The state of Jammu and Kashmir, with three distinct cultural

Transcription

1

2 Thought of the Month: One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of an extraordinary man Elbert Hubbard Culture From Editors desk Jammu and Kashmir Update is a unique initiative of Ministry of Home Affairs to showcase the positive developments taking place in the State. The ambit of the magazine covers all the three regions of the state with focus on the achievements of people. To make it participatory, the magazine invites success stories/ unique achievements, along with photographs in the field of sports, adventure sports, studies, business, art, culture, positive welfare initiatives, social change, religious harmony, education including pieces of art like drawings, cartoons, poems, short stories (not more than 150 words) or jokes on post Box No. 30, New Delhi, GPO, New Delhi Selected ones will be published in J&K Update. Smile Tenant: (Knocking frantically at his Landlord s door) I have come to tell you there is a rat in the house. Landlord: I told you, no pets The state of Jammu and Kashmir, with three distinct cultural units namely Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh, is known for its rich cultural heritage and a living pattern of its own. In Kashmir, Sufism has left a deep mark on the thought process of Kashmiris. In an effort to showcase and promote rich Kashmiri culture of Sufi and folk music, the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages jointly organised an event with North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Patiala for five days at different places in the valley like, Shalimar Bagh, Zabarwan Park, Chadoora and Acchabal garden. The valley virtually came alive with the music performed by noted singers from across the country. The event left the audience spellbound and the Artists looked delighted with the response. One of the singers Maggar Ali said, I feel very good with the response of the audience and realise that peace and brotherhood are here. We sometimes get news that people don t go to enjoy such programmes here. So it feels great when we see people relishing our music and sharing their culture, The event as given out by Rajinder Singh Gill, organising Director of NZCC, is a beginning of a series of such programmes which will cover all states to make people aware of our rich culture. Quran calligraphy exhibition held A large number of visitors thronged a three-day exhibition to see age old manuscripts written in different calligraphic styles in Srinagar. Copies on display ranged from ancient and medieval manuscripts to texts in the digital format. The exhibition was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in a bid to create awareness among the youth in the valley about the region s religious asset. The Quran has been translated in different languages, including Russian, Turkish, Chinese, Japanese and German, besides several Indian languages. There is also a copy of it in Braille. The main attraction of exhibition is 1237 A.D. handwritten Quran by Fateh-ullah Kashmiri. 2

3 J&K tourism website a hit among tourists Tourists in Jammu and Kashmir have praised the launch of the new website that provides up-to-date information of all the hotspots with the help of a click. The portal is attracting a large number of visitors to the scenic valley. TOURISM The website launched by the State Department of Tourism, is expected to make the beautiful valley more tourist friendly, as it will provide information regarding hotels, guest houses, travel agencies, houseboats and also the places to visit. Earlier, there have been complaints by tourists of being overcharged at various levels, and now they hope this issue will be taken care of. "For tourists, it's a great step, as with a website, the advantage is that you can see the whole catalogue while sitting at home, whether you want to see Kashmir or any other place for that matter. You also get to know the charges for a houseboat or even a hotel. The other benefit for the tourists is one does not have to pay the brokerage money anymore," said a tourist, Hitesh Patil. Nowadays people prefer to make online bookings and a website will help to provide all information at one go. Talking about the initiative, the Director of Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, Talat Parvez, said that in this age of technology, everyone needs to keep themselves at par with the latest trends. "The service delivery mechanism of our department is such that whether one is registering for a hotel room, a mule, looking after the tourists or taking care of their arrival and departure or any other matter we have decided to do it electronically. The portal will also be used to book taxis or even finding out information about travel agents." said Parvez. Kashmir, known as the Switzerland of the East, is heaven for skiers, honeymooners and film-makers who are drawn to its soaring peaks, fruit orchards and timber houseboats on the Dal Lake in Srinagar. 3

4 PM Narendra Modi inaugurates hydropower project and a transmission line in J&K Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 45 megawatt Nimoo-Bazgo hydro-electric power project and power transmission lines connecting the region with the country s northern grid in Leh. In his second visit to the valley as the Prime Minister, Modi also inaugurated the Chutak hydro electric project in Kargil. Development While addressing a public rally, the PM laid emphasis on the development of Jammu and Kashmir and focused on the `3Ps of growth. "These 3Ps - Prakash (light), Paryavaran (environment) and Paryatan (tourism) - are such powers that, if utilised properly, can be used for the benefit of not only Ladakh but for the entire country said the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister also indicated plans for major solar power projects in Ladakh. He added, "Solar energy in the Leh-Ladakh has been given importance in Indian government's budget and the focus is on a huge solar power, which is possible to be developed here. He also spoke about introducing saffron cultivation and organic farming in Ladakh and promised better road and transport linkages to the Himalayan state. He announced an additional 8,000 crores to finish pending projects in Jammu and Kashmir. Recalling the moments of Kargil war, PM Modi saluted the spirit of the people who cooperated with the soldiers during the 1999 war. He said, I have seen how the people of the region helped the soldiers who were fighting the war, due to which their morale remained high. I can still remember the day when Tiger Hills was won and Kargil celebrated it. Therefore, the feeling of patriotism in the people of Kargil and their motive to protect the nation will inspire the country... On July 26, 1999, the Indian armed forces defeated the Pakistani Army at the heights of Batalik, Kargil and Drass sectors in Jammu and Kashmir. 4

