SRINAGAR: An awareness programme on Drug Abuse was today organized by Abdul Ahad Azad Memorial Degree College (AAAMDC) Bemina, Srinagar in collaboration with Srinagar Police, West Zone Srinagar within the college campus, here.
In his address, the Principal of the host College, Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Simnani said that drug addiction is a menace and we have to fight against it from every corner.
Sharing the vision of the programme “Nasha Mukt Bharat”, the Principal stressed the need of collaboration on part of various government, non-government, academic and executive organizations to fight this menace. He also stressed the student community to say “Yes to Life and No to Drugs”.
SP West Zone Srinagar, Arif Amin Shah also shared his observations regarding drug abuse. He mentioned that drug addiction is a reality and we need to show concern at all levels against this problem in society.
Besides this, he also mentioned the figures of drug peddlers arrested under PSA in the recent past.
Dr. Muzaffar, Director, Youth Development and Rehabilitation Centre, focused on the pattern of drug addiction, and youth as the main target of those who earn profit out of it.
Ashraf Sultan, Mental Health Counsellor shared his views regarding various stages in the life of drug addict with some preventive measures relevant to the different stages.
A debate was also facilitated in which students from various colleges participated and discussed various dimensions of drug abuse and addiction.
Meanwhile, the host college also presented cultural activities at regular intervals to spread awareness about and against drug abuse. Three positions with cash prizes and certificates to all other participants were also distributed amongst the students.
PULWAMA: On the Directions of Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Baseer-Ul-Haq Choudhary, the National Service Scheme (NSS) unit of GDC Pampore today organized an awareness programme and rally against Drug Abuse and Drug Addiction in Pampore Block of the district.
The campaign was organised with an aim to enlighten the youth about the devastating impact of drug abuse which remains a pressing issue in the Kashmir valley.
Around 100 NSS volunteers participated enthusiastically in the rally. The rally started from the college campus and culminated near Chungi, Tulbagh Pampore. Thereafter, volunteers returned back following the same route.
The aim of the rally was to spread awareness among the common people about the harmful effects of drugs and most importantly to bring awareness among the parents to have a close vigil on their children so that they do not fall prey to any untoward situation with regard to drug addiction.
Holding placards and banners, NSS volunteers of the college marched towards main market from the college and raised awareness among people about ill effects of drugs.They also sensitized the common citizens and shopkeepers about ill effects of tobacco, drug, alcohol and smoking.
In the said drive and rally, many informative pamphlets regarding the ill effects of Drugs were distributed among the locality members, particularly the teenagers of Tulbagh Pampore.
The programme was coordinated by Prof Alam Ara Shah and Aaliya Bashir, who appreciated the efforts of volunteers in organizing the rally successfully.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Alam Ara Shah said that by conducting the rally, they want people, especially youngsters, to realise the potential threats of drug abuse and the subsequent damage it causes to one’s health.
“Eradicating the practice of drug abuse through a single rally or campaign is not possible. But all we can do is initiate this cause. The youth must spot the difference between good and bad. Through this rally, one is trying to tell you the difference. Ultimately, it is the choice of an individual but this is the least we can do as responsible citizens who care about the next generation,” Prof Alam Ara added.
The campaign got a huge response from the crowd and people participated further in spreading the message about the disadvantages of drug use and abuse.
“It’s a great idea to organise a car rally to raise awareness regarding drug abuse. I have participated in it as a responsible citizen and I would like to thank the organisers for highlighting such an important issue today,” one voluenteer participant said.
Deputy Commissioner Pulwama congratulated the GDC Pampore, Coordinators and volunteers for organizing the much-needed campaign. He said, the District Administration has always taken initiatives to assist families, health professionals, schools and other community workers to identify victims of drug abuse and aid in reducing or eliminating risk factors through various prevention and treatment programmes.
JAMMU: To create awareness among Students and Faculty, an Awareness Workshop on the theme- Gender based Violence and it’s Preventive Measures, was organised by NSS Unit-1 and Department of Social Work in collaboration with Special Cell for Women Gandhi Nagar Jammu and supported by National Commission for Women, Govt. of India.
Around 45 students and 5 faculty members participated in the workshop. The resource persons for the workshop were trained Social Workers- Diksha Kumari and Kajal Dalpathia. They talked about the different challenges faced by the Women in their daily lives and emphasized about the various preventive measures for the issues related with Gender based violence.
Prof. Minu Mahajan, Principal, PSPS Govt. College for Women Gandhi Nagar was the Chief Guest. In her address, she advised the students and volunteers to perform their duties while having the proper knowledge of their rights.
