JOURNAL | ISS No. | 0975/6647 | Vol: 29 | Issue 0 1 MEDIA TIMES | DECEMBER 2020 MEDIA TIMES
ERTUGRUL CRAZE : A JOURNEY FROM TURKEY TO KASHMIR
ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ
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म त U N IR IV M ER H SITY OF KAS MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR HAZRATBAL, SRINAGAR-190006 MEDIA TIMES DECEMBER 2020
2 MEDIA TIMES 4 | Message from VC 5 | HoD’s Desk
ERTUGRUL CRAZE : 08 | Cover story A JOURNEY FROM TURKEY TO KASHMIR Asif Khan
12 Young Techie’s Mission Robotics’ Arbeena
Heerpora Nomads' 15 struggle for survival Umer Mukhtar
When A Rag-Picker 18 Lost His Home To Fire Badar Bashir
20 Without Safety Gears, PDD Workers Continue To Lose Life, Limbs Minhaj Masoodi
A New Normal–Webinars 'Streets Will Show The Way': How Vendors Are 22 Are Here To Stay 25 Looking To Tide Over Economic Agony Farzana Nisar Khalid Hassan Lone The Smoke Rises: Cigarette Sales 28 Spike Amid Pandemic Sheikh Mustafa
Fad Of Extravagant Weddings 32 In Kashmir Shahid Habib
42 MERC Students' Masterstoke Asif Khan/Arbeena
35 Asha Lateefa: A Frontline Warrior Against Covid-19 Toiba Bashir
38 And She Was Born: A Mother's Battle 46 Kashmir Avengers, A To Bring New Life Into The World New Professional Football Club Zakia Qureshi Imran Bashir
Feedback and Patron: he Media Times is a lab suggestions from the Prof Talat Ahmad readers are welcome journal of Media Education © MERC 2018 Vice-Chancellor Research Centre, University Printed and Publisher by: Chief Editor: of Kashmir. Its main purpose HoD MERC Dr. Aaliya Ahmed T is to provide a platform to the for and on behalf of Editor: University of Kashmir. students and scholars to hone their Dr. Syeda Afshana Further information Graphics Artist writing abilities and to chisel their Write to: Aga Shahi journalistic skills. The journal builds Editor, Student Editors: necessary confidence in them to Media Education Research Centre, University of Kashmir, Asif Khan, Arbeena take on the future responsibilities Srinagar-190006 Student Editorial Team: as conscious media practitioners in e-mail: Asif Khan, Arbeena, Shahid Habib, [email protected], the society. [email protected] Sheikh Mustafa,
All the contributions are the students/scholars of Mass Communication and Journalism at MERC KU. Opinions, views, reports & essays in this issue do not necessarily represent the views of the faculty of MERC. The author are solely responsible for the facts stated including the source of the information and references. The Editor or the centre is not responsible for any kind of plagiarism.
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MESSAGE
am glad to know that Media Education Research Centre (MERC), is ready with yet another issue of its magazine, Media Times. I feel happy to comprehend that MERC is contributing well to the needs of its Centre and publishing a magazine annually is the spectator of its efforts. I Ihope that the Media Education Research Centre of this University shall continue to provide a strong dais to all students to groom-up their individuality and to prepare them as tough, responsible and rational media personalities for a bright and vibrant future of the whole Nation. I congratulate and convey my best wishes to the staff, students and all other participants for this endeavour.
Prof. Talat Ahmad
MEDIA TIMES 5 6 MEDIA TIMES MESSAGE
ovid-19 is the most transformative event of our lifetimes. The year will be remembered as a time of fast and increasingly accelerated digital change which generated barrage of information Restrictions and lockdowns brought a shift our lifestyles and new ways of living came into being. We are now in a world where the virtual and the physical have synchronized in diverse ways. CMedia surround us and we are saturated by their presence. Digital media platforms like Facebook, Twitter or Whatsapp facilitated conversation about community engagement, collaboration and change yet fake news, misinformation and disinformation remained a challenge. Media education is going through very exciting times. Challenges are there but to exploit the upcoming opportunities, good media professional’s intervention is required and learners and trainers, both need to welcome and embrace newer technologies. In times of the epidemic, the responsibilities have become far more challenging and exacting. Education has suffered the most. The online mode of education has evolved in a short period of time and helped the continuity of the education system.Young minds should identify their strengths and start working towards sharpening their skills and domain knowledge. Our departmental magazine Media Times is an endeavor to expand students’ understanding of how to operate in the changing media environment by providing hands on training in reporting, editing and production process which enables them to face the competition and challenges in the industry. This edition of the magazine introduces you to just a few of the ways we are demonstrating our commitment. Beyond these pages, there are many more stories. Happy reading! Dr. Aaliya Ahmad Head
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THIS TURKISH SERIES DIDN’T TOOK LONG TO REACH KASHMIR, WHICH HAD COME OUT OF A LOCKDOWN POST ABROGATION OF THE ARTICLE 370 AND 35A ONLY TO ENTER ANOTHER ONE. ERTUGRUL CRAZE : A JOURNEY FROM TURKEY TO KASHMIR s world cinemas continue to fire for the sake of screen ambience but the essence Islamophobic content at people across of the past is certainly credible", said Hanna the globe, Kashmir is hooked to the Peerzada, 27, who is studying for her doctorate fictionalA exploits of a Turkish hero whose son in English literature at University of Kashmir. founded the great Ottoman Empire eight “For the first time I actualized Khaimas hundred years ago. (nomad tents) that are often mentioned in There are chaste gorgeous women in vintage historical religious texts. It gave me an idea costumes with alluring green eyes guarded by about how hard life had been in the past. My strong men. There is love, sword battles, and mind tried to confront images from the Battle conquests. Perhaps, all that one could wish for. of Badr, though not a part of show, as now for That may be why it’s often called the Turkish the first time I beheld, how Muslims fought Game of Thrones. But the media-aware with swords for protecting and spreading their younger generation roots for the Turkish epic, faith. The show besides being well executed Asif Khan saying that it scores over Thrones by shunning evokes a sense of nostalgia. Game of Thrones is ‘vulgarity.’ a popular fiction that feeds on fantasy, porn and The series is also After conquering Pakistan, the television outlandish language. It eroticizes the past of being loved by all women whether they drama series Dirilis: Ertugrul, produced with Great Britain rather than bringing to life their are homemakers or loads of cash from Turkey’s state coffers, has past,” she further added working because of the fact that women won wide approval here for what many regard “Ertugrul appears more practical than Game have not been as clean and wholesome content, and as a of Thrones. I had already finished watching objectified or shown submissive. counter to viral Islamophobia, but earned sharp Game of Thrones and now I have been watching censure from some sections of the clergy who Ertugrul which is more relatable,”Asif Wani, a have declared cinema of any kind as haram. 24-year-old Law graduate from Baramulla said. “Game of Thrones and Ertugrul are beyond “Both of the shows are totally different and comparisons. Ertugrul is a historical fiction I think those who compare the two shows based on probable events, possible time and real are naive. Game of thrones is a fantasy while people. Of course, a lot of things are glamorized Ertugrul has a sort of religious perspective
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to offer,” Naireen Ibrahim, a 25-year-old Engineering all played a big role in making Ertrugul a huge success graduate said. in Kashmir. We have been represented in Ertugrul as as Ertugrul with over five seasons takes us through the we have been in our past not through the lenses of any historical story of thirteenth century when the Ottoman Bollywood or Hollywood film maker,” Faheem Iqbal, a Empire was established. 22-year-old poet from Ananatnag district said. With recommendations from both Pakistani Prime Shot mainly in the Riva village of Beykoz district of Minister, Imran Khan and Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Istanbul, Ertugrul was released in Turkey on December Erdogan, the show has only grown in popularity ever since 10, 2014 and premiered on TRT 1 for the first time. It is its arrival. It had already been a big success in Turkey and based on the stories of the Muslim Oghuz Turks fighting the story in Pakistan was no different. It took Pakistan by Mongols, Christian, Byzantines and the radical Knights a storm decimating numerous YouTube records once the Templar Crusaders in Anatolia (the modern day Turkey) language barrier was broken and it started appearing in of the 12th century. Ertugrul is a kind man who lives by the Urdu on YouTube and television. word of the holy Quran. He is a firm believer of Islam and It is seen as a combined effort of Turkey, Pakistan and tries to do the best for his people. Malaysia who had earlier joined hands to fight the rampant “I love Ertrugul for his bravery, his love towards the Islamophobia in the world. Within no time, it is becoming a Qabeela (tribe) and Halima. Our children can learn a lot of top favorite of the Muslims as they see their hero in Ertugrul. things about their glorious past from this series,” Mehnaz The Turkish series didn’t took long to reach Kashmir, which Jan, a 26-year-old Business Developer at Etisalat, working had come out of a lockdown post abrogation of the Article in a telecom service provider company in Dubai currently 370 and 35A only to enter another one. Kashmiris, too are in Kashmir said. going crazy about this Turkish series and nothing like this The series is also being loved by all women whether they had been witnessed before. are homemakers or working because of the fact that women “Ertrugul has come to our rescue and voiced for us. Both have not been objectified or shown submissive. the Indian and Hollywood cinema portray Muslims in a “You will see Hayme Hatunn and Halime sultan, the derogatory manner and give out their negative impression mother and wife of the main protagonist Ertrugul. Two to the public. The best thing about Ertrugul is that it doesn’t strong headed women of Qayi tribe making important paint any religion as wrong unlike other cinemas,” Yawar decisions along with the male counterparts,” Ruqayya Fayaz, a 33-year-old working as a Medical Representative Khan, 28-year-old, a law graduate from Srinagar said. said. “I never allow my son to change the channel during “Given the way things are in Kashmir, the lockdown, Ertugrul’s telecast on PTV channel. Both me and my placement and appeals from Muslim leaders to youth, husband love watching the show together,” Sara Bano, a
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57-year-old lady from Nawakadal said. strong chances are that they may be Ertugrul “I love seeing Haleema and Ertugrul on maniacs. screen. Though I get very little time to watch it “There is identity crisis in our youth but nowadays you have the option of Youtube. especially in teenagers and young adults. That is So I watch it according to my own preferences,” why, they relate themselves with the characters Shafiqa Akthar, 47-year-old lady, another of the show and this phenomenon is a part of homemaker said enthusiastically. human nature," Waseem Rashid Kakroo, a 35 The cherry picking of holy Quranic verses year old, Consultant Child and Adolescent and farrago of misinterpretations have for long Psychologist from Baramulla working with been shown as motivations behind suicide UNICEF and at Institute of Mental Health bombings and terrorist attacks. People had and Neurosciences said. started taking holy Quran as a book containing "Apart from this, the other reason why aggressive verses and Islam as a violent Kashmiris are getting allured to the Turkish religion. But Ertugrul which is laced with the show can be because of the boredom created holy verses of Quran has presented the "true by the lockdown. And loving this show is itself interpretations" of the holy verses. a support to Ertugrul’s ideology, thus, it can be “I think the verses of holy Quran have been taken as a mark of protest against oppression contextualized and it’s beautiful to see things and injustice of any kind,” He added. as they are,” Areeba Zahoor, a class 11th “Kashmiri Muslims have been suffering student said. without actually being able to do anything “I loved how beautifully Ibn Arabi quotes about it for long and Ertugul may get them Quranic verses and how he trusts Allah in thrilled and satisfied by seeing opponents every difficult situation,” Nooreen Manzoor, a getting defeated. That may be a reason why 32-year-old Kashmiri dental surgeon working Kashmiris often like these kinds of shows.” in a Government hospital Jammu said. Sabahat Muzzaffar, a 28-year-old female According to her she remains very busy but research scholar of Clinical Psychology at the seeing Ertugrul feels like performing a ritual Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences these days. said. “These kinds of shows assure us that by “Ertugrul has been shot in an Islamic way offering resistance to any form of oppression, and Muslims, no matter if they are practicing is the right way to move forward. They offer or not, possess immense and unmatched love salve to our wounds which have been aching for it which is hardly seen in the devotees of for long,” Wani Junaid, a 25-year-old graduate other religion. So, anything which portrays student hailing from Habba Kadal said. Islam automatically receives unconditional The madness for this Turkish series is unmatched in Kashmir. From naming their new born babies ‘Ertugrul’ to copying its dialogues, Kashmiris are bluntly picking up things from this series and incorporating them in their lives rapidly. Ertugrulmania is spreading in Kashmir fast in Kashmir. Nowadays, the male Kashmiris prefer to have Ertugrul’s photo as their profile picture on their social media accounts. While Haleema (the female protagonist) will be seen featuring on the profile picture of Kashmiri females. Ertugrul memes are being shared by Kashmiris on social media and many pages and groups by its name are being created. The phones in Kashmir ring with its soundtrack these days regardless of whether people have watched Ertugrul or not. It’s because the track is itself so appealing that a listener would easily fall for it. Hence, if you see people in Kashmir greeting you with ‘Eyvallah’ keeping their hands on the chest rather than with ‘Asalaam u Alaikum,’
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love from Muslims.” Laila Qureshi, a 33- 30-year-old sociologist working as a teacher year-old, Child Psychologist/Mental Health in Government high school Logripora, Counselor working at FAITH, Psych-Social Ashmuqaam, Ananatnag said. and Rehabilitation Centre, Ganderbal and Many Islamic scholars and speakers have Shifa hospital Srinagar said. come out loud and declared Ertrugul as Though Ertrugul has been banned by Haram (prohibited) for the Ummah. One some prominent Muslim countries like among them was Dr. Zakir Naik whose video Egypt, UAE and Saudi Arabia claiming went viral on the social media wherein he was that it aims to revive the Ottoman Empire seen saying that almost all movies or series in the Middle-East and reclaim ascendency would not fulfill the criteria of being declared over Arab countries which were earlier Halaal (Permissible). But because of the evil under the Ottoman regime. But, seeing that has spread throughout anyone who is their reactions Kashmiris seem to side with not watching serials is recommended to not Turkey this time as they celebrate their hero, watch it. However, Muslims who are addicted Ertugrul. to serials or movies should stop seeing them “It came to Kashmir at a time when people and if they aren’t able to do so, then it’s better were idle at home. So that became one of the to watch Ertugrul rather than Hollywood reasons for its success in Kashmir. The people or Bollywood movies. Another prominent of Kashmir already are prone to imbibing scholar from Pakistan, Mufti Tariq Masood things rapidly regardless of their effects,” Dr. had the same view to offer. Aftab Ahmad Rather, a Sociologist, working Kashmiri Islamic scholars share a staunch as a Lecturer at Government Degree College view on Ertugrul, different than these two Shopian said. scholars. But why have suddenly Islamic “We have seen that anything that sides with scholars turned their attention to Ertugrul religion is followed with great enthusiasm when there were shows being made upon here without actually reflecting on it,” Dr. Islamic personalities before? The eminent Aftab added. Kashmiri Islamic scholar, Mufti Muzaffar “It directly appeals to the minds of youth who is the head Mufti (clergic) at Dar Ul by the valiant and passionate behavior Uloom Sopore said. of characters who by their will and “We have always stood against any kind of determination have achieved their goal. cinema and people should immediately stop Kashmiris are reacting to this series positively endorsing it. No wrong medium can be taken because they relate their struggles with those to preach Islamic things. Cinema is prohibited portrayed in the show,” Suraiya Jabeen, a and so are shows like Ertugrul. If you want the solutions to your problems turn to Allah, read life of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) rather than wasting your time on these shows.” Another noted Kashmiri Islamic scholar Zahoor Ahmad Shah Almadni, who is currently posted as an Assistant Professor of Arabic at Government Degree College Beerwah while presenting his stance of this issue said, “The crisis which surrounds the Muslim Ummah needs an extraordinary pragmatic step to get us out of these hard times. These shows may have their benefits but they cannot be legitimized. Though, we can use cinema to represent ourselves and our religion but that should strictly be within the parameters of Islam.” "Cinema can’t be used to preach Islam. We are the people of the Book and follow whatever is written in it for us. Ertugrul should be left on its own without actually making it the talk of the town,” says Dr. Shakeel Ahmad Shifayi who teaches at the MP ML Higher Secondary School, Bagh-e-Dilawar Khan in Srinagar.
