3 Saffron growers5 Srinagar short of question role of 1500 sweepers Pampore research unit

Vol: 4 | No.: 5 | June 30, 2011 Lab newspaper of Media Education Research Centre for private circulation only Floating Trouble! Floating gardens tools for Dal encroachment

Adil Shah floating gardens in the lake where and help in maintaining ecological Chairman LAWDA . he cultivates vegetables before sell- balance in the lake. However, these Mohammad Sultan, 42, culti- “This residential colony you see here ing them on Ashai Bagh bridge. natural floating gardens have vates cucumbers and gourds on a was once a lake! I used to come here “We create floating gar- now become tools for en- piece of land in the middle of the for boating and fishing.” dens by first sowing croachment by the lake. This piece of land has been cre- This is probably what a father reed beds and lake dwellers. ated by filling floating gardens with would tell his son about Dal Lake then filling it “ T h e earth and silt. some 50 years down the line. Ac- with grime The floating gardens are floating gar- “We are aware of the fact that cording to the Lakes and Waterways from the potential threat to Dal dens are the lake is shrinking and we are one Development Authority (LAW- lake and potential of the primary causes for it. But we DA),600 kanals of lake have already also with Lake. They can be used as threat to cannot ignore the fact that there been transformed into land. silt. In a a major tool for filling the the lake are around 7000 people living in A survey conducted by national matter of .They can Dal Lake whose livelihood is solely newspaper ‘The Tribune’ in 2006 1-2 years lake. The dwellers have be used dependent upon these floating gar- reveals the area of Dal Lake has re- , the gar- as a ma- dens,” says Mohammad Sultan. duced from 58 sq km to 11.05 sq km. den is hard proprietary rights on the jor tool for Vice Chairman LAWDA claims Environmentalists attribute the enough lake, but are not permitted filling the that laws are in place and are en- shrinking to a host of reasons includ- to walk on lake and the forced strictly. Any kind of attempt ing illegal constructions and filling and cultivate to fill the lake. caving in on to fill the lake are being dealt with of the lake. Floating gardens, locally vegetables,”says the shore lines. an iron fist. “Lawda is strictly moni- known as Raads are made for culti- Nazeer Ahmed. The dwellers have toring the lake and its peripheries; vation but are later solidified to cre- Floating gardens are proprietary rights on the such is the strictness that even re- ate land masses. a part of the habitat of the lake. lake, but are not permitted to fill pair work is not allowed, leave alone Nazeer Ahmed , 34, owns many They are said to act as natural filters the lake.” says Irfan Yaseen, Vice new constructions.” MERCTIMES 2 When 80-year- KU Special Cell aims to old man collected make disabled students scrap to perform independent he hardships during his stu- dent days made Syed Moham- Tmad Shaheel realize the need Hajj pilgrimage to have a special cell for the physically challenged persons like him in Kashmir University. Shaheel did his Bachelors in Law from the university in 2007-08. Thereafter, he joined Rehabilitation Council of India in New Delhi where he studied courses related to rehabilitation of disabled persons. On his return to Val- ley in 2009, Shaheel proposed to set up a special cell for such students and the university authorities obliged. Shaheel now heads the cell, helping the disabled students in pursuing their post graduation at the varsity. In an interview with Qayoom Madni, Shaheel talks about the role and significance of the cell. Q: How did the idea of Special Cell come to you? SM: I had worked with organizations like Rehabilitation Council of India. There is also a provision in University Grants Commission that each university should have a special cell Waseem Khazir for physically challenged students. Besides, I was having similar problem so I was very much aware about the difficulties a physically challenged student faces. t took him 20 years of hard labour in order to save money for Hajj Q: What purpose this cell serves? pilgrimage in 2009. Eighty-year-old, Haji Muhammad Ramzan SM: We hold admission counseling for the physically challenged students. We provide scholar- Iof Aali Kadal, wants to go for second pilgrimage. ships and also help them in exams. The cell also makes arrangements for their hostel accom- Ramzan collects scrap for a living. For years, he has been modation. searching for scrap, selling it to scrap dealers and saving the money Q: Some of the Law students claim that they were giben only half of the total ad- for the Holy pilgrimage. mission fee back as scholarship. When he was young, Ramzan used to work as a labourer for SM: Yes, it was due to previous year’s unrest. The students were at home at that time and the Pandit traders at Maharaj Gunj. funds got lapsed. However, this year we will give them the outstanding amount. “I could hardly earn my living and no family was willing to mar- Q: Physically challenged students are victims of depression. How do you help them ry off their daughter to me,” he says. to come out of that? As the turmoil started in 1990’s, many pandit families left SM: Yes, there is a social stigma that they fear to go in public. We arrange special counseling Kashmir. The migration also affected his livelihood and he was left sessions