SRINAGAR: Amid the ongoing massive makeover in the city under the Srinagar Smart City project, a state-of-the-art Souq market is being established at Batamaloo, officials said.
As per the officials, 80 percent of the construction work on the project, estimated to cost around Rs 30 crore, has already been completed.
A senior official from the Srinagar Smart City project revealed that the Batamaloo project comprises three buildings labelled A, B, and C. He said the infrastructure work is currently in progress.
“The Souq market is a key component of this development, and its construction is advancing rapidly. As of now, 80 percent of the overall project at Batamaloo is complete,” he said.
The official said the construction encompasses around 52 shops within the complex and the buildings are set to house a Souq market, dedicated specifically to showcasing and promoting local crafts.
As per officials, the Souq market is expected to provide a vibrant space for local artisans and crafters to showcase their products.
Among the ongoing projects under the Srinagar Smart City, the authorities have also undertaken the beautification of the Shalimar canal, spanning approximately 1 km, they said, adding, “This initiative aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the canal area, providing residents and visitors with an improved environment for leisure and recreation.”(KNO)
SRINAGAR: Two days ahead of Republic Day, the Jammu and Kashmir administration provided entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities to 94,680 youth in a single day, an official spokesman said. JK Bank extended Rs 1384 crore credit for setting up these business units.
LG Manoj Sinha attended a function organised by J&K Bank to celebrate the achievements of Ghar-Ghar KCC Abhiyaan and Swarozgar Utsav at Jammu
Commending the efforts of Jammu Kashmir Bank, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha applauded the institution for its role in strengthening the Ghar Ghar KCC Abhiyaan and Swarozgar Utsav campaigns. These initiatives, dedicated to the financial empowerment of farmers and the youth, have now reached a significant milestone with the distribution of sanction letters for setting up new units and start-ups.
“Today, J&K creates a new record by distributing sanction letters to set up new units and start-ups that will fulfil dreams of youth and their aspiration of being a job creator and not a job seeker,” stated the Lt Governor, emphasising the transformative impact this event will have on the economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sinha highlighted the pivotal role played by Jammu Kashmir Bank as the common man’s bank, contributing significantly to the welfare of the people. Under the Swarozgar Utsav initiative, covering all Panchayats of Jammu and Kashmir, the bank is set to provide a substantial amount of Rs 1384 Crore to facilitate the establishment of new units and start-ups.
“We will provide training and supportive infrastructure to create sustainable employment for more youth in these units,” added the Lt Governor, underlining the commitment to fostering a conducive environment for entrepreneurship and self-employment.
The Lt Governor also lauded the achievements in saturating the Kisan Credit Card across Jammu and Kashmir through the Ghar-Ghar KCC Abhiyaan. Approximately 2 lakh farmers have been provided with Kisan Credit Cards, paving the way for a revolutionary transformation in the Agriculture and Allied Sector.
Expressing expectations from Jammu Kashmir Bank, the Lt Governor directed the institution to achieve saturation in Ghar Ghar KCC Abhiyaan, Stand-Up India, and Startups. He urged the bank to devise campaigns for extensive financial literacy programs, especially under the Back to Village and My Town My Pride initiatives, reaching out to a vast section of the population.
“As we embark on a path of renewed economic and social development in Jammu and Kashmir, Banks, especially J&K Bank, will have to ensure the economic needs of farmers, youth, and women are catered to with people-friendly schemes aimed at the creation of employment and livelihood opportunities,” remarked the Lt Governor.
During the ceremony, the Lt Governor presented Insurance Claim Settlement cheques to the legal heirs of deceased Government Employees covered under the Bank’s Group Personal Accidental Insurance. He also felicitated successful entrepreneurs and farmers financed by the Bank.
In a technological leap, the Lt Governor launched the Kisan Sathi Chatbot, an AI-based farmer-friendly application developed by the Agriculture Production Department. The J&K Bank also contributed Rs 40.27 Lakh under its CSR initiative for the chatbot application.
Furthermore, as part of its CSR initiatives, J&K Bank handed over cheques worth Rs 3.35 Cr and Rs 3.84 Cr to representatives of Jammu Smart City and Srinagar Smart City, respectively, for the construction of e-bus bays/passenger sheds.
Bank’s other CSR initiatives also include a commitment letter to the Administrative Secretary, Department of Health and Medical Education for providing 120 Patient trolleys and 120 wheelchairs to all the district hospitals of Jammu and Kashmir, handing over of cheque worth Rs 26 Lakh for two transport ambulances to Principal Government Medical College Jammu and Rs 34 Lakh for one critical care ambulance to Director SKIMS. A cheque of Rs 24 Lakh was presented to the Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare; Rs 69.73 Lakh cheque to Sewa Bharati representative; a cheque worth Rs 11 Lakh to the Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Jammu and Rs 12 Lakh to the Vice-Chancellor University of Jammu under various heads.
SRINAGAR: Despite the prolonged dry spell in Kashmir, Pahalgam, the renowned tourist destination in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, has witnessed a footfall of around 50 thousand tourists in the ongoing month.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Pahalgam Development Authority, Tariq Ahmad Naik said that while the extended dry spell has impacted tourism, the destination continues to attract visitors.
He said efforts were underway to position Pahalgam as a full-fledged winter destination this year, but the absence of snow has affected those plans. “Tourists have been visiting, but the flow might have been more with snow,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Naik said they remain hopeful. He said around 50,000 tourists have visited the tourist destination this month, which is comparatively better. “Some bookings have been cancelled as some tourists come specifically for snow. We hope there will be snow in the coming days, and we are ready for activities that will attract more and more tourists,” he added(KNO)
Prayers and supplication are insufficient until actions align. As commanded in the Quran, “O mankind, your condition will not change until you change yourself,” emphasizing that human action must precede divine intervention.
The climate in Kashmir is shaped by a combination of atmospheric and oceanic factors. Among these influences, the subtropical westerly jet stream holds particular significance. Originating from the Mediterranean Sea, this high-altitude air current moves swiftly from west to east and plays a pivotal role in determining weather patterns in the region.
During the winter months, the subtropical western jet stream transports moist air from the Mediterranean Sea towards the Indian subcontinent. As this moisture-laden air encounters the Himalayas and Kashmir, orographic lifting, induced by the mountain range, forces condensation. The ascent of moist air results in cooling and condensation, ultimately leading to precipitation. In the context of Kashmir, this often manifests as snowfall in higher elevations.
The interaction between the subtropical western jet stream and the topography of the Himalayas significantly contributes to winter precipitation in the region. This precipitation holds crucial importance for water resources, agriculture, and the overall climate of Kashmir.
Understanding these atmospheric dynamics provides insight into the current weather conditions in Kashmir, shedding light on the factors influencing the ongoing situation.
The impact of global climate change on Western nations is marked by the consequences of heightened greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, are primary contributors to this phenomenon, resulting in a warming of the Earth’s surface and shifts in climate patterns.
In regions with significant industrialisation and notable greenhouse gas emissions, including many Western nations, the warming of the planet influences the behaviour of jet streams. Specifically, alterations in the subtropical westerly jet streams can be observed. These changes have the potential to impact the trajectory and intensity of these jet streams, which, in turn, play a key role in shaping the weather patterns in Kashmir.
The modified patterns of jet streams may lead to variations in the timing, distribution, and intensity of precipitation in the region. Consequently, this has implications for the occurrence of snowfall in Kashmir, with potential repercussions on water resources and agricultural activities. It is noteworthy that any disruption in jet streams due to climate changes can result in the formation of an Omega Block. Understanding these connections is vital for comprehending the broader implications of global climate change on specific regional climates.
An Omega block refers to a specific atmospheric pattern characterised by a high-pressure system that shapes the jet stream into the form of the Greek letter Omega (Ω). This pattern typically occurs when the jet stream takes on a meandering structure, featuring a northward-extending ridge of high pressure and flanked by two troughs of low pressure.