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A MERIT-HOLDER WHO CLINCHED GOLD UPON COMPLETING HIS ENGINEERING DEGREE IN 2015, THIS 28-YEAR-OLD KASHMIRI TECHIE BROUGHT SMILES TO DISTRESSED STUDENTS WITH HIS PROACTIVE SELF-STARTING ENDEAVOUR. YOUNG TECHIE’S ‘MISSION ROBOTICS’ IS ENDING KASHMIR’S REMOTE RELIANCE
Kashmiri engineer is simplifying mindful of this despairing dependence, he Arbeena Robotics in the valley by providing decided to make Robotics a feasible project a platform to students aspiring to for Kashmiri students. To help distressed make a career in the adventurous field. A merit-holder who clinched gold students back home, he even A gave up his PhD at IIT Kanpur As a campus routine, engineering upon completing his engineering degree and IIT Delhi under the Prime students of Kashmir would rely on remote in 2015, this 28-year-old Kashmiri techie Minister’s Research Fellows (PMRF) Scheme. relief till recent past to complete their brought smiles to distressed students with project work. his proactive self-starting endeavour. But such desperate degree completion “Engineering students of Kashmir bids—promoting a culture of foreign would prefer to go outside for their project reliance—would often prove a bumpy ride work due to lack of expertise and proper for aspiring techies. guidance in the valley,” Tahir says, as we When Tahir Showkat Bazaz became meet him in his office chamber filled with
12 MEDIA TIMES projects and tech vibes. have the capability to make a lasting “Those who couldn’t afford to go mark in different technical fields”— outside ended up facing a tough time. after he qualified national level exam: But now, Kashmiri students have GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in guidance available back home.” Engineering). That guidance has already created He started with an engineering a sweeping campus change, as since student from Pulwama and never 2015, Tahir has successfully made looked back. more than 500 innovative and exciting “I still remember how that student projects with his students. He has also gifted me a pack of walnuts as a token conducted several Robotics workshops of gratitude,” Tahir says, with a beaming in various schools. face. “With that single reassuring case, I Some of his prominent projects embarked on a fulfilling journey.” include Wireless Robotic Hand, Smart However, his conviction came with ‘Tashnear’, Tricopter, Medicine Box, its own cost. Smart Pen, 3D Printer-based abrasive He had to reject placement offers Jet, Bot, Miners Helmet, and AI based from various well-known technological Home Automation System. companies—Wipro, TCS, Sagacious “Despite being a topper in my IP, Magneti Marelli, Larsen & Tourbo academic career,” Tahir, who has Infotech—to guide the students. won awards in Entrepreneurship He became a game-changer after he Development Institute of India, says, approached a Delhi-based institute for “I always knew that I had to assist my a trainer to set up a Robotics franchise tribe struggling to submit their crucial in Srinagar. engineering projects.” But before becoming a reliable He finally became a helping hand for mentor ending outside dependence for the campus-deprived students—about Kashmiri engineering students, this whom he says, “Kashmiri students middle class family boy from Srinagar’s possess an unmatched IQ level and Karan Nagar area had greatly toiled to
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come of age. workshop,” he says. He cracked AIEEE (All India “At last, I got an approval call from the Engineering Entrance Examination), Presentation Convent Higher Secondary now known as JEE ( Joint Entrance School just one day before the onset of Examination) and got selected in National their vacations.” Institute of Technology (NIT), Srinagar. Students eventually showed interest in He completed his B.Tech degree in the subject and began enrolling themselves Electronics & Communication with a in Tahir’s Robosapiens during winters. shimmering gold. To help distressed students back home, Between his M.Tech and mentorship, he he even gave up his PhD at IIT Kanpur chose latter by staying in Kashmir only. and IIT Delhi under the Prime Minister’s Howbeit, not to upset his father, in Research Fellows (PMRF) Scheme. His September 2015, he joined the Sagacious dedication, however, didn’t disappoint him. IP- the Global IP Research and Consulting Tahir got a major breakthrough when Firm, Gurugram, as a patent analyst. three of his students grabbed the third rank Besides working there, he acquired in the All India Robotics Competition held some additional knowledge from various in February 2016 that consisted of students institutes and workshops in Delhi during from 28 states. weekends which were required for opening “It was an incredible and a proud moment the first of its kind technical institute in for me,” the techie says. “Indeed, it was my Srinagar. first and big achievement as a guide. Since Tahir used his earnings in renovating that day my franchise started growing both and setting up the rooms and required in terms of students as well as the projects.” infrastructure in his hometown. He next wants to open a talent-based The next step was to apprise the students technological institute in the valley where about Robotics by conducting workshops. students would learn things on the basis of The young techie knew that he had to their skills irrespective of their qualification. follow a bottom-to-top model until he “I did drop many opportunities in my achieves some visibility in the market. career already, but I’m content with my “I approached schools, but almost all work,” Tahir says. “I believe, some sacrifices of them rejected to conduct robotics ultimately lead to satisfaction in life.”
14 MEDIA TIMES MEDIA TIMES DECEMBER 2020 HEERPORA NOMADS' STRUGGLE FOR SURVIVAL
HAVING NO PROPER CATTLE SHEDS, THESE LOCALS GUARD THEIR LIVESTOCK DURING THE DAY AND LIT THEIR TORCHES AT NIGHT.
‘Survey conducted by WWF (World Peermarg and seven wetlands including Wildlife Forum) in collaboration with SRD Chandansar and Nandansar. (School of Research and Development This sanctuary houses more than 70 Education) cites that every family loses 10- indigenous families that include Gujjars, 20 livestock per year, where goats and sheep Bakerwals and Chopans whose main are the main feast of wild animals and some occupation is the pasturing and grazing of are defaced by natural calamities.’ their livestock and, in turn, this earns them At around 6:30 am, Riyaz Ahmad is their income as they sell their livestock in the awakened by a lurid clatter of a sheep. He market especially during sacred occasions comes out of his hut and astonishingly the and festivities. sheep turns out to be his own. The poor “There are several wildlife animals in this creature was hit by a shooting stone in the sanctuary. One of them is Markor which has head revealing his skull. been sighted both in the camera traps and A survey team from SRD working in by some wildlife employees. Besides, black collaboration with WWF passes him some and brown bear are also found here,” says, cotton and tissue to stop the bleeding. But, a Forest department employee requesting Riyaz believes it’s already too late to save the anonymity. Umer Mukhtar restless creature. From the past ten years, the seasonal “How will we survive if this continues? tribal population living around Nandensar A survey team from SRD This will be the fifth in this season. Before are subjected to severe attacks by the wild working in collaboration with WWF passes him some this, four were eaten up by a bear,” narrates animals. They usually attack their livestock at cotton and tissue to stop the his wife, wishing not to be named. night time, thus, eating up a sizeable portion bleeding. But, Riyaz believes it’s already too late to save Heerpora Wildlife Sanctuary separated by of them particularly starting from the season the restless creature. the main Mughal road is one of the major of May to early September. wildlife sanctuaries in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite having no proper cattle sheds, Creatures like Markhor, Otter and other these locals guard their livestock during the wild animals are documented in this area day and lit their torches at night. including Buzzards. Spread over an area “Every family member has a fixed slot of more than 300 square kilometres, this during day and night to keep watch over place houses trekking peaks like Hapatnar, the animals. But still we have to survive
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and fill our bellies no matter what the cost the total population putting up at Heerpora is,” narrates Ali, a 55- year-old resident of Wildlife Sanctuary is affected mostly by bear Rajouri. attacks. And animals like sheep and goats get Impermanent faces of the Heerpora injured as they have to tread on cliffs for food Wildlife Sanctuary depict how important it due to less rainfall since the grazing area has is to live on the right side of this place i.e, changed over time. Peermarg or famously known as Peer Ki Gali. Locals say that in the past five years there This route is rarely taken up by the sights and has been a drastic change in the local climate attacks of wild animals because of the newly as the area is witnessing a decrease in rainfall built Mughal Road which displaced much of from the last three months, we witnessed the indigenous fauna as per locals. no rain, not even a cloudy sky,” says a hut “Our father used to tell us the real stories incharge of Forest Department. about Markhor and bears attacking the local Multi-pronged problems faced by these population. Even when I was in my teens, I people have compelled them to look for other saw a wild bear but thankfully it didn’t attack options. The change in climate has forced me. Later when, Mughal Road was built I them to shorten their stay at such places which never came across any such wild animal and earlier stretched from April to September but since then it has saved our livestock too from now, it has shortened by a month i.e., from being attacked,” says Showkat. May to September. Bakerwals in Nandensar However, Nandensar is not the only area predict that if climatic conditions continue to where bears celebrate their feast. Families change over time then in the coming years living at an elevation of 3450m at Peer their stay would shorten futher due to grass Marg narrate the same ordeal where the lost scarcity. number of livestock count is more than 20 Many people have started shifting their per family. work to other means of livelihood as they A volunteer with SRD while recording the see no future for survival in their latter work data for a survey to upgrade the livelihood mostly, because of climatic and environmental of Tribal people indicated that about 60% of conditions. Many have taken up other roles
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such as a labour, a guide or accompanying Jammu and Kashmir due to the outbreak tourists for horse rides around the local of Coronavirus. He longs is to be with his sightseeing. Living in a makeshift hut by the books and friends again. permission of local authorities, these people With limited resources and income, the remark several reasons for their shift in living seasonal settlers of Chandansar, Nandansar patterns. But the only thing hurtling them to and Peermarg live below poverty lines but leave this profession are the struggles of their still they are seasoned with charisma of fore-fathers which was a source of pride for love and hospitality as while returning from them. a regular roundup, the employees of the Nadiya (name-changed) has several wildlife department mention the hospitality problems infront of her, from being and cordiality of these seasonal people who financially low on heels to many other family have been aiding and serving every traveller issues but still she is trying to sustain herself and trekker in their quest to reach their and her son. Her brother-in-law backs her desired destination. to survive the odds. Isolated from their families for almost On being asked whether she receives some five months, they use mini solar panels to help from Government to get their livestock suffice their electricity needs. Government vaccinated, “Kakh Nahi” (Nothing), she established hut located in Heerpora Wildlife replies in Gojiri. Sanctuary, Shopian is the only place where However, she is not the only one facing state owned BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam this brunt. There are many such families in Limited) network services are accessible. the Heerpora Wildlife Sanctuary who face And where these seasonal people get in touch same problems. with their loved ones. The wildlife sanctuary According to these people, Department remains deserted during the winters due to of Animal Husbandry frequently put up heavy snowfall and closure of Mughal Road. mobile tents for vaccination and medication But, it again comes to life after families of animals. But at, Dubjan, a place several return in spring season with their livestock. kilometres away from Heerpopra. Life in Heerpora Wildlife Sanctuary is SRD as a volunteer organisation in filled with complexities where the expedition collaboration with WWF is trying to further for survival precedes the emotions of fear. their support to these people and assist them People here don’t strive for luxuries and during emergencies as well. stashes; they combat for daily bread and “We are assessing the seasonal cost of butter. They don’t dream of cars and panelled anjimal vaccination. And so far, the samples houses, they toil for an honourable living. collected indicate that the medication cost goes up to 6,000 rupees,” says Badar Bashir, a volunteer from SRD while taking out the forms for collecting data. While sharing some information about his survey, he further states, “It is not clear how much loss they suffer in a season that starts ACCORDING TO from March and ends in the first two weeks THESE PEOPLE, of September, since it’s hard to calculate the DEPARTMENT OF accurate loss per family." ANIMAL HUSBANDRY Remarkably, Heerpora Wildlife Sanctuary FREQUENTLY PUT has recorded zero human deaths from last UP MOBILE TENTS five seasons. According to the locals, wild FOR VACCINATION animals only target their livestock and when AND MEDICATION encountered by humans they run away. OF ANIMALS. BUT Billu, from Thanamandi whistles AT, DUBJAN, A PLACE repeatedly, calling his sheep to had back to SEVERAL KILOMETRES home as the afternoon is being taken over by AWAY FROM the dim light of the evening and the fear of HEERPOPRA. wild animals starts to loom. Billu is among many such children who tirelessly help their families in pasturing their cattle. However, he is missing his school as all educational institutions are closed in
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NEW CONSTRUCTIONS IN CONCRETE HAVE REDUCED THE CHANCES OF DESTROYING LIVES WHICH OTHERWISE USED TO BE VERY COMON INCIDENTS IN A COINGESTED CITY.
