Vol: 2 | No.: 1 | 15 April 2009 Lab newspaper of Media Education Research Centre for private circulation only

He said, “We have such gardens in Europe but this kind of setting is not there” TULIP FESTIVAL KASHMIRIN

Nida Rafi q Shiekh The garden is known as Siraj Bagh and offi cially known as Indira Gandhi Tulip rinagar, April 11: More than sixty varieties of Tu- Garden. lips, all imported from Holland, were showcased This year the main attractions, be- Sat Siraj Bagh during the Tulip Festival from 7th to sides the vibrant Tulips, were the 14th April. About 12 lakh bulbs spread over 200 ka- daily cultural shows, sale and dis- nals of land greeted the guests during the festival. The play of handicrafts and handlooms, Siraj Bagh is situated in , the summer capital agro products and traditional foods of Jammu and , at the foot of the Zabarwan organized by the J&K Tourism. Tan- Hills, overlooking the famous . vir Ahmed, Inspector of Tulip Gar- den said, “ Around 5000 people visit the Siraj Bagh on holidays, out of which 80% are na- tional and foreign tour- ists and about 1500-2500 people visit it daily”. Joseph Jacob, a doctor from Italy, found the setting of the gar- w e r e i n den very distinctive. He said, “We full bloom but this week have such gardens in Europe but many fl owers have withered”. this kind of setting is not there”. Currently, the Tulips are Sen Thil, from Chennai found the spread over 200 kanals of land garden very colorful and eye ap- but the target of the authorities is pealing! 700 kanals and from next year they The Tulips are very sensitive; as a are planning to export the Tulip cut result the constant rains in the month of fl ower. The Siraj Bagh is the biggest Tu- It is pertinent to mention here that this garden April damaged the fl owers of the garden. Sasha Matthews lip garden in Asia, but the authorities are was the dream project of the former Chief Minister, from Italy who visited the garden for the second time said, working towards making it the biggest in the Gulam Nabi Azad, and was inaugurated last year. “Last week the view was much more beautiful as the Tulips world. THE SUNDAY MARKET FOOD HABITS OF 5 6 2 MERCTIMES 2 THE UNTOLD STORY OF Nazir Ahmad Ganaie from Budgam shares the unheard tale of the place of his birth.

udgam district came into exis- towards this district”, said Nazir Ahmad tence as a separate administration Khan, a student and a social activist. “The Blimit in 1979, carved out as it was rush of tippers and other vehicles has af- the erstwhile district Srinagar. Budgam is fected our lives very badly and we have situated at an average height of 5,281 ft. lost many precious lives”, he added. above sea level and at 75 degree E Lati- Budgam, the land of Sheikh Noor- tude and 34 degree N Latitude. The gen- ud-din Noorani R.A. and the dwelling eral topography of the area is both moun- place of different Sufi saints is known tainous and plain. While the southern and for its scenic beauty and holds a prestige south-western parts are mostly hilly, the of being a tourist attraction. Some of the eastern and northern parts are relatively most enchanting and world famous sites plain. The soil is loose and mostly denude. of Budgam are , Dodh Pathri, Khawaja Aazam Deedmari, a histo- Touse Meadaan, Chrar-i-sharief, Nil rian wrote that earlier Budgam region was Naag, Sokh Naag, Doodh Ganga and called as Deedmar Bagh. He also added many more. that it was densely populated hence called The only responsibility which comes Budgam which means “Big Village”. the railways have lost some beautiful land- conditions of roads and the problems they on the shoulders of the district adminis- Since last four years, the landscape of scapes. Because of the railways and other create for the locals of Budgam and other tration and the residents of the area is to Budgam has changed tremendously. construction projects of the government, adjoining districts. make it more attractive and alluring in The coming of train in Srinagar and many villages near Budgam town have Budgam, Gods gift to nature and terms of infrastructure and other admin- other parts of the valley brought a lot of been converted into shambles, the topog- home to many people, is loosing its charm istration related issues. happiness on the faces of Kashmiris. Peo- raphy of these areas have totally changed, day by day. In the name of development Budgam, being the nearest district ple who earlier suffered due to lack of fast which is having an adverse effect on the it is facing a lot of devastation which has to the summer capital and the place transport facilities would now be availing residents of Budgam. not only resulted in topographical changes where from one can take fl ights to rest the services of the train. The government The roads connecting Budgam to but has also affected health and sanitation of the world, needs a lot of heed from the employees, students and other people who other districts of Kashmir narrate simi- of the area. people at the helm of affairs. The present prefer to be at work as early as possible lar stories. If one wants to visit Srinagar, “We the people of Budgam are the government, especially Chief Minister won’t have any problems now. The people the nearest district to Budgam, he will victims of government’s apathy. Till now Abdullah, needs to take bold steps of Budgam who have given their land to himself come to know about the pathetic government has not shown any concern to restore the glory of the place.