5 UDAAN s Flight and Feedback am Sheikh Touseef Rashid. I have recently completed I my Masters in Social Work from Kashmir University. I am extremely thankful for the training and guidance given to me by Shahi Exports through project Udaan". It gives me a chance to explore the world outside Jammu and Kashmir. The faculty at Shahi Exports training centre has not only taught technical aspects but also professional skills. With the help of behavioural training, I have now been able to improve myself. If I would have not chosen this opportunity of coming here, I would have been the same person as I was a month ago. I can feel the change in myself. At last I would like to say that the project Udaan encourages the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to explore the world of learning outside the state and grab the opportunity. Selection Drive Schedule for Udaan Project in September 2014 Udaan Partners Rooman Technologies, Apollo Skills, Shristi, 247, Accenture, CMC, Srei e Sehej, Religare, Learning Links is visiting in the month of September,2014. For more details please visit Kashmir residents hail NRHM scheme for reducing infant mortality rate The infant mortality rate has come down drastically in Jammu and Kashmir after the successful implementation of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) scheme. Women and health experts hailed the scheme especially for pregnant women as it provides several benefits to the latter and brings down the infant mortality rate in the valley. The NRHM is an initiative of the Government of India to address the health needs of people living in under served rural areas. Since the NRHM scheme has been implemented, a pregnant lady comes to us in the first six weeks. Her registration is done within the first six weeks. Then, for the entire nine months, we manage her properly, keep her under observation, and accordingly, whatever treatment is required, be it iron and folic acid or tetanus, we provide her that as per our parameters, said the in-charge of the primary health Centre at Sagam, Dr. Yousuf Ahmad. Announced in April 2005, the NRHM was initially tasked with the responsibility of addressing the health needs of 18 states, including Jammu and Kashmir, which had been identified as having weak public health indicators. The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), a safe motherhood intervention under NRHM, has been implemented to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by promoting institutional delivery among pregnant women. 5

6 Giving credit to this scheme, women say that the infant mortality rate in Sagam town in Anantnag District has come down. Earlier, the infant mortality rate used to Many villages across Jammu and Kashmir s Budgam District, who were facing acute drinking water shortage, will get a new lease of life. State authorities are building a 6,000 metric ton water reservoir near Khan Sahib Village to supply drinking water to some 17 villages in the district. New water reservoir in Budgam be higher, but after the launch of the NRHM, it has come down. Our pregnant women and mothers have received its benefits, said a relative of a patient, Shahzada Bano..According to officials, there has been 80 percent decline in infant and pregnancy-related deaths in the area since the launch of the scheme. Sagam has around 20 villages and a population of 150,000. A Government Primary Health Centre in Sagam provides transport to the hospital, medicines, food, x-ray, and ultrasound sonography facilities to the needy free of cost. Doctors undertake vaccination drives in the area regularly.. The government listened to our demand and constructed a new reservoir. We are happy and hope to get better water supply, added another villager, Ghulam Ahmad. The central government-funded project will soon be completed and will benefit some 800 families. 80 per cent of construction has been completed. We are trying to make it operational at the earliest, said Hakeem Yaseen, a local MLA. The area already had a 5,000 metric ton water reservoir, but that was not sufficient for the area. We were facing acute water shortage as the supply from old water tank was not sufficient. We hope that things will get better with the new water reservoir said Yasir Ahmad, a villager. The Public Health Engineering Department is constructing the water reservoir plant at the cost of around Rs. 60 lakh. 6

