Srinagar, September 22: “It is said that healthy mind resides in a healthy body”, with this thought today on 22nd September-2023, J&K Police Public School Srinagar organised maiden Annual Sports Day of LPD wing with great fervour and enthusiasm.
DIGP CKR Shri Sujit Kumar Singh-IPS and Administrative Officer JKPPS Srinagar graced the event as Chief Guest. Shri Mohd Aslam Choudhary-JKPS SSP nodal Officer was Guest of Honour. Besides Principal Smt Snigdha Singh, SSP Shri Sajjad Khaliq Bhat, Headmistress Smt Shabeera Shabnum, DySP SDPO West Srinagar Shri Shahjehan and SHO Bemina were present on the occasion.
The event started with the National Anthem and was thrown open with tricolour air balloons. Students from Nursery to 4th standard participated in different games. The day was really inspiring and filled with joy. While speaking on the occasion, DIG CKR Shri Sujit Kumar-IPS applauded the efforts and stressed on more events of this kind in future for good physical health of students. The event culminated with prize distribution for the winners of all the events.
NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 18: Following the resounding success of the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting and remarkable growth in the tourism sector, the Jammu and Kashmir Government, under the able leadership of the Honorable Lieutenant Governor, Mr. Manoj Sinha, is steadfastly committed to showcasing the rich tapestry of tourism offerings from the region on the global stage. The Department of Tourism, headed by Secretary Tourism, Dr. Abid Rasheed Shah, proudly announces the 3rd Edition of the J&K Open Golf Tournament, in partnership with the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), the official governing body of professional golf in India. The grand launch event at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, was graced by the presence of cricketing legend and Vice President of PGTI, Mr. Kapil Dev. During the press conference unveiling the upcoming PGTI tournament, Mr. Kapil Dev expressed his delight at J&K Tourism’s collaboration with PGTI, highlighting how this partnership will provide additional playing opportunities for Indian professional golfers. He emphasized the tournament’s role in promoting tourism in Jammu and Kashmir and passionately encouraged the media to visit and witness the remarkable transformations taking place in the region. Mr. Kapil Dev underscored the need to bolster golf tourism in this stunning region, shedding light on the incredible opportunities it offers to golf enthusiasts and travellers alike. Participating in the press conference, Mr. Amarjeet Singh, Special Secretary to the Government Tourism Department, shed light on the burgeoning Golf Tourism sector, emphasizing its significance in the broader tourism landscape. He provided an overview of the evolving Tourism Scenario, especially in the wake of the successful 3rd Tourism Working Group Meeting in J&K. Mr. Singh emphasized the UT Government’s unwavering commitment to promoting all the tourism products of Jammu & Kashmir and highlighted how this event serves as a platform to project J&K as a favoured destination for Golf Tourism for both business and leisure travellers from around the world. He stressed that the J&K Government is eager to engage in mutually beneficial partnerships with professional organizations for the comprehensive development of the tourism sector, recognizing its pivotal role in the regional economy. Mr. Manav Gupta, Secretary of Jammu Tawi Golf Course, assured that the course is fully prepared to host this prestigious event for the second consecutive year, from October 4th to 7th, with a Pro Am event on October 8th. He guaranteed the provision of the best possible playing conditions, promising an unparalleled experience for the participating golfers at JTGC. Mr. Gupta highlighted how the J&K Open is poised to become a significant fixture on the global golfing calendar, showcasing the region’s potential as a premier golfing destination. Mr. Uttam Singh Mundy, CEO of PGTI, enthusiastically stated, “The third edition of the J&K Open, presented by J&K Tourism, is one of the most eagerly anticipated tournaments of the 2023 PGTI Season. Professional golfers have cherished memories of playing at the magnificent Jammu Tawi Golf Course, having inaugurated it last year. Tournaments like these are instrumental in bolstering Golf Tourism in J&K. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to J&K Tourism and Jammu Tawi Golf Course for their continued support, which has led to an enhanced prize purse this year. We are thrilled about another thrilling week of golf amidst the captivating surroundings of J&K.” The J&K Open promises to be an unforgettable gathering of top Indian golf professionals and international talents. The event will feature celebrated players such as Udayan Mane, Rashid Khan, defending champion Yuvraj Singh Sandhu, and former champion Honey Baisoya, alongside more than 120 national and international participants. The convergence of world-class golfing facilities, stunning natural beauty, and the endorsement of cricketing icon Kapil Dev has set the stage for an exciting future in golf tourism for Jammu and Kashmir.