FOOD HABITS OF Isra Amin traces the history of food habits in KASHMIRIS Kashmir.

he food habits of the common peo- considered as a high- able, as the in the markets of Srinagar – surati and ple have changed with each period ly nutritious food. killing of a sabz (Noon chai). Noon chai is highly Tthat Kashmir witnessed. Kashmir Dried fruit hokh cow was consumed by the people of Kashmir and is famous for its delicious foods. Kashmiri phal and dried veg- re- garded as it comes from various sources to Kash- food is famous for its scrumptious blend of etables hokh syun sacr ilege mir. spices and mouth watering presentations. formed an important by the Formerly guests were served with food In early periods the staple food of the article of diet in Sri- Sikh and stuffs like bread, baqir khani and kulcha inhabitants was rice, but wheat, barley, nagar during winter. the Dogra but with changing time and life style of maize and several other grains were also In winter both Hindus rulers. people and of course with establishment eaten. Vegetables such as turnip, radish, and consumed K a s h m i r of hotels and sweet shops in the city the lettuce and many other varieties were also a large number of turnips is also famous food habits of the people began to change very plentiful and were exclusively used. in large quantities. for water-nut or slowly. The presence of foreign bakery in The leaves of the Dandelion, Plantain, and Fish was also included in singhara which was the the city proved itself to be very obtrusive several other plants were made into soup the diet sheet of Kashmiris. The fl esh chief article of diet of hanjis as is evident from present situation. and the catkins of the walnut were em- of sheep and goat was eaten by the Mus- who lived on the margin of Dal, Nagin There was the time of nabad nout – ployed as food, seasoned with a little salt, lims and Hindus alike. Hindus would not and Anchar lakes. These people used to an earthen pot with boiled sugar inside it. mustard and walnut. touch poultry or eggs, garlic and onion, grind these singharas and make bread. This nabad nout was essentially used on The stem of the lotus called Nadroo, but they would eat wild foul and the eggs Kashmiris, rich and poor, had a great some auspicious occasions and predomi- boiled and fl avored was also eaten. It was of the lake birds. Beef was not procur- taste for tea. Two kinds found there way nantly on marriage ceremonies. 3 MERCTIMES

LANGUAGE AND MEDIA AHMAD IQBAL analyses the problems that is facing and the lack of attention from the media.

Kashmirecades as of now, since the emer- matter. We do not let the realistic miri journalism to enhance the gence of journalism in Kashmir, resonance to disturb our slumber. Life in different eyes of people language. They may blame that Dpeople related to the media have So, let’s know where does the there is no scope for such courses witnessed a meteoric rise to money and problem lie? in the market, but how will the fame. Links with politicians, industrial- Unveiling the unvarnished, A rich man bursts into laughter and said, scope be there when there is no ists, bureaucrats, et al has changed the pro- it’s more or less our problem. Life is money manpower to get things done. fessional interests of most of them. How come are we ready to sac- A poor man wearing rags and shivering with Don’t we feel that this is also a Media is said to promote the culture rifi ce our language at the cost of problem? Of course it is …. But of a society it dwells in. It gives masses foreign fl avor? We can be offered cold said, my heart sings: knowledge about their culture, which is variety of things against our cul- Life is struggle. Khamosh aai dil! Hai waqti at cross roads, and the values of their cul- ture, but it is we who have to A preacher in his lecture said, sada kuch aor… ture. choose and differentiate what is Here are some points which Talking particularly about print me- ours and whats not? Life is only way to reach god. can pull back our society from the dia, it has an immense role in promoting If a rose will try to avoid A soldier with a gun said, mess it is in. the language of a society. The language thorns which uncompromisingly Life is like a battle field. We should not feel inferior gives representation to the society on a stand erect beneath it, always to communicate in our own lan- global level and needs to be preserved. ready to jeopardize their lives for A sparrow flying freely in the sky said, guage; rather ensure that we com- Now___ where do we stand? How the comfort of rose- the rose will Life is freedom. municate in our own language many daily news papers do we have in lose its own charm. So why to A helpless bird in cage said, at every place and at every time Kashmiri language? blame thorns, if interest of roses media, particularly print media History stands a complete witness for has got changed? Life is bondage. should rise to enhance Kashmiri a plethora of cultural changes throughout Allama (r h) says: A prayer after his pray said, language. the globe. A century ago, English lan- MAGRIB KI GHULAAMI PE Life is worship of god. Media education centers guage was not as powerful as it is today. RAZAMEND JO HOUA TOU, should provide opportunities in English language has caught the taste of MUJE TO GILA TUJ SE HAI A lover waiting in loneliness said, Kashmiri journalism. every tongue, and the main part played for MAGRIB SE NAHIE, Life is hope in waiting. Not only will it militate, the drastic promotion of this language is Now something about the me- But Rameez says, Compel it will to abdicate. English journalism particularly print. dia education centers in the val- Options abundant, all at ease, How sad! A selfl ess competitive world ley. Students are offered courses Life is challenge to face. Few to boil, few to freeze. is knocking at our doors and we did not in English journalism, Urdu Rameez Ah Wani Celibate now hell is to come, allow a blink of our eye to observe the journalism, but nothing on Kash- Or juxtapose to beat the drum.