for them and our focus remains to incline them towards education. Our ultimate aim jobless. is to make them independent in the society. He started collecting various types of junk on roadsides. “I found Q: Have you held any special session for the new entrants of the university? collecting junk much easier than labour in old age.” SM: When physically challenged students come here we give them instructions how to get help “I started earning five times more money. I made up my mind to from the cell. Mostly it is done on telephone so that students remain in touch without the need perform Hajj, no matter how long it was going to take.” to visit us. Earlier, we were having a special session after Friday prayers, but due to some rea- In order to save money, Ramzan even started going door to door sons it did not continue. Regarding the new students, we have not held any special session yet. in the neighborhood for daily meals until he found enough money for Q: Students say they were assured that they will be provided basic training for the pilgrimage. vocational courses. What happened to that? The people always received him warmly whenever he approached SM: We cannot conduct such courses on our own. We are subordinates to other departments them for food. His neighbours also helped him complete the official in this regard. Though higher authorities are sensitive to the issue, yet more is needed to be formalities. done on their part. “Whenever he used to come to my shop, I always paid him more Q: Students demand that cell should come up with yearly performance report of than the market value of the scrap since I was aware of his noble these students in a shape of a booklet. What do you think about that? purpose,” said Haji Ghulam Nabi, a local scrap dealer. SM: We have financial problems. Until and unless we get funds, we cannot do it. Such was his longing for the holy place that at the time of his Q: Students wish they should be relieved from complexities and should not be scheduled departure from Mecca, Ramzan went into hiding in a ho- treated at par with normal students? tel bathroom. SM: I think besides physically challenged students general students should also be relieved As he did not return on due date, his neighbours in Srinagar from complexities .Each department should ensure that students should not suffer to go here grew suspicious. They sought the help of deputy commissioner, who and there. The basic concept of e-governance is that students should get all the details in the in turn contacted officials in Saudi Arabia. Ramzan was traced after department. three days. Q: What about the transport facility for these students? When asked why he still collects scrap, Ramzan replies, SM: I am myself suffering from lack of transport facility. A van was sanctioned with my efforts. “I want to perform another Hajj. I may not live that long, but However, higher authorities took it otherwise. Now the vice chancellor has agreed to provide still I want to do it.” transport facility to these students within the campus and in one or two months it will be available. 3 MERCTIMES Srinagar short of 1500 sweepers SMC going for outsourcing of city sanitation

Mukeet due to rise in temperature, these dumps give out foul smell as the s against the requirement safai karmacharis do not clear the of 3600 safai karamcharis garbage early morning, but come A(sweepers) Srinagar Munici- only during peak hours. pal Corporation (SMC) is having “The situation becomes worse only 2100 sweepers to keep the city when the garbage gets piled up clean and there is only one dumping during prolonged hartals or cur- site to dump the entire solid waste. fews.” Shortage of the safai karamcha- OFFICIAL SPEAKS: ris is one of the reasons for Srinagar According to Solid Waste Man- city to be ranked as the fourth dirti- agement Officer of SMC, Man- est city in India in a survey conduct- zoor Ahmad Tarray the existing ed by Urban Development Ministry strength of ‘safai wallas’ is not suf- last year. ficient for 100 per cent collection Besides shortage of manpower, of waste on door-to-door basis and there is also dearth of trucks for sweep the city roads which consist transportation of waste. The avail- of 174 km stretch of main roads able fleet is inadequate to catre to and 860 kms of other roads. the demands of the city spread over “This shortage obviously af- an area of 279 sq. kms. Garbage is fects the overall waste collection lifted from 575 temporary collec- and road sweeping performance of tion points before being dumped at SMC. More than 380 metric tons of Syedpora Achen, the lone dumping refuse and garbage are generated site in the capital city. The landfill per day in Srinagar city. The cor- is spread over around 600 kanals of Achen residents demand poration is providing better sanita- land. tion and is trying its best to arrive Just 600 kanals of land for a shifting of landfill at the public expectations,” said yearly solid waste of 174105 metric Manzoor. tons of solid waste speaks volumes SMC Commissioner cites HC order to stay put “At present 60 per cent of total of the poor waste management in Mukeet one is ready to marry off his/her waste generated is being collected Srinagar. girl in a family of this locality. and this is as per national stan- From 11.16 lakhs in 2005, the People of Saidapora, Achen have We appeal government to reha- dards comparing the infrastructure population of Srinagar city has in- long been demanding