WHEN A RAG-PICKER LOST HIS HOME TO FIRE
t around midnight when his frightened daughter came screaming that their home is burning, Ghulam MohammadA Shamsher slapped her. After all, the family had retired for the night only after discussing her forthcoming marriage. It took Shamsheer a few moments more to understand that their home was actually a fire. Living in Palpora’s Pamposh Colony, their close-knit circle of ramshackle houses was reduced to ashes when fire emerged from a dock, a wooden structure, at around 12:30, am on December 18. The fire was lit possibly by a fault on the power supply post, located just a cubit away from two homes in a narrow passage. Within less than an hour, sixteen families lost their shelter and came on the road, literally. Hajira, a resident, who is a widow, said “We all sat together and looked for each they immediately tried to inform the fire other after we lost everything and sunk in services department but the phone could not our own pain.” connect. “We sent a person on motorcycle Bisma, Shamsheer’s 18 year old daughter and fire services prompted that saved many dropped out of school at the age of 12, and houses,” she said. “It was too late for most of manages the household chores. “Every time the inhabitants, however.” my father would give me money to buy The locality has been an old outgrowth groceries, I would secretly take out some on the banks of Jhelum. These families had coins and slip that into a steel box,” Bisma Badar Bashir created these shelters after putting in a lot said. “I thought this small money would The locality of efforts with their modest incomes. Now help in rainy days. I got the steel box but the has been an old the locality is a ruin and the winter chill is cash has gone up in flames.” It was the same outgrowth on the banks of Jhelum. adding to their crises. Still in disbelief that story for her locker that was stuffed with These families they have lost everything, they tell and retell items for her marriage. had created these shelters after the mayhem they witnessed. Why these small items are Bisma’s big putting in a lot of Shamsher, 54, vividly remembers how he story is because Shamsheer is a rag-picker, efforts with their modest incomes. and his daughter moved out the gas cylinders who earns hand to mouth, has an irregular to ensure the fire does not get vitriol. “The working schedule and depends solely on whole night we were weeping on street,” how the weather behaves. He used to wake Shamsheer said. “I felt unconscious when up early and start work but after his home the soaring temperatures prevented me went up in the fire, he hardly feels moving from going even near to my house.” His out. He even talks quite a little. “All we have only priority was to stay safe with his family. got is just part of the basement with nothing
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inside,” Bisma said. “My aunt lives nearby. distributed bank cheques worth Rs 5000 We all go to sleep there. It is she feeding us each. “How can we restart life with that?” for all these days.” asked one of the victims. “Managing debris Mudasir Ahmad Sheikh, 29, is of the fire cost us double than that.” Shamsher’s neighbour. “The first thing I Apparently from the Red Cross, the picked up was my three children,” Sheikh district administration has given the families said. “I found himself literally in a fireball. some mattresses, blankets and kitchen sets. I threw my kids out of the window, one by The families say where will they cook? one, towards a shed wherefrom the locals Naazir, son of one of the fire victims, is rescued them.” After kids, it was the LPG member of Srinagar districts under-18 cylinder. “Then, came the turn of my wife cricket team. He said he used to save and my parents and they all had to jump out pennies to buy a cricket kit. “As I see my of the window to safety.” family on the road, I see my cricket hitting Sheikh said he had 500 kgs of rice, his an irreversible bouncer,” Naazir said. winter stock but nothing is left now. “I had Though the fires have remained a nothing to wear and somebody gave me a historic crisis to a congested city, the new blanket and then I sold some copper wear constructions have reduced the number to feed the family,” he said. He mentions the of accidents. Now, most of the accidents choices of his especially the Pherans of his are the outcome of absolute negligence or daughter. “Their mother used to maintain a fault in power supply circuits. Tragically, pigi-banks for them, they lost that too.” most of the fires take place during winters Later, DC Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal that makes the suffering of the victims Choudhary, visited the locality and more.
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THE POWER DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS OFTEN BEEN ACCUSED OF RISKING THE LIVES OF ITS EMPLOYEES BY NOT PROVIDING THEM WITH PROPER SAFETY EQUIPMENT. WITHOUT SAFETY GEARS, PDD WORKERS CONTINUE TO LOSE LIFE, LIMBS
uring these testing times when stress Hospital at Shalteng, on the Srinagar outskirts. is being laid on wearing maskss and Employed as a daily wager in the Power safety kits, PDD employees are Development Department (PDD), Mir did Dpulling out all the stops to ensure uninterrupted not have the luxury of sitting at home after services to the subscribers without caring for office hours. He left his home to inspect the their own safety. fault with a ladder and a plier. Abdul Gani Mir, (55) is sitting in his “I received a call from the field inspector kitchen cum dining room. Mir’s routine did asking me to check for the fault. I reached the not always look like this. But, now he idles receiving station, from where I straight away through the day, preferring to watch television left to spot the fault.” or listen to radio, most of the time. An incident Mir recalls that he had explicitly told the had changed his life forever. person who was on duty not to restore the A scarcely furnished lobby leads to the electricity till he had returned. However, the room. Dimly lit, its poorly white washed walls arrival of inspector and subsequent order for stare at nothingness, witness to the sorrows immediate restoration of electricity despite and the struggle of Mir. There’s a conspicuous Mir being on the job to repair the fault was to silence in the room. make Mir pay a heavy cost. August 12, 2015. The date is etched in Mir’s “The inspector arrived and asked for Minhaj Masoodi memory like an engraving on a stone. That electricity to be restored despite being told that fateful day was to alter the course of Mir’s life I was working on the fault.” The impact that forever. The life as he knew it, was going to “He did not listen to anyone. He quarreled the accident has had on Mir and his change. with the employees present and asked the family is visible. He It was a routine summer day of 2015 with feeder to be made live immediately.” needs help with everything. the August sun beating down on people. Abdul The lack of coordination and belligerence of Gani Mir had just returned home from work the inspector cost Mir his limbs. Mir became when he received a call from the field inspector handicapped for life. to check for an electricity fault near Unani “As the power was being restored, I was
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on a thirty feet high pole, without any safety are resting in their graves.” equipment, doing everything to rectify the Mir’s eldest son, Ishfaq recalls that day fault.” being the worst of his life. Mir fell down with a thud. His arms had “I didn’t know what to do. I was numb. My burnt completely. The flesh had come off the mind had gone totally blank.” bones and he had bruises all over the body. He Ishfaq who was studying in college at the was picked by the people nearby and rushed time, says the incident changed the life of their to SKIMS, Soura. His family was oblivious of family forever. Ishfaq’s mother had died a few the misfortune that had befallen them. years ago. His father was rendered without his “I was immediately taken into ER and forelimbs. operated upon. They had to amputate both “All the responsibilities fell on my shoulders. my arms. I had suffered third degree burns.” I now had to support my family, take care of Is the silence telling a tale of gloom or my father’s needs, look after him. My life had hope? Of pity or strength of character? become an absolute nightmare.” This isn’t the story of Mir alone. Dozens Ishfaq had to drop out of college and was of employees like him have fallen prey to married off. He was then employed in the the departmental apathy. Their lives were same department, on the same post, to the turned upside down due to the repugnant and same place to do the same job that had caused pugnacious behaviour of the department and his father to become handicapped for life. the officers. The impact that the accident has had on Mir Lives of thousands of employees like Mir and his family is visible. He needs help with continue to be at risk. On one hand, they are everything. From eating food to answering not granted the proper safety gears while on nature’s call, Mir has become dependent on the other with the kind of job they do, their his sons and his daughter in law. lives are not covered under insurance. They are “I’d have preferred to lose my legs rather left on their own with little or no help from than my arms. The feeling of being dependent the government. on someone else sometimes causes me to As per the official data, over the last decade, curse my whole existence. I cannot even to go almost 400 PDD casual laborers/employees washroom on my own. My sons accompany have lost their lives due to electrocution. Lack me to help out. ” of proper safety gear, lack of coordination “I could not come to terms with what had among the workforce and proper monitoring happened with me. I did not want to believe have led to a rise in casualties of the casual it. But, sooner or later, one has to learn to live laborers employed by the power department. with the reality, no matter how painful.” In 2020, alone the Power Development Pointing to the bedding that is lying on Department (PDD) reported twenty four the side, Mir feels his existence has become cases of electrocution in the valley, of which useless. thirteen were fatalities. “I have become a liability. I keep lying in The Power Development Department has bed all day long. My existence has no purpose.” often been accused of risking the lives of its Though Mir was given a compensation of employees by not providing them with proper one lakh rupees by the government, but the safety equipment. amount was never going to recompense for “Had I been provided with safety gear, the loss Mir had undergone. maybe, the accident would have been less “I was given a compensation of one lakh serious. The officers don’t have to climb the rupees, initially. Recently, I was also regularized poles. It’s we people, who risk their lives to but the cost I paid was too heavy.” ensure seamless power supply to people. And On the other hand, no accountability we often pay a heavy price for a paltry sum was fixed on the field inspector who had that is paid to us.” ordered the electricity to be restored. He was “We respond to the calls come rain, snow or transferred to his home town in Tanghdar in sunshine. But our safety is always overlooked.” north Kashmir’s Kupwara district. “Our lives are taken for granted. We are “I don’t know whether his transfer was a never given any safety equipment. Our safety punishment or a reward. He wasn’t charged should have been prioritized given the nature with anything. The case was closed.” of our work”, says Mir as he tries to switch on “Life becomes dull when you are not able the TV with his foot. to do anything. It loses all its charm”, says Mir. “There are countless cases like me. Some “TV and Radio are my only companions have been lucky to be alive. ‘Not so lucky’ ones now. What else can I do?” he added.
