Never forget your roots: Maqsooda Sarfi Shiotani

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Never forget your roots : Maqsooda Sarfi Shiotni
Maqsooda Sarfi Shiotani a dynamic lady of Kashmiri origin, who has left an indelible mark on Indo-Japanese social and cultural ties.Masooda Sarfi  was Born and brought up in Kashmir India, Maqsooda Sarfi, earned a PhD from the Centre of Central Asian Studies, Kashmir University in 1999.
Maqsooda Sarfi Shiotani has made her tremendous  impact in academic, cultural and social manifestations of life in f Japan,not only this,Her research thesis on the Mongolian history and culture was a positive point to win her a scholarship from the Union Ministry of Human Resources for joining the Mongolian National University for a two-year program. She currently persists in Kanazawa, Japan for nearly 40 years. Besides teaching cross-cultural communication in universities, she runs business in Japan. She marked her potentiality as an integral part of the Japanese social system that helped her rise in the limelight as an icon of the mixed Indo-Japanese cultural stream. Her innate potential blossomed and she made her mark in academic, cultural and social manifestations of life.
 Above all, as an Indian, she has excelled as the unofficial Indian ambassador to Japan, cementing India’s ties with the land of the rising sun. Living in Kanazawa, Japan for nearly 40 years (since 1984), she has left an indelible mark on Indo-Japanese social and cultural ties.
The Ishikawa Indian Association received the “Ishikawa Prefectural Governor’s Award” by the Ishikawa Prefectural Government, Japan, in 2009, for significant contribution to social activities and cultural promotion.
On 10 January 2023  Maqsooda was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by President Droupadi Murmu for outstanding achievement in the field of
Education and in recognition of your valuable contribution in promoting the honour and prestige of India and in
fostering the interests of Overseas Indians.
Journalist Mir Sabeen Gulrez through Maqsooda Sarfi Shiotani  interview with News Kashmir.
1.Sabeen : Tell us a bit about your early life ?
Maqsooda : About my early life, well I was born and brought up in srinagar. Had my schooling here.I am a product of kashmir university where I did my higher education.
2.Sabeen : A bit on your research journey ?
Maqsooda : About my research journey, it started from the Center of Central Asian studies department back in 1980s .I was the first batch student of Central Asian studies
 . I joined as an Mphil  student under professor  Maqbool Ahmad who actually established the department. I was sent to Mongolia which was in those times a socialist country.  My research thesis was on the Mongolian history and culture. I was fortunate enough to win a scholarship from the Union Ministry of Human Resources for joining the Mongolian National University for a two-year program.  After my return I joined the Center as a Research Associate . My Mphil thesis was published by the Center. I did my phd under professor Abdul Majeed Matto Sahib . Soon after I landed in Japan as a bride, where I started business and established the Ishikawa Japan-Indian Association. I took a break from research for some time to give lectures on Indian culture throughout Japan, as head of the said Association. I had the privilege of being the Professor, Komatsu University Japan where I have been teaching cross-cultural communication . Also as an owner of an Indian restaurant, ‘Rubina ‘ I am introducing authentic Indian cuisine and saree in feminist fashion in Japan to help enhance academic, cultural and social manifestations of life in the  Indo-Japanese cultural stream.  While doing business I never left my academics self .  This year January 10th I received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA)2023  for my contribution in the educational field.  About research it never ends , the more you dig the more you need to know. it always is a continuing process.
3. Sabeen : How do you see world surfacing post covid ?
Maqsooda : The world is  still struggling hard to come out of the pandemic but fortunately India due to very strong leadership and financial planning  has stood strong and is progressing very fast. Besides we as leaders of G20 are able to bring the world community together. These strong vibes are going to be seen all over the world.
4. Sabeen : Your favorite personalities ?
Maqsooda: My favorite personalities, Swami Vivekanand and A.P .J Abdul Kalam sahib. They have taught me to be spiritual and  work hard. It always pays back.
5. Sabeen : How do you view the rise of Indian youth ?
Maqsooda : It always gives me pleasure to see our youth doing a great job in different fields. Our rising youth is our strength. The world has become very close.
G20 has changed the face of India on the earth. The world cannot do without india and we have a great talented pool of young people in India. we have a skilled work force, technical know hows, our digital technology all these fields are where our young generation could contribute. The slogan  One earth , one family and one future is very meaningful when it comes to collaboration and cooperation in all sectors whether economy business infrastructure or education sector not only between india and japan but also in the whole world.
For me the educational sector always interests me the most. I hope we could collaborate in our MA , phd and post doctorate level as well as faculty exchange with universities in both the countries in jammu kashmir as well.
6. Sabeen : Your message ?
Maqsooda : My message to youth is to have passion in what they want to do , accept and adopt new challenges and never forget their roots, your roots  make you special and unique , you are recognized and appreciated. My own experience speaks so wish all rise and shine.