The idea of sustainable development has become increasingly important in today’s society because it focuses on addressing present demands without compromising the capacity of future generations to address their own needs. It is crucial to teach schoolchildren about sustainable development as we confront serious global issues like climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. We enable students to become responsible global citizens capable of building a better and more sustainable future by arming them with information and attitudes focused on sustainability. Children who attend school benefit from learning about sustainable development because it helps them understand the complex web of relationships that exists within the global ecosystem. They discover the close interdependence of environmental, social, and economic elements as well as the potential impact of our current behaviours. Children can develop a holistic viewpoint and make thoughtful decisions to minimise adverse effects on the environment by recognising these links. As the planet’s inheritors, it is imperative to instill in children a sense of responsibility for its preservation. They need to be made aware of the value of protecting biodiversity, preserving natural resources, and reducing climate change through education about sustainable development. Children may actively participate in sustainable practises including recycling, energy conservation, and sustainable consumption patterns by developing an environmental stewardship mind-set. Children should be encouraged to think critically and analyse complicated situations from a variety of angles through sustainable development education. Here they gain the ability to weigh the effects of their decisions on the environment, society, and the economy. Children who work on sustainable development-related problems gain the creativity, adaptability, and resilience necessary to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. Sustainable development includes social fairness and economic well-being in addition to environmental preservation. They learn the value of fairness and justice in creating sustainable societies through being taught social responsibility, empathy, and inclusivity. They recognise that sustainable development is an international endeavour and that cooperation, respect, and awareness of many cultures and viewpoints are essential.
There is a rising need for experts in sustainable development as the globe moves towards a more sustainable future. We need to give youngsters the information and abilities required for the developing green economy by exposing them to sustainability principles at a young age. They can work in industries like sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, environmental management, and urban planning, improving the world while securing their own future employment. In order for children to participate in a future that is environmentally friendly, socially just, and economically productive, it is our duty as educators, parents, and society at large to make sure they receive a complete education that incorporates sustainable development principles.
(The author can be mailed at muzamilarifbatt@gmail.com )
The views expressed in the article are of the author and do not, in anyway, reflect the opinion of the Valley Observer
SRINAGAR: While rolling a small pointed brush with his long fingers on a vase, a middle-aged father was astonished as soon as his daughter broke the news. His 15-year-old daughter topped the Board examinations.
Fida Hussain, a papier-mâché artisan from Khankhai Sokhta neighborhood in Srinagar’s downtown area, was unable to believe that his daughter was among the toppers in the list of successful candidates having cleared Class 10th JKBOSE examination Session-2023. Ishba Zehra, a student of CASET School, had secured 98 percent marks.
For a girl with a humble background, the feat speaks for itself. “It is like touching the sky with bare hands. It seems as if she has brought down a handful of stars onto the earth for the family and especially me. I am not able to express the immense joy her success has given to us,” said the visibly jubilant father Fida. It has emboldened our chests, he added.
The teenage girl has never availed any private tuitions or coaching. Apart from her school, the daughter of an artisan says that she used to learn from online tutorials and educational YouTube channels.
“Sometimes, it is difficult to understand a topic or find a solution to a mathematical problem from one teacher, but the internet provides multiple options to understand the same from a number of teachers online,” Ishba said. However, it is better to choose one teacher for a subject to maintain the consistency of thought and instincts, she opined.
Having registered a grand success in recent Board examinations, Ishba now aims to qualify for the NEET examination to become a good doctor.
“I want to serve mankind. Though there are many options to serve humanity, my aim is to serve people through my medical knowledge and skills. Doctors are saviors of life, and I want to become one of them,” said an optimistic Ishba.
While talking about her studies, Ishba emphasizes the importance of a proper strategy in preparing for examinations. Time management, hard work, and concentration are the key factors that play a pivotal role in the performance of the student. Students should distribute their time among the subjects as per their requirements and develop patience to study at a stretch. I used to study for 10 to 12 hours a day. But that was in the 10th class. In order to clear higher classes and qualify for the competitive NEET examination, I need to study for about 14 hours a day, she added.
