Food Wastage: A Curse from Almighty By: Javid Amin In the realm of existence, every resource bestowed upon us carries an intrinsic value, a purpose, and a divine providence. Among these, none is more vital than the sustenance that nature bestows upon us, food, the wellspring of life itself. And yet, as we traverse the annals of history, we find instances where this divine gift is squandered, leading to scarcity and suffering. In the paradisiacal region of Kashmir, the mismanagement of resources, especially the misuse of food, paints a grim…
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Kashmir’s Ostentatious Weddings: A Social Trend or a Cause for Concern?
The traditional Nikkah, once the heart of Kashmiri weddings, is now taking a backseat to more elaborate celebrations. By : Toibah Kirmani “Shaadi aysi karo ki chaar log puche, shaddi thi ya award function” (Make your wedding so grand that people ask if it was a wedding or an award function). Such punchlines now characterise Kashmiri weddings on Instagram, marking a departure from the days when weddings were confined to family photo albums. Every detail, from a bride descending the stairs in a lehenga to the illuminated house, the Nikkah…
Read MoreKashmir’s Drugs Crisis: A Generation at Risk
A Generation Lost to Drug Abuse By: Javid Amin The Kashmir Valley is in the midst of a concerning trend – it is progressively evolving into a focal point for drug activity in Northern India. This issue was brought to the forefront on 4th August 2023 when the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment delivered a stark message to the Parliament of India. The committee’s report estimated that approximately 13.50 lakh individuals in Jammu and Kashmir are engaged in drug use, with the majority falling within the age range…
Read MoreClickbait: The Enemy of Quality Content on Kashmir’s YouTube
Unpacking the Clickbait Conundrum: Kashmir’s YouTube Scene In recent years, the digital landscape in Kashmir has witnessed a remarkable surge in YouTube content. From breathtaking vlogs that capture the mesmerizing beauty of the valley to soul-stirring music videos that resonate with the region’s rich cultural tapestry, from informative talk shows to engaging tutorials, rib-tickling comedy sketches to thought-provoking dramas – the Kashmiri YouTube scene is undoubtedly a multifaceted one. However, beneath the surface of this burgeoning medium lies a disconcerting trend, one that is increasingly casting a shadow over the…
Read MoreProtecting Your Children in the Digital Age
Helping Your Children Stay Safe Online: A Guide for Parents By: Javid Amin The internet is a magical place where just about any question can get answered, but it also has a sinister side. Lurking in the shadows are all sorts of things that can harm littles—from predators to cyberbullies and more. Here, we’ve rounded up a number of ways to help keep your kiddo safe online. Talk about internet safety : The internet is a big place—and kids won’t fully understand what it is without having a conversation with…
Read MoreIncreasing Knife Attacks Reflect Rising Tensions in Kashmir
Mominabad, a neighborhood in the sprawling Batamaloo area of Kashmir, in May witnessed a brutal and shocking incident that has left the community in deep shock. Ajaz Ahmed Bhat, a resident of Mominabad, was brutally murdered, stabbed multiple times, and tragically succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital. The true horror of the incident emerged when the police arrested a 16-year-old boy within less than 24 hours and revealed the motive behind the attack: “anger and revenge.” The authorities disclosed that the teenage assailant had developed an…
Read MoreNearly 27,000 Calls to Kashmir’s Mental Health Helpline in 11 Months: A Wake-Up Call
As Kashmir secured a top rank for receiving the highest number of calls in the Tele Mental Health Programme, it also indicated the scale of mental health crises in the conflict-ridden Valley. At the mental health day conclave in New Delhi early this week, Jammu and Kashmir was awarded for its work in the telemental health programme. The Health Secretary of J&K Dr Bhupinder Kumar said the centre has received 26,477 calls since the launch of the programme on November 4 last year. The major reasons for calling included anxiety…
Read MoreRemoval of Corporal Punishment in Schools and its Impact on the Behavioral Landscape of Kashmiri Youth
Unintended Consequences: The Impact of Removing Corporal Punishment in Kashmiri Schools By: Javid Amin The state of Jammu and Kashmir, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, has long been a symbol of breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and the resilience of its people in the face of adversity. However, recent developments in the region, particularly the removal of corporal punishment from schools, have started to paint a different picture. The consequences of this change are felt across all strata of society, but it is the impact on the…
Read MoreKashmir Youth in Danger: Stabbing, Substance Abuse, and Immoral Activities Pose a Serious Threat
Kashmir Youth on the path of destruction By: Javid Amin The youth of Kashmir, like their counterparts across the globe, face numerous challenges that hinder their personal and societal development. Among these issues, the menace of drugs addiction, escalating violence, and engagement in immoral activities have plagued their overall well-being. Furthermore, the prevalence of rash and stunt driving poses a significant threat to their safety and that of others. This essay delves into the ramifications of these vices and the need for stringent parental controls to curb such destructive behavior.…
Read MoreIndia-Pakistan World Cup match stirs emotions in cricket-loving Kashmir
Many people in Kashmir support Pakistan over India in cricket – a risk when the rivals face off. It’s always a highly charged affair whenever India and Pakistan play each other in cricket, but in the disputed, conflict-torn region of Kashmir, it’s on another level entirely. As in the past, Saturday’s ICC Cricket World Cup clash between the two countries, held in the northern Indian city of Ahmedabad, brings risks – as well as some opportunities – to residents in cricket-crazed, Indian-administered Kashmir. Traditionally, most residents in Kashmir have supported…
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