shifting of bilitate us at any alternate place and manpower available with SMC creased to more than 20 lakhs. The Srinagar’s lone landfill from the in case government is not in the for this purpose. For collection and number of Municipal Wards has area citing many problems rang- position to shift the dumping lifting of the city waste from inte- also been increased from 24 to 68. ing from foul smell to threat of site as promised.” riors at ward level, hand carts are The quantity of solid waste gener- diseases. When contacted Srinagar being used to collect the waste and ated per capita per day is calculated “We are facing many prob- Municipal Corporation Commis- take it to collection points.” at 480 gms based on a NEERI study lems because of this dumping sioner, Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmad In order to overcome this prob- undertaken for the city for 2004-05. site. It is impossible to move said, “SMC has started work for lem, SMC has floated tenders to The total quantity of solid waste out of our houses because of the the construction of walls around outsource sanitation of the summer generated per day is 477 MT foul smell coming from garbage the dumping site so that people capital in phased manner after am Heaps of garbage can be found dumped at this site,” said one of living around the place do not Urban Development Ministry re- on roadsides at various places in the local residents, Abdul Majid face any undue problem. Work is port rated Srinagar as the fourth the city including Rawalpora op- Dar. also in progress for the develop- d i r tiest city i n I nd ia. posite government high school, Ha- “Although government had ment of scientific management SMC Commissioner, Sheikh wal near Islamia College, Residency promised to close the dumping cells for proper treatment of Mushtaq Ahmad said, “Outsourc- road near Polo view opposite Mu- site and even signed an agree- solid waste at the dumping site.” ing of sanitation has started in ghal Darbar restaurant and Boule- ment in 2008 to move it to some Mushtaq said SMC has phased manner and tenders have vard near Buchwara Link road. other place within a year, no ac- purchased 400 kanals of land been invited for outsourcing in 13 The local business community tion was taken in this regard on around the dumping site and out of the 68 wards falling in mu- has been complaining of the unat- ground,” he said. has compensated people whose nicipal limits.” tended garbage. One of the shop- Muhammad Sultan, another land was acquired. “This will be done in phased keepers in the Boulevard area, Mu- resident, said most people in the “SMC cannot shift this manner and we’ll encourage pri- dasir Joo said, “Heaps of garbage area complain of throat, chest dumping site because of the re- vate entrepreneurs to come for- dumped on roadside gives foul smell and skin infections. cent High Court decision which ward,” he added. and creates problems for the people “Due to this dumping site, clearly says that SMC can not Mushtaq said Chief Minister, including tourists, who frequently we are being socially boycot- resort to dumping garbage at Omar Abdullah has assured all visit Dal Lake.” ted to the extent that our sons any other place and also because sort of administrative help to im- Muneer Ahmad Mir, a shop- mostly remain unmarried as no of its proximity to city,” he said. prove the sanitation ranking of keeper at poloview, said in summer Srinagar. MERCTIMES 4 Mamoosa CM pledges support for civil students services aspirants Zehra Shafi Talat Ahmad was also present in the seminar besides suffer for some guest lecturers and former civil service officers eposing faith in Kashmiri youth as the best of the country. want of High human resource of the state, Chief Minister “Civil services examination is the mother of ROmar Abdullah assured his government sup- all competitive exams,” said Ravindram of Varji port to them to crack the civil service examination. Ram Institute New Delhi. He stressed upon the School Omar was speaking at a seminar-cum-work- students to work on personality development and Yasir Hamid shop on civil services held at have self-confidence. SKICC Srinagar on June 18. Calling for proper channeliza- espite having four middle schools The seminar was organized tion of valley’s talent, Prof Talat said, functioning in the village, Mamoosa by Ascent Group of Tutori- ‘‘Kashmir has a very rich culture of lit- DPattan is still lacking a high school. als to create mass awareness erature but only thing we need to do is As a result, students after passing from among the youth of Kashmir to channelize it in the right direction.’’ these institutions face lot of hardships while about civil services. Students from various education- admitting themselves in different schools of Citing examples of Dr al institutes showed overwhelming neighbouring villages (Sherpora, Lalpora Shah Faesal, who secured response to the event. “It is a good ini- and Sherabad). first position in IAS 2010 ex- tiative by the organizers. It will help us All these institutions are far from Ma- ams, Omar told the gather- to prepare for civil services in a better moosa (Sherpora- four, Lalpora five and ing of civil services aspirants, way,” said Saika Hamdaani. Sherabad five-and-a-half kilometres). Due “You are second to none in Saika has already qualified pre- to lack of transport facility, students have to your capacity and ability to lims and Mains in KAS examinations cover