Nazima Shafi conducted in Hindi depart- rinagar, April 06: The results ADMISSIONS TO ment in order of the entrance tests for vari- to select the Sous courses in the arts stream c a n d i d a t e s conducted by the University of Kash- NEW SESSION for the course mir were declared last week. Despite as only a few 40% increase in the number of seats candidates ap- available in almost every department, plied and thus it is still for less as the number of as- KICK OFF AT KU whosoever ap- pirants has increased enormously. plied got se- With high hopes regarding the selec- The English department also wit- Out of this 55, lected. This year, only 15 can- tion, the aspirants enthusiastically nessed a rush of 410 aspirants for 16 seats were didates had applied including a appeared in the examinations so that total 71 vacancies, out of which 15 available for reserved backward candidate they can enter the highest seat of seats are meant for reserved candi- t h e while, the capacity learning. But luck favored only a few. dates &17 for the candidates apply- c a n - of the course was 60. “Hin- “2234 application forms had been ing on payment basis. While in the d i - di has no scope here in Kash- submitted by the aspirants in the Linguistics department, 235 aspirants d a t e s mir as it has not been intro- Urdu department for PG course, had applied for 60 vacancies in the having a duced at the school level in while as the number of available seats PG course out of which 15 seats were reserved cat- most of the schools of the was only 86, including 20 payment for the reserved candidates and 12 va- egory and the re- valley and also at the col- seats and 25 seats for the candidates cancies for the payment seats. maining 39 seats for lege level, so hardly a few students of reserved category”, said the sec- In Persian department, 74 candi- the candidates applying on the open are interested in doing a PG course tion officer of Urdu department, Mr. dates had applied for the entrance test, merit basis. in Hindi” said Raqeema, a student of Altaf. out of which 55 have got selected. However, no entrance test was Hindi. MERCTIMES 4