With the success of his daughter, Fida feels boosted for his efforts. “Finally, it seems that our hard work and continuous care of our only child did bear fruit. Our daughter has reflected our intent and efforts in her Board results. Thanks to Almighty Allah for such bliss,” he said. Parents should take good care of their wards, provide genuine upbringing to the children, and support them in every fair cause, he opined.
“To study on your own without any tuition and come out with flying colors is a rare scenario nowadays. But this young girl is a striking example of steadfastness and hard work. With her sheer passion for studies, she has shown us that underprivileged students can also excel in every field of life, provided they have resolve and a strategy,” said Ali Mohammad Rather, a leading academician from Srinagar.
The neighbors as well as the relatives and friends of Ishba are all elated with her success.
“Such students are always an inspiration for other children. By studying and achieving prized success, she has set an example for other members of the community to follow suit. We feel very happy for her. The whole neighborhood feels proud of her. We want her to carry on all the good work and brighten the world with her intellect and knowledge,” said a local, a university graduate from her neighborhood in Khankhahi Sokhta Nawa Kadal in Srinagar.
While Ishba is busy with her studies, apart from pursuing her goal, she wants to follow in the footsteps of Syeda Fatima Zehra AS. “If every girl in the world would follow the teachings of the pious woman of the universe and the Holy Quran, the world would be a better place to live,” Ishba said adding that along with modern education, there is a dire need for moral education in society.
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 05: The Dean Students Welfare, S. P. College today organized a series of events in connection with Teacher’s Day. The day is celebrated in honour of Dr S. Rhadhakrishnan, President of India, a great visionary and an educationist. The program started with a screening of a documentary on Dr. S. Rhadhakrishnan prepared by the students. The program was inaugurated by the Principal of the College, Prof (Dr.) Gh Geelani Qurashi who highlighted the significance of the day. Principal welcomed the guest of honour for the day Musheer-ul-Islam former PTI of the college. Speaking on the occasion, the guest of honour signified the importance of a teacher through his experience as a faculty member in the Higher Education Department. Principal and guest of honour joined the audience for a spectrum of programs which were performed by the students that included singing, cultural and fun activities. The program also included an awareness program about eye care organised by DSW in collaboration with Sharp Sight Srinagar. Dr. Shazia Shafi, Consultant of the hospital delivered a talk and had interaction with the students and the faculty.
Eligible candidates asked to get themselves admitted in various UG/PG courses against available seats
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 4: Sri Pratap College Srinagar has the distinction of being one of the oldest institutions of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir. The college has recently been accredited with grade A+ by the NAAC.
The admission process for various PG and UG (NEP-2020) programs under CUET and NON-CUET quota is under process at the Sri Pratap College Sri Pratap College. In this connection, the eligible candidates can get themselves admitted in various UG/PG courses against available seats. The left out students have a unique opportunity through spot admission to participate in the admission process.
The desirous UG candidates can participate in the spot round from 05th September 2023 through https://jkadmission.samarth.ac.in/ .Furthermore eligible PG candidates are being admitted through https://www.cusrinagar.edu.in/NEP/ .
The candidates are advised to go through the eligibility conditions of the courses available on Cluster University Srinagar website https://www.cusrinagar.edu.in/ and check admission notifications.
The admission to both the programs will be strictly as per Cluster University Srinagar Guidelines. For any query the candidates can contact the Advisor Admission Committee Dr Shazia Mushtaq (9596400344)/Convener admissions Dr. Gowhar Hamid Dar (Mobile:7006082223); Email:dargowharhamid@gmail.com).The college has also opened a facilitation/registration centre headed by Prof. Magray Ajaz Ahmad (9596441959) for the benefit of the candidates who are desirous to seek admission in UG/PG programs. The Students can visit the college on all working days during office hours for any help.
BARAMULLA, SEPTEMBER 02: The thrilling two-day competition of Inter-Zonal Volleyball and Kho Kho for under 14 and 17 Girls came to a spectacular conclusion today at Baramulla.
The event, organized by the District Youth Services & Sports Office Baramulla, witnessed the active participation of 18 educational zones, with a total of 72 teams competing.
The competition was officially inaugurated by the DYSSO Baramulla Jatinder Singh on September 01, setting the stage for an action-packed sporting event.