the long distances by foot. qualify these exams.” and is awaiting the interview. “I have to travel a distance of eight kilo- The chief minister advised students to opt for Another student, Shabeena Gul came all the way metres by foot on daily basis to and fro from their favorite streams and work hard to achieve from north Kashmir’s’ Bandipora district to partici- the school,” said Ishfaq Ahmad, a ninth their goals and dreams. pate in the seminar. “Couple of years back we were class student, studying at Government High Sharing his personal experience, he said, ‘‘My fa- unaware of these competitive exams, but now by con- School, Sherpora. ther wanted me to be a doctor or engineer, but I always ducting such seminars, students are getting more in- The difficulties faced by students are aspired to be a politician.’’ formation about the exams helping them prepare in a increased in adverse weather conditions es- The vice chancellor of Kashmir University, Prof better way,” she said. pecially during rains and hot days. As if it was not enough, plight of the students was worsened from the past one year as one of the institutions (Government High School Women juggle between work and home Lalpora) closed admissions for the students coming from Mamoosa citing limited infra- Riahana Maqbool “She develops a greater competence and is more structure and over crowdedness. confident about what she can achieve. And once she When contacted, District Education s more and more women work shoulder to has achieved appropriate education, she is all set to Planning Officer (DEPO), district Baramul- shoulder with their male counterparts, the go out and work,” says Dr. Shaheen, a psychiatrist. la, Abdul Ahad said Mamoosa does not ful- Anotion of their role being restricted to the four Psychiatrists say that most men today under- fil the criteria required for upgradiation of walls of the house stands dispelled. The perception stand that a woman works not to compete with him any of the middle schools to secondary level. of the working women being unable to give enough but to channelize her creative energy positively. This “The distance between Mamoosa and time to their family is also changing. not only helps them to connect emotionally but also the nearest high school is not feasible. The Infact, some social scientists are of the view that intellectually. Having a job puts a woman on equal nearest high school should be atleast five children of working mothers are not only more active footing with her husband and protects her in case kilometres from an area before it can be but also perform better than those whose mothers the marriage ends. sanctioned a separate high school of its own. are not working. They also believe that the more and “It’s not just that women like to spend time The nearest school to Mamoosa (Govt High more men prefer a wife with whom they can connect with their families, but they also look forward to School Sherpora) is just 4 kilometres so it both emotionally as well as intellectually. have them at home in the evenings and on week- does not fulfil the criteria,” said Ahad. Hamida Mir, Associate Professor of Physics at ends. The modern educated women who have Students are suffering because of this Government Degree College Baramulla, remains opted for a career, more of choice than necessity, one kilometre distance. busy with teaching, writing research papers and or- are better able to combine the two roles,” says Dr Ahad said they cannot help Mamoosa ganizing seminars. However, she likes the time after Saba, a gynaecologist. until the concerned Zonal Education Officer evening which she spends with her family. However, housewives argue that it is not al- (ZEO) submits physical report for upgradia- “Though my work is very important to me, I ways smooth-sailing for working women as it can tion. personally feel spending quality time with family be extremely demanding at times. The hectic, According to locals, when Chief Min- should be top priority as it is essential for a woman over-exhausting days at work can make these ster, Omar Abdullah visited Mamoosa in to give share of her time to her family,” says Hamida. women victims of job pressures and depression April last year, he had promised that one Researches in the west have established that a resulting in the anxiety for children and family. of the schools will be upgraded to second- working mother strengthens a daughter’s interest “The working mothers pamper their children by ary level, but there was no implementation in choosing a career. They also believe that the pay buying them everything they demand. This is on ground and Mamoosa still yearns for a cheque provides some of the extras in life for working the compensation they provide for the time which High School. mothers, like a regular dinner out, nice vacations or they usually spend at their workstations,” says extracurricular activities for the kids. Dilshada, a housewife. 5 MERCTIMES

Saffron growers question role of Pampore research unit Abid Shafi