Increasing Cancer Mortality, Editorial 7 August, 2023 issue.

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Increasing Cancer Mortality 

Cancer refers to any one of a large number of diseases characterized by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and have the ability to infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue. Cancer often has the ability to spread throughout your body.

Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the world. But survival rates are improving for many types of cancer, thanks to improvements in cancer.

The cancer mortality trend in India has decreased by 0.19 per cent annually among men but increased by 0.25 per cent among women, which translates to an increase of 0.02 per cent among the combined sexes, a recent study said.

As a  matter of fact, The striking findings were part of an analysis of mortality trends of 23 major cancers in the Indian population, which killed 12.85 million Indians between 2000 and 2019.

to the study, increasing mortality trends were seen among cancers of the lung, breast, colorectum, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, gallbladder, pancreas, kidney, and mesothelioma between 2000 and 2019. The highest annual increase in mortality was observed in pancreatic cancer among both sexes at 2.7 per cent (2.1 per cent among men and 3.7 per cent among women), it said. However, the stomach, esophagus, leukemia, larynx, and melanoma cancers showed a declining cancer mortality trend irrespective of sex.

The cancer mortality was high among men than women for all common cancers except thyroid (0.6) and gallbladder (0.6) cancers, the study has found. Larynx cancer had almost a 6-fold high mortality among men than women, followed by lung (2.9), melanoma (2.5), urinary bladder (2.3), mouth and oropharynx (2.2), and liver (1.9), while stomach and colorectal cancer mortality was relatively similar among both sexes, it noted.

One hopes we in India are able to save more lives from deadly cancer disease.

Melting Glaciers, Cover story 24 July 2023.

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Melting Glaciers

News Kashmir Analysis 

Glaciers are lifeline of humanity as they are source of major rivers.  Glaciers are keystones of Life on Earth. As giant freshwater reservoirs, they support the planet’s life systems and influence our day-to-day lives, even for communities who live far away from them.

The melting of glaciers is a matter of serious concern as it can lead to nature havoc. For ecologically fragile zones like Kashmir it can have serious consequences. 

Himalayan glaciers are retreating at “varying rates” and melting of glaciers can’t be prevented or slowed down, Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju, told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply few days back. 

The Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO’s) Space Application Centre (SAC) has mapped 5234 glaciers of the Himalayan-Karakoram (H-K) region using primarily IRS LISS III data which indicated a varied loss in glacier area in the region.

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) and various Institutes/Universities under the projects funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST)  too have conducted mass balance studies on a number of glaciers and found that the majority of Himalayan glaciers are melting/ retreating at varying rates in different regions.

Rijiju said the glacier inventory prepared by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) for the Chandra basin (2437 km2 area) in the western Himalayas shows that it has lost about 6% of its glacial area during the last 20 years and 2.4-meter water equivalent (m w.e.)  to 9 m w.e. ice mass during 2013-2021. The glaciers in the Bhaga basin lost huge ice mass in the range of 6 m w.e. to 9 m.w.e. during 2008-2021. The annual rate of retreat of Chandra basin glaciers varied from 13 to 33 meters/year during the last decade.

Expert pulse is that disappearance of glaciers makes visible the invisible. It makes tangible the current climate change that can be hard to perceive in other ecosystems. The recent evolution of glaciers found in World Heritage sites paints a true picture of their decline in a warming planet.

Melting of Glaciers is a matter of serious concern for Jammu and Kashmir too. 