The distinctive feature of an Omega block lies in its prolonged duration, often lasting for several days or even weeks. This pattern can have significant repercussions on local weather conditions by trapping pressure and heat, potentially disrupting normal weather patterns.
In the context of the Kashmir region, the formation of an Omega block implies the establishment of a high-pressure ridge over the area. This pattern acts as a barrier, confining air masses within its structure. The consequence is the accumulation of heat and pressure under the high-pressure system. As the ridge persists, it hampers the regular movement of weather systems. The trapped heat and pressure contribute to the development of warmer conditions in the affected area, potentially resulting in prolonged periods of elevated temperatures.
In Kashmir, the impact of an Omega block could translate into reduced rainfall or snowfall, with implications for water resources, agriculture, and various aspects of the local climate. Understanding the characteristics and effects of an Omega block is crucial for assessing its potential influence on the weather dynamics in the region.
El Niño and Its Impact on Kashmir’s Climate
El Niño is a climatic phenomenon characterised by periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, with global implications for weather patterns. During El Niño events, disruptions in atmospheric circulation patterns influence the behaviour of jet streams worldwide. This can result in alterations to precipitation patterns in various regions, including Kashmir.
El Niño typically brings drier and warmer conditions to certain parts of the world, potentially affecting the regular winter precipitation in Kashmir. The reduced snowfall can have consequences for the region’s water resources, agriculture, and overall climate dynamics.
In conclusion, the global impact of the West’s pollution on the environment is undeniable, and the consequences of environmental degradation are a shared responsibility that transcends geographical boundaries. A collective awakening is imperative, recognising that showing mercy towards nature is not only a moral duty but a survival strategy for the entire planet.
Mudasir Rehman
Instead of avoiding the harsh reality of the environmental crisis, we must confront it directly, fostering a global commitment to sustainable practices, responsible resource management, and the protection of our shared home. The future of our planet hinges on our ability to exhibit mercy towards nature and collectively strive for harmonious coexistence with the environment. Prayers and supplication are insufficient until actions align. As commanded in the Quran, “O mankind, your condition will not change until you change yourself,” emphasising that human action must precede divine intervention.
(The author is a research scholar in Education with a Master’s in Political Science. Ideas are personal.)
While the Sunday Market continues to be the only address for comfortable and budget shopping, it is not only getting popular with tourists alone. The flea market feeds tons of material for the thriving Thrift market as well, reportsBabra Wani
Hustle and bustle at Sunday Market, Srinagar. KL Image by Bilal Bahadur
Despite having a middle-class upbringing, Tahir, 23, always had an eye for branded clothing, closely tracking the fashion scene. When the internet reached Kashmir in his seventh grade, it unveiled a realm of high-end brands through surfing and reading.
Residing in Sopore, Tahir’s affinity for branded clothes grew. “I developed the urge to wear those high-end brands,” he confessed. After he completed his secondary school, he opted to work in Srinagar to further delve into the world of fashion.
Curiosity drew him to the Sunday Market, Srinagar’s famed fleas market, where he discovered clothes and items from various brands. Captivated by the notion of introducing high-end brands to Srinagar, he embarked on opening his store.
“I wanted to bring these brands to my hometown, so I set up shop in the main market in Sopore,” Tahir said. “After starting the store, I was uncertain about its name, and that’s when I chose to name it after my town – Sopore Thrift.”
It swiftly attracted customers and became popular. Tahir transitioned into being his boss, earning to support his family of three, which included his sister and father.
Before launching his store, Tahir researched thrifting, ensuring he could address any queries. “Whenever people asked me if I knew what thrifting was, I had an answer because I had already read about it.”
Not alone, Tahir is just a member of a lot who have discovered both passion and profession in thrifting. The concept of ‘thrifting,’ though seemingly novel, is deeply rooted in Kashmir. In the Goni Khan area alone, over three thrift stores and vendors operate, predominantly focusing on women’s clothing. One of these establishments has thrived for three generations.
The Lal Chowk, the heart of Srinagar, boasts several more shops, with most thrifting store operators originating from Srinagar’s Shehr-e-Khas. A thrift store owner revealed his unique approach—he acquires products in Germany and other European countries, subsequently selling them in Kashmir. “I go to Germany and other European countries to buy these second-hand or ‘defective’ pieces, and then I sell them in my store,” one of the store owners said.
The people of Kashmir have actively engaged in shopping for ‘second-hand products,’ making it an integral and substantial component of the thriving thrifting culture in the region.
What is Thrifting?
Thrifting involves the purchase of second-hand clothing or items previously used and relinquished by the original buyer for any reason. This practice has gained popularity, encompassing the acquisition of pre-owned goods from thrift stores, shops, flea markets, vintage stores, sales, and similar outlets, collectively referred to as ‘thrifting.’ Extending the life cycle of products through prolonged usage aligns with sustainable living, presenting an environmentally friendly alternative to frequent fresh purchases.
Thrifting, often synonymous with second-hand marketing, has found favour, particularly in Kashmir. A ThredUp report projects the global second-hand market to reach $350 billion by 2027, affirming that it is evolving into a global phenomenon. “We have studied the second-hand market and resale industry for more than a decade,” the report reads. “It is clear that second-hand is becoming a global phenomenon that is not only changing the face of retail but ushering in a more sustainable future for fashion.”
Women rush in Goni Khan market in Srinagar. This market exclusively sells women’s ware. KL Image: Bilal Bahadur
Digital Threads Beyond Borders
In the era of fast internet in Kashmir, individuals like Tahir and many others leverage social media platforms, particularly Instagram, to promote their thrifting businesses.
Much like Tahir’s venture, 18-year-old Arqam has taken the thrifting scene to the digital platform, running an online thrift store on Instagram and boasting a dedicated website. Hailing from Lazibal, Anantnag, Arqam, is preparing for NEET, whilst operating his online store, Thrift Anantnag, for a year, being the first in the district to embark on this digital journey.
Arqam’s venture into thrifting was ignited by his love for skating. “I have been passionate about skating for some time. Observing skaters from other places, I noticed they often wear clothes with vintage vibes, a bit baggy, and stuff. That is when I began searching for similar clothing,” he explained. The breakthrough happened in Janglat Mandi, where he discovered the ideal pieces. “So, I purchased them and started sharing photos of the products, and that is how it all began.”
What began with an initial investment of Rs 500 has now burgeoned into a business fetching him over Rs 1 lakh monthly. Arqam envisions even greater success. “If I focus entirely and pay all the attention, then I can earn more than Rs 1.5 lakhs, a month.”
With the expansion of his business, Arqam now sources materials from outside Jammu and Kashmir, mainly from Ladakh and Delhi. These material consignments, arriving in kilograms, encompass a variety of wearables, from shoes to sweaters and trousers. His online shop caters to customers of all genders.
Sahil Hamid, another online thrift store owner, echoes the sentiment that the concept of online thrifting in Kashmir draws inspiration from various influences such as social media and cultural trends. “And it has gained popularity as a sustainable and budget-friendly way to shop.”
Tanzeel Ur Rehman, a Hyderpora resident, dives into the world of online thrift stores, skilfully steering his business for over two years. His inspiration mirrors the bustling Sunday Market, reminiscent of Tahir’s trajectory. “Navigating through the Sunday Market’s diverse offerings for quality brands can be a challenge,” he said. Consequently, he conceived the idea of selling these coveted products online, offering people a convenient platform for exploration and purchase.
Presently, more than 20 Instagram accounts are actively involved in the thriving thrifting business in Kashmir, evident in the hashtag #thrifkashmir amassing over 1000 posts.
The Sunday Market
Since the early 2000s, Saima, a resident of South Kashmir, has been a frequent visitor to Srinagar’s lively Sunday Market, especially during the winter months. “I visit to purchase clothing for myself and my children because my husband is a private employee, and we cannot afford to shop for brands at high-end stores,” she said.
Individuals of all ages, genders, and classes converge at the Sunday Market for their essential needs. Though its origins are unknown, the Sunday Market has evolved into one of Kashmir’s largest second-hand markets. True to its name, the market exclusively opens on Sundays, attracting people from across Kashmir, particularly during the winter season, with offerings available at highly affordable prices.