hile I get on to the highway care of my shoe laces as well because after traveling some distance, the road for the university, I have to yesterday, a young man stepped on gets narrower, stuffed with all the ‘crazy Catching the Last Service stand on the road side to wait the laces and edited the whole woven boys’, ‘road cruisers’, ‘cool guys’, ‘dhoom forW transport to pick me up. The very first structure of the laces! The second shot bikers’, ‘outlaw truckers’, and the like! The It started raining, thing I encounter is the late arrival of the goes like this that there is this man intensity of the drama builds here because no, it was snowing too! transport. I run out of my nerves because who exhales a strong breath straight now the film runs in slow motion with Oh, no! I’ve certain things to ‘do’, I have to reach on time. For some time I into my olfactory lobe and for a mo- a few narrow escapes from the truckers but can’t be reached with just ‘two’! try to persuade my neurons not to fight ment I feel it as an anesthesia. But, I with no number plates but obviously red, I need ‘four’ or ‘six’, for things yet to ‘fix’. They made me ‘busy’, with something very ‘cozy’? I somehow ‘managed’, and quite late, I ‘started’. I left the campus in haste, keeping in mind ‘haste makes waste’. Crossed the gate. With a run, with ‘wheels’ a ‘deal’ to be done. What is it that makes life chaotic especially when travelling in Kashmir After a ‘long wait’, Stop,comments Look, Mohammad Faheem Ul Go! came the ‘date’. Finally arrived a four wheeler, with each other, convince them and make realize it later that the person is late blue and white ‘up-arrows’, with triangles no different, he was a similar ‘dealer’. them understand to get adapted to such for his office and in frustration he has and rectangles! The sequence continues On my foot thumb, got ‘in’ but ‘out’? a phenomenon. Frustration is obvious on had a cigarette. The wagon is so stuffed till a stage comes where all of us have to As usual, ‘stop’, ‘go’, the man would shout! my face so much so that I start checking that I start suffocating and you know how get down for security check, resulting in a Yet in the first mile, time in minutes and seconds which oth- conscious we are about ventilation! There loss of another 5 to 10 minutes. he came with ‘no smile’. erwise, I don’t check even in hours. How- is this man whom I request to slide the Nevertheless, in next shot there is this Where? Dash dash, I replied, ever, after showing all my patience, here window pane, who with executive looks raised road surface which is not coloured crushed me, pushed me, aside. come the wheels. ignores and looks at his watch. I learn it at all and our driver misses to slow ‘Give’, he shouted, ‘chiller’? Nevertheless, after getting into the later that he has to face an interview for down at that invisible ‘speed breaker’ I winked, let me hold some ‘pillar’! chariot the ‘establishing shot’ of the film a job? making all those not slept well, last Ok. Hurry up, he maintained. is this that it is stuffed so much that I However, the next shot is a different night, conscious that they are about to So did I, the wheels are not ‘accelerated’! have to first decide where to touch the one with a transition. There is the same reach their destinations. The whole scene was an argument, floor, without forgetting the ‘uneven road gentleman with executive looks, whom I Finally, in the last shot, all try to get not with me, but obviously an amusement! surface’. Then I start looking for a place ask the time as it is not only difficult but down first which is never possible and Got down, received a ‘call’, not to sit but to stand, if at all I happen absolutely impossible to check that from consequently no one succeeds in getting this was my mom, oops, escaped a ‘fall’! to stand on both my feet! To stand is fine my ‘cell phone clock’ because of the wag- down safely as some one loses his t-shirt Don’t you ‘wait’, I’m on the ‘way’, but to stand that too on just one foot is on’s ‘state of art’ packaging! button and some one is hooked up with she is ‘worried’, I would say. something that builds the drama. Although there is no interval in the some screw of the door! And I am the Repeating the same ‘scene’, as earlier, While I stand on just one shoe, be- film, but the next few shots run in ‘fast last to get down because I have to write caught ‘four’, ing careful from falling, I have to take forward’ as do the wheels! All of a sudden, an account of the whole film! again ‘stand’, had no ‘floor’. We are getting ‘late’, yelled a man at the back, better ‘carry’ us, on your shoulder, as ‘sack’! Gear up man, we don’t want to ‘miss’, PAHARIS IN KASHMIR we have to go ‘beyond’, catch the ‘last service’! Liyaqet Geelani factor is that there has been no good because of the Scheduled Tribe status. The ‘distance’ was too ‘vast’, representation of Paharis at state level, To re-establish themselves the Pa- finally caught the ‘last’! iterally Paharis are the hari community set up a forum Got in, a ‘six’, was it, people who reside in far few decades back known as ‘All after ‘long’, got to ‘sit’! flung, hilly areas and Jammu and Kashmir Pahari I was second after the third, Lusually speak Pahari language. Culture and Welfare Forum and a scream, I heard. In Kashmir Paharis have dom- (AJKPCWF)’. In 1990’s it lost A lady behind my seat, inated certain conspicuous re- its hold but again in 2005 due with her son very neat. gions like Karnah, Uri, Sindh to efforts of some dedicated Talking to someone, on phone, Belts in Bandipora, , and responsible people of the for me not known, , Pooch, and Rajouri. community the forum was complaining about her husband, with In fact, at present one would recognized and reaffirmed the whom she had a fight, find one Pahari speaking per- achievement of prime goal. which I could smell was right! son in every ten Kashmiris. That was gain of Scheduled It turned absolute dark, Along with Gujjars, Paharis Tribe status for Pahari com- and ‘dogs’ with their extremes, started usually occupy the hilly areas munity, in order to uplift the ‘bark’! and bear the tough climatic downtrodden section of the Meanwhile, he came, took the fare, conditions of the region. that is why Paharis are still living in society. To preserve the Pahari culture I was ‘far’, yet so ‘near’. Pahari speaking people are mostly their previous setup. is again in the agenda of AJKPCWF. Shock! My phone got canned, turned off, stout, fair and friendly. According to Located on the borders of the state, There are few Paharis who have on ‘technology’ had a laugh! a survey there are more than 20 lakh Paharis have always been neglected by been able to come up and many oth- But the ‘wheels’ so moving, I had a ‘nap’, Pahari speaking people in Jammu the authorities and the administration. ers are striving and struggling hard. and in my ‘mind’, made a ‘road map’. and Kashmir. But the conditions of Few decades back the Gujjar communi- To uplift this culturally rich section To my ‘home’, I reached, all alone, this most ignored section has not yet ty was sanctioned as Scheduled Tribe, of society, achievement of Sched- with an ache, oh! My back bone! improved since Independence. The but the same Pahari who is the neigh- uled Tribe status is compulsory and welfare and the overall development bor of that very Gujjar was once again this is the only thing which can Mohammad Faheem Ul Islam of Pahari community has never been neglected. From then onwards Gujjars bring a ray of hope and happiness to given attention. Though one prime have been able to sustain and progress the Paharis. 5 MERCTIMES THE SUNDAY MARKET P.S.BALI branded pants, sweaters, shoes, ight fl ickering through the caps, blankets branches of chinar trees be- and the oth- neath which stand the foot- er day to day path vendors busy dealing products make with customers in a bid to convince this market a them.L Aff ordable at a reasonable price, common man’s the products speak of their own to grab mall. the gaze of the customer. “Being a Over the years, Sunday market at student it is very Lal Chowk has emerged as the hub of hard to pur- attraction for Sunday shoppers. Th ou- chase expensive sands of people, especially those who products from remain busy on weekdays, can be seen the market as thronging the market. Th e market present phase stretches from Srinagar Road Trans- is going through the recession. So it visit”, says Rashid, a vendor. ing by this the Sunday market business port Corporation (SRTC) up to the is better to come to Sunday market But the existence of this market in will never face any problem from law west end of Lal Chowk, near Kashmir to keep your hobby alive. I come here city’s commercial hub has raised many enforcing agencies”, said a vendor, who Haat. twice every month to make purchases” questions as these roadside shopping spoke on the condition of anonymity. While shops and business estab- says Aijaz of Gopalpora, who travels a stalls are no less than annoying for the Th e Sunday Market vendors, how- lishments in Lal Chowk remain mostly distance of 11 kilometers to buy a vari- pedestrians and vehicle owners, for ever, have no reservations with relocat- closed on Sundays, Sunday market en- ety of stuff from Sunday market. them it becomes very diffi cult to com- ing their makeshift stalls if provided joys brisk business with over fl owing “It is a better place to fi nd wide mute through the huge number. For with some suitable place elsewhere. rush of customers who come from all variety of goods” says Saleem from Be- this the government should shape out a “We have no problem in shifting our walks of life, and buy products on the mina. separate space for these Sunday market business from Lal Chowk if the gov- relatively cheap rates. “Th is market is suitable for all vendors. ernment provides us with space to earn Th e market selling second hand ages, as a mother, I easily fi nd warm According to sources, the Sunday our livelihood” says Mohd. Ganaie, a garments and other products attract and cozy clothes for my daughter”, says market vendors in order to carry on Sunday market vendor. customers from ever y nook and cor- Ruksana from Lal bazaar. with their business have to shell out a “Th ere are thousands of youth, ner of the Valley. Sunday market is “Sunday market not only attracts commission on monthly basis for police who rely on Sunday market business. fl ooded with readymade garments and the locals but it is also fancy of the out- personnel. “Sunday market provides a How can government stop their live- meets the requirements of people, both siders, this place is like any other visit- good income to police as these garment lihood without suggesting an alterna- in winter and summer seasons. From ing place in Kashmir for the visitors to vendors provide them with money. Go- tive?”