Jammu and Kashmir Himalayas hosts some of the largest glaciers in the Hindu Kush region. Scientific studies indicate that Kolahoi, the largest glacier of Kashmir valley’s Jhelum Basin, is retreating rapidly due to spurt rise in temperature triggered by global warming and extreme pollution.

Thajiwas, Hoksar, Nehnar, Shishram, and glaciers around Harmukh are also retreating slowly.

In coming times, the melting of glaciers diminish the stream flow of trans-boundary rivers emanating from the region.

Studies point out grim realities. 2019 study reveals that glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region – which contains the world’s third-largest glacial ice cap and is home to ten major river basins and mountain peaks, such as Mount Everest – could lose more than a third of their volume by the end of the century even if world nations meet their most ambitious climate targets.

One hopes we are able to stem the flow of melting glaciers.

Perils of Smartphone addiction. Edit 5 June, 2023 issue .

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Perils of Smartphone addiction 

Smartphones have become integral part of our lives but they have negative impacts .

The new global study gathered data of 27,969 adults aged 18 to 24 years from over 40 countries, including around 4,000 from India. It found that women appear to be more affected.

As many as 74% of female respondents who received their first smartphone at age 6 were found experiencing serious mental health challenges as young adults with scores that fell within “distressed” or “struggling” MHQ range. This decreased to 61% for those who got their first smartphone at age 10 and 52% for those who acquired the device at 15 years. Among those who got their first smartphone at age 18, 46% were assessed as mentally distressed or struggling, the study found.

For males, the trend was similar though less acute. Around 42% of those who got their first smartphone at age 6 were classified under “distressed” or “struggling” mental states, which fell to 36% for those who got the device at age 18.

The study, “Age of first smartphone and mental wellbeing outcome”, used an assessment covering a range of symptoms and mental capabilities that were combined to provide an aggregate Mental Health Quotient (MHQ). These scores were then compared to the reported age of first smartphone or tablet ownership among the respondents.

The findings come against a backdrop of progressive global decline in the mental health of each younger generation across the internet-enabled world that began around 2010-2014. It is particularly relevant to India. According to McAfee’s Global Connected Family study released last year, smartphone use among Indian children aged 10-14 was at 83%, which was 7% above the international average of 76%.

In Kashmir valley too especially the children are facing much adverse impacts of smartphone. The need of the hour is to raise awareness about addiction  towards smartphones.

WHO Call on reducing Salt Intake , editorial 13 March, 2023.

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WHO Call on reducing Salt Intake 

Salt is essential for human body, but too much of it can damage the body.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday called on countries to make “massive efforts” to reduce people’s salt intake that can prevent the risk of heart problems, stroke, and cancers.

In a first-of-its-kind global report on sodium intake reduction, the global health body noted that the world is off-track to achieve its global target of reducing sodium intake by 30 per cent by 2025.

The report shows that only 5 per cent countries are protected by mandatory and comprehensive sodium reduction policies, while 73 per cent, including India, lack full range of implementation of such policies.

Implementing highly cost-effective sodium reduction policies could save an estimated seven million lives globally by 2030, the WHO said.

Sodium is an essential nutrient, but eating too much salt makes it the top risk factor for diet and nutrition-related deaths. The main source of sodium is table salt (sodium chloride), but it is also contained in other condiments such as sodium glutamate.

The global average salt intake is estimated to be 10.8 grams per day, more than double the WHO recommendation of less than 5 grams of salt per day (one teaspoon).

Several studies have revealed that increased intake of salt in food items can raise the risk of premature death. Emerging evidence also links high sodium intake and increased risk of other health conditions such as gastric cancer, obesity, osteoporosis, and kidney disease.

The need of the hour is to reduce the salt intake for a healthier humanity, and experts should raise its intake.

Advocate Bashir Kakapori Endeavor to provide rs 2.5 lac machinery to Pulwama pottery sector 

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Advocate Bashir Kakapori Endeavor to provide rs 2.5 lac machinery to Pulwama pottery sector 

Young political and social activist Advocate Bashir Ahmad Kakapori has announced that in his Constituency Pampore he will donate a pottery making machine with market value of rs 2.5 lac to the Potter community for their welfare and progress.