Addressing diverse needs, the market provides an array of items ranging from wearables to accessories, bags to kitchen appliances, and even stationery items. The merchandise includes both fresh items and those previously used.
Many vendors have been trading their goods in this market for more than a decade. The market secures its merchandise from various suppliers and wholesalers outside Kashmir, who then distribute these items to the Sunday Market, as well as other local shopkeepers and vendors.
Extending along the road from TRC ground to Jahangir Chowk, the market has not only retained the loyalty of local customers over the years but has also piqued the interest of non-local customers. It is now getting very popular with the visitors as well.
Breaking Stereotypes
In contrast to the traditional thrift market, the online thrift market presents a different narrative. Syeda Sakeena, a Srinagar resident, is currently pursuing her PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication. Her foray into thrifting commenced in 2018 when she posed a question on her Instagram: “How many of us practice thrifting, for various reasons?”
Passionate about the environment and a connoisseur of unique fashion, Sakeena embraced thrifting. “I don’t believe in copying; neither should anyone copy my style. Thrifting allows you to break down the monopoly of fashion, providing unique pieces to style on your own.”
Her online store, The Vintage Valley Store, stands as a pioneering venture in Kashmir. Motivated by environmental concerns, Sakeena diversified into bags in 2020. “I started my store of bags because of my great liking for them and knowledge about brands. The concept was to make both luxurious and artistic pieces available, including limited edition and hand-crafted items,” shared Sakeena.
Although faced with the initial challenge of acquainting people with the thrifting concept, she observed a positive shift. “Mine was among the firsts, and now, after three years, the scenario is changing. There are more online thrift stores available in Kashmir.”
Sakeena’s customer base extends beyond Kashmir, with a majority being non-natives. “Offline thrifting is very much in vogue in Kashmir. Out of 100 people, almost 90 have engaged in thrifting at one point or another in their lives, whether they admit it or not,” she asserted.
She explained that most of the products she sells are sourced in bulk from the mainland and offshore. “It depends on what is available in the market, and you have to be on your toes to procure these products, keeping in view the fashion and the market demand.”
Sakeena’s store primarily focuses on bags, with clothing accounting for only 10 per cent of her offerings. While some in the business are new, for others, thrifting and second-hand marketing have been longstanding traditions passed down through generations.
Generational Business
Faisal, a resident of Srinagar, has immersed himself in the thrifting business for the past five years, following in the footsteps of his father, a seasoned businessman with three decades of experience. Faisal manages his store, while his father, drawing on his wealth of expertise, operates wholesale, supplying products not only to Faisal’s store but also to the Sunday Market, street vendors, and sellers in far-flung villages.
This father-son legacy echoes in yet another duo, spanning over two decades in the thrifting trade. Specialising in ladies’ clothing such as jackets, tops, sweaters, and pants, their store, located near Goni Khan market, draws a constant crowd, particularly young girls who flock to the shop in large numbers daily.
“We provide them with all kinds of clothes from foreign brands, and the store even features a changing room for the girls to try out the clothes,” the store owner proudly shared. “Since our customers are mainly students, we have kept all of our products at affordable prices, selling jeans in the price range from Rs 200 to a maximum of Rs 500.”
(Some photographs used with this report are merely representational.)
SRINAGAR: The minimum temperature continued to be below the freezing point, even as the weatherman has forecasted the possibility of a wet spell from January 25 to February 1.
A meteorological department official said that Srinagar recorded a low of minus 5.0°C against minus 5.3°C on previous night and it was 2.7°C below normal for the summer capital of J&K for this time of the year.
Qazigund recorded a minimum of minus 4.8°C against minus 5.2°C on the previous night, he said. The minimum temperature was 0.9°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, the MeT official said.
Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 6.2°C against minus 6.9°C on the previous night and it was 1.3°C above normal for the famous resort in south Kashmir.
Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of minus 1.5°C against minus 2.6°C on the previous night and the temperature was above normal by 2.1°C for the place, the official said.
Kupwara town in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 4.9°C against minus 6.0°C on the previous night and it was 2.0°C below normal there, the official said.
Gulmarg, the official said, recorded a low of minus 4.0°C against minus 4.5°C on the previous night and the temperature was 3.7°C above normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir.
Jammu, he said, recorded a minimum of 5.0°C, same as on the previous night, and it was below normal by 2.0°C for the winter capital of J&K.
Banihal recorded a low of minus 1.8°C, Batote 1.6°C and Bhaderwah minus 0.4°C, he said.
Regarding forecast, he said, weather is likely to be dry till January 24.
From January 25-26, he said, generally cloudy weather with light snow is expected at isolated higher reaches.
From January 27-28, he said, generally cloudy weather with light rain/snow over scattered places is likely.
From January 2-31, he said, light to moderate rain/snow is “very likely” at many places.
Also, he said, there is possibility of light rain/snow at scattered places on February 1.
Kashmir valley is under ‘Chillai-Kalan’, the 40-day harsh period of winter, which will end on January 29. However it does not mean an end to the winter. It is followed by a 20-day-long period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ that occurs between January 30 and February 19 and a 10-day-long period ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) which is from February 20 to March 1. (GNS)
SRINAGAR: Senior BJP leader Devender Singh Rana on Monday stated that January 22, 2024, will be treasured in the history of a rising India as the commencement of an era characterized by harmony and inclusivity—the cornerstone of Sanatan Dharma, promoting the spirit of Vasudeva Kutumbakam.
“Let this sacred and historical occasion inspire us all to emulate the ideals of Maryada Purushottam Shree Ram and foster the bonds that bind us as a nation believing in compassion, righteousness and love for humanity,” Devender Rana said while inaugurating ‘Mukhya Dwaar’ of ancient Narshinghji Temple at Gharota in Block Bhalwal.
Greeting the people on the consecration of Ram Temple at Ayodhya by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Senior BJP leader described the sacred endeavor as a journey of over 500 years of devotion and determination.
“The construction of the Ram Temple is a testament to the enduring faith and reverence for the Maryada Purshotam and this generation is blessed to witness the Tapasya of millions of Sanatanis, who suffered ignominy but remained steadfast in their resolve to have the home for Ram Lalla—the embodiment of the ideals of righteousness and virtue– where the Lord was born. This marks a historical moment in the rich tapestry of rising Bharat’s cultural and spiritual heritage, which will enlighten the world and carve out a way forward for the nation to become Vishwaguru,” he added.
Devender Rana said the Ram Temple reflects the nation’s devotion to Shree Ram, who examples of justice, compassion, and unwavering commitment to truth, hoping that it will serve as a symbol of collective aspirations of Sanatanis for a society founded on these timeless values. He said the contribution of thousands, irrespective of religion, caste or region, in building a magnificent temple is a symbol of inclusive India.
SRINAGAR: The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology in Japan offers fully funded internship for the year 2024 for both national and international students all over the globe. The internship is available for undergraduates as well as graduates.
The application process is completely online and the deadline to apply for the application through the official website is April 15, 2024.
The OIST Internship in Japan 2024 presents a chance to research within the world’s most cutting-edge laboratories. This internship in Japan enables students to acquire technical skills and actively contribute to the research initiatives at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology.
The research encompasses projects like Integrative Community, Energy Units, Non-linear Equilibrium, Physics Units, Quantum Systems, Evolutionary Genomics, Fluid Mechanics, Computational Neuroscience, Biological Systems, and various others.
The internship duration is about two to six months and will start tentatively from mid October 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025.