Muzafar Wani in mice and also resulted in memory that short term health eff ects such as noted that waves with frequency of loss and formation of tumors. anxiety, tension and tiredness are not 2450 MHz were used while as cellular ver since its invention the wire- While some controversial ex- caused by the emission of phone masts. phone usually works around 800 MHz less cellular phone has gained periments may suggest that excessive Heart rate and blood pressure don’t get and that the time and condition of the popularity in the whole world exposure to microwaves can be harm- aff ected either. exposure to the microwaves could not E be compared to the ex- posure humans get while talking on the cellular phone. W h e t h e r the radiations are harm- Mobile Phone ful or not exposure level to microwaves can be decreased by limiting harmful or not ? the time you spend on phone, by using land- line, by switching off cell and it has became the inseparable part ful, these experiments involve expo- phone when not in use, and of the human lives. However, there is sure at much greater rates and in much A c - by using speaker phone or always a concern about the harmful ef- diff erent conditions than those of cell c o r d - ear piece. fects of the electromagnetic radiations phone users. ing to Although it emitted by this wireless gadget. Nu- On the other hand the recent s t u d ie s remains a controversy merous studies have been conducted research reports published by Cellular p u b - whether cell phone ra- on this subject. Telecommunications Industry Asso- lished in diations are harmful or Dr George Carlo, former ciation (CTIA) state that, the users of the journal not yet more research fi ndings have chairman of wireless technology re- the cell phone don’t run the high risk of Ameri- c a n come up with positive results and re- search (WTR) has stated that studies of getting cancer than non users. Th e Medical As- sociation (Dec jected the myths of serious harmful ef- of possible harm from cellular phones research fi ndings discarded the earlier 2008), there is no risk of developing fects regarding the wireless phone us- indicate evidence of genetic damage in reports that human cellular DNA gets brain tumors, memory loss, birth de- age. human blood and brain cancer among mutated by cell phone radiations. fects and negative impact on behav- So if you have minutes avail- wireless phone users. Such studies Reports based on the three iour. able, don’t think before you speak, pointed out that exposure to micro- year extensive study conducted by the In a recent study involving you can call your friends and relatives waves doubled the immune cancer cells scientists at university of Essex state the rates of cancer by CTIA, it was without any fear or harm. MERCTIMES 6