He stated that his plan is to ensure welfare of large community of pottery making in his area.

 Advocate Bashir Ahmad Kakapori stressed that we have to support local talent and local economy to ensure bright future of Kashmir   . He called pottery making a historical industry of the Kashmir Valley. 

Advocate Bashir Kakapori termed the pottery industry as industry of civilisation and affirmed that The art of pottery is our cultural heritage. Many people are connected with this art and earn their livelihood from this historical industry.

The social and public circles have appreciated the said move of Advocate Bashir Ahmad Kakapori stating that it will boost the local economy towards an era of betterment  .

A mega function in this regard would be held soon .

Draupadi Murmu- Strong Presidential Aspirant

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Draupadi Murmu – Strong  Presidential Aspirant 

Draupadi Murmu (born June 20, 1958) is an experienced politician of India, having an bright career. 

She is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. She is the official nominee of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance for the 2022 presidential election.She previously served as the ninth Governor of Jharkhand from 2015 to 2021. She is from the state of Odisha. She is the first governor of Jharkhand to complete the five year term, and the first person, belonging to a scheduled tribe, to be nominated to the post of President of India.

The expert pulse is The nomination of Droupadi Murmu, an Adivasi leader from Odisha and the former Governor of Jharkhand, as NDA’s candidate for the forthcoming presidential election is seen as a calculated move by BJP to expand its social base, especially among the ST (Scheduled Tribe) communities. It has been argued that BJP is keen to project Murmu as a symbol of party’s

Sab ka Saath Sab ka Vikaas

slogan simply to attract Adivasi votes. This line of reasoning is not entirely inappropriate. Senior BJP leaders, including JP Nadda, have recognised the fact that Murmu’s tribal identity and her humble economic background were taken seriously by the party .

She has risen despite her personal  tragedies Draupadi Murmu was born in a Santali tribal family on June 20, 1958, in Baidaposi village of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha, to Biranchi Narayan Tudu.Both her father and grandfather were village heads under the Panchayati Raj system.

Draupadi Murmu married Shyam Charan Murmu. The couple two sons, both of whom died, and a daughter.

Murmu is a devotee of Shiva .

In all possibilities it looks that she would have comfortable win over the opposition  Presidential nominee Yashwant Sinha .

In her personality,  India would get first tribal President and second women president after Pratibha Patil .

Streeshakti – The Parallel Force

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National Consultation on Women’s Reservation in Electoral Politics held in Kashmir 

Streeshakti – The Parallel Force

National Consultation on Women’s Reservation in Electoral Politics held in Kashmir 

Rakhee Bakshee believes momentum required to acheive women reservation 

News Kashmir Desk

In an important development with reference to ensuring women Empowerment,  StreeShakti held National Consultation on women reservation in Electoral politics  was held recently in Kashmir .

Introductory remarks were made by Prof. Shireen Moti, emphasizing the importance of women in Legislative assemblies and also to provide 33 percent reservation immediately in Union Territories as to  achieve goals of sustainable development and balanced progress of India .Prof. (Dr.) Kamal K. Mishra illustrated the contribution of women in History of Kashmir and mentioned Queen Dedda and Noor Jahan. He also elaborated on many reforms initiated by Royal Family and their contribution in women’s education. 

In his  Presidential Address Hon’ble Junaid Azim Mattu, Mayor of Srinagar pointed out on the need of economic empowerment as a first step. He welcomed the idea yet impressed upon the need to train capable women leaders and capacity building.  Chief Guest’s Address Hon’ble Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat, Vice-Chairperson, Jammu & Kashmir Khadi and Village Industries Board talked about Gender justice and economic empowerment and supported the idea of electoral reforms .Hon’ble Safina Baig, Chairperson District Development Council Baramulla pointed out that women are joining the election process and are eagerly contesting Panchayat elections. She her self is a leader and supports this important initiative.

Rekha Mody Founder of Stree Shakti -The Parallel Force urged that what we have lost in valley in last 75 years should be achieved in next 75 months and women friendly schemes such as free travel  and electoral reforms should be Nations’s first priority . We all should work for muti sectoral reforms. 