et up a decade ago at Dussu village of Pampore area, the saffron sub-station of Sheri Kashmir University Sof Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Construction creeping has failed to make its mark in the field of research in saffron production. Spread over 13 Kanals of land, the station was set up in 2002 with the aim to improve yield of saffron crop, but into cultivable land nothing substantial has been achieved so far. Saffron cultivation is the main source of income for the esides the alleged failure of the re- making less land available for research local people. However, according to many researchers, the search unit in helping them, the con- purposes, Dr Nehvi said, “The purchase use of conventional methods of cultivation is leading to low Bstruction work on the land meant for of another 15 to 20 kanals of land is under productivity of the crop. research is also a cause of concern among consideration and the same will be done Saffron growers expressed their disappointment with the local growers. once the funds are released by the state rev- the work of the researchers. “This research station has been Owing to the ongoing construction, less enue department.” here for a long time now, but we haven’t really reaped any space has been left for the much needed re- dividends yet. It is disappointing that no breakthrough has search activities. Construction material can been achieved so far,” says Ghulam Ahmed, a local saffron be seen strewn all over the research land. grower. The Karevas that once produced up The local residents also complain about not being in- to 16 metric tons of saffron per year yield vited to seminars held by the authorities saying that they only six metric tonnes annually. are not being made aware of the new practices in saffron Farmers expressed their resentment farming. over the “callousness” of authorities. “There is a communication gap between farmers and “They are constructing buildings on the authorities of the research station,” says Mushtaq Wani, the land meant for saffron research. Why is another saffron grower. the government sleeping over this violation “Seminars and briefings are held frequently, but none of when they have banned any such construc- us are invited. Even if they do, they call a few chosen ones, tion? In fact there’s less land left for the re- which doesn’t serve the purpose,” he adds. search now. This is an absolute mockery of Dr Firdous Ahmad Nehvi, agricultural expert at the system,” said a local resident, Showket SKUAST saffron research sub-station says, “We haven’t Ahmed. contributed a lot. However, the farmers don’t implement any When asked whether the construction new practices developed by the research centre without any work is hindering the research process by financial assistance.” MERCTIMES 6

Blood donation camp Stray dogs on prowl in KU Officials taking steps to check ‘infiltration’ held at KU Rohail Sheikh Ashiq Sofi from 941 according census 2011”. “It is better to serve society and hu- og population in Kashmir University is increasing by ashmir University hosted a blood manity. As the subjects of conflict state it the day, posing threat to students and teachers in the donation camp to celebrate World is our responsibility to donate blood for the Dcampus. The university authorities, however, claim KDonors Day. injured and wounded”, said Shehla Arif. they ensure that the stray dogs are kept at bay. The blood donation camp was orga- “I had a desire from the very begin- After some reports published in local dailies about the nized at department of student’s welfare ning, to serve the community .Blood dona- dogs present in Kashmir University, the varsity administra- in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir tion is a very noble cause it can add days to tion swung into action to check the entry of dogs from main state AIDS control society, health depart- life of a person who is in need of it. I appreci- gates. They also went for fencing at some other places where ment and Hussaini Blood Bank and Relief ate the department of Students Welfare for there was possibility of “infiltration” of dogs into the campus. Society. this righteous deed of serving the masses,” “There is a strict watch on the movement of dogs in the The camp was inaugurated by Minis- said Quyoom MERC student. campus and they are even chased away from the campus,” said ter of Health and Family Welfare, Sham “The Hussaini Blood Bank and Hus- PRO Kashmir University, Showket Shafi. Lal Sharma, National Rural Health Mis- saini relief centre has been serving the Stray dogs pose threat to students, particularly in morning sion Director Dr Yash Pal Sharma, Vice- community for last three decades. They and in the evening. Students feel scared to move outside their Chancellor Kashmir University Prof. Talat organize medical camps at Amarnath, hostels because of the sense of “insecurity” caused by the dogs. Ahmad and Dr Saleem -ur- Rahman were Makdoom Sahib, Kheer Bhawani, Chatti- “I was welcomed by a pack of dogs in the lawns of my de- present on the occasion. Padshaw and Hazratbal. Till June of 2011 partment. I was fortunate to escape their bite. The second en- While addressing, Sharma said,” blood they have donated 1700 pints of blood to counter with them was in the dining hall of Sheikh-ul-Alam- donation is the noble cause and efforts SMHS Hospital. They were the first to boys’ hostel after they (dogs) had managed to sneak through should be made to encourage people to do- reach Waltengo for rescue and relief in rear entrance in June,” said Nadeem Parray, a student of His- nate blood voluntarily and save precious 2005 earthquake,” said Syed Zaffar Rizvi tory Department. lives”. chairman Hussaini Relief Committee. When asked whether the university had launched any Kashmir University VC said,” such hu- Dr Arshid Hassan,SMHS Hospital drive against the dogs, PRO Shafi said, “We