DARGAHAN EPITOME HAZRATBAL OF FAITH

Raunaq Zahoor same. Ghulam Nabi sells his bak- ery out side the shrine. He says, “I undreds of people come to consider my self blessed and I can- pay their obeisance at Dar- not earn more anywhere else than gah Hazratbal each day. what I earn here in front of this SomeH have a special prayer others sacred shrine.” At the same time come to pay homage to this magnifi- he expressed unhappiness because cent shrine. Yet, there are many who government is going to remove his come here to spend a day with their shop in the next demolition drive. family. According to him government of- Kashmiri Muslims consider ficials say that it would be easier Hazratbal shrine as one of the most to manage crowds if the shop is revered shrines of Kashmir. This is demolished. because of the respect they have for Other than the locals tourists their beloved prophet Mohammed from different states of and (S.A.W.), whose relic is preserved other foreign countries also visit here. Huge crowds from different the shrine. This becomes another places are drawn to this shrine on source of livelihood for the peo- the festivals. People from different ple of Hazratbal. Whether they sects and far off villages come here earn any thing or not they con- on such occasions. sider themselves privileged to be With such a scenic location who near the shrine always. People of would not like to spend a day in the Kashmir have an undying faith in lap of this shrine? Hazratbal shrine They come here when they have to cel- groom to celebrate and seek blessings. this shrine. is usually flocked by families on Sundays ebrate. A middle aged woman Rafiqa The people who live around find The following verse from Kashmiri and holidays. says, “A few years back my son was very themselves lucky. Those who work poetry tells it all: According to a security personnel em- ill, every one said that he was going around feel they are blessed. Hilal Hazratbal kai boen shehjaras , ployed in the shrine more than 20,000 to die. I came here and prayed for his Ahmed Dar, who takes people on a ride Wan sarkaras, people come to offer prayers on Fridays health and with the blessings of Allah on his shikara says that he is fortunate Ummatik zaar. and around 1000 people visit the shrine he became hale and hearty within days.” enough to be in front of the shrine and (Under the shady Chinars of Hazrat- on other days. The primary reason that The trend of tying nuptial knots has that he takes devotees on a ride on his bal, attracts people to this shrine is faith. picked up over the years. The two fami- shikara. Not only the shikara owners I will narrate the woes of ummat to the They come here when they are in grief. lies come with the would be bride and but the shopkeepers around also feel the master.) OUTGOING STUDENTS’ INTERNSHIP PRESENTATIONS

Benish office, KU, Shahana Butt- Press TV ( A newly born international channel), Sa- rinagar, April 10: The students of meer-ul-Hassan- Daily Greater Kash- MERC 4th semester made their mir, Mudasir and Bilal- Daily Kashmir internship presentations on 8th Images, Shazia- Magazine Kashmir andS 10th of April, 2008. The presenta- Life, Maroosha- Indian Express, Meh- tions were made in front of the HOD raj- Indian Express, Shahid- BBC ra- MERC and the faculty. Students of 3rd dio, Imtiyaz- Radio Kashmir, Khur- semester were also present there. sheed Yousuf- Daily Kashmir Images, The students had to undergo a 21 Danish Nabi- Daily Greater Kashmir, day internship as a part of the course. Sana Altaf- Kashmir Newsline, Javed The students displayed their proficien- Parray- Radio Kashmir, Tasim Zahid cies in different forms of media- print and Arifa- Hindustan Times( Online placements. Maroosha’s story ‘Conflict ences of first hand reporting. They talk- and broadcast. They had interned with Version), Sumaya Qureshi- Indian Ex- between Mother and Son’ had appeared ed about what they learnt in the field and different reputed local, national and in- press, Aliya- Hindustan Times, Srina- in 35 editions of Indian Express all over how their studies came in hand at times. ternational media organizations. gar Bureau and Sadaf Bushra- Indain India. Shahana Butt is the only female They were evaluated by the MERC fac- The organizations they worked with Express. reporter of any International TV chan- ulty. The students of 3rd semester who are: Mohammad Numan- NDTV, Sri- Many of them had been able to nel from the valley. were present in the audience learnt from nagar Bureau, Abdullah Danish- PRO prove themselves and secured good The students shared their experi- the experiences of their seniors. 7 MERCTIMES THE FUTURE OF CRICKET IN PAKISTAN!