Prof. Mala Bhasin, NSS Programme Officer Unit-1 welcomed the august gathering and apprised about the aim of the workshop. The vote of thanks was presented by Prof. Sunita, Head of Department of Social Work. The programme was well coordinated by Prof. Sugandha Mahajan.
SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 28: SP College, Srinagar gave a warm send-off to two senior faulty members of the college Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad Zargar, Head Department of Statistics and Professor Mohammad Ashraf Wani Department of Chemistry and Coordinator Examination Committee, who attained their superannuation today on 28th February 2023.
The Principal of the college Professor (Dr.) Khurshid Ahmad Khan, Dr. Wilayat Rizvi Principal GDC Bandipora, Prof. Bashir Ahmad Mir Head Department of Chemistry, Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Wani Head Department of Botany, Prof. Shuja Hussain Hakim Head Department of Electronics, Prof. Shahid Ahmad Wani Head Department of Environmental Science and Secretary Staff Council, SP College, Srinagar were present at the farewell event.
College Non-Teaching President, Syeed Imran, Mr. Rafiq Ahmad Charagi and other senior Officials as well as the non-teaching staff of the college also attended the farewell meeting held at College Auditorium.
On this occasion, The Principal of the College, Professor (Dr.) Khurshid Ahmad Khan congratulated them on the successful completion of their active services. He also highlighted their zeal and dedication towards their work.
He added that their punctuality and commitment towards the institution will continue to inspire them and wished retirees a very happy and fulfilling post-retirement life.
At the end of the function, Prof. Shahid Ahmad Wani Secretary Staff Council SP. College, Srinagar extended the vote of thanks on behalf of Staff Council to all the staff members and guests who attended the function.
March 01: Continuing its efforts to eradicate the menace of drugs from the society, Police have arrested 03 drug peddlers in Kulgam and Sopore and recovered contraband substances from their possession.
A police party of Police Station Qazigund at a checkpoint established near Navyug Tunnel Qazigund arrested a drug peddler identified as Tazeem Khurshid Mir son of Khurshid Ahmad Mir resident of Mirdanter Anantnag. During search, 320 SpasmoProxyvon Plus capsules were recovered from his possession. He has been shifted to police station where he remains in custody.
Meanwhile in another action, a police party of Police Station Kulgam while patrolling in village Shurat arrested a drug peddler identified as Hilal Ahmad Lone son of Mohd Ramzan Lone resident of Hangir Yaripora. During search, 05 grams of Brown Sugar was recovered from his possession. He was shifted to police station where he remains in custody.
In Sopore, a police party of PS Dangiwacha arrested a drug peddler identified as Rayees Ahmad Sheikh son of Ghulam Rasool Sheikh resident of Shogpora Tragpora Rafiabad. During search, 10 grams of Brown Sugar and cash ₹56,400 (believed to be proceeds of narcotic crime) have been recovered from his possession. He has been shifted to police station where he remains in custody.
Accordingly, cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations and investigations have been initiated.
Worth to mention here that in Kulgam, police have arrested 42 drug peddlers & recovered huge quantity of contraband substances during the months of January & February 2023. Similarly in Baramulla, 58 drug peddlers were arrested & contraband worth crores was recovered during the months of January & February 2023. Community members are requested to come forward with any information regarding drug peddling in their neighbourhood. Persons found indulging in drug peddling will be dealt as per law. Our consistent actions against drug peddlers should reassure the community members that we are making efforts to keep our society free from the scourge of drug menace.
Kulgam, March 01: Acting tough against social crimes, Police in Kulgam have arrested 03 gamblers and seized stake money from their possession.
Acting on a specific information regarding gambling activities at Chirhama Mirbazar, a police party headed by Incharge PP Mirbazar raided the suspected gambling site and apprehended three gamblers. They have been identified as Zahoor Ahmad Ganie son of Ghulam Hassan Ganie resident of Zadoora, Bumthan, Manzoor Ahmad Lone son of Ghulam Mohammad Lone and Zahoor Ahmad Lone son of Mohammad Maqbool Lone, both residents of Lalipora Malpora.
Officers have also seized stake money of ₹4,440, three mobile phones and playing cards from the gamblers.
Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 27/2023 under relevant sections of law has been registered in Police station Qazigund and further investigation has been initiated.
Persons found indulging in criminal activities shall be dealt as per law. Community members are requested to share information regarding the crimes in their neighbourhood with the local police units.
Sopore March 01: Police in Sopore have solved a burglary case by arresting 02 accused persons involved in the commission of crime.