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PRIOR TO THE PANDEMIC, THE CONCEPT OF WEBINARS WASN’T MUCH POPULAR AMONG THE MASSES BUT SINCE THE LOCKDOWN RESTRICTED PEOPLE TO THEIR HOMES, 'ONLINE WORKSHOPS' OR 'WEBINARS' EMERGED AS A TOP TREND. A NEW NORMAL–WEBINARS ARE HERE TO STAY
oronavirus pandemic has forced gain insights in the areas that I had missed people to reassess how to do things academically. I also got certificates from and welcome the new normal for most of the webinars I attended,” she added. Cworking life, amid such scenario webinars Unlike Hina, who primarily attended are gaining prominence as educational and webinars for educational purposes, Shakir business institutions board online. Hassan (19) from Pulwama discovered On a rainy afternoon of August, Hina his love for online webinars when he was Mukhtar, a 25 year old girl from South struggling with his mental health during Kashmir’s Anantnag district is busy lockdown period of Covid-19. “I passed my attending a webinar in her study room. With 12th class last year and didn’t get enrolled a laptop in her lap, headphones put on and in any course due to some reasons. So, I a cup of tea by her side, she is keenly paying usually used to be idle or playing games in attention to the online conference. As the my phone during lockdown. The boredom lockdown was announced by authorities as well as the fear of Covid-19 made to contain the spread of corona virus back in March, all educational institutes closed down and everything went online. Hina from that time has been continuously attending webinars and has attended nearly 20 webinars during this span of six months. A webinar is typically a live-interactive session hosted by an organizer and joined by the participants via their digital gadgets having facility of internet service. It can be a discussion, lecture, conference, presentation or even demonstration. Prior to the pandemic, the concept of webinars wasn’t much popular among the masses but since the lockdown restricted people in their homes, “online workshops” or “webinars” emerged as a top trend. Moreover, the quarantine situation also led an increase in the number of people participating in such virtual conferences mostly for office work, training and Farzana Nisar educational purposes. “When lockdown was announced, our Owing to the classes suspended for about a month and flexibility of varied locations that these after that resumed online. During this webinars provide, time, I developed a new hobby of attending people from different walks of life show more webinars that seemed to be productive. interest taking part in Many people started to organize free such online events. webinars on varying topics. I attended the ones that were of my interest as a Journalism student. I attended online workshops on creative writing, film making, combating fake news etc.” Hina said. “I found them to be very informative as they helped me to
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me depressed. But then I came across a people from different walks of life show free webinar organized by Anxiety and more interest taking part in such online Depression Association of America and events. Gousia Jan, 35, a housewife and a it turned out to be a healer,” said Shakir. mother of two young children, manages “Hosts of these webinars who are mostly to get time from her busy schedule to mental health professionals suggest some participate in some local webinars. “The tips and strategies that help people like me best thing about these virtual events is that to cope up with the turbulent times. They you don’t have to go to the venue. You can organize these events every month and till sit anywhere in the corner of your room now I have attended four such webinars.” without caring about how you look or how Irfan Ahmad, a social activist believes you dress and enjoy the discussion at ease. ‘online conferencing’ as a ‘new normal’ for After marriage, I didn’t get much time to hosting events during corona times. “Of go out and participate in different events, course, online events were organized before but now it seems much easier,” said Gousia lockdown too but not as frequent as today. with a chuckle. Gousia has been attending Restricted to homes only, these webinars webinars of Pe’nd, an online media website allow people from all around the world to that organizes webinars every weekend interact with each other in real times. Now, on varied topics and Gousia feels that most of the people have become used to the issues discussed on this platform are them,” Irfan said. He further says, “While relative to her. “Issues like deconstructing the threat of Covid-19 is yet to go and may social hierarchies, celebrating the resilience take longer time to get away, meeting in of Kashmiri people or panel discussions crowded halls and having in-person events on being a Kashmiri Woman all keep me will take a halt for some more time.” waiting every Saturday,” she adds. Owing to the flexibility of varied According to the facebook page of Pen’d, it locations that these webinars provide, is a platform that initiates to create a digital space for Kashmiri professionals and the larger Kashmiri community spread around the world to form a common network and have reasoned discussions on plethora of issues pertaining to our past, present and future. This online organization is mostly handled by professionals settled outside Kashmir and till now has orchestrated nearly 28 webinars held on every weekend since April, 2020. Customarily, the webinars are hosted by an individual or two and 5 to 6 experts are invited to speak on some particular issue covering different subject matters from social issues to politics. The participants who attend them ask relevant questions to the panelists. Mohammad Touseef, one of the founders and hosts of many webinars at Pen’d said, “The idea was already there but then not only the frequency but the very existence of Pen’d online came actually into existence during the Corona virus lockdown. Though, we had been already planning to create this platform for quite some time but then the quarantine period gave us enough time to execute things and run the platform. Since then, we have been very regular in conducting our programs every Saturday or Sunday and sometimes additional programs on other days of the week as well.” Touseef believes that the basic idea behind organizing such webinars is that in such miasma times they want to do their bit by raising awareness about different
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issues. “We invite people who are best of being singled out. They also write their at addressing different issues pertaining queries in chat box and even through to Kashmiri community and try to clear e-mail after the live seminar gets over.” the doubts in people’s mind. We mostly Psychologists in Kashmir believe that direct them to talk in Kashmiri only in engaging people in meaningful ways order to cater the larger audience and during these tough times can have a mainstream our own language.” therapeutic effect. Dr. Kaiser Ahmad, Overwhelmed by the response of Assistant Professor at Department people, Touseef said, “With every passing of Psychology, Government Degree day, the kind of credibility our webinars College, Baramulla said that the are gaining puts more responsibility on us situation triggered by the pandemic has to deliver the best.” necessitated a measured and problem In order to contain the spread of focused response from all stake holders of Covid-19 and maintain as much social the society. “In times of social distancing, distance among the people, a number these online seminars help people of government and non-government maintain connectedness and make them organizations around the world have prosocial. This in turn aids in building used these webinars as a tool to spread their psychological well being,” Dr. Covid-19 related information, wherein, Kaiser said. However, Dr. Kaiser who has the frontline workers discuss their a doctorate in clinical psychology is of experiences, strategies, responses and the the opinion that a quality and frequency seriousness of the disease to the general check on technology assisted seminars public. Also, many corporate companies is the need of an hour. “Most of the have shifted to online presentations in webinars lack an approach towards the order to provide training to their staff. “I needs of risk groups such as children and had never attended any video conference elderly ones. Moreover, the frequency before, but now when I have, I absolutely with which these events are conducted loved the experience. I got a chance to may further aggravate the psychological improve my skills as experts from multi- concerns of people. On an individual national companies interacted with us. level one should ensure to choose the My company keeps sending me links to right web group.” different pertinent webinars and I always Nevertheless, a section of people are participate with great enthusiasm,” said doubtful of the virtual events being the Zahid Ahmad, a Sales Executive in Airtel right substitute for the actual in-person Telecom Company. discourses. Citing the complexity to With a greater part of new normal manage and ensure hassle-free discussions life being occupied by these webinars, on low speed internet, Sheezan Subzar, educationists in Kashmir are all in an MBBS student from Pahloo village praise for them. Like many other in Kulgam district said, “Online seminars academicians, Khan Javaid, an Assistant would surely have been of great help in Professor in the Department of other parts of the world but for Kashmiris Economics, University of Kashmir has due to technical glitches because of been organizing different webinars for 2g internet, an uninterrupted video students during lockdown. He is of conference is a distant dream.” opinion that the key benefit of webinars “Webinars didn’t prove to be a good is that they give you the flexibility of time substitute for the real activities. These led and space. “One can deliver an online to a storm of certificates in the form of lecture to number of students anywhere sub-standard seminars, conferences and in the world in real-time without being symposiums and people gathered lots of physically present with them. The diverse stuff to add up in their CV’s,” Mohamad range of participants makes them more Mosa Mubarak, PhD Scholar in Council interesting,” Khan Javaid said. He of Scientific and Industrial Research, reckons that online events bring teachers Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine and students on an equal footing. “I have (CSIR-IIIM), Sanatnagar said. “I noticed that students, who were not attended some few general webinars confident enough to raise their hands and which proved to be least useful because ask questions in classroom, are speaking of minimum efforts given in content up in online conferences without the fear presentation and organization.”
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STREETS VENDORS ARE LOOKING TO TIDE OVER ECONOMIC AGONY
MAJESTIC 'SUNDAY MARKET' FROM LAL DED TO POLO VIEW IS CONSIDERED AS ONE OF THE BEST STREET VENDING MARKETS IN KASHMIR WHICH HAS NOW TURNED INTO A DESERT SINCE THE OUTBREAK OF CORONAVIRUS.
s coronavirus restrictions are easing intersections, pathways, nearby business and states are seeking to reopen sectors, these roadside merchandises were their battered economy, curbs a quick escape from the workspace and onA street trade in Kashmir remain intact an accessible canteen. The road merchants thereby revealing distress upon street offering anything from food to garments vendors and hawkers. was a typical sight of markets, tourist places It’s 8 am in the morning, a section of and business centres in Kashmir valley. people are continuously restless in the In the current situation when the entire main market Baramulla, some are dragging world needs to remain at home, some of their carts while some on the opposite side them on street are among the gatherings of the road are placing bed’s on the main that are most noticeably awful influenced, Khalid Hassan Lone road, a tea staller is trying to get some water without the advantage of work-from-
The Jammu and buckets, “MASJIDI MANZ AANU AAB” home, the occupation of the hawkers and Kashmir administration (bring water from Mosque), shouts a man street vendors is fundamentally hit, a small recently setup a committee for revival who has just opened his shop and has kept bunch of these roadside sellers are as yet of business in Jammu the fan at full speed to kill the suffocation having their impact as the last connection and Kashmir and recommendations which has taken the shop overnight. This in the gracefully chain, ensuring basics like were sought from was the scenario of Baramulla town before vegetables and natural products are as yet many business establishments March 2020. available, but this likewise involves being at The leafy foods venders, the well-known bleeding edge of the hazard. visit shop over the street, the office abode Road ventures has been the survival for many and the various juice/tea/espresso base for many educated youth of the valley focuses was the common sight before who are making their earnings from this outbreak of corona virus. Effortlessly, makeshift shop, additionally it has been a spotted working and selling near the traffic social symbol of numerous urban areas, and
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to the individuals who can bear the cost of relief for them to allay the losses they have more noteworthy extravagances likewise an suffered during this time. incidental commitment. Safe to state their Gulmarg famous for being a tourist spot quality is essential in keeping a piece of our and beautiful enthusiasts that holds breath economy and its kin going. to anyone for its lush green meadows, Attractive and low rates were some of the clean pastures, cloud clustered mountains, main qualities of these road-side markets the rising and sitting sun, chirping of which attracted many people as it fits birds, high water falls which can leave an everyone’s pocket. Majestic Sunday market emblem on your mind and finally which is from Lal Ded to Polo View is considered source of income for thousands of hawkers as one of the best street vending markets and street vendors. Despite being a in Kashmir which has now turned into a renowned vacationer destiny for the world is desert since the outbreak of Coronavirus extraordinarily known by its knolls and high in Kashmir, same has happened to every pinnacles is where a large number of road other market and now hawkers and roadside merchants, peddlers and ice-cream push vendors are spotted at homes and some carters were earning their livelihood, since fortunate enough are doing labour or driving lockdown came into effect these sellers are local and private taxis. not only losing their business but market During the pandemic where world as well which takes months and sometimes economy crunched to ashes. In spite of the years to get hold of. fact that being a little area of business, road Serf-Raaz Khan an inhabitant of merchants and vendors lost their job which Dodbugh Baramulla who earned his turned into a battle of endurance for them livelihood by selling wet Coconut in the with the percentage of profits being low, Kongdoori, pinnacle of Gulmarg said “I was these people had less savings in their hand gaining enough cash which was adequate for which is being exterminated everyday by an the survival of my family. These four months invisible enemy which unleashed existential were the main season for earning livelihood turmoil in the valley. through which we were taking care of our “I hired a carpenter and made a mobile families. The period of procuring has gone tea stall which cost me around one lakh with now and life has become dejected." all the requirements, I started selling tea to Serf-Raaz Khan's livelihood is subject save my family from starvation despite being well-educated, after the Covid-19 lockdown I haven’t earned a single rupee, what am I supposed to do with this stall now”, said 30 year old Haziq from Kandi, Baramulla. “I established this stall in January 2020 because in winter’s hot tea is craved by everyone, after earning for just two months my shop was closed due to the pandemic”, Haziq supplements while cleaning the aluminium sheet of his tea stall, laden with dust and mud which it has caught in 5 months. The outbreak of pandemic created a life and death situation in the valley and for people the first preference was staying at home and looking for alternatives to work while some were lucky to be aided with work from home options but many among the masses had only one leeway of going in the market and make some living, roadside vendors and hawkers were first in line to get effected. With the uncertainty nearing more than a year, the situation of these venders is alarmingly shoddier. They are hopeful and pray that government will announce some
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to the tourism industry of Gulmarg. families of town is subject to these sellers Regardless of whether it is late spring and peddlers. How these families made due or winter he needed to make a trip of 20 during pandemic is a logical inconsistency. kilo meters regularly to earn ordinary pay. Surf-Raaz khan wants to have more guests Farooq Ahmed Dar an occupant in winter season with the goal that he can of Baramulla Oldtown is a vegetable again begin to sell wet coconut slices to take merchant. He is the main bread winner care of his family in winters. of his family. It has been 5 months since How some vendors and hawkers Farooq’s business has come to a halt due to managed to survive ? Covid-19 pandemic. The lockdown had passed on a savage “I was the only person in family who was punch to the easy-going piece of business. acquiring to take care of my family. At the The unfilled roads were awfully serene, point when lockdown was imposed there because the momentous imperativeness was no other choice left, so I needed to stop made by the hawkers and sellers, the pound my business. I was selling vegetables and of buyers and vendors, were relaxed away. my business was going habitually yet this The lockdown closed down the biggest abrupt change affected my life. At the point fragment of the independently employed, when lockdown was stretched out I had no people who under-exploited, and incapably alternative to locate some other method to saddled enterprising soul of valley – road take care of my family in this way, I chose to merchants, vendors, and hawkers. go on every day wage work in neighbouring Some of them figured out how to make areas” Dar said. due by moving their businesses to their Dar is not the only one who is affected homes. Somebody one way or another with the present situation, not far from his earned on every day pursued works and vegetable stall is Aijaz Rashid a readymade some were subject to the NGO's and some garments seller who used to sell the remain hush and helpless. garments on a roadside bed but now main Baramulla town, the centre of road market and other public areas being closed merchants where each road had been in Baramulla, his brother a government loaded up with sellers and peddlers stays employee has provided him a car in which shut during lockdown. The half of the he ventures at different places and sells his merchandise to keep his wife and children fed. “I am in no condition to pay the fee of my children which is pending in school from many months but at least my family is not starving, right now it is about survival as the normalcy resumes I hope things will be better In-Shaa-Allah”, Aijaz said with some hope in his eyes. The Jammu and Kashmir administration recently setup a committee for revival of business in Jammu and Kashmir and recommendations were sought from many business establishments including marginal ventures like hawkers and street vendors but will the revival be successful when hawkers are left with no money to start their business again. Hidden among the shadows this business community is always at the last place of consideration as per the roadside business owners. Living with the dream of educating their children to maximum possible extent and sufficing their financial family responsibilities, the people from these unorganized workers need immediate attention.