The research internship areas include:
Analysis and Partial Differential Equations, Integrative Community Ecology, Nonlinear and, Non-equilibrium Physics, Evolutionary Genomics, Quantum Systems, Fluid Mechanics, Applied Cryptography, Femtosecond Spectroscopy, Computational Neuroscience, Complexity Science and Evolution, Neural Computation, Biodiversity and Biocomplexity, Quantum Information Security, Networked Quantum Devices, Applied Topology, Electronic and Quantum Magnetism, Mathematics, Mechanics, and Materials, Embodied Cognitive Science, Neural Coding and Brain Computing, Sensory and Behavioral Neuroscience, Continuum Physics, Synapse Biology, Biological Systems, Mathematical and Theoretical Physics, Qubits and Spacetime, Evolution, Cell Biology, and Symbiosis, Immune Signalling, Organic Optoelectronics, Coordination Chemistry and Catalysis, Integrated Open Systems, Cell Division Dynamics, Evolutionary and Synthetic Biology, Membranology Unit, Quantum Dynamics, Optical Neuroimaging, Membrane Cooperativity, Marine Eco-Evo-Devo, Protein Engineering and Evolution, Geometric Partial Differential Equations, pi-Conjugated Polymers Unit, Genomics and Regulatory Systems, Developmental Neurobiology, Cell Proliferation and Gene Editing, Physics and Biology, Marine Biophysics, Organic and Carbon Nanomaterials, Quantum Gravity, Quantum Information Science and Technology, Light-Matter Interactions for Quantum Technologies, Quantum Materials Science, Biological Nonlinear Dynamics Data Science, Human Evolutionary Genomics, Biological Complexity, Energy Materials and Surface Sciences, Computational Neuroethology, Marine Climate Change, Molecular Genetics, Complex Fluids and Flows, Marine Macroevolution, Marine Genomics, and Plant Epigenetics, Theory of Quantum Matter, Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics, Quantum Wave Microscopy, Representation Theory and Algebraic Combinatorics, and Biological Physics Theory, Experimental Quantum Information Physics, Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function, Chemistry and Chemical Bioengineering, Memory Research, Cognitive Neurorobotics, Molecular Neuroscience, Shocks, Solitons, and Turbulence, and Gravity, Quantum Geometry, and Field Theory. Human Developmental Neurobiology, Quantum Machines, Neuronal Rhythms in Movement, Evolutionary Neurobiology, Neurobiology Research, Machine Learning and Data Science (MLDS), Molecular Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Cell Signalling, Neuronal Mechanisms for the Critical Period, Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Engineering, Analysis of Metric Spaces, and Neural Circuitry.
The intern will receive a daily allowance of 2400 JPY ( INR 1,346.70) excluding weekends, and the allowance will be subject to taxation. Additionally, interns will be provided with a complimentary OIST shuttle bus pass and a fully funded round-trip air ticket. Accommodations, either on or off campus, will be fully furnished. OIST will offer support in acquiring visas, completing insurance procedures, and facilitating local registration for interns.
Applicants eligible for the internship must be in their last two years of an undergraduate or master’s programme, either in Japan or abroad. Recent graduates are also welcome to apply. Currently enrolled students must obtain approval for the OIST internship from their home institution. Additionally, applicants’ academic backgrounds should align with the desired internship unit at OIST.
The required documents for the internship include a Curriculum vitae(CV), a Personal statement of 400 words, Academic transcripts, a Recommendation letter, and Id photo.
SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha dedicated the 34th edition of the ‘Awaam Ki Awaaz’ programme to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir for their historic participation in ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’.
“Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, a powerful Jan-Abhiyan initiative to reach out to the vulnerable section of society will create a new future for developed India,” the Lt Governor observed.
He said the participation of 40 lakh citizens of Jammu Kashmir so far in this journey has laid a strong foundation for progress in both rural and urban areas of the Union Territory. “I am confident that the Janbhagidari and the healthy competition among the districts will continue to take the extraordinary journey of J&K UT forward on the path of prosperity and inclusive development.”
He commended the ‘No Helmet No Petrol’, a road safety campaign by District Administration Anantnag and Petroleum Dealer Association.
Highlighting the efforts of the UT Administration to facilitate the creation of amenities for tourists in rural and far-off areas, the Lt Governor said the recent surge in the registrations for homestays shows immense potential of offbeat tourist destinations.
He called upon the people living in rural and border areas to take advantage of this opportunity and assured every support from the administration to them.
He directed the concerned departments to take immediate and appropriate action on the valuable inputs received from the citizens.
SRINAGAR: At least two residential houses were damaged in a fire mishap in the Maharaj Bazar area of Central Kashmir’s Srinagar district.
Quoting an official, Kashmir Scroll reported that a fire broke out in Maharaj Bazar Srinagar during night and soon after receiving information, men and machinery were sent to the site to douse off the flames. “The fire was brought under control after persistent efforts by the F&ES Department along with the help of police and locals.”
In the incident at least two residential houses were partially damaged, he said, adding that cause of fire is being ascertained.
Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident.
For almost five decades a couple has been rowing a boat to keep two Kashmir villages, lacking a bridge, stay connected. They worked on barter. As the old couple decided to move from kind to cash, they were pushed to face a competitor, reportsBabra Wani
Not far away from Awantipora, lie two villages: Pujteng and Dogripora. Separated by the Jhelum, the two hamlets are connected by boats, as the bridge intended to unite them, remains in pieces, halfway constructed and incomplete.
Behind ensuring the two villages stay connected are a couple of Dogripora, a few kilometres from Sangam on the National Highway and home to almost 4000 people, are Ghulam Qadir Lulloo and Taja Begum. Married for over four decades, they have taken it upon themselves to assist those in need, aiding people in crossing the shrinking and silted up yet majestic river.
The middle-aged couple owns an open, spacious, albeit worn-out boat of a distinctive green colour. This boat has been their source of livelihood for more than five years, marking their tenth boat in a legacy spanning over five decades. Qadir takes pride in his legacy, and as he narrates his life story, he occasionally pauses to take a puff of his jageer, a constant companion on his boat throughout the day.
A Long Story
While Qadir shares his experiences, Taja, his best half, assumes rowing the boat. Modestly dressed in a plain pheran and kaeshir daej, with a warm smile, Taja interjects with her thoughts to support her husband’s statements.
“My husband has been doing this for as long as I can remember; I joined him later after our marriage,” Taja said with simplicity, her eyes fixed on the anchor as she ties the boat’s rope after ceasing to row. “We have earned our living through this noble work.”
A resident of the nearby Panzgam village, Taja and Ghulam Qadir have three children – two daughters and a son. Their son has chosen carpentry and lives separately with his wife and children.
Qadir’s altruism and dedication manifest in his willingness to spend nights in his boat. “As people used to travel to far-flung places, I would wait here, thinking they would need me upon their return. What if I were not here? What would these poor people do?”
A Fascinating Couple
The profound connection between the couple becomes evident in their conversations. “I followed my husband in giving naayi taar, two years after our marriage,” emotionally expressed Taja. “But, to be very honest, people do not respect your contribution. We feel betrayed.”
Some time ago, Ghulam Qadir fell seriously ill, confining him to bed for almost four months. “I could not even stand. My legs did not support me to walk. So, I could not continue my work during those months, but then people started betraying me.”
During those months, Taja took it upon herself to fill the void and became the bridge between the villages. However, she soon faced disappointment.
The Great Betrayal
During his health crisis, the village politics took over and they introduced a competator to Qadir. For providing taar to people, he used to take a share of rice from them. “But when it yielded nothing, I had to ask for money as I had a family to support.”
Then, his wife decided that barter is not offering them anything. They approached the villagers for paying cash to cross the river – Rs 5 for a crossing. “I informed them that my husband is unwell, and we cannot move around easily. It would be better if you provided us with money,” Taja said. Instead of considering their pain, they were asked to relocate the boat and pave way for the competitor. “So, we moved our boat. We waited, hoping someone would inquire why we relocated, but alas! Nobody came,” Ghulam Qadir recounted. “People now prefer the other boat, and nobody asks us anything.” They pay him in cash but insist Qadir should opt for kind.
“This was our livelihood – both my husband and I have grown older doing this work. But this is what we get,” Ghulam Qadir expressed with overwhelming disappointment. “I do not understand why the people in our village betrayed us. Perhaps they were envious of our success.”