On 28/02/2023, Police Post Putkha received a complaint from BDO Sopore stating therein that during intervening night of 27th-28th/02/2023, some unknown burglars broke open the lock of Panchayat Ghar at Hygam Sopore and stole solar batteries.
Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 12/2023 under relevant sections of law was registered at Police Station Tarzoo and investigation was initiated.
During the course of investigation two suspected persons identified as Ishfaq Ahmad Dar son of Nazir Ahmad resident of Palhallan Pattan and Muneer Ahmad Dar son of Nazir Ahmad resident of Haritar Rakh Hygam were zeroed on and subsequently called for questioning. After thorough questioning, officers learnt about their involvement in the commission of crime. Stolen property was also recovered from their possession.
They have been arrested and shifted to police station where they remain in custody.
Community members has lauded the efforts of police for cracking/solving the case within the shortest possible time. Our consistent actions shall assure community members that Police has resolved to act tough against individuals involved in any kind of criminal activities.
SRINAGAR, MARCH 01: The Cultural Unit Kashmir, Department of Information and Public Relations J&K today celebrated Zero Discrimination Day at Joint Directorate of Information Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, Cultural Officer Kashmir, Burhan Hussain said that Zero Discrimination Day is observed every year on 1st of March with an aim to recognise everybody’s right to a complete and fulfilling life to lead it with respect.
Zero Discrimination Day contributes to creating a worldwide solidarity campaign to abolish all forms of discrimination.
Organisations like UNAIDS, which fight intolerance against persons living with HIV/AIDS, take special note of the day.
AECO Syed Shakeel Shan while conducting the proceedings said that the day is celebrated for the right of everyone to live life with dignity. It highlights how people can become informed about and promote inclusion, compassion, peace and create a global movement of solidarity to end all forms of discrimination.
A thematic cultural program was also arranged on the occasion. Cultural Unit Artist, Suhail Mohi-ud-Din enthralled the audience by his mesmerizing voice.
All the employees and officers of Joint Directorate of Information Kashmir attended the function.
SRINAGAR, MARCH 1: With an objective to promote Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Vocal for Local’ and an emphasis on ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, Jammu Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO), under the aegis of the Department of Commerce & Industry, in association with the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), organized an international Buyer-Seller Meet (BSM) for local agricultural & food processing sector of J&K.
Addressing the forum virtually, Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta highlighted the improved scenario of law-and-order and thriving business ecosystem within J&K. Chief Secretary said that J&K is more peaceful now, digitally connected, with improving mobility infrastructure resulting in reducing logistic challenges faced by exporters. He highlighted that the rail connectivity to Srinagar would be a reality next year. He maintained that J&K is focusing on improving ease of doing business and expects to be placed within top ranking States/UTs by DPIIT. He called for more such Buyer Seller Meets in coming financial year for promotion of trade and investment and said that such meets should show concrete results in terms of business transactions.
He spoke about harnessing the immense potential of produce from Kashmir by extending market access and emphasized the world-class quality of local products and said that the craftsmanship of JK is unmatchable.
He further assured the buyers from different countries that they can seek any help they genuinely need from government of Jammu and Kashmir and become a partner in the growth story of Jammu and Kashmir.
Principal Secretary, Department of Industries and Commerce, Prashant Goyal, in his special address to the buyers and sellers present in the event underscored the contribution of Agriculture in the development of the economy of J&K wherein around 70% of the population residing in rural areas directly or indirectly depends on this sector for their livelihood and employability. He also highlighted the progressive, competitive & investment friendly policies of the Union Territory of J&K.
He highlighted that the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS) package announced by central government is one of the best financial incentive packages offered by any State/ UT in India with a high return on investment and less input cost. In addition to the incentives offered by the New Central Sector Scheme, the investor can avail incentives offered by industrial policy & the other sectoral policies notified by the government.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri complimented the efforts of JKTPO for the BSM and emphasized on the importance of conducting more such events in near future. He also highlighted the importance of field level investments in the agriculture sector which will enhance the value of the local Agri products from J&K through processing. He also recommended for feedback from both buyers and sellers so that further improvements can be done in the industrial ecosystem of J&K.
Earlier, Khalid Jahangir, Managing Director, JKTPO gave opening remarks and welcomed the Buyers and sellers on the occasion. He said that J&K’s food and agro based products are famous across the world and urged the buyers to procure these products from authentic and genuine sellers of J&K. He revealed since J&K for its diverse agro climatic conditions is blessed with range of niche products that have great export value simultaneously.
The forum was briefed about USPs of products being displayed viz. Honey, Saffron, Basmati Rice, Walnut, Fresh fruits, processed food like juices, jams, bakery etc.