MEDIA TIMES 27 CIGARETTE SMOKING AND DRUG ABUSE IS A PATTERNED UTILIZATION FOR A DRUG IN WHICH THE USER CONSUMES THE SUBSTANCE IN AMOUNTS OR WITH METHODS WHICH ARE HARMFUL TO THEMSELVES OR OTHERS. THE SMOKE RISES: CIGARETTE SALES SPIKE AMID PANDEMIC
s people are spending less on travel from travel histories to mass gatherings and entertainment due to COVID and social distancing to school closure the restrtictions, however amid all this educational institutions remain closed and peopleA are smoking more as cigrarette sales started delivering online classes since it are witnesing a surge. allows one to work from home and take Following the Coronavirus pandemic benefits from different services without where the world is becoming the slammer walking to offices it is a great help in keeping and ghost-town, besides all this the the virus at bay. Sheikh Mustafa economic downturn and stumble blocking This coronavirus step by step clearing its circumscript conditions may leave people foot in each alcove and corner of the world One of the vulnerable to use of cigarette smoking and and has taking a great deal of cost for lives. significant reasons for drug abuse is illicit drugs. COVID-19 emergency has And undoubtedly this pandemic sweeped it’s glorification in uncovered our delicacy, with health systems the public health in catastrophe, has been popular media such as television series choked and social security nets extended making universal concern throughout the and films. as far as possible. The shutting down of world over the past few months and is educational institutions and economic throwing up several challenges for us in downturn brought about by the worldwide numerous ways. The primary measures to pandemic may drive more individuals to contain the outbreak, like home confinement substance abuse or leave them vulnerable to and sustained lockdown, are eventually contribution in cigarette smoking. leading to use of cigarette smoking and illicit Coronavirus led restrictions to all sides drugs at different levels.
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According to the report published Report 2020. Some 35.6 million people by United Nation Drug Control suffer from drug use disorders globally". Programme(UNDCP) around 70 thousand The incidence of drug abuse among people are drug addicts alone in Kashmir children and adolescents is higher than division among them approximately 31% the general population. Because the child are women. The youth is particularly are sitting inside the doors and often involved in drug addiction as reported by feels depressed and pressurizing, this is Government psychiatric Hospital Srinagar eminently notably that youth is a time for around 90% drug abusers belong to the age experimentation and identity forming. group of 17-35. While more people use Changing social and cultural values, drugs and other segments of society have increasing financial stress are some other a higher prevalence of drug use, people who reasons leading to initiation into drugs use. are socially and economically disadvantaged One of the significant reasons for are more likely to develop drug use disorders. drug abuse is it’s glorification in popular Cigarette smoking and drug abuse is a media such as television series and films. patterned utilization for a drug in which the Frequently it so happens that doing drugs user consumes the substance in amounts is enhanced and some fictional positive or with methods which are harmful to aspects of the same are shown. themselves or others. Drug abuse is eroding "I usually spend my day with my friends the foundations of society and leading to and we are all together playing, and bathing child abuse as well domestic violence. from river side and some of them were "While more people use drugs in regularly using cigarettes and I also tried to developed countries than in developing take the taste of it, now we are collecting countries, and wealthier segments of society bits from thrash and smoking them for have a higher prevalence of drug use, enjoyment" claimed one of class 8th student people who are socially and economically who is smoking with his friends conditions disadvantaged are more likely to develop on anonymity. drug use disorders. Only one out of eight At an extremely essential level this people who need drug-related treatment happens on the grounds that the individual receive it, according to the World Drug concerned feels desperated, to get a
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momentary high or to simply 'fit in' with Report 2020, more than 35 million people their companions, as occurs on account around the world now suffer from drug of adolescents. It soon arrives at a phase addiction, according to the latest annual report where this need turns out to be substantially on the scourge, from the UN Office on Drugs more than different necessities throughout and Crime (UNODC) released on Thursday, everyday life and the individual starts to which also analyzes the far-reaching impact accept their survival depends upon those of the coronavirus pandemic on global drug drugs and cigarette smoking. markets. Drug abuse leads to physical, Governments have repeatedly pledged to psychological, moral and intellectual decay. work together to address the challenges posed This means wastage of economic potential by the world drug problem, in the SDGs, of young generation. Drug addiction causes and most recently in the 2019 Ministerial immense human distress. Incidence of eve- teasing, group clashes, and bipolar disorders schizophrenia. "One of studies shows that aound 269 million people used drugs in 2018, up 30% from 2009, with adolescents and young adults accounting for the largest share of users. While the increase reflects population growth and other factors, the data nevertheless indicate that illicit drugs are more diverse, more potent and more available. At the same time, more than 80% of the world’s population, mostly living in low- and middle-income countries, are deprived of access to controlled drugs for pain relief and other essential medical uses". Sheikh Gowhar Fayaz a 10th class student said that" I think most of students are using cigarette smoking especially during these tough and pandemic times infact my friends are smoking continuously I don't know why they are smoking just I can say that before this covid-19 outbreak they were not using these cigarettes but after lockdown they started smoking" Several children in conflict with cigarette smoking that works with, confess that they had stepped into cigarette smoking. When these children are introduced to these activities which finally becomes the gateway to other illicit substances, they get pushed into drug trafficking, robbery, murder, abduction and many other criminal activities. Declaration adopted by the Commission Substance abuse among children is on Narcotic Drugs. But data indicate that assuming epidemic proportions, cutting support has actually fallen over time. across social categories. Children from middle Now there is again one of the most schools complain that their friends get into important responsibility on every individual, cigarette smoking.It had found that more teacher and especially parents to create than 80 children living in the village regularly awareness among your children and monitor smoke taking the advantage of lockdowns to them continously. We need all to show greater find new routes and methods to promote solidarity and provide support to tackle smoking and reported bad, very bad behaving cigarette smoking and illicit drugs so we can with their family members as pandemic has achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. led to the depression and anxiety. While talking with the senior drug According to UNODC’s World Drug counselor Ghulam Rasool at Drug De-
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Addiction and Rehabilitation Center devices and applications used to treat Batmaloo Srinagar said that, "this pandemic withdrawal symptoms or deliver skills and tough times caused lot of pressure on training mental and physical illness and created evaluation and treatment for co-occurring depression among children that can lead to mental health issues such as depression and different mental and physical disorders like anxiety, long-term follow-up to prevent schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, tried cyclic relapse, exercise and yoga. depression, anxiety, sleep disorder, mood "There are different causes behind it peer disorder, psychotic disorder etc. pressure, family problems, Trauma or abuse, As we also received some good number mental illness, personal disorders, low self- of individuals especially during this esteem, poverty, relationship problems loss of pandemic,besides all this, this pandemic has a loved one's, stress ,chronic pain or medical conditions. But thereafter the only and biggest cause in Kashmir is easily availability of drugs" he added. Now it is our primary responsibility to look upon these individuals, monitor them continously, and especially parents and teachers have the biggest responsibility to ensure the safety of their children he said
Substance abuse among children is assuming epidemic proportions, cutting across social categories. Children from middle schools complain that their friends get into cigarette smoking.It has been found that more than 80 children living in the village regularly smoke taking the advantage of lockdowns to find new routes and methods to promote smoking and highly caused the "withdrawal" reported bad, very bad (If an individual have been using a substance behaving with their family with a high potential for dependency on members as pandemic has them stop suddenly or abruptly or they cut led to the depression and down the use drastically, they can experience anxiety. a variety of withdrawal symptoms). But unfortunate most of the users they again come into " relapse stage" fleeting desire to use again. Further he said, " still we try our best to stop them for further usage with different techniques like motivation, CBT therapies, behavioral counseling, medication, medical
MEDIA TIMES 31 THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO LOOK FOR MONEY MAKING WIVES WHILE SOME PREFER MARRYING A GIRL RESIDING IN POSH LOCALITIES. FAD OF EXTRAVAGANT WEDDINGS IN KASHMIR
asmeena (name-changed), 38 year different; she belongs to what is known as old well educated with a PG degree upper caste in Kashmir ‘Syed’ or ‘Andrabi’. in Political science from University Her family wants her to marry a boy from ofY Kashmir comes from a reputed family the same caste ofcourse along with so from Anantnag. Her family has been called pre requisite well-settled and holds a finding a life partner for her but a well white collar job. She fears that delay in her settled government employee. The search marriage on the basis of caste will create has been going on for many years now but problems even after her marriage. Another Yasmeena failed to find a life partner. Like girl Sahila Chopan (31) says that she was most Kashmiri, Yasmeena parents believe a rejected by a family as the boy was unhappy government job pre requisite for marriage. Another Fahmeeda Akhtar (name changed) is in her 30’s belongs to a very poor family in far-flang Kokernag area of Anantnag. Her family got few marriage proposals but they failed to meet the demands of the bridegroom. Her father laminates the fact how marriage has been converted into a complex and costly affair by demands from the bridegroom side. Practices and rituals associated with marriage do vary in the varied cultures of the world but there are, of course, certain fundamental principles of marriage which are universally supposed to be followed. Among them is the appropriate age which was either too early in the earlier days or is too late in the present era. Kashmir seems to be on brink of social Shahid Habib precipice as the trend of late marriages in Kashmir for the past 10- 20 years or so is Simple weddings taking a heavy toll on the very social fabric should instead be held and these in Kashmir. Acute poverty, unemployment, should become a dowry, modern education and the about norm in our society. It will not only be two decades of conflict are some of the relief for the poor major reasons for late marriages in Kashmir. and middle class but will also reduce The trend has reached catastrophic heights the incidence of late during the past few decades and is somehow marriages. a result of broken social fibre and ever- widening gap between the genders. Yasmeena and Fahmeeda are not isolated cases there are many such cases in Kashmir where girls are not getting suitable grooms. The story of Uzma (29) from Kulgam is no
32 MEDIA TIMES THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO LOOK FOR MONEY MAKING WIVES WHILE SOME PREFER with her caste. families are so hard pressed to meet these MARRYING A GIRL RESIDING IN POSH LOCALITIES. Among the boys mostly desire to go demands that they are often unable to in for higher education has added to the marry their daughters at a suitable age. rise in average marrying age in Kashmir, How males and females both as higher education follo-wed by “proper” complicate the situation employment is a highly time-taking Among males there are some who want process in Kashmir. money maker wife, or a beauty queen, Rayees Iqbal, 28 a post graduate says some others want a wife that should be that unemployment is creating a sense of a single born or some want a wife from insecurity and frustration in him and this posh locality. While from the female thing is not allowing him to get married. side some want to marry a government Another main reason for late marriage employee only or want to settle first while in Kashmir is extravagant weddings. some others want to marry a man who The high class of society can afford is a lone son. Many people like to begin such weddings with ease but they leave their careers, travel, and do other things the middle class in great distress. The that they wish to do prior to settling extravagance starts from the wazwan, down, getting married, and having which contains a large number of dishes, children. One of the dangerous and especially of meat, like rista, kabab, destructive trend among some sections of tabakh maaz, rogan josh, gushtaba, and well-adjusted youth who are deliberately yakhni pulao etc. This extravagance does skipping or unnecessary delaying their not stop here gold choker sets, rani sets, marriages arguing that they want to gold coins, cocktail rings and what not is enjoy the life for longer period without traded in such marriages. Middle-class shouldering the responsibilities of their