have not launched mane activities should be encouraged and said,” Kashmir Hospitals usually have any drive for killing dogs inside the campus. If we had to do it made a regular feature in the campus. And to face blood shortage because voluntary we would have started it two years back. We, however, try to we all should make a pledge that we make donation is very less and many precious keep them away from the campus.” sincere efforts in this cause.” lives are lost due to blood shortage. Stu- Professor Talat Ahmad said,” the stu- dents in particular and people in general dents should shoulder the responsibility of should voluntary donate blood as it helps creating awareness among people of the them in two ways, it helps in generation growing social problem like gender inequal- of new blood cells and many important ity and female feticide. The female popula- tests for deadly diseases are done like tion in the state has plummeted to 859 Hepatitis B & C, HIV, VDRL. Conference held on ‘Islamic Perspective of Education’ Yasir Hamid / Syed Hamid bate said, “Islam defines education development to create spiritual hu- Showkat said. as a sacred mission totally based on man being.” “Islam encourages understand- tudents’ Welfare Trust (SWT) honesty.” Pointing to the drawbacks of ing every innovation in a proper con- organized a one-day State He said Islamic education was modern system of education, Lone text,” he said. SLevel Teachers’ conference based on universal principles of claimed “Modern system of educa- Hussain said that Islam looked on ‘Islamic perspective of Education’ justice. “It caters both to the moral tion gives end products like engi- for adjustable aspects to prevail in in the auditorium of SP Higher Sec- and ethical as well as professional neers, doctors teachers etc, it fails its thought process- accept what is ondary School Srinagar on June 22. development of individuals leading to produce a person with humanity.” Islamic and reject un-Islamic. “The aim of the conference to establishment of a stable society,” Lone, who has authored a book He said that obstacles coming was to highlight the advantages of he said. titled “Contribution of Muslim sci- in the way of Islamisation of knowl- Islamic concept of education over He also asserted that the con- entists in Medieval Ages” deliberat- edge crop up mainly from extreme the existing western system of flicts in the present system emerge ed on the achievements of Muslims “dogmatism” of Ulemas and rulers. education,”according to the orga- as a result of “elimination of the ele- in various branch of Science said. “Ulemas plunge into physical sci- nizers of the conference. ment of sacredness from education”. Dr. Hussain talked on “Islami- ences and tend to Islamise things Eminent persons who spoke on Speaking on the topic “Islam sation of Knowledge” and the obsta- there. Rulers tend to mould educa- the occasion included Dr. Shiekh and Education”, Dr Ghulam Qadir cles in its way. tion system according to their own Showkat Hussain, who teaches Law Lone spoke about the real meaning He said that Islamisation of interests,” he said. at Kashmir University; Dr Ghulam of education in Islam. He highlight- knowledge was a synonym for Ijti- The conference was organized Qadir Lone, author and renowned ed the contribution of Islam for the haad in the field of education. by SWT in collaboration with Is- Islamic scholar; Reyaz Ahmad propagation of education in the past. “This means that Quran and lami Jamiat-e-Talaba. President of Shah, research scholar of Islamic “Education in Islam means that traditions of Prophet Muhammad IJT Shabir Ahmad Falahi and Sec- Studies. Teachers from different an individual should recognize his (SAW) must form the basis of in- retary of Student’s Welfare Trust districts of valley participated in the Creator,” he said, adding, “It does ference in all matters in which Omar Khalid were present on the debate on the theme. not mean rising of physical status Muslims seek guidance of Shariah occasion. Shah, who presided over the de- and standards only but aims overall (Islamic Law) including education,” 7 MERCTIMES Machine-made Amritsar shawls sold under brand Kashmir Fazil Butt crafts to tourists and even Kash- miris. Such handicrafts are cheaper Much to the concern of local than handmade ones and are pro- artisans and art lovers, machine- duced more quickly, attracting more made shawls from Punjab are being customers. It also gives them more sold in the name of Kashmiri handi- profits than the handmade ones.” crafts by some unscrupulous traders Talking about Kashmiri Pash- bringing bad name to the world fa- mina, Ishtiaaq says, “It still stands mous brand. in its pure form because its custom- “These traders are giving a bad ers, though very rare, recognize it.” name to Kashmir by maligning its “Despite its high cost, it was a cul- precious art. We lodged a complaint another senior member of KCCI, in the name of Kashmiri brand,” he ture that a mother would pass it to against such traders, but the au- our ancestors were known for their says. her daughter on wedding and the thorities always turn deaf ear to our honesty and dedication due to which Ishtiaaq adds that in the age of process would go on. But now ev- grievances,” said former president Kashmiri handicrafts were appreci- technology the handiwork has lost eryone including tourists want it at of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce ated world wide. “We ourselves