Also, JKTPO is participating and organizing in various trade fairs, exhibitions and Buyer Seller meets besides providing marketing and business opportunities to the sellers, as was given out during this event.
Deputy Director General, TPCI Sandeep Das, gave vote of thanks for the event. In his closing remarks, he said that JKTPO and other relevant departments from J&K should work on building supplying capacity of the sellers to meet the needs of buyers and get bulk orders in near future. He also suggested that sellers should work on improving quality and packaging as per the standards and parameter set by different countries.
It was said that the BSM contributed immensely towards forming new strategic partnerships and assistance in developing market linkages, business leads and networking for boosting trade and exports of J&K Agri& food Processing products.
During this event more than 500 leads were generated which are expected to be converted into potential orders. Above 120 sellers including Food processing units, entrepreneurs, FPOs from Jammu & Kashmir participated in the event.
Director Industries and Commerce, Kashmir, Saloni Rai was also present on the occasion along with other senior officers and functionaries of the department.
Srinagar: While holding it with his left hand, a pheran clad man gradually spins the flower vase as he rolls his brush on the artifact repeatedly. After hours of the intricate painting, the plant bearing tufts of rose drawn on the vase looks real.
Aga Syed Sajad Hussaini Hamdani, a man bestowed with magical fingers is an accomplished Paper Machie artist from Zadibal area of Srinagar. A son of respectable and learned personality Aga syed Ali Hussaini Hamdani from Khanqah-e-Sokhta Nawakadal in Srinagar, Sajad has been tinkering with colors and brush since his childhood. Even though Sajad’s parents wanted him to become an engineer, his unflinching love with colors and designs landed him into the world of Paper Machie.
“Whenever my parents entered into my room, where I was supposed to study school books they always found me doing drawings. Once sarcastically, my father grabbing my hand took me to a nearby Paper Machie workshop in the area. To the surprise of every one at home, I never opened the school bag onwards while embracing the craft as a lifetime career”, says Sajad while recalling the incident which changed the course in his life.
After the incident , there was a no time to look back. While his peers and class mates were making it to the colleges and universities, the natural artist in Sajad was being groomed at the hands of Kashmir, best artist Haji Mirza Muhammad Saleh from the valley. I was lucky enough to spend 14
years of my life and apprenticeship with such a great teacher . Through his knowledge , He taught us to be the change and that change can be conceived through the brush.
Infusing life into the artificats for more than 30 years now, this artist from Down Town has produced thousands of rare designs in the craft winning respect and accolades through out the globe. Having fetched to the demands of Valley’s renowned craft businesses like Suffering Moses, Kawoosa Art and Bony Arts, the rare designs made by Sajad are valued world over and within the domestic circles too. From Mehraab of Masjid-e-Salman Farsi, Budgam Imambara , hotels in Srinagar to Mumbai hotels, the paper machie panels designed and painted by this artist soothe thousands of onlookers and visitors.
Sajad has won laurels for his unmatched work across the globe. I still use to get orders from the customers from different parts of the world. According to Sajad, the demand for his work has increased within the country also. Off late, lot of people from different states of India have shown keen interest in the possession of paper machie artifacts. There is a good scope for growth, if a person treads on it professionally, says the artist while deliberating upon the career opportunities for the youth in this field. Initially I used to deliver my orders to few showrooms and businessmen operating in some European countries only. But now, there is a good demand for the art within in the domestic circles. Only a days ago, I received a call of appreciation from one of my customer in Mumbai. The trade needs patience and dedication. Apart from the time, youth who want to be in this craft should bear in mind the principle of honesty and preservance, As both pays in the long run. I ask the youth to come forward and embrace the ancestral craft, as it is full of opportunities and avenues keeping the changing lifestyle and taste of the people in mind.
In these days to reach out to the world is a not any big task. With the help of a social media , any artist can put his work on display for the world audience and earn livelihood as well as much needed encouragement.
Recently , Sajad’s magical fingers handed him a job in one of the reputed universities of the valley. In th year 2018, He was appointed as senior skill instructor by Design Innovation Centre of Central University Kashmir. Posted presently at Islamia College Srinagar, Sajad grooms hundreds of new hands in to the world of Paper Machie.
Though the handicrafts industry in the valley has taken a severe hit from past 30 years, recent enlisting of Srinagar among the creative city network by UNESCO for its unique crafts and art world coupled with a rejuvenated push of the authorities to promote and curate the heritage art of Kashmir has instilled a ray of hope among the artistic fraternity in the valley. According to Sajad, the government as wel as people should put concerted effort to encourage and promote the art in the valley. Sajad believes that like other parts of the world, the community should celebrate and observe the artisans day in Kashmir.