In the Volleyball Under 14 category, the final match saw an intense battle between Zone Sopore and Zone Wagoora, with Zone Sopore emerging as the victorious team. Meanwhile, in the Kho Kho Under 14 category, Zone Dangerpora faced-off against Zone Wagoora, and Zone Wagoora secured the championship title.
The excitement continued in the Kho Kho Under 17 category, with the final match between Zone Sopore and Zone Dangiwacha, ultimately won by Zone Sopore. In the Volleyball Under 17 category, Zone Dangerpora clashed with Zone Sopore, and Zone Dangerpora emerged triumphant.
The winners and runners-up teams were honored with trophies and certificates presented by the Zonal Physical Education Officers (ZPEOs) of the Department, marking the successful conclusion of this highly competitive event.
The DYSSO Baramulla extended his appreciation to all the participants, teams, and officials for making this competition a memorable and successful sporting extravaganza.
Baramulla, September 02: Police in Baramulla have arrested a woman who was impersonating as a police officer (Sub- Inspector) and recovered police uniform and cash of ₹10,000 from her possession. On 01/09/2023, Police Station Kunzer received a complaint from one person namely Wasif Hassan of Kunzer stating therein that during a bus journey where he was approached by a woman who identified herself as Ashia, claiming to be a Sub-Inspector currently stationed at Police Station Kunzar. She assured the complainant Mr. Hasan that she had the authority to secure a position for him as a Constable in J&K Police. Lured by the promise of a job opportunity, Mr. Hasan gave ₹10,000/- rupees to the impersonating police officer. The impersonating officer (Ashia) further recontacted Mr. Hasan on 01/09/23, soliciting an additional amount to expedite the delivery of his appointment order. She promised that this process would be completed within 2 to 3 days. Suspecting deception, Mr. Hasan promptly reported the matter to Police Station Kunzer. Accordingly, a case was registered in police station and investigation was set into motion. During the course of investigation, Police successfully apprehended the accused person known as Ashia (Fake name), whose real identity has been revealed as Bisma Yousuf Sheikh daughter of Mohd Yousuf Sheikh resident of Tappie Khag. In addition to her apprehension, the investigating team also recovered a police uniform and ₹10,000/- rupees from her possession that had been fraudulently obtained from Mr. Hasan. Community members are requested not to fall prey in the hands of such fraudulent people and share such information with Police. Our consistent action against anti-social elements shall assure community members that Police has resolved to act tough against such inimical elements.
Nubra(Ladakh): The rugged terrain of Ladakh is not only about exploring nature or hiking into mountains; the camel safari in the cold desert of Nubra Valley has emerged as one of the major tourist attractions nowadays. Once regarded as a burden, the double-humped camel brings prosperity to the tribal village in Nubra Valley’s Hunder village in Ladakh.
Fourteen years ago, a 56-year-old pastor from the remote region of Nubra in Ladakh gifted all four of his double-humped camels but one to a distant relative due to the lack of resources to feed them. Now, Mohammad Ibrahim, the 32-year-old son of the same pastor, keeps a troupe of eight camels to run a successful safari business in the cold mountains of Nubra. While recalling the incident, Ibrahim says he has a vivid idea of how his father and he drove those camels for miles across white sand dunes to hand them over to an acquaintance in Diskit.
Luckily, the one we kept back has become a source of prosperity for us now. I have raised almost a quarter dozen Bactrian camels and thank God, I use all of them for tourist safaris,” says Ibrahim, who, along with his two younger brothers, is now running a successful camel safari business in his Hunder village in Nubra Valley. Once regarded as a burden and used occasionally as a means of local transport to carry loads and rations in the remote parts of Ladakh, the ship of the mountain is now the main source of livelihood for scores of families in the region.
Not only Ibrahim, but a sizable number of youths from the historic tribal village are now engaged in running camel safaris and other tourist-related services in the area, earning their livelihoods. Every day, hundreds of tourists take their dream ride on sand dunes abundantly found between Hunder and Diskit villages—a ride on a double-humped camel.
A famed ride
The remote Hunder village in Ladakh’s Nubra Valley has added many dimensions to mountain tourism, and a ride, especially on a double-humped camel, is never to be missed among them. A large number of tourists in the village can be seen riding the camels and taking selfies with the prized animals.