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marriage and family. Aash and Athrout voluntary groups, aimed Late marriage is not good for the society to help those orphan and economically and the family. They may have generation challenged people for whom marriage gap with their children. Besides, that when has become more of a burden rather than the parents nearly to retire but their children a religious and social obligation, as they still need to go to school. They still need to cannot meet the unrealistic standards that spend money on the children with income. the society has set for marriage nowadays. Delaying in any other aspect of socio- With about 100 marriages to its name economic life can be compensated sooner from its two previous successful seasons or later but delaying the marriage beyond its Aash is now well on its way for a third season rational age leads to repercussions. in 2020 expecting to increase the number of A study conducted by Sheri-Kashmir weddings per season from fifty to more. Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) A ray of home has also been found amid revealed different genetic disorders were Covid-19 lockdown as grooms are going for found among the Kashmiri population simple marriages. Social media in Kashmir possibly due to late marriages with maternal is flooded with posts and photographs of age of the patients higher. Down‟s syndrome grooms having only simple tea at their in- seems to be occurring at a higher frequency laws. People are appreciating this good in the progeny of those persons who marry initiative. Unnecessary customs invented by late. the people on their own have made marriage First Mass Marriage in Kashmir a costly affair. These traditions need to be In 2018 Jafri council, a religious and social shelved. organization came forward to solve this Simple weddings should instead be held crisis by organizing first ever mass weddings and these should become a norm in our in Srinagar for many couples at the same society. It will not only be relief for the poor time. 105 couples from different districts of and middle class but will also reduce the the Kashmir Valley tied the knot as scores incidence of late marriages. of supportive locals gathered to be part of Kashmir being predominantly Muslim the noble effort. Mass wedding are not society, it is the responsibility of religious known in the Valley and as with rest of the scholars to make the masses aware, country, such events are first step towards particularly the parents, and present the social awakening of the youth and should evil consequences of unending cycle of late be replicated in every mohalla and masjid. marriages. Mohalla committees need to come forward Religious clerics and scholars have to and help the poor families to get their consistently reach out to people to convey daughters married. and convince them about true meaning and Some other marriage initiative through essence of marriage.
34 MEDIA TIMES MEDIA TIMES DECEMBER 2020 ASHA LATEEFA: FRONTLINE WARRIOR AGAINST COVID-19
DESPITE ALL THE ODDS, AMID THESE TOUGH TIMES, SHE HAS TO BE ON HER TOES TO GET THE VACCINE FROM PHC DANGIWACHA,
tanding on the door of a local valor and dedication to serve the people Anganwadi center at Watergam keeps her doing this work during the Block, Baramulla, ASHA Lateefa is pandemic time. Smaking sure that proper physical distance ASHA (Accredited Social Health is maintained among the parents who Activists) with their other routine works like are there to get their newly born babies maintaining Antenatal Care for pregnant vaccinated. With the list of babies in her women, Village Health and Nutrition Day, hands, she is guiding all the parents to enter Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition the room one by one and get their baby’s Committee related programs, are also first doses of Measles vaccine done by the leading the COVID-19 fight in their head nurse sitting inside the Anganwadi communities by risking their lives as they center. are caring out activities including tracking Despite all the odds, amid these tough positive cases, identifying symptomatic times, she has to be on her toes to get the cases, monitoring people with travel history, vaccine from PHC Dangiwacha, the day and much more. Toiba Bashir before vaccination drive is taken out, keep ASHA Lateefa is a widow, surviving with the vaccine carrier at home for a night at her three children –two daughters and one While all the some cooler place and next day reach the son, all studying in government schools. difficulties and grievances that Anganwadi center at the early to make sure She is the sole wage winner of her family Lateefa has with everything is on place. Between all this, she wherein, her income comes from the work the system, she still moves from pillar to makes sure that all the parents are informed she is doing and a small farming land that post to do her work. before hand, while the vaccination is carried she possess from her husband’s left property. out. This is one of the routine works that She makes sure that everything coping from Lateefa as ASHA has been doing since home activities to her professional work is eight years. But from last six months all the balanced and maintained. ASHA related activities have been at risk While sharing her experience, with a because of corona virus pandemic. But her little smile on her face, she says, “I have
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been doing all this work since last eight years. ladies at the time of delivery but at my own Now I’m used to be on my toes, but from last risk. I was not having the PPE as other six months, it is quite tough as the virus is medical workers have. This is the case during around and we are more prone to get infected every immunization drive that I carry. Even with this.” we have to maintain the records of Covid Although, ASHA workers are the low patients for which we have to go home to grade employees of the health department home without proper protection and this who are paid very less despite their rigorous risks not only my life but my children as well.” work and dedication, but during this “We are in a continuous struggle with pandemic time they are the rescuers of health the government to gain the status of formal system all around the country. employees of the health system, and receive “We do a lot of work, from immunization better remuneration but no such steps are of pregnant ladies to child vaccination and taken from their side,” adds Lateefa with a now the Covid related duties, but we are deep sigh. paid very less. Every month, I get 2000 salary The ASHA program in India is now for my all this exhausting job. Nowadays, more than a decade old and employs nearly everyone says that we are the backbone of one million voluntary women workers. The health system amid these tough times but no success of the program in achieving better one cares for our safety.” health outcomes, especially for rural areas are Lateefa doing all this work from last documented but they continue to serve the six months of this pandemic has got no society as volunteers with minimum payment privilege of work-from-home. Her work as for their services and that too in the form of a frontline health worker is on field. But the performance-linked incentives. most unfortunate thing is that while, all the As a response to their long-standing health workers are being provided with basic demands and political mobilization, the PPE gears, the ASHA workers have been government has responded by introducing left out despite their close contacts with the policies in the form of offering life-insurance, people and mostly with the pregnant ladies. accidental insurance cover and maternity They are supposed to be with pregnant benefits. But ASHA like Lateefa feels that ladies during their delivery time in order to this is not enough. coordinate the other health staff members “The behavior of government towards about the history of the patient. Although, us during this pandemic time shows that they are given six hundred per patient but how serious they are for the lives of ASHA this time doing such work without PPE workers. They are putting us on the edge of gear puts them at high risk of catching the health risk. On one hand, they put garland virus. of flowers on us but at ground level it is all Lateefa recounts, “During this pandemic blank.” says Lateefa, while looking into the time, I accompanied almost 13 pregnant Child Care Register that she maintains for
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every month. Whenever contacted for any information During last month, when Lateefa’s village, related to ANC or other programs, she Watergam was declared as Red Zone by the always available.” authorities, she was assigned to visit every The Male Public Health Worker of this home per thousand population to aware center, Mohammad Sultan adds, “We have and guide people about the precautions almost six ASHA attached to this center. taken during Covid times. But she had to Out of all of them, Lateefa is the hard face a lot of difficulties as people around working one. Her records are always prepared completely tilted their mentality towards on time; we rarely face any difficulty while health workers. She was looked upon with dealing with her patients. Despite all her a different eye like a one who might be the difficulties in the family, she makes sure that carrier of the virus. her professional work is maintained.” Lateefa recounts her experience and says, One of the patients who was there at the “As ordered by our Medical Block Officer, I Aganwadi center to get her baby vaccinated went home to home to aware people about remembers how Lateefa accompanied them the Corona virus and the precautions taken in the dead of the night to the main District during this time. But since this pandemic hospital Baramulla while his wife had a has altered the thinking of common people labor pain. He says, “At around 11 pm my towards health workers, I was looked upon wife started having a labor pain, we took her by my own known persons. This hurt a lot. to the PHC Dangiwacha but they referred People seem to be cooperating the least. her to Baramulla. As per rule, we had to They don’t understand that we are humans as take Lateefa with us as she was dealing well. The height was that even few families with maternal health of my wife as ASHA did not allow me to enter their compounds, worker. There was not a single wrinkle on her saying that we may be the carries of this face and she accompanied us cheerfully and virus.” remained there for the whole night till our The staff members of sub-health center, baby was delivered. I really appreciate her Watergam, where Lateefa reports her work, nature and hard work.” hail her hard work and dedication. They While all the difficulties and grievances consider her to be the hardest working that Lateefa has with the system, she still ASHA of the center in terms of her pace moves from pillar to post to do her work. of work, its completion and her relationship While leaving the center, she drops a that she builds both with her patients and strong message by saying, “ I believe we are staff members. really the backbones of our system, even if One of the head staff nurse while hailing our demands are not met, I will still work, her hard work says, “Lateefa has been one of work the same way as I have been. It is the the most hard working ASHA of our center. service of humanity and no one should say She cooperates very well with everyone. no for it, so do I.”
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IT HAS BEEN TWO MONTHS SINCE MARYAM GAVE BIRTH TO THE CHILD. THE EIGHTEEN DAYS THAT SHE SPENT IN THE QUARANTINE CENTER HAS BEEN A PERIOD OF TRIBULATION FOR HER. AND SHE WAS BORN: A MOTHER'S BATTLE TO BRING NEW LIFE INTO WORLD inging to her two month old baby Maryam had tested positive for Covid 19 in a cradle, Maryam is all happy as in the last month of her pregnancy, twenty she is experiencing the new phase of days before her delivery. Smotherhood. Her happiness sees no bounds “I was very happy and excited as my as she watches the twinkling face of her new delivery date drew close. I got my normal born baby. Her innocent and angelic face tests done”, Maryam says. However, as per makes her forget the pain and the agony the news guidelines, undergoing a COVID that she endured during her maternity test in the ninth month of pregnancy is phase. mandatory and Maryam’s sample was taken “When I carry her in my arms, I feel like for the test. my life is complete. It is surreal. I’d never “After having taken my sample, next day I thought that ever I’d be able to carry her got a call from the hospital saying my report in my arms”, says Maryam. “The feeling had arrived and it is positive.” of carrying another life inside you is so “I was shocked beyond belief. Never in beautiful and deep. The feeling of becoming my dreams did I ever think that I would a mother is something that cannot be test positive. I was devastated, my family expressed. The purpose of life changes and was devastated. The only thought that was you start to live and care not for your own coming to my mind was of death. I thought life but for the life inside you.” Her eyes well I was going to die. That this is it. This is my up with tears as she recalls the ordeal that end”, says Maryam with a sigh. she faced before the birth of her child. “On my way to the, hospital I was
Zakia Qureshi
The baby slept in Maryam’s arms and she put her in the cradle again.