Poverty
Significantly, for over seven generations, residents from Dogripora have been aiding people in crossing the river between Pujteng and Dogripora. In the absence of a bridge, these twin villages have consistently relied on the services of boat rovers. “This is such a pious job, but…” the boat rover trailed off, leaving the sentence unfinished.
“Hardly anyone comes to us now. Even earning a meagre amount of Rs 50 seems difficult. At this point, we are barely able to make ends meet with this income,” lamented the couple, their voices tinged with despair and hopelessness.
The green boat features a section with old blankets, accompanied by a kettle of nuon chai that the couple enjoys throughout the day. This area, covered with a blue trupaal, serves as a refuge for the husband and wife during the cold of winters on the river.
The Bridge
During Mufti Syed era, a bridge was earmarked to connect the two sides of the river. Nearly two decades later, the prospect of walking over the bridge remains an elusive dream.
The three concrete pillars of the bridge await completion, despite assurances to the villages that the project would be finished. Construction commenced in 2007 to link the village to the Srinagar-Anantnag National Highway, but progress has been negligible. The bridge, if completed, would not only benefit, Dogripora apart, Reshipora, Panzgam, Shal-Taken, and Nayina.
Ghulam Qadir starts his day at six in the morning and concludes around seven in the evening. “Even if someone needs to cross the river in the dead of night, we have to do it; it’s our job,” he emphasised. “For this purpose, I keep my phone with me. People can call us anytime for river crossings. We consider this job sacred and hold it dear to our hearts.”
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday said that the next “Public Grievances Redressal Programme” of Director General of Police (DGP) R R Swain will be held at DPL Awantipora on January 23, 2024.
“This is to inform that the next “Public Grievances Redressal Programme” of DGP J&K will be held at DPL Awantipora on 23rd January 2024 (Tuesday) from 02:00 PM onwards,” reads a statement.
A help desk has been established at DPL Crossing Jawbrara Awantipora from today where people visiting can register for the Grievances Redressal Programme.
The people who wish to bring their grievance in notice of the DGP J&K should submit a written application with full particulars and mobile number on which they can be contacted by the officers/team members for follow up action, the statement reads.
SRINAGAR: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has announced a recruitment drive for 15 vacant positions of Junior Assistant. The last date to apply is January 25, 2024.
The Pay Scale is 25,500 – 81,100 (Pay Level 4). The age limit of applicants ranges from a minimium of 18 years to a maximum of 40 years as of January 05, 2024.
Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree with One Year Diploma in Computer Applications from a recognized institute or Bachelor in Computers/Bachelor in Information and Technology with a minimum of 50 per cent marks with minimium typing speed of 35 wpm and 3 years of experience in a relevant field.
The recruitment process includes Typing Test, Written Test and Personal Interview.
The application fee is Rs 200, and applicants can apply by submitting self- attested copies of bio-data, qualification certificates,, experience certificate, proof of date of birth, two passport-size photographs, and an original Demand Draft of Rs. 200/- in favor of FA/Chief Accounts Officer, SMVDSB, Katra to the Chief Executive Officer SMVDSB, Central Office Katra.
For more details, visit www.maavaishnodevi.org
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President, Kashmir Nasir Aslam Wani said the increase in power curtailment by 2 to 2.5 hours has highlighted the agony levels of consumers across Kashmir division.
Echoing the sentiments of people, Nasir in a statement said that outages have reached new extremes over the past few months. “The move will increase the ongoing winter torments of people. Responsibility has to be fixed.Govt cannot get away with it’s carelessness. Why did the government let the alarm about dip in water discharge in dams go unheard and didn’t prepare a proposal to purchase from the Northern Grid? Government is fully responsible for the genesis of the crisis, it didn’t happen overnight,” he said.
He also said that there was a prolonged dry spell for all of us to observe which this administration has failed to acknowledge. “It is astonishing that despite assurances from authorities, the situation has not only failed to improve but has taken a turn for the worse, casting the region into prolonged darkness,” he added.
Accusing the govt of failing to tackle the power crises, Nasir said , “Unscheduled power cuts & prolonged outages in the Kashmir Valley have reached an alarming level, causing widespread disruptions. The lack of consistent electricity supply has led to significant losses in multiple sectors, impacting businesses, education, healthcare, and overall quality of life.”
He asked why the so called investment boomhas not translated into an improved electricity distribution system, which is causing immense frustration among citizens who have borne significant financial burden without reaping the intended advantages.
“Govt should come up with a white paper revealing what all steps are being taken to mitigate the crises. People have every right to know why despite paying hefty bills they have to suffer from persistent power woes.” he said.
The contribution of Sir Walter Lawrence to Kashmir is prima facie far higher than that of Sir Marc Aurel Stein and he deserves equal respect and acknowledgement for his contribution to Kashmir by the government. Lawrence was the people’s man in Kashmir and perhaps the most famous Briton in Kashmir.
The spot where a small building housed the office of Walter Lawrence in the late nineteenth century. KL Image: Umar Dar
Sir Marc Aurel Stein (1862-1943) was an eminent Hungarian scholar, explorer, archaeologist and geographer. He is generally known to the Kashmiris and the world for his English translation of the twentieth-century metrical chronicle, Rajatarangini, “the stream of kings”, of Sanskrit poet, Pandit Kalhana, the court Kany (poet) and chronicler of Raja Jayasimha [1128-1155).
Dr Stein visited Kashmir first in August 1888 and then he continued his visits to Kashmir till his last year of age, 1943. In summers he would come and visit his beloved alpine meadow, Mahand Marg in Ganderbal where he would contemplate, think, read and write. As and when his duties allowed, he would pitch his tent and work at Mahand Marg and from his camp, almost the whole of Kashmir was spread before his eyes like a dreamland. The Mahand Marg meadow covered with foot-high flowers, blue and yellow, was looking like the most magnificent carpet in the world to him.
Sir Aurel Stein 1909 Pic Thompson (The Grosvenor Studios)
It was the Dogra Ruler who commissioned him for the translation of Kalhana’s chronicle. During his visits and stay in Kashmir regarding his translation of Rajatarangini and “Brahmanical version” of Kashmir’s geography, he had the company and “help” of well-known Pandit Sanskrit scholars of the time like Pandit Damodhar, Pandit Govind Koul (a close friend of Pandit Isvara Koula) and others who “came from morning to evening” to assist him at Mahand Marg where he was devoted to his Rajtarangini labours in the alpine seclusion of his cherished mountain camp. Pandit Govind Koul‘s “erudition was to be essential to the translation and editing of the Rajatangini”.
Mahand Marg site has been associated with the name of this great Hungarian man where he deliberated upon nature, read the manuscripts of Rajatarangini in the serenity of the mountainous meadow and also found time in the presence of Pandit Sanskrit scholar to translate folios of Sanskrit manuscripts. The Kashmir Tourism Department has recently raised a museum in his memory at Mahand Marg meadow of Ganderbal.
His Contemporary
Sir Walter Lawrence was Stein’s contemporary. After he was placed in the prestigious Indian Civil Service, he worked continuously for sixteen years from 1879 to 1895 without taking a break. From 1879 to 1889, he was appointed to several positions in Punjab, as Census Officer of Peshawar and Hazara and as Agent to the Government of Rajputana where he became a member of the Political department of the Government of India.
In 1884, he was Under Secretary to Sir Charles Aitchison, the Lt Governor of the Punjab, which included six months as Settlement Officer of Karnal and Ambala. He was Under Secretary to the Government of India under Sir Edward Buck from 1886-1888 in the Department of Land Revenue and Agriculture.
Lawrence was married to Lillian Gertrude on March 18, 1885, at Mount Abu, Rajputana (now Rajasthan). In 1888, he was offered by Lord Lansdowne, the Viceroy and the Governor General, three appointments of Under Secretary in the Foreign Department, First Assistant to Resident of Deccan at its capital Hyderabad and Settlement Officer of Kashmir. He chose Kashmir “as the land of his Indian dreams”. “The very name, Kashmir, compelled” him to opt for the third appointment.
