers.. They are not shying away when it comes to the more daring sectors like Media and aviation. Nowadays you can see Kashmiri women flying the planes in the country, contributing to academics, working in public policy, leading newsrooms and changing the scenario of male dominated journalism in kashmir.
Talking of entrepreneurship, four lakh women in over 48,000 Self Help Groups (SHGs) under the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (UMEED) have revolutionised women entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
There are also lists of schemes being implemented for women empowerment like:
Awareness Generation Projects for Rural and Poor Women (generating awareness among women regarding various issues like education, female foeticide etc) Condensed Course of Education for Adult Women (providing women above the age of 15 who did not have the opportunity to gain formal education a condensed general education along with vocational and skill development trainings in order to integrate them with the workforce),
Family Counselling Centres, Scheme for Working Women Hostels,
Swayamsidha Scheme (a Self Help Group based programme with an emphasis on convergence activities aimed at ensuring that the members of such groups avail all relevant schemes in an integrated and holistic manner),
Umeed (a Government of India flagship project to empower women in Kashmir), Sher-i-Kashmir Employment and Welfare Programme, Educational Loans, Micro Credit Loans etc. A plethora of government schemes are making an impact both in the education and employment scenario. For example, the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana has resulted in the skill development and employment of a number of Kashmiri youth, especially women.
In 2021, Kashmir University had 94 gold medalists, of which 77% were girls. Similarly, during the Islamic University of Science and Technology convocation, most gold medalists were women.
In 2022, two women from kashmir were awarded with Nari Shakti Puraskar, but again the discussion around this topic will be very less.
The point i am trying to make here can be experimented by everybody, for eg; if we try to search on google or ask anybody what is the position of women in kashmir dynamics?
you’ll mostly see them painted as victims of violence and their resilience. Though i don’t doubt their resilience for a split second but we also need to acknowledge that resilience does not only work in violent situations, it exists in excelling at professions too.
So this makes us ponder upon the fact that it is part of the narrative that they are represented in only one way or is the Kashmiri society non accepting of the fact that young women can choose for themselves and break the shackles of victimhood.
Though not much has been done for the kashmiri women living outside, the central government needs to ensure that they are provided with proper incentives and platforms so that they find a clear path to work in other parts of the country. Kashmiri women should be given more options to choose from in order for their decisions to be unaffected by state boundaries. The major fact which has been neglected is that the more kashmiri women are empowered, the more kashmiri society will empower because they have the potential to equally contribute.
Tehmeena Rizvi
The author is a Public Policy Professional from J&K, Currently working in New Delhi. Her areas of work include gender, inclusion, conflict and development.