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constantly crying and complaining to can often be very taxing and tumultuous. my Lord, that why me, what is my fault, “During the days I was under quarantine, why me? Then I thought that it’s alright, I used to look out through the window the reports might be discrepant. Then and wonder, would I ever be able to go thought l will get myself tested again in out of the walls that had imprisoned me. a day or two and I was confident that my Hopelessness kept creeping in. Although, report would come negative.” I was hopeful for the child that I was Recalling the pall of gloom she felt going to bring into the world, but it was while in quarantine, Maryam says, my own survival I was hopeless about.” “When I entered the quarantine center, I In the meanwhile, Maryam’s sister felt like I entered a death cell from where comes into the room bringing tea, bread, there was no coming out. It felt like a butter and eggs. As she starts to have her grave and I was there all alone away from meal, she recalls the food served that she my loved ones.” was served during that period. “The food “The environment of the room …... she chuckles and says, “The food haunted me. I felt like the death angel used to be stale and I couldn’t eat that.” was hovering over my head. My husband “Staying healthy was important because and my family continuously consoled me weak immune system would have proved and buoyed up my strength. I composed fatal to me, therefore my aunt started to myself and thought that I have to fight send me food in the disposable cutlery.” not for myself but for the child in my Suddenly baby starts to cry and womb.” Maryam lifts her child in her arms “I was put in a general COVID and tries to comfort her back to sleep. ward. There were many patients, mostly “Whenever I take her in my arms, I feel pregnant ladies. There was a lady on the at peace. It is something beyond belief. I bed next to me who’d tested positive for can’t believe that I have come out of that the second time. She had given birth to ordeal. I have given birth to this little one a child, a few ago. The baby had tested and I am back with my family”, Maryam negative and was taken home. Listening says while lulling her baby back to sleep. to her story made me forget my own “I remember how some people used to misery. I got strength from her.” call me only deliver bad news. Who died Living in isolation away from family today, yesterday, how any new cases were and friends especially when you are ill, reported and all this would dampen my
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strength. But then, I remembered the wise their way towards the hospital. This time words of my grandmother, ‘Some people it the feeling was different. She was going are only born to spread hate and negativity to be a mother soon. Anxious, nervous, in our lives. We shouldn’t let the negativity excited. She could feel it all. take away our hope and peace.” “I was admitted there and at around 8, Talking about the mortal dread that I was taken to the operation theater, ready Maryam had of losing her child, she says, to welcome a new life into the world. I was “Deep down there was always a fear of happy and scared at the same time. Happy dying and what was more fearful was the that finally my little one will come into this thought of losing my child. Everyday I world and scared because I didn’t know used to pray and ask my Lord to protect what the next second was going to unfold.” my child. I could bear the pain of staying “When I was being operated, I heard the away from my child but I could not have cry of the baby as I was little bit conscious. been able to bear the pain of losing it.” I heard the doctor saying that it is a girl. After the second test was conducted After sometime, when the operation was after a week’s stay at the centre, Maryam done, a nurse came to me and showed me had hoped for it to come negative and that the face of the baby, upon seeing her face she’d be allowed to go home. “The thought my eyes welled up with tears of happiness, of being at home after was euphoric.” of joy and with that I fell unconscious”, But her world came crashing down says a teary Maryam. when her reports arrived. Maryam says, “Later on when I regained consciousness, ground cracked open beneath her feet. I found myself in a room surrounded by “They informed me about my second test. my family. Everyone was looking happy, I I was reported positive again” woke up and my sister came to me and kept “I was on a call with my aunt at that this little bundle of joy in my lap. When I time. I hung up on her. I didn’t know what held her into my arms, I felt the warmth to do. I was disheartened, devastated and and the happiness. Giving birth to her also in despair. I ignored everybody’s calls that gave birth to a new me, the mother in me. day, crying inconsolably.” Seeing her and feeling her made me forget “In the meantime, one of my cousins all the pain. Her smile remedied every had also tested positive. I had company at wound on my body”, says Maryam with a last. We used to cheer each other up. We contentment on her face. called each other often and discussed the The baby slept in Maryam’s arms and condition of our quarantine centers”, says she put her in the cradle again. “I still can’t Maryam with a slight grin. believe that my lord has blessed me with Every storm runs out of rain. “I spent few this gift”, she says while lovingly looking more days in the center. My sample was at her daughter’s face. “I still get the taken for testing and I came as negative. nightmares and visuals of the days that I I was elated, over the moon. I broke into spent in the quarantine center. They still tears. Tears of happiness and joy, this time.” haunt me. I sometimes wake up in the Maryam was subsequently discharged middle of the night and see around in from the hospital. After being confined in disbelief that am I really in my home, have a single room for over two weeks, Maryam I really come out of that prison and living was finally free. “Few hours after I was with my family,” she added while patting discharged, my husband came to take me her baby. home. Seeing my family, my loved ones It has been two months since Maryam again was beyond belief. I couldn’t believe gave birth to the child. The eighteen days my eyes that I was home. Everyone that she spent in the quarantine center welcomed me. I went to my room and got has been a period of tribulation for her. refreshed and offered a prayer. I thanked Maryam says that those days taught her a my Lord for getting me out of there and lot. “Every trial that we are put in by our for easing my trial.” Lord has a reason and a lesson.” She said However, another hurdle awaited. Her that this phase of suffering taught her that delivery date drew nigh. “I called my patience is the key to everything and we doctor the next day and was asked to come should be thankful to our Lord for each tomorrow for a C-section.” and every second. More importantly, she Next morning, at 7 o’ clock in the is glad that her worst nightmare was over morning Maryam and her husband made and days of joy await her.
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HEART-WRENCHING, YET AESTHETIC PROPAGANDA
ITH his recent release, camera angles to capture it flawlessly. But the SHIKARA, Vidhu Vinod depiction of its people by the same camera Chopra tries to revisit his lenses is seen wobbling. Their lights turn motherlandW through the love saga of a dim and lenses blur when focusing on its Kashmiri Pandit couple during the migration people. The research and representation of of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s. Earlier its Muslim community look as erroneous Vidhu Vinod Chopra had won the best and distorted as their flawless camera work. director’s award for his film Mission Kashmir The movies like Roja, Mission Kashmir, Fanaa, (a film again based on Kashmir). He has also Lamha, Yahaan, all have been guilty of bagged the best screenplay award for Lage narrowing the spectrum of representation of Raho Munna Bhai and 3 Idiots respectively. Kashmiri Muslims. A piece of art and fiction Movie So, he and his marvellous work clearly needs on Kashmir has always portrayed them as no introduction. dangerous, violent, and a threat to the state. Review Muslims, especially Kashmiris, have for The 120-minutes long movie, Shikara, long been yearning for fair representation based on the love story of a Kashmiri Pandit in the Indian cinema. But the glamorous couple, Shiv Kumar Dhar (Aadil Khan) and state of Bollywood has always given them a Shanti Dhar (Sadia), amidst the chaos of deaf ear and a myopic eye. The consequence the 1990s in Kashmir valley, is no exception. being; rise in Islamophobia. The Indian There married life turns upside down as they film industry has for long been auctioning are forced to leave their home and made Islamophobia and the trend is just increasing to live as refugees in Jammu. But Shikara day by day. is tricky, emotional and has this quality of Many Bollywood films carve out the almost looking balanced. Asif Khan/Arbeena enemy from Muslims and their treatment The romance between the main towards Kashmiri Muslims is no exception. protagonists is shot in a poetic way. However, They tend to present another side as either the movie walks through the same lane as victims or heroes. The filmmakers have always other films in the past by falling for over showcased Kashmir as an appealing place glamorisation of the valley. A.R Rehman that signifies glory, love, and romance. They has once again shown his class by marrying leave no stone unturned to work on different his soul-stirring compositions to the stellar
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words of renowned lyricist, Irshad Kamil. Such slogans raised in the film were Rangarajan Ramabadran’s cinematography basically against the oppression of the state is worth praising and can be considered as rather than the Pandit community. However, one of his best works. The debutants, Aadil the movie portrays it in a way as if they were and Sadia, hold the attention of the audience raised against the Pandits. till the end with their powerful acting. Lateef, Shiv’s best friend since childhood, While Adil brings intensity by his confident is shown as a cricket fanatic but as his father performance, Sadia has fully managed to is killed, he is shown picking up arms in an adapt to a Kashmiri Pandit’s character. It may abrupt manner. The failure of the system be because their roots are in Kashmir. which isn’t able to impart justice to the Aey Vaadiye Shehzaadi bolo kaisi ho, families of those who get killed isn’t given Bin tere khaali hun main, Kya tum bhi waisi a space in the movie as is the scenario in ho? Kashmir. Not every Kashmiri picks up a gun Shiv Kumar Dhar narrates this poem on losing a loved one. in the interior monologue to us, feeling The film remains numb towards Kashmiri nostalgic on his way to his homeland along Muslims but sensitive to Pandit community. with his wife in 2008. This sobbing question While none suffered independently, the pain from the main protagonist to his homeland of both communities was entwined. The film without a doubt is legitimate. It is able to may look to give love more space but has generate empathy among the audience as the drawn a line between Kashmiri Muslims and narration is strong and austere. Shiv’s poetry Kashmiri Pandits. complements the story till the end and leaves The film depicts Kashmiris as if they a lasting impression on the mind. were living happily after the immigration of Shikara is, moreover, an idealistic love Pandits but the barbarity which Kashmiris story providing love and hope as the solution had to face before, during, or even after their to every problem in life. However, the migration hasn’t been touched. Also, the role movie may fall short on the expectations of the state in the migration of the Pandit of Kashmiri Pandits. They may voice for a community isn’t given heed. Even the then- dishonest treatment in the movie, and love controversial governor, Jagmohan Malhotra’s being given precedence over the horrors of role isn’t shown anywhere in the movie. How immigration. Shikara prioritizes love over can Vidhu Vinod Chopra forget the Gaw hate and hopes to end the cycle of hatred Kadal massacre which took place two days which has existed ever since their migration. after Jagmohan took over as the governor Although the story beautifully justifies the of the state? Kashmiris were killed, but why title, Shikara, its tagline, “The Untold Story would the film depict that? After all, it is of Kashmiri Pandits,” the story of Pandits, not Kashmiri Muslims. is misleading since any The film remains numb towards Kashmiri viewer would assume Muslims but sensitive to Pandit community. that the movie will While none suffered independently, the pain provide a deeper insight of both communities was entwined. The film into the sufferings of may look to give love more space but has the Pandit community. drawn a line between Kashmiri Muslims and However, the sufferings Kashmiri Pandits. are shown in the backdrop of the love story But all this doesn’t license us to overlook and not at the forefront. The compromise the sufferings and pain of our Pandit in the movie of forming home anywhere is brethren. In our view, the worst oppressor again bleak and unrealistic. is the sufferer who isn’t able to empathize The film has almost been kept away from with the pain of others. Especially if one politics surrounding the immigration. But has suffered, he should not turn blind to the certain scenes like that of the telecast of a sufferings of others. We want to congratulate short clip of Benazir Bhutto’s speech, are the filmmaker for at least showing the half guilty of satisfying the popular notions of picture. But as far as Kashmiri Muslims are the people living in India. The usage of that considered, their pain cannot be screened clip attributes the chaos in the valley totally in any cinema of the world. No matter how to Pakistan, thereby, giving out a wrong emotional film you make, the sufferings of message. Kashmiri Muslims is beyond any imagination. “Aey zalimoun aey kafiroun In our view, the worst oppressor is the Kashmir humara chod do!” sufferer who isn’t able to empathize with