Prof. Shireen Moti (Moderator) invited  , academics, educators, doctors, journalists, civil society members, representatives of various NGOs, and entrepreneurs to share their views .Dr. Suneem Khan Senior Medical Officer, CRPF, Srinagar, Ms. Tehmeena Rizvi Public Policy Professional, Professor Pirzada Mohmad Amin, Prof. Pervez Majeed, Mr. Nazir Ahmad Khan  Qaffilla – e – Mohabbat foundation ,Ms. Ila Upadhyaya ,  Rakhee Bakshee (Moderator)Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Her World India , Mr. Anand Sahu Board member, Ministry of Labour, Government of India  also shared their views of urgent need of reforms . Yuva Rani Chitrangda Singh welcomed this important consultation.

While talking to News Kashmir,  Rakhee Bakshi well known women face of India , Founder and Editor -In-Chief, Her World India Media and runing her own women organization stated that through constant effort and energy women need to claim the spaces that belong to them. 

She observed that no doubt the women achieving political reservation although is a slow process but consultations like these bring us nearer to our goal and with more momentum we can acheive the women reservation  in all important  political institutions completely.

Kashmiri Pandits …The Sufferers of Conflict!!!

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Kashmiri Pandits…The sufferers of conflict!!!

Owais Ah Shah

Pursuing PG in Pol Science at University of Kashmir. The Central & State Governments  have always miserably failed at tiding Kashmir Pandits over terrible times.There might have been several objectives placed forward for cutting through their abject miseries but a calibrated & capital strategy has been never put in place to assure a full & speedy rehabilitation of Pandits.Why has state & central Governments at multiple times  shrugged off their responsibilities on Pandits is a question that has been taken up at many times & the obvious answer to it is “Tokenism”.Both parties have played the card of tokenism to make one of the grave issues in Kashmir’s conflict look normal.What’s very important to look at is the manner Pandits have been projected in the Political sphere.They have become a community that has been used for political reference during the time’s of election’s.The grave issue of Pandits is shared by everyone in Kashmir & everyone does share their pain & problems.They were a part of this land & had to leave their home & their everything only because of the terrible times in Kashmir.Its obvious that the attachment of motherland in all Pandits can never disappear.It shall remain in their hearts forever. The principal question is that despite the massive decisions taken by central Govt including the abrogation of Art 370 which completely changed the political environment in J&K,the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits is yet to be done.It requires a very well crafted strategy that aims to rehabilitate them & the driving force to this would be consensus building which must be done.If every opinion of Kashmiri Pandits is taken into consideration,it would be possible for any of the Govt to bring them back to Kashmir. It would be very right to say that Kashmir has always been renowned for the celebration of it’s rich diversity & Pandit community has a massive share in making & shaping of Kashmiri culture.We can never deny the fact that they haven’t played any role here but their role is massive & appreciated as well.Its very unfortunate that some disruptive influences try to harm our rich history of togetherness which we would never let to happen.We have always stood up against any such attempt that was aimed to break our unity & our rich history.We may be not together but our emotional attachment to Kashmir makes us both one that we will cherish & relish forever.At the end let me stress,Kashmiri Pandits need a healing touch,a helping hand & a happy future ahead.

Government Support to Urs in Kashmir a great development

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Government Support to Urs in Kashmir a great development
Sufi Saints have always held an important place in the history , heritage and society of Kashmir as they are deeply respected and adored across all sections .In a very good development,Div Com Kashmir P K Pole few days back said that support would be extended from government for Urs annually observed at different religious places of Kashmir. 
Pole while interacting with media persons in Rajbagh said that a formal support from the government would come for the observing of Urs, which takes place in different parts of Kashmir. 
He further said that a proper policy has the government come up with in this regard. “People of Kashmir cutting across religion lines have faith in Saints and often visits to their holy places,” said P K Pole. 
It is worth mentioning Kashmiri Sufism not just mirrors the conduct of a Kashmiri individual – both Pundit and Muslim, but on the other hand is a whole of the profound astuteness, all things considered, and sages, who have lived in Kashmir valley directly from the hour of Kashyapa Rishi (from whose name, the word Kashmir is gotten from).

The Government support to the Annual Urs of Sufi Saints is a marvellous step taken by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.