are its relevance. “Today industries in cheap rates for which the machine and Industries, Muhammad Amin responsible for its present state. Punjab copy the design of Kashmiri made handicrafts have replaced the Tramboo. Today handicraft traders are com- handicrafts and the same are sold hand made ones.” According to Ishtiaaq Ahmad, pelled to sell Amritsar based shawls in the name of Kashmiri handi- Baskin-Robbins delights Mechatronics City ice-cream lovers workshop held at KU Ahsan Ul Haq Baskin-Robbins, the largest ice-cream speciality store in the world, Aamir Manzoor gy,” said a mechanical engineering student has opened its outlet in Srinagar. from Bihar, Prashant Kumar. The Srinagar franchise, situated at Sangarmal shopping com- six-day course on ‘Mechatronics’ “Such workshops not only consolidate plex, claims that it will be offering ice creams throughout the year. , first of its kind in the valley, was our mechanical positions but give us fur- “Baskin-Robbins will be the only ice cream shop in city, which Aheld at Ghandi Bhawan of Univer- ther opportunities to the new concepts like will remain open throughout the year,” said the manager, Baskin- sity of Kashmir. The workshop was organ- digitisation and electro-mechanical tech- Robbins, Srinagar, Junaid Shadad. ised by the Department of Electronics and nology,” he said. People are already thronging the shop to lick flavours like Instrumentation Technology in collabora- The course, according to the faculty, is Strawberry, Blue Bubble Gum, Mango, Orange and Kaju as well as tion with Department of Mechanical Engi- aimed at finding new ways of technological gulp milk shakes and mango shakes. neering, National Institute of Technology. research and implementation. “The modern “About 300 people visit us every day to taste the flavours of The course was inaugurated by Vice world is facing an electronic boom. This Baskin and Robbins,” said one of the sales men at the shop. Chancellor, Kashmir University, Prof Talat workshop of six days is to teach partici- Baskin and Robbins is a global chain of ice-cream parlours Ahmad. pants the use of electronics in mechanical founded by Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins in 1945. It has over 6,000 While interacting with the partici- field,” said Banday. stores worldwide in 35 countries. pants, Prof Talat said, “Students have Scholars from G.G.S College of Modern Although no specific technique is used for the preparation of to use the instruments and gadgets and Technology Punjab, Shri Mata Vishno Devi ice-creams that will be available for winters, attracting customers should have free access to our laboratories.” University Katra, NIT Srinagar, Islamic during the chilly winters will be a tough task for the franchise. He said the practical knowledge of University of Science and Technology and “As winters in Kashmir tend to be very cold, it will be very dif- things helps in making the base of the SSM College of engineering participated in ficult for people who are engaged with the ice-cream business to students strong. “Real knowledge comes the workshop. attract people to buy ice-creams,” said Shahid Dar, a customer from through practical work,” he said. “The workshop tells us about the real Shopian. The course is an amalgam of mechani- technology which is dominating the scene Some people are happy with the opening of the shop because cal engineering, electronic engineering at present,” said an electro-mechanical otherwise they had to visit other states of the country to taste these and digital controls. “The course is aimed scholar Rajiv Kumar. mouth-watering flavours. to make students knowledgeable about the Students also expressed their satisfac- “I am very happy that the Baskin Robbins has opened in Sri- latest trends in electro-mechanical world,” tion with the workshop and called for more nagar,” said Shahid Hamid Khan, a resident of Maisuma. said organising secretary and senior facul- such programmes in future. “We used to find these flavours in New Delhi,” he added. ty, Department of Electronics, Mohammad “This workshop was very insightful for, Others, however, whine about high prices charged at the shop. Tariq Banday. in fact it drew me out from the conventional A single bowl of Blue Bubble Gum ice cream costs Rs 54. Students from various institutions thinking of engineering,” said a student “The price of the ice-creams is too much for us to buy,” said Sal- participated in the course and are looking from SSM, Abid Ahamd. eem Yousuf Shah, a student of NIT Srinagar. forward for the further such courses. “The “More such workshops must be held for “I prefer to go to other places like Boulevard, Chinar Park or course is a good attempt and it is the best Kashmiri students so that he can compete Zabarwan Park because the facilities like music, view of Dal Lake, way to keep pace with the latest technolo- outside the valley.” the environment are missing here.” MERCTIMES 8 Smokers find hard JKFMAC holds to give up Kashmir Comedy Umer Farooq I can’t control myself and that feeling is really Theatre Fest irritating,” he adds. Jibran Ali Shabir, Asif and Shoaib are in their late teens and The increase in the number of smokers, par- often meet at a graveyard in Sanat Nagar locality of ticularly among youth, has emerged as a major To revive the traditional theatre of Kashmir, J&K Srinagar to smoke far from anyone’s notice. concern among people in the valley. According Film Makers and