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the pain of others. Especially if one has Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod suffered, he should not turn blind to the Chopra Responds to sufferings of others. We want to congratulate Arbeena & Asif the filmmaker for at least showing the half picture. Kashmiri Muslims were the recipients of Dear Arbeena and Asif, brutal oppression even under Dogra rule and Eid Mubarak to you and everyone else in the saga of pain and suffering for them seems Kashmir! never-ending. The film stirs the emotions read your open letter addressed to me as it is masterly crafted and hence, makes about my film Shikara in the Kashmir up aesthetic propaganda. We say this Observer. I have read it multiple times. because the film is propagating certain I liked the approach and the tone you have notions behind a love story. The more taken to present your views. You have already you tend to like this love story, deeper won the first battle of engaging someone in a your hate for Kashmiri Musims will conversation. This to me is the most important grow. aspect of having a conducive dialogue. Filmmakers at different instances are Let me tell you why I made Shikara. I seen modifying sections of their movies started work on this movie post my mother’s fearing public backlash. Be it Panipat demise in 2007. She came on my request from or Padmavat, many big films had to Srinagar to Mumbai to attend the premier of amend changes in order to respect public Parinda in 1989 with a single suitcase. She sentiments. But when Kashmiri Muslims could never return. I have seen the sorrow in are to be focused upon, filmmakers have her eyes as she longed for her home. Shikara nothing to worry about as they represent is a tribute to my mother. It is my mother’s the conflict-torn population the way story, it is my story. It is deeply personal and it they want. They go to any extent even is perhaps my most important work in my 40 moulding the historical characters in years in the film industry. I urge you to see a 3 a way that is hurtful to Muslims and minute YouTube Video titled “Shikara: Tribute profitable to filmmakers. Somehow, the to a Mother”. You will see how despite all that audience entering cinema halls tends to she lost, she only had love and affection for all. like anything which is anti- Muslim. That is the underlying spirit of this movie. Kashmiri actors who surface in films Shikara is a tribute to my mother. It is like Shikara need also to think before my mother’s story, it is my story. It is deeply acting in such films. Though, they may personal and it is perhaps my most important not be briefed about the story, it is their work in my 40 years in the film industry. responsibility to choose and act morally The Kashmiri Pandit exodus is a dark blot at a time when they are misrepresented. on our history. It is a very sensitive topic. What We want this movie to be watched happened was wrong. People were thrown by everyone and surely is a must watch out of their homes and their city. Yes, there for all. The moon of Kashmiri Pandits were circumstances and external forces which surely has blood clots on it but that of created this unfortunate divide but it was Kashmiri Muslims is drenched in blood. a horrific event and it is still unresolved. As We by this don’t mean that their clots young students of Media and Communication, are less painful than others, all we want you will appreciate the fact that if you don’t that Bollywood must empathize with know your history then you are condemned to Muslims especially Kashmiri Muslims. repeat it. Shikara’s release date is also You mentioned the Gaw Kadal massacre. controversial. At a time when Muslims in I am aware of that incident and it was as India are facing a severe existential threat horrific and very unfortunate. Since Shikara especially after CAA and NRC, should was primarily about Kashmiri Pandits and the release date have been postponed? their exodus, it was not possible to integrate Also, the turmoil surrounding the Gaw Kadal incident within Shikara but it abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir can be an independent film in itself. Perhaps should have been enough for the someone like you can make it. It will help postponement of such a release. But let many others understand what happened. the filmmaker tell his story. We want to When I started work on Shikara 11 years write this to him as his main protagonist ago, I was cognisant of that fact that it will be in the movie does, expecting no response. the first attempt by any mainstream production
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house to make a movie on this subject. We representative of her pain. She wanted more. I took a long time to perfect the script as I had was accused of commercialising the tragedy of to sift through tons of documentation and a community, which was exiled 30 years ago. video footage to bring reality to celluloid. I spent many days thinking about what The most challenging aspect was to remain she said. And I realise that what she wanted dispassionate as a moviemaker to depict the was more hate. She wanted a film that truth and yet make a compelling argument demonised Muslims, and that sowed even that the only solution to such hatred is love more animosity and bloodshed. I also came and that is at the centre of my movie. You will in the firing line of certain groups who also see this reflect in several of the scenes in the felt the same and trolled me and the movie movie, one particular example was when Shiv for days. This caused me immense pain and Dhar’s house is attacked on the night of 19th also affected the film. I introspected over January sequence, the faces of the attackers several weeks about what I could have done are just shadows, this was a technically differently. I have come to the conclusion difficult scene to shoot and was also very time that I am not that storyteller. I will never consuming but it was important because I peddle hate for profit. believe that violence is faceless. In another Shikara was released on 7th February 2020 scene Professor Masood and his son Zakir across the country. I walked into a packed help Shiv and Shanti Dhar find a safe route theatre for one of the first screenings. Three and get out alive. That several Pandits were hundred people stood up and applauded. It massacred across the valley is a truth and at felt magical, but just for a moment, suddenly the same time several Muslims helped Pandits one lady at the back screamed that the film escape death and live is an equal truth. I chose wasn’t representative of her pain. She wanted to tell this story in a way that it could unite more. I was accused of commercialising the people. This was a conscious decision because tragedy of a community. I spent many days I wanted this movie to initiate a dialogue thinking about what she said. And I realise which could lead to creating a conducive that what she wanted was more hate. environment which is bereft of any hatred and As the rural folklore goes, it is tough to allows people to have a conversation. break a bunch of sticks bound together but Benazir Bhutto like other politicians on once they are separated and are individual both sides did only one thing, divide people. they are more vulnerable. Shiv Dhar gives The very terrorist factions that she calls out to out a similar message while taking his class in during this crisis and instigates to kill are the the refugee camp of Pandit kids, notice that ones who later on executed her. The lesson to sequence closely. Two lines drawn very close learn for us and our politicians is that violence to each other, almost seems like one and then will only beget violence. unknowingly lines start to drift apart. He Shikara was ready in mid – 2019. We had reiterates the same messages when he goes initially thought of releasing it in October back to Kashmir to teach the Muslim kids 2019 but due to the decision to abrogate there, watch the last scene carefully and you Article 370 by Government of India will see it written on the Black board behind we delayed its release. This was not easy him in Urdu. because I was under immense pressure by I also urge you to see my film PK of which various other stakeholders to not postpone. I am particularly proud for its messaging. We waited for a few months and then set a Notice the dialogue which became a huge hit date of February 7th 2020 for the release. “Sarfaraz, Dhokha Nahi Dega”- I had a friend We had thought this was safe enough as while studying in DAV school, Amira Kadal, the situation would have been stabilised but Srinagar named Sarfaraz; “Aur usne mujhe CAA/NRC followed soon and this time we kabhi dhokha nahi diya”. could not further delay since the trailer was Arbeena and Asif, you are the future and already out with the announcement of the the way you shape your thinking will go movie release date. a long way in having a strong, progressive Shikara was released on 7th February 2020 and peaceful Kashmir. I have seen my home across the country. I was excited to get viewer destroyed by hate. Do not let it consume you. feedback. I walked into a packed theatre for I want the future of Kashmir to be different one of the first screenings. Three hundred from its past. people stood up and applauded. It felt Insha Allah! I am sure that will happen magical, but just for a moment, suddenly one someday, I am a stubborn optimist. lady at the back screamed that the film wasn’t Originally published in Kashmir Observer
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THEY WILL BE FACING NOW ARA FC FROM HYDERABAD IN THEIR NEXT MATCH.
KASHMIR AVENGERS, A NEW PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL CLUB IN MAKING
Imran Bashir
The continuous hard work paid off when Kashmir Avengers defeated all teams in their ootball is these days booming in are taking part in these tournaments. pool which included some big names Kashmir with multiple tournaments One such club that has proved its metal and qualified for the being held across valley. Apart from in recently concluded Kashmir premier foot another round of the Premier League Fthat new football clubs are being formed and ball league by remaining the group topper something being professionals. is Kashmir Avengers football club that was It is winter in kashmir but the famous formed recently in August 2020. Football Stadium that is Synthetic turf TRC The club is joint venture of Baba is in full bloom as back to back tournaments Consultancy Education Services and Aqua are being held and various football clubs not Group . The Baba group is owned by Abid only from J&K but from outside states as well Hussain Baba and Aqua Group is headed
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by Arshad Ahmed Zargar as its Managing first phase and were being payed handsomely. Partner. Now as they got nod from JKFA & AIFF, "During Covid lock down i saw these Player's from outside J&K and foreign players young player's practicing and their passion were added to the squad squad. and love towards the game forced my mind to In the Current squad of Twenty player's, think of providing a plate form to the young Kashmir Avengers have roped in two player's to showcase their talent at elite level, . players from foreign countries to make a I was myself a Footballer so i am aware about good balanced team capable of competing the difficulties and Challenge's which Young successfully with leading clubs of J&K and kids face when the opt for sports particularly India. Moses, a defender was brought from football as profession. I don't want to see Ghana and Kelvin, a striker, came all the way these Young players face those problems" said from Liberia to join Kashmir Avengers FC. Aabid Hussain, the co owner of the Club. " This is my first visit to Kashmir and "Kashmir Avengers Football Club when i joined my team i felt like i am in a is not only aiming to play in Domestic family, so i am feeling like my home here Competitions but are preparing to take off in Kashmir",said Kelvin, when asked about to participate in I-League competition of his stay with the Team in Kashmir by this
AIFF as a professional football club based at student reporter. Srinagar, ” he further added. On the playing strategy of his team, he said, In a video interview to a local sports " we are committed to play attacking football channel on social media Abid and Arshid in every match so that the opponents don't said, “ Formation of Kashmir Avengers will force us to play defensive football". not only benefit players and people associated "I am very lucky that i am a part of with the club but will also help to contribute Kashmir Avengers, i will try to continue in development of football in our Valley playing football for this club in future also. which is the need of the hour for our youth". It is always a proud moment for any player Initially The club signed local players in its to lead as side, i thank to almighty for this
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honour", said Ishfaq, Captain of Kashmir were also gelling well together. Showing Avengers Football club. some good performances locally the Club The club showed consistency in its somehow managed to get entry in J&K top Performance in all local tournaments since Premier League. The continuous hard work its formation at local level and the players paid off when Kashmir Avengers defeated all are improving their game with each passing teams in their pool which included some big day. The performance of this club in recently names and qualified for the another round of concluded JK premier league surprised many the Premier League sharing a space with J&K former national and international stars as Bank, ” reads the facebook post. Kashmir Avengers football club defeated Hailing the contribution of Coach Shiekh some prominent clubs of the valley. “It is Rizwan, the Post reads, “But the reason of surprise for many to see this team qualify for their success and hard work is the proper the next stage in the league, and to beat tough planning and the carrying forward of the opponents including J&K PDC, Lone Star team into the right direction. The man behind and Real Kashmir Reserves,” says a former the scene is Shiekh Rizwan who needs no footballer. introduction in the game of football. Trying The team as been kept Under the his coaching skills he surprised everyone in supervison of Shiekh Rizwan as team coach the competition by his cunning strategy and and Sheikh Riyaz as its manager and the team playing tactics. Rizwan is the Head Coach of is performing up to the expectations under Kashmir Avengers FC and the man behind the coaching and guidance of Sheikh Rizwan the Club’s success". who was himself a top level professional “Carrying such a vast experience it became player and a qualified AIFF D license coach. easy for Rizwan to prepare a team who can Rizwan, former footballer has played for take on any big team in the frey. Rizwan is top clubs including J&K Bank FC, but it was a qualified AIFF D License Coach and the in 2004 when he emerged as highest goal football experts are seeing him as a potential scorer in Durand Cup. Besides, he has also coach as he carries huge playing experience played various National level tournaments which can play a vital role in his coaching including Santosh trophy. career, ” reads the facebook post of NIFF The followers of the game, including some further. former footballers are crediting the team’s Currently, Kashmir avengers football club success to team’s coach Rizwan as he is is taking part in Jammu & Kashmir’s first ever, channelizing the talent in a way that a three Official National Level Football Competition, month old football club Kashmir Avengers is the Real Kashmir Cup, organised by Real making it big. Kashmir FC jointly with JKFA and AIFF and “It was surprise to see him taking up in collaboration with JKSC where 18 premier coaching. His strategy and playing tactics division teams from Jammu and Kashmir, have played a major role behind the teams’ Ladakh and other states are also participating. success,” said Manzoor dar, a footballer. In their ist match of group stage Kashmir National and International Footballers Avengers FC defeated Shaheen FC Jammu Forum (NIFF) , a parallel body to Jammu and by 1-0 in a tight contest. Kelvin was the only Kashmir foot ball association ( JKFA) also goal scorer of the match and was declared hailed the progress and stellar performance of man of the match. Kashmir Avengers and contribution of coach They will be facing now ARA FC from Sheikh Rizwan for training and guiding newly Hyderabad in their next match. Earlier the formed football club, Kashmir Avengers FC match was postponed between the two teams to a winning path. as ARA FC couldn't reach Gandhinagar Through a facebook post, NIFF hailed the ( Jammu) due to adverse weather conditions. progress and winning streak of the newly As game of football has always remained at formed team. “It was August 2020 when rise in kashmir but still lot needs to be done Kashmir Avengers FC came into existence. to produce more star's form the Valley. The A bunch of local players were seen playing owners of the Kashmir Avengers football in the local tournaments under the name of club are not only trying to help the players by Kashmir Avengers. Match by match they are introducing them in highest level competitions performing better and the owners of the Club of the country but they are also trying to rope started taking the job seriously to become the in more player's from some foreign leading top professional club of J&K. As the matches clubs for exchange programs which will give were going players and team management huge exposure to local player's.
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MEDIAMEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH TIMES CENTRE UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR HAZRATBAL SRINAGAR-190006
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