Waheed Mirza Pakistani fans from watching any major stadium. Eng- cricket event in their homeland. land is tipped ver the past few years, Indian Sidelining all the security fears the off to be a strong sub continent has emerged as the Srilankan team dared and gestured to play contender to most happening cricketing venue test cricket in Pakistan but had to pay a host major- inO the world of cricket. No parallels can be heavy price, their cavalcade on its way to ity of Pakistan’s drawn with the popularity of this game in Gaddafi stadium Lahore was attacked by home series matches. England and Wales play and spend lots of money and pre- the region. Not only does this game attract heavily armed militants, injuring 8 crick- cricket board have already offered some of cious time. The stringent laws pertain- legions of fans to grounds it also generates eters shocking cricket fraternities all over its grounds to the PCB. It’s believed cities ing to get visa in countries like Eng- 80% of revenue. Besides India and Sri- the world The belief that cricketers will strongly populated with Pakistani citi- land makes it even more problematic Lanka, Pakistan forms a vital cog in terms never be targeted by militants has dissi- zens will provide much needed fan base exercise. of viewer-ship and revenue generation and pated after this attack. to cheer Pakistan cricket team. Pakistan With no international cricket go- has been a breeding place for some of the The game of cricket will never be the is left with no option but to play at neu- ing to be played in Pakistan in near fu- world’s most dominating cricketers. same again courtesy to this unprecedented tral venues though the move is going to ture and kids being deprived of watch- But, security concerns in the region attack. Pakistan is now officially being -de hit Pakistan cricket badly in the long ing their stars in action on home turf, have put a big question mark on future of clared unsafe to play cricket. It has resulted run. they mighty not get lured to play the cricket in the country. The political insta- in heavy financial losses and more impor- Pakistan has to share revenue with game. The first class cricket will also be bility and barrage of suicide attacks in tantly injuring Pakistan’s cricketing status the countries that will host its home affected big time as focus of authorities Pakistan have forced various foreign teams in the world. matches plus there will be serious prob- will be pronouncedly shifted to orga- to cancel their tours-virtually marking the The Pakistan cricket board has pleth- lem in finding sponsors while playing nize matches at neutral venues. isolation of Pakistan from world cricket. ora of problems on its plate. at neutral venues. This will not help There seems no respite for Pakistan Major teams like Australia, India, South To its credit PCB is trying its level the cause to resurrect financial condi- cricket in near future. Pakistan has to Africa have refused to travel to Pakistan best to work out ways to get Pakistan play tions of the PCB. Pakistani team will be at others mercy to take their cricket citing security concerns. The Champion’s its home matches at neutral venues. Abu be deprived of home conditions. Also, forward. The future looks bleak but we trophy was relocated from Pakistan to Dhabi is going to be one of those venues. support of home fans will be missed have seen Pakistan team rising from South Africa resulting in huge financial Pakistan’s home one day series against very badly, die hard fans have to travel ashes on numerous occasions; hope the loss to Pakistan cricket board and barring Australia will be played at Sheikh Zayed to other countries to watch their team same happens this time also.

in valley is in shambles due to the negli- gence of the authorities. Tourist Recep- Shabby sports tion Centre ground which has given birth to many great players, has been damaged with exhibitions, fairs and political speech- infrastructure in Kashmir es organized in this ground each year. The story of polo ground is no different. A lot Rafiq Ahmed Wani throws some light at the sorry state of sporting facilities ink ashmir needs to be done to improve the conditions of the ground. only cricket stadium in valley also lacks Abdullah announced that two new stadi- If this is the condition of the main ashmir is not only known for its many facilities like indoor practice facili- ums will be made one at Jammu and the sporting venues situated in Kashmir, one natural beauty and hospitality, ties, gym etc for the players. Only limited other at Srinagar. Till date nothing has can simply imagine the fate of others. but also for the exceptional talent players have access to play cricket in the been done in this direction. The lone indoor stadium in valley, Kwhich Kashmiri people have. They are stadium .Every cricket player has a dream “We hardly get six months for playing is under the occupation of security forces exhibiting it not only in the field of art, to bowl and bat on the turf so that he can cricket .The cricketing activities come to “We find it very difficult to go for practice handicrafts, but also in the field of sports. nourish his talent properly. standstill in the winter season .To remain there as we have to face lot of problems J&K after a gap of many years was giv- There is so much of raw talent avail- in touch with cricket in winter season we due to the presence of security personnel, en the honour to host the prestigious San- able in other districts of valley that can need indoor practicing facilities” said Par- which effects our performance” said Bilal tosh trophy. Bakshi stadium, lone football easily represent State at the national and minder Singh, a cricket player. He added Ahmed (name changed), a player. stadium in the valley, was to host most of international level. “Kashmir has plenty of that a player’s body has to bear a lot of bur- Even after lacking infrastructure, two the matches. For that purpose many steps talent but that needs to be utilized properly. den therefore a gym is needed to stay fit. players Eshfaq Ahmed and Mehraj-u-Din were taken to improve the condition of the We lack basic facilities and infrastructure. Kashmiri youth have a passion for Wadoo from Kashmir have made roads ground and its turf. A handsome amount So, the people from far-off places have to sports like cricket and football. It can be to the national football team and budding of money was spent for that purpose, but be content with matting cricket only. The seen from the fact that the youth throng cricketers from valley like Abid Nabi had the condition of the ground deteriorated need of hour is to have proper turf wick- to places like S.P.College, T.R.C, Polo the honor of bowling the first delivery of only after few matches were played there ets in each district.” said Javaid Ahmed, a ground etc for practice. If an empirical eye Indian Cricket league (ICL) tournament. and the matches were shifted to Kashmir cricket player. takes a look at these young guys playing, it When these players have been able to prove University grounds. Last year, the President of Jammu and will definitely say “what a talent”. there metal, others can follow suit if pro- Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket stadium, the Kashmir cricket association Dr. Farooq The condition of most of the grounds vided with proper facilities. MERCTIMES 8 KASHMIR ALL SET TO BE A POLYTHENE FREE ZONE