A 1900 photograph showing Sir Walter Lawrence in Kashmir. Agha Sayed Hussain as the young Tehsildar is standing behind him (third from right)
His Kashmir Assignment
On April 12, 1889, thirty-two years old Lawrence set off for Kashmir from Shimla along with his family with the appointment as lacum tenens of Andrew Wingate. He was in Srinagar on April 26, 1889. He completed the settlement work in September 1894 and returned to England in March 1895. He was fondly called, “Larren Sahab” by Kashmiris.
After retirement, he got more opportunities to work as Private Secretary to Lord Curzon (1899- 1903) and then as Commissioner for the welfare of the sick and wounded Indian soldiers of WWI in England and France from 1914 to 1916. He ensured the Muslim, and the Hindu and the Sikh soldiers who had lost their lives in WWI, were decently buried and cremated, respectively, in England according to their religious rites. He worked with local Molvis in England for the Muslim soldiers’ burials in Wokingham and likewise, he worked with Hindu and Sikh priests for the cremation of Hindu and Sikh soldiers at Chattri, South Downs. This was the standard of his humanity.
After retirement, he travelled to several countries like Syria and Palestine in 1919 and he was in the USA in 1917 and1918 with a British delegation. After WWI, he lived with his son, Henry Walter Neville Lawrence, and his family, and died at the age of 83 on May 25, 1940.
A Debt on Kashmir
Kashmiris owe Lawrence a great debt of gratitude for completing the pioneering work of permanent land settlement. He also recorded firsthand observations about the condition of Kashmir, its people, culture, language, water bodies, festivals, mountains, food, dress, habits, flora and fauna, and whatnot, in his monumental work, Valley of Kashmir, which was first published in London in 1895.
Sir Walter Lawrence
Besides, Lawrence wrote several articles for newspapers. It is well described that: “Perhaps no foreigner had greater opportunities of studying the character of the people of Kashmir than the late Sir Walter Lawrence, who was for [six] years the Settlement Commissioner of the State, and in that exceptionally advantageous capacity amassed highly useful information, which he utilised later in his famous and authoritative work, called the Valley of Kashmir. In this book, he deals at great length with the character of Kashmiris”.
“He was one of the elder statesmen, always called in or consulted when Indian affairs were under consideration, the trusted counsellor of ministers and of all who sought guidance on India”.
His second book, India We Served, a memoir, is also of great value for understanding the culture and traditions of old India. “He gathered up his experiences” in this book which was published in 1928 and “which is stamped with the mellow wisdom and generous appreciation of India and its peoples so characteristic of all his service”.
Historical Site
The office building (Bandobasti Imarat) where Sir Walter Lawrence worked for completing settlement work of Kashmir was located between the alley leading to S P Higher Secondary School and (Holy family) Catholic Church, on Srinagar’s now Moulana Azad Road (the erstwhile Hotel Road).
The building which was used by him for the completion of the gigantic work concerning the land settlement (Bandobast i Qaooni), was called the Settlement Department, which held in its compound a big statue of Sir Walter Lawrence in Maharaja Hari Singh’s reign. The Settlement Department became later popular as Mahafiz-Khana, holding the land and survey records of Kashmir from the Lawrence time.
The settlement building still exists as of date but in utterly dilapidated condition just on the left side of the entry gate to the modern-day Jammu and Kashmir Institute of Management, Public Administration and Rural Development (IMPARD), M A Road, Srinagar. In 1986, when IMPARD was set up, it was housed initially in an old building, which was reminiscent of the British-Dogra architecture in Kashmir, just behind the Catholic Church on MA Road, Srinagar. Was that building residential Kothi of Sir Walter Lawrence?
Well, the Mahafiz-Khana, which also housed the erstwhile State Human Rights Commission for some time after its creation in 1997, was shifted to a new building at the Directorate of Land Records, Bemina Srinagar, probably in 1998-1999.
Maharaja’s Friend
Sir Walter Lawrence was a “good and constant friend from 1889” of the Maharaja Pratap Singh and after he left India, the two “maintained a regular correspondence”. Sadly, the “historic building“ in which he worked and completed the gigantic operations of the land settlement was not preserved by the governments of the time.
On recorded evidence, the statute of Sir Lawrence which existed in the compound of the settlement building even in Maharaja Hari Singh’s time was demolished but, which hands did it and when they did it, it cannot be precisely said. He was a friend of all but few considered him inimical to their age-old hegemonic exploitation.
This author was told by several witnesses that there were several buildings within the precincts of IMPARD till recent times which were once used by the officials of the Forest Department, Home Science and the Settlement Staff. Nothing of them exists now. The new infrastructural structure of IMPA has come up over the years in their place. There is not a single monument or government building in the area under discussion dedicated to the memory of Sir Walter Lawrence.
No Memory
Some of the concerned officials of the Revenue and Land Records departments, whom this author met were clueless about the historical significance of the site and the existence of Sir Lawrence’s settlement building and statute in its compound. The old dilapidated building with a compound stands and urgently calls for the attention of the concerned authorities in Kashmir.
MJ Aslam
To recall, Stein spent several summers from 1888 till the completion of the English translation of Pandit Kalhana’s Rajtarangini in the alpine meadows of Mahand Marg Ganderbal. He used to camp in the open meadows in the company of Kashmiri Brahman scholars during the years he was working on the translation work of the Rajtarangini. Recently the Tourism Department Kashmir has raised a museum in his memory in the forest meadows at Mahand Marg Ganderbal.
The contribution of Sir Walter Lawrence to Kashmir is prima facie far higher than that of Sir Marc Aurel Stein and he deserves equal respect and acknowledgement for his contribution to Kashmir by the government. Lawrence was the people’s man in Kashmir and perhaps the most famous Briton in Kashmir.
It is suggested that the departments of Tourism, Land Records, INTAC-Kashmir, and Financial Commissioner, should rise to the occasion and take necessary steps for converting the old Mahafiz-Khana building at M A Road, Srinagar, to a monument in loving memory of Sir Walter Roper Lawrence.
(MJ Aslam is a historian and author. Ideas are personal).
SRINAGAR: The traditional Kangri, a portable fire pot, serves as a vital source of warmth during the harsh winter months in Kashmir, where temperatures can plummet to as low as minus 14 degrees C. Encased in handmade wicker baskets, this pot contains glowing embers and is conveniently carried within the folds of the pheran, a long woollen cloak worn by the locals.
The manufacturing of the Kangri involves a blend of skilled labour and local artisanal craftsmanship. Despite the prevalence of modern electronic heating devices, the Kangri remains a cost-effective and efficient heating solution, particularly in areas where electricity may be scarce or during periods of load-shedding.
The Kangri, with its eco-friendly design, continues to be in high demand across Kashmir. Notably, it has now found its way to the local markets of Jammu, marking a notable shift.
The renowned Raghunath Bazar in Jammu City is currently a hub for the sale of these traditional Kashmiri fire-pots.
Women workers in outskirts of Srinagar city busy in peeling and processing of the willow twigs that make the basic raw material for Kangri making. KL Image: Bilal Bahadur
Residents attribute the surge in Kangri purchases in Jammu to a recorded temperature dip. According to Vickey, a shopkeeper at Raghunath Bazar, individuals from various walks of life are drawn to this attractive and economical heating option. The Kangri, once a staple solely in Kashmir, now resonates beyond its traditional boundaries, becoming a sought-after commodity in the markets of Jammu.
According to Vickey, a local shopkeeper, the demand for Kangris in Jammu’s bustling markets is a recent phenomenon.
“I have known about Kangris since childhood but never used one until recently. It’s become something of an addiction. Ever since my mother introduced me to it, I’ve been placing a Kangri in my bed every night, and the warmth is incredibly comforting,” said Ajay, a Kashmiri Pandit.
Despite concerns from his parents, Ajay persists in using the Kangri in bed. Speaking to a buyer in the city market, Fozia, originally from Kishtwar, said, “We come from a cold region, but we don’t make such arrangements at our place. We move to Jammu every winter to escape the chilly Kishtwar weather. This year, with Jammu experiencing its lowest temperature, Kangris have become a saviour for people like us.”