7 Cricket trials for budding cricketers held in the valley The Kashmiri youths have an immense potential in cricket and can perform well on the national level. The Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association conducted open selection trials for selecting the Under-14 cricket team from budding cricketers in Srinagar. A large number of young cricketers participated in the selection trial that was held at the Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium. YOUTH CORNER From the very beginning we have been doing Under- 14 training programmes and those in the age group of years, with potential, can be groomed here, so that they can reach heights like Parvez (Kashmiri cricketer Parvez Rasool) and even more than that." Vohra added that Rasool, who is presently playing for India A at international level, has been the source of inspiration behind the young talent coming forward. Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association selector Rakesh Vohra said that the aim was to hold trials and to identify and hone talent at an early stage."the trials give encouragement to budding cricketers. Moreover, every boy likes cricket. Everybody wants to compete. The reason behind producing this platform is to give opportunity to everyone, said Mr. Vohra. He added, A budding cricketer, Muneer, seemed very excited for the trials. He said "Two days back I saw an advertisement in the newspaper for Under-14 trials. Everyone is interested in it. Everyone wants to give trials. Everyone comes from different place to give the trials as they are very keen to master the sport It is for the first time in the state that the cricket body has started the process of forming Ranji trophy team in advance with selectors to reach out to players in every district for an open trial. 7

8 THE MONTH THAT WAS... Army launches `Operation Falah The Indian Army launched Operation Falah (Welfare) to clear the Tosa Maidan area of unexploded shells in Budgam district. So far, explosions in the area have claimed over 63 lives. After a local youth was killed by an unexploded shell on July 15 this year, the army decided to clean up the area to avoid any further loss of life. During the peak of militancy, several encounters took place and many ammunition dumping sites were also unearthed. Residents of Tosa Maidan praised the Army for the initiative. Talent hunt show for female singers Young girls from across Jammu and Kashmir recently took part in a two-day musical talent hunt titled 'Pa Ma Ga Re Sa 2014' in Srinagar. They sang Bollywood and regional songs. The selected participants will be given a chance to sing in Bollywood and Punjabi films. A cacophony of melodies from guitar, drums and electric keyboards sent out a message of love and peace in the valley. Lake cleaning drive The Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) launched a drive to clean the picturesque Nigeen (Nagin) Lake in Srinagar. Divided from the Dal Lake only by a causeway, the lake will help attract more tourists. Labourers were employed to undertake the cleaning drive of the lake, the beauty of which has been marred by the filth floating on the water and moss and weed growing inside it. House boat and Shikara owners hailed this step by the authorities to boost their tourismdriven business. Film screening on Sufi poet Mirza Ghalib A large number of people attended screening of a special documentary on renowned poet Mirza Ghalib at Kashmir Radio auditorium in Srinagar recently. Ghalib was the most prominent Urdu and Persian poet during the Mughal period. His poetry was both romantic and sad. The film screening was organized in collaboration with the Actors Creative Theatre (ACT) Group to honour the poet and highlight his contribution to Urdu poetry. Challenger Trophy Cricket tourney held With a view to nurture the sports talent and provide the opportunity to the youth, T20 cricket tournament, named Challenger trophy was conducted by 183, Bn CRPF during May- June Teams from Pulwama and Awantipora towns had participated in the tournament, which was played on knockout cum league basis. Final match was played between Young Star Pulwama and Muntaki Cricket Club Awantipora, on 26 June 14. While chasing the target of 130 runs in 20 overs set by the Young Star, the Muntaki Cricket Club could manage to score 125 runs for 8 wickets and lost the final match by 5 runs. Sh. Vijay Kumar, IPS, DIG South Kashmir Range Anantnag, who was the chief guest of the closing ceremony presented the trophies, sports kit and cash prize of Rs. 12,000/- and Rs. 6,000/-, respectively, to the winner and runner up teams. Individual trophies for best performance as a bowler, batsman, wicket keeper, fielder and for man of the match and man of the series were also awarded. Eid-ul-Fitr celebrated with religious gaiety and devotion in valley After observing a month-long fasting for Ramadan, Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir celebrated Eid-ul- Fitr with religious fervour and enthusiasm. People attended prayers at various mosques and exchanged Eid greetings with families and friends in Srinagar and elsewhere in the valley. Children burst firecrackers on the streets of Srinagar. During the festival, families spent time together with guests, exchanged gifts and shared meals. Feroz Ahmad, a resident of Srinagar, said, Eid has brought happiness. One can see so much brightness around in Srinagar city and in villages also. The largest Eid congregation was held at Hazratbal where more than 70,000 people participated in the prayers. RNI Regn. No. DELMUL/2010/35730 Printed by: Chandu Press, D-97 Shakarpur New Delhi-92 Editor : Sulekha Request for free copy of Jammu & Kashmir Update newsletter indicating the language preferred (English/Urdu/Hindi) or suggestions/feedback, if any, may be ed to : jammuandkashmirupdate@gmail.com Jammu & Kashmir Update is also available on the web at jammuandkashmirupdate.com and mha.nic.in Published by : Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India 8