Mehmooda Bashir industries for cats and rendered about of the bio-degradable material. gram capacity polythene carry bags. two lakh people unemployed. We appeal Moving a step further, Jammu and These two capacities form hefty quan- rinagar Municipal Corporation polythene manufactures /dealers to close Kashmir Horticulture Department tity of polythene waste. (SMC) is planning to organize their establishments for the sake has procured 10,000 biodegradable Green Dream, a team of young a clear polythene drive in and of Kashmiris”. He also insisted bags which were imported by Agro boys and girls is active in bringing aroundS Srinagar within one month. In upon student to play their role industries Development Corporation awareness among people about various half a page long advertisement pub- in this mission of polythene from an Italian firm. The Horticulture environmental hazards resulting from lished in one of the local dailies, SMC free Kashmir D e p a r t - ment uses loads of polythene usage. Talking to MERC has asked people to refrain from using Meanwhile, acting in polythene bags to TIMES, one of the founding mem- polythene and also announced seri- the same direction Jammu raise as well as sell bers of the team, Khurram Wani said, ous action against those found using or and Kashmir State Pol- plants. “Theses bags “It is very wonderful if polythene is trading polythene. However, it has also lution Control Board are composed of Or- banned, we will get a chance to revive announced reward for any individual, (SPCB) through ganic compound de- our recyclable paper industry, willow organization or institution, which will a d v e r t i s e - rived from the starch of basket industries and cloth bags”. Ban collect one ton of polythene and hand it ments in local potatoes and corn. The soil on polythene would be beneficial to the over to SMC. “A medal, a shawl and a newspapers is fertility will not be affected on valley and its people in more ways than certificate will be awarded to the person/ spreading aware- decomposition of these bags”, said one. “It will help us in improving our organization /institution by Municipal ness among the com- Sonali Kumar, Principle Secretary economy, besides creating eco-friendly Corporation”, disclosed Farooq Renzu, mon mass about deleteri- Agriculture Production Department environment”, he added Municipal Commissioner, while talk- ous effects of polythene, and after handing over these bags to the de- Pertinent to mention that as per ing to MERC TIMES. Appealing to benefits of using bio-degradable partment at a function. SRO 182, polythene is a banned item. the polythene traders and dealers, Renzu carry bags. SPCB also organized a Reportedly, Kashmir Traders and However, under the law like this, what said, “Kashmiris have sacrificed Shah- workshop at SKICC wherein people Manufacturer’s Federation (KTMF), would be the quantum of punishment toos industries for the sake of some ani- were informed about various harmful in a decision announced that they for a person found using or trading poly- mals. Likewise, we have sacrificed fur effects of using polythene and benefits would avoid the use of 125 and 250 thene, remains a moot point.

Kashmir University Council Meet Hon’ble Vice chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Riyaz Punjabi signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Maltepe University at Istanbul in Turkey

2 day J&K IT conclave organised by EMMRC and MERC in collaboration with NASSCOM

Patron: Prof. (Dr) Riyaz Punjabi | Editorial team: Nida Rafiq Sheikh, Benish Ali Bhat, Muhammad Faheem ul Islam Chief Editor: Dr. Shahid Rasool, Editor: Muslim Jan, Graphic Designer: Akhter Rasool | 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 Media Education Research Center