Kangeri existed before Budshah in Kashmir. Kalhana’s Rajtaringini also mentions it: “Man’s endeavour resembles the embers in the Kangri which some times burn when apparently extinguished and sometimes go out, although kindled, by puffs of air , at the will of fate .”
Fozia, trying a Kangri for the first time, explained, “My friend suggested I buy one from here. Jammu usually has milder winters compared to our place, but this time, the weather conditions prompted the need for something to keep us warm.”
Amit Gupta, a local resident, shared his experience, saying, “I saw Kangris in the city market last time, and it took me less than a minute to decide to buy one. The shopkeeper advised me to light it and place it under a blanket for added warmth. My wife and I tried it, and it worked like magic. Now, I’m here again to buy a new Kangri for her.”
Kangri vendors also said that the current weather has boosted Kangri sales. “These Kangris are brought here and marketed by Kashmiris. We purchase them from Kashmir and sell them in the city markets,” they said.
In Jammu, where the use of kangris has traditionally been associated with Kashmiris, there’s a noteworthy surge in demand among Jammu residents, prompting local shops to stock up on these traditional fire-pots.
Mukeet, a Kangri seller, reports selling more than 10 Kangris daily. Despite the prevalence of modern technology, Kangris maintain a market presence and serve as a source of livelihood for many engaged in the trade.
Beyond their utilitarian function, Kangris have gained popularity as a cultural phenomenon in Jammu. People from distant locations are now drawn to purchase Kangris, and these traditional fire-pots are increasingly exchanged as gifts.
Rakesh Wantoo, a Janipur resident, emphasized the unique significance of Kangris in combating the harsh cold, asserting that even with advanced heating options, Kangris remain irreplaceable. He pointed out their enduring importance, especially during electricity shortages in severe winters.
Speaking with a wholesaler, Bilal Ahmed mentioned, “Observing shifts in Jammu’s weather, we began taking orders for Kangris from local markets, notably the city market. The demand has exceeded our expectations. I dispatched a truck full of Kangris to Jammu 15 days ago, and every unit has been sold. Shopkeepers are placing additional orders as the business thrives.”
Pummy Sharma, while shopping at the city market, expressed her fascination with the beautiful Kangris on display. Guided by the shopkeeper, Valai Bhaya, she intends to try making one at home by following the instructions. “I’m excited to try Kangri. I’ll go home and start the process, hoping all goes well. It’s all about fire,” she remarked.
Ilyas, a Kashmiri resident in Jammu, shared that his friend from Jammu recently purchased a Kangri and sought guidance on how to use it, highlighting the growing interest in traditional fire-pots in the region.
The northern plains of India, including Jammu, are presently experiencing multiple cold waves. Recent weather reports indicate a temperature range in Jammu over the past week, with the highest recorded at 12 degrees Celsius on December 31, 2023, at 2:30 PM, and the lowest at 2 degrees Celsius on January 11, 2024, at 11:30 PM. The average temperature during this period stood at 8 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels fluctuated from 100% on December 31 at 9:00 PM to 87 per cent on January 3 at 7:30 PM.
During the Chillai-Kalan, the coldest period of winter, there has been an unexpected turn of events, with temperatures reaching a notable maximum of 15.0 degrees Celsius—the warmest day in 14 years.
A person who is not thankful towards people can never be thankful towards Allah. – Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Mirwaiz Umer Farooq with his teacher Ghulam Mohiuddin Wani alias Mahad Sab
This sentiment resonates as I reflect on the passing of Ghulam Mohiuddin Wani, known as Mahad Sab, in Srinagar on December 17, 2023. His influence on my life was profound, particularly during a pivotal and challenging phase.
In commemorating him, I wish to express my deep gratitude, recognising him not only as my teacher and mentor in religious matters but also as a symbol of the harmonious fusion of Islamic beliefs, spiritual practice, moderation, and a profound sense of responsibility towards traditions and culture.
Assuming the role of Mirwaiz (chief cleric) following the tragic martyrdom of my father, Mirwaiz Maulvi Mohammad Farooq, in 1990, was a formidable task. At the tender age of 17, I, a mere schoolboy, found myself thrust into a position of great responsibility during a period of familial grief and loss. The Mirwaiz institution, unique to Kashmir, has a rich tradition spanning over a century. The revered pulpit of the Mirwaiz has consistently guided believers, advocating against social ills and encouraging adherence to the devotional path prescribed by Islamic tenets.
Embarking on a transformative journey, I found myself thrust overnight from adolescence to the revered pulpit of Jama Masjid, the historic mosque nestled in the heart of Srinagar city—an endeavour laden with challenges.
During this pivotal period, Mahad Sab, a close associate of my late father and a steadfast adherent of the Mirwaiz family’s religious legacy, played a crucial role in facilitating a seamless transition. Offering his expertise and mentorship, he committed himself to equip me with the necessary skills and knowledge to assume the responsibilities of a Mirwaiz, guiding me through the intricate path leading to the pulpit.
Mahad Sab, a self-taught individual and a devout businessman by profession, demonstrated a distinctive approach to matters of faith and practice. Despite affiliating with the orthodox Salafi (Ahl e Hadith), he exhibited a Sufi temperament, embracing a dedicated pursuit of understanding Islam as a means to approach Allah with humility and gratitude.
He held a deep respect for figures such as Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani and Khwaja Bahauddin Naqshbandi, along with other Sufi peers. Guiding me in the compilation of a Wa’az for the Urs ceremonies dedicated to these Sufi luminaries, he consistently participated in the congregations with unwavering commitment.
I witnessed his focused engagement when he compiled Wa’az, an effort in which he played a significant role. Reflecting on the experience, he conveyed the unique emotions evoked when watching me at the mimbar (pulpit) and delivering teachings from the bayaz (scriptures).
Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq was assassinated on May 21, 1990 at his Nigeen residence.
In the aftermath of my father’s demise, I delivered my inaugural sermon at Jamia Masjid, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Mirwaiz Ahmadullah, in Kashmiri. While I possessed spoken proficiency in the language, my written and reading skills were less developed. Mahad Sab facilitated my introduction to verses composed by Kashmir’s revered saint, Sheikh-ul-Alam, also known as Sheikh Nooruddin Wali. This served as a gateway for me to delve into the Kashmiri language. Subsequently, I was acquainted with Persian, particularly the writings of Jami, Khusrau, and Rumi.
The role of a Mirwaiz demands a distinct form of education not found in conventional schools or universities. The clerical tradition employs the unique practice of Wa’az-o-Tableegh (propagation through sermons) to impart knowledge and disseminate the teachings of Islam. This method relies on oral conventions, emphasising listening, repetition, and absorption—an approach that remains unchanged and free from distortion.
A Wa’az places particular emphasis on the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him), incorporating reverence, devotion, love, and praise for him. It also explores the significance of pious and learned saints and scholars of Islam.
A noteworthy aspect of the Wa’az is the recitation of Manqabat, which focuses on glorifying the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions; Manajaat, involving seeking forgiveness from Allah; and Na’at, comprising verses praising the Prophet (peace be upon him). Traditionally, the language used in these recitations has been Kashmiri and Persian, contributing to the unique structure of the Wa’az. This linguistic tradition persists, adding a distinctive quality to the overall presentation.
Embarking on the remarkable journey of assuming the role of a Mirwaiz, I underwent a profound period of initiation and education under the guidance of Mahad Sab. He introduced me to the intricacies and etiquettes of the knowledge system integral to this responsibility. The Mirwaiz Manzil’s Qutab Khana (library) houses a valuable collection of manuscripts, some dating back over 400 years, serving as a repository of Islamic learning and calligraphy. Mahad Sab, well-versed in these resources, held them in high regard, and his expertise left a lasting impression on me.
Navigating through the manuscripts of Mirwaiz Rasool Shah, Mirwaiz Ahmadullah, and Mirwaiz Ateequllah, Mahad Sab emphasised the key message of moderation and balance inherent in the religious practice and teachings of the Mirwaizeen. With a comprehensive vision and deep insight, he assisted in crafting sermons that resonated with contemporary congregations, drawing from the wisdom contained in these ancient texts.