Artists Cooperative Limited (JK- When asked about the harmful effects of to oncologists, the number of cancer cases is in- FMAC) organized a 10-day Kashmir Comedy The- smoking on health, Asif says, “Death is in the creasing in Kashmir valley, with many of the atre Festival at SKICC, Srinagar. The festival was hands of God.” lung cancer cases related to smoking. inaugurated by Governor Shri N N Vohra on June “This is my lone partner who has never left “Till 2000 heart diseases were considered to be 25. me,” he says as he points to a burning cigarette the number one killer disease followed by lung can- Speaking on the occasion, Vohra hoped that in his hand. cer, now lung cancer has taken the lead,” says Dr. the series of comedy plays would help bring back “It burns for us in just Rs 2.50,” he adds. Sheikh Aijaz Aziz, who heads the Oncology depart- smile on the faces of Kashmiri people. “Over the Shabir chips in. “If he (Asif) is such a good ment at SKIMS, Srinagar. past years, people of the valley have forgotten to advocate of smoking and if it (smoking) is really “Esophagus and stomach cancers are the other smile, but this is the time for them to smile again,” worth it, why doesn’t he encourage his younger most commonly found cancers in the valley,” he says, he said. brother to smoke.” adding that most of them are related to smoking. The play namely ‘Local Taxes Extra,’ written Asif only responds with a smile. “On average, I see 10 to 15 cancer patients by Dr Sohan Lal Koul and directed by Ayash Arif, For Shabir smoking has become more of ad- every day, most of which are related to smok- was performed at the inaugural function. diction than choice. “In my childhood days, I used ing,” says Dr Aziz. The organizers informed that 10 plays related to collect left over bits of cigarettes in a local play Ghulam Nabi (name changed) is under treat- to different sections of society shall be staged dur- ground and smoke. I hesitated to go to a shopkeeper ment for lung cancer at SKIMS. ing the 10-day festival. “We are also going to orga- asking for a new cigarette. Now I smoke heavily and “I worked as a daily wager in PDD. I used to lift nize a similar festival in Jammu later this year,” I can’t leave it (smoking) even if I wish to. I keep and erect poles on my own, but now I can’t even lift they said. promising myself not to smoke again only to break myself,” he says. On the occasion, the Governor also released a it later,” he says. “I was having Rs 60000 as savings but I had to book titled, ‘Theatre Akh Tarruf’ written by Ashok Peer influence is regarded as one of the reasons spend the entire amount on cancer therapy. I don’t Jailkhani, Additional Director General, Doordarshan. for the habit of smoking among younger people, and have any money left now and the treatment is pretty Among others present on the occasion Shabir is no different. costly. I can’t afford to keep my family here. Last were first lady Usha Vohra, Director Informa- “In the company of friends it is really difficult to time when I spoke with my mother over phone I tion Farooq Renzu , Deputy Director General resist smoking,” he says. asked her about my children and wife and she broke Doordarshan Dr Rafiq Masoodi and Justice “I feel very unhealthy. With smoking I feel down. I also couldn’t stop myself from crying.” Bashir Khan. OYK organizes ‘Let’s paper Bag’ Young Kashmiris stand up for polythene-free Valley Suheem Ahmad one of the organizers, Irtif Lone. The participants expressed ment. “Paper bags are degradable The event their enthusi- and can be recycled while poly- tudents from different focused on re- asm about the thene bags are non-biodegradable schools, colleges and other ducing poly- event. “It was which pollutes the environment,” a Sinstitutions participated in thene in Sri- a wonderful participant, Aamir said. an event of making paper bags to nagar city. experience to The purpose of the OYK team raise awareness about the hazards “Partici- be the part of is to unite different sections of so- of polythene among the people. pants got old the event. I feel ciety to bring a positive change in The event titled “Let’s Paper n e w s p a p e r s proud to con- the society. “We are from diverse Bag”, held at Institute of Hotel from their tribute my time backgrounds. Students, working Management- Rajbagh, was or- home and for Eco-friendly professionals, entrepreneurs etc sit ganized by One Young Kashmir crafted bags Kashmir,” Iqra, together and focus on social, cultur- (OYK), a youth organization. out of them to a participant al environment and economic ini- “Through an interactive and send a message said. tiatives,” said a group of organisers. fun way of making paper bags, we of Eco-friendly Plastic bags The event concluded on a mu- aim to create awareness and in- Kashmir,” said are one of the sical note with the performance crease consciousness about the ex- another orga- most prevalent of Roshan Illahi (MC Kash), Zero istence and use of paper bags,” said nizer, Zuhaib Qureshi. types of litter polluting environ- Bridge band and Irfan Bilal.

Patron: Vice-chancellor Prof. Talat Ahmad Editorial team: Mir Usman, Sheikh Saleem, Adil Mushtaq. Chief Editor:Dr Shahid Rasool, Editor: Muslim Jan, Sub-Editor : Suhail Ahmad, Graphic Designer: Aga Shahi e-mail: [email protected] The opinions expressed in the write ups are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy of MERC Times or the department of Media Education Research Centre