“I had heard about this camel from a friend who had visited this place earlier. Since then, I dreamt of a ride and a selfie with this fine friend,” says Raveena, a school teacher from Pune who is visiting Ladakh with her husband. Riding this type of unique camel is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, adds a jubilant Raveena.
According to Feroz Ahmad, a local tour operator from Nubra Valley, hundreds of tourists visit the valley every day. From mountain biking, trekking, and heritage trips to cultural exploration, these tourists engage in a variety of pursuits. However, the one must-have pleasure for all these people seems to be the camel ride and taking selfies with the prized animals. The Bactrian camel has lately turned into a source of handsome seasonal income for the youth in the area.
Growing Numbers:
Once struggling to survive in the seventies, the population size of India’s only double-humped camel found in Nubra has witnessed an uptick. From about 40 camels a decade ago, there are now hundreds of these camels in the region.
According to Mohammad Iqbal, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Leh, there are 298 double-humped camels in the region, as per the latest census conducted by the department. Experts believe that the main reason behind the growth in the population of this otherwise critically endangered species in the region is their usefulness in generating income for many local families through safaris. As per the camel keepers, they earn about Rs 1500–2000 from a camel per day during the season. However, the animal needs special care.
Double the Hump, Double the Care
Most of the Bactrian camels feed on Seabuckthorn, a prominent shrub commonly found in community grazing fields in the region. However, the shrub is only available during a few months of summer. Ibrahim says that it is very hard to feed the animal during winters, as the region lacks any viable plant material due to severe cold.
“Our women collect alfalfa hay from the wild to feed the animals during the winter season. But as the numbers of animals have increased, one does not get sufficient hay for the animals. So every winter, the fodder for the camel becomes unaffordable,” Ibrahim says. He adds that during winters, they spend a good amount on feeding them.
Apart from the hard work, the double-humped camel has given a new identity to the historically important Hunder village.
The Last Remnants of the Silk Route
Found in good numbers now in Nubra Valley’s Hunder village, about 135 kilometers from Leh city, the double-humped camel is believed to have come to Ladakh from the neighboring Tibetan region during the 17th century. Apart from Ladakh in India, the prized camel is found in the Hor region of Central Asia.
According to P. Stobdan, who works as a teacher in the Government-run higher secondary school at Chochut, Leh was a part of the famed Silk Route. Until recently, the region remained an important transit point on the historic route. These camels were widely used to carry loads and goods for trade. However, after the closure of the Silk Route in 1950, few camels were left in the region, which are now widely used in tourism activities in the region.
Shopian, August 28: Police in Shopian have busted a gang of burglars by arresting 06 accused persons involved in about 04 burglary cases. Stolen property worth lakhs have been recovered from their possession. Police Post Keegam received various complaints regarding burglary with in the jurisdiction in recent past. Keeping in view, SSP Shopian Ms Tanushree-IPS constituted a SIT headed by DySP Hqrs Shopian along with SHO PS Shopian, IC PP Keegam, ASI Ab Rashid and HC Mohd Hussain Dar of Police Post Keegam to crack these burglary cases. During the course of investigation, the team used technical & human resources through which names of some suspects came to surface. One among them was Waseem Ahmad Wani son of Ab Aziz Wani resident of Ganowpora, who in order to evade arrest had left his home and was changing his location frequently. However, Special investigation team acting on specific input, arrested the said suspect and after thorough questioning, he confessed his involvement along with other accomplice namely Nazir Ahmad Malik son of Ab Rasheed Malik resident of Thairna Keller, Ishfaq Majeed Wani @Isha Dabba son of Ab Majeed Wani resident of Mughalpora Pulwama, Jamsheed Ahmad Dar son of Mohammad Sikander Dar resident of Keegam, Mukhtar Ahmad Sheikh son of Gh Rasool Sheikh resident of Argi Check Rajpora Pulwama and Riyaz Ah Wani @Raja son of late Mohd Akbar Wani resident of Loswani Pulwama in the commission of crime. Accordingly, all the accused were arrested and property worth 08 lakhs approximately including Gold Jewellery, Copper Utensils, Tiller, Motorcycle, Spray Motor, Geyser and Batteries were recovered from their possession. Moreover, accused namely Nazir Ahmad Malik and Jamsheed Ahmad Dar also disclosed that they committed a burglary in year 2020 regarding which case FIR No 359/2020 stands registered in PS Shopian. The investigation is still going on.