Mahad Sab’s unique expertise extended to the oral tradition of passing on local knowledge, known as Seena ba Seena. An astute listener, his sharp memory, thoughtful approach, wisdom, and unwavering faith created a harmonious blend, positioning him among the select few capable of preserving and transmitting this valuable heritage.
Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, a photograph taken after his father’s assassination in 1990. Pic: Yusuf Jameel
With deep affection and respect, I acknowledge Mahad Sab’s significant contribution to my understanding of my religious role and responsibility. His impact on my life is profound, and his passing constitutes a personal loss that words struggle to articulate.
Regrettably, since my house arrest in August 2019, during which my Wa’az-o-Tableegh was prohibited under the new administration in Kashmir, I have been unable to meet Mahad Sab for four years. Despite this, he expressed his anguish through phone conversations. Now, with his demise, the precious 33 years of our association have concluded. His life served as an embodiment of the virtues he imparted, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know him.
In his absence, I find myself without my guiding light.
(The author is the chief cleric of Kashmir, delivering sermons at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar. Ideas are personal.)
SRINAGAR: The Fire & Emergency Services Department has asserted that it has implemented robust safety measures to effectively address any potential fire incidents at Dal Lake, in Srinagar.
A senior official from the F&ES Department said that Nehru Park Fire Station accommodates a fleet of nine fire boats, including two specifically designated for rescue operations.
“We assure the public that our existing mechanisms are more than adequate to tackle any fire incident at the world-famous Dal Lake,” he said, adding that only minor areas for improvement are needed.
Additionally, the Nigeen Fire Station also features two dedicated fire boats, he added.
The official said all boats are equipped with firefighting essentials. “Out of the 11 boats, nine are turn-out boats equipped with fire pumps. The equipment onboard these boats includes fire pumps, engines capable of spraying water with high volume and other essential firefighting tools,” he informed.
A houseboat owner on Dal Lake said, “Our houseboats thrive on the beauty of Dal Lake, and knowing that there are enhanced fire safety measures in place adds an extra layer of confidence for both locals and visitors alike.”
SRINAGAR: Bhartiya Sanchar Nigam Limited is inviting applications for qualified candidates for the posts of Director (Enterprise).
Candidates willing to apply and deemed suitable are encouraged to complete the online application form accessible on the PESB website before February 9, 2024. The deadline for nodal officers to submit the applications to the PESB is February 19, 2024.
The forms should be further submitted to the Secretary, Public Enterprises Selection Board, Public Enterprises Bhawan, Block No. 14, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003, no later than the specified deadline.
The candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree in Engineering with a commendable academic history from a recognized University or Institute. Individuals with a background in Electronics and Communication, Telecommunication engineering, or possessing an MBA/ PGDM, will be given preference.
The required minimum age limit for the position is 45 years.
Candidates must have experience of a minimum of 5 years within the last 10 years in the Telecom sector, holding a senior management position in a well-reputed organization.
The selected candidate will be given a monthly remuneration of Rs 75000 to Rs 100000 Lakh.
The candidate’s appointment will be valid for a duration of five years starting from the date of joining, until the date of superannuation, or until further orders.
With almost one person out of every 300 suffering from epilepsy, the patients of this neurological disorder are pained over the comic portrayal of the disease in cinema the world over, reportsSyed Shadab Ali Gillani
The thought process (L to R) in male and female brains. Graphics: Economist
Baseerat, 25, has dealt with difficult symptoms since childhood. Suffering from epilepsy, a neurological disorder, that disrupts her sleep and requires her to maintain a careful diet. Since 2013, doctors have instructed Baseerat not to fast during Ramzan, the Muslim month of fasting.
“I have weaker immunity and must take extra precautions, even in food,” she said. Baseerat faces unique challenges with this misunderstood neurological disorder.
Epilepsy is a chronic non-communicable brain illness that affects about fifty million individuals globally. It is characterised by recurrent seizures, which are brief periods of uncontrolled movement involving a portion of the body (partial) or the full body (generalised), ranging from mild to severe. Seizures can significantly impact the daily lives and routines of those affected.
Stereotyping
There is a social taboo attached to epilepsy that often leads to depression among patients.
Baseerat, recently, came across some YouTube videos mockingly using Mirgi (Urdu) as humour. “What seems funny to them is life-or-death for me,” she regrated.
For years, Baseerat has taken high-dose medicines and sleeping pills to control her condition. She feels angry and offended by the videos, noting epilepsy is a serious disease, not a joke.
Epilepsy is an invisible, unfelt condition that cannot be cured but is managed through medications. It is marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical brain activity.
Epilepsy and Cinema
In mainstream Indian media, the word Mirgi has been flippantly presented as a joke, forgetting the seriousness of the condition. Over the years, Bollywood films have created dialogues that joke about the disease itself. In comedic movies, if a character does something funny, the word Mirgi is often used. The meaning of the word has been changed and used so casually that for audiences, making Mirgi, a synonym for a joke.
Another stereotype is how in some movies from around the world, epileptic seizures are linked with demonic possession or other supernatural forces. A survey of 62 international films by a neurology institute found the condition is still commonly associated with possession, genius, madness, and delinquency.
Problematic portrayals propagate misconceptions about epilepsy, Baseerat explains. While in Bollywood Mirgi is a joke, global dramas stigmatise it as a possession. “For audiences, these distorted references become reality,” she said, “more thoughtful representations are needed to build empathy”.
= In Kashmir also, it’s often wrongly linked to spiritual possession. Baseerat recalls when a seizure occurred to her in front of her cousin, she was termed possessed. Another time, people mocked a boy who had a seizure on the road.
Baseerat believes this insensitivity stems from two main reasons: depictions in movies, and lack of awareness. “These reactions stem from ignorance, not malice”, Baseerat believes. “Seizures can be terrifying for the uninformed. But epileptics deserve support, not stigma.”
When Abrar’s seizures began, his family didn’t realise the gravity. Some blamed internet addiction. But after a severe attack in 2017, the twelfth grader saw a neurologist and got medication, to decrease the seizures. “It’s like a split-second blackout,” he explains. “I faint and forget reality.”
Abrar recalls falling during a seizure while fetching a parcel. Some people helped him up and ensured he got home safely with medicine. “They were very helpful,” he said. Though stigma silenced him at first, Abrar now speaks out. “Most people don’t know what epilepsy is when I share my condition.” He also criticises problematic cinema depictions. “Filmmakers must understand that criminals don’t have seizures when they are caught.”
Abrar hopes to combat misinformation with facts. “People lack knowledge and laugh it off,” he says. “But epilepsy deserves seriousness.” He encourages compassion over stereotypes. “Stigma silences and isolates sufferers. Open discussions are critical to combat myths with facts.”
Baseerat and Abrar emphasise: Epilepsy is real, serious and common – nearly 1 in 300 locally have it. It’s a treatable neurological condition, not a Hollywood plot device or punchline. Like any disease, compassion and understanding are owed to those affected.
Conversion Disorder
Epilepsy also has a psychological counterpart – Conversion Disorder – explained counsellor Asma Nasir. It mirrors epilepsy in symptoms but lacks neurological evidence. “With no clear neurological cause, psychiatrists and psychologists step in,” she said.
Conversion disorder involves non-epileptic seizures often triggered by stress. Unfortunately, faith healers are sometimes sought, when it’s a psychological issue requiring counselling support. Asma has seen cases referred from faith healers for proper psychological care. Conversion disorder is common, especially among young women, notes Asma.
Baseerat’s concerns reveal the far-reaching impact of myths and misconceptions surrounding epilepsy and similar conditions. Marriage prospects, social lives, and careers – all can suffer due to ignorance. For her, “stereotyping hinders normalcy”, fuelling despair. “Will marriage ever come easily with this stigma?” she wonders. “These questions persist no matter my activity or location.”
(The names of the two patients quoted in this news report have been changed to protect their identity.)
