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Time to Give Heritage an Economic Purpose
Jammu and Kashmir must preserve its heritage by turning cultural sites into living economic assets, not neglected monuments In Jammu and Kashmir, heritage is not merely about old stones, fading facades, or abandoned precincts of another age. It is a living archive of memory, identity and civilisational depth. From ancient temples and Mughal gardens to wooden shrines, historic forts, caravan routes, old town quarters and vernacular architecture, the UT possesses a cultural wealth that few places can rival. Yet much of this inheritance remains underused, poorly maintained, and disconnected from the economic life of the people. If Jammu and Kashmir is serious about building a durable and diversified tourism economy, it must move beyond postcard tourism and begin converting heritage and cultural sites into carefully managed revenue-generating assets. The case for doing so is compelling. 495 heritage sites have been identified across the Union Territory for possible tourism and cultural promotion. These numbers reveal both promise and paradox. Tourist footfall is rising, but heritage has not yet been integrated into a coherent economic strategy. In Kashmir alone, 34.98 lakh tourists visited in 2024, and the Gulmarg Gondola generated around 103 crore from about 7.68 lakh visitors, proving that well-managed visitor assets can create substantial returns. The lesson is obvious: when public assets are professionally developed, maintained and marketed, they can generate income, jobs and local enterprise. But monetisation cannot mean vulgar commercialisation. Heritage must not be reduced to a real-estate opportunity or an event backdrop stripped of authenticity. The right approach is adaptive reuse with safeguards. Old buildings and heritage precincts can house museums, craft centres, cultural cafs, boutique stays, interpretation hubs and performance spaces without compromising their historic character. The government itself has signalled such a direction through plans for heritage-based tourism circuits and adaptive reuse of palaces, forts, havelis and old municipal buildings, with an emphasis on public-private partnerships. The Culture Department has also acknowledged that many identified sites remain underutilised because of poor coordination, inadequate finance and limited technical expertise. That is where policy must become practical. Jammu and Kashmir needs a transparent heritage economy framework: conservation first, professional management next, and local benefit at the centre. Revenue from tickets, guided tours, cultural programming, hospitality, handicrafts and curated events should partly flow back into restoration and community livelihoods. If heritage is preserved only as nostalgia, it will decay. If it is used wisely, it can become both a keeper of identity and a generator of dignity. Jammu and Kashmir must now make that choice.
Iran-US Tensions and a World in Distress
The fallout of conflict in West Asia is real, immediate and deeply unsettling The growing confrontation between Iran and the United States is no longer a narrowly defined regional dispute. It has begun to cast a long and troubling shadow over the global order. What may appear, at first glance, to be another episode in West Asias turbulent history is in fact a crisis with consequences far beyond the battlefield. It is unsettling energy markets, disturbing trade routes, raising inflationary fears, and reminding the world how fragile peace and economic stability have become. The most immediate impact is being felt in the global oil economy. The Strait of Hormuz, one of the worlds most critical maritime passages, has once again emerged as a flashpoint. A substantial share of the worlds oil supply moves through this narrow corridor, and any disruption there sends tremors across continents. With tensions mounting, markets react not merely to actual conflict but also to the fear of escalation. Oil prices climb, shipping costs rise, and vulnerable economies begin to brace for another round of imported hardship. For developing countries already burdened by inflation, debt, and slowing growth, this is deeply alarming. Yet the crisis is about more than oil. It reflects a dangerous collapse of restraint in international affairs. In an already fractured world marked by war, strategic rivalry, and weakened multilateral institutions, another major confrontation threatens to deepen insecurity. Diplomacy is being pushed to the margins while military signalling grows louder. Such a trajectory is reckless. History has repeatedly shown that once conflict acquires momentum, its consequences become difficult to contain. For countries far from the Gulf, including those in South Asia, the fallout can still be severe. Higher fuel costs feed into transport, food prices, and household expenditure. Financial uncertainty discourages investment. Political polarisation across regions sharpens. In a tightly interconnected world, no crisis of this magnitude remains local for long. What is needed now is not triumphalism, brinkmanship, or proxy posturing. What is needed is sober statesmanship. The United States and Iran, along with other influential powers, must recognise that escalation offers no durable victory. A region already scarred by conflict cannot bear another prolonged rupture, and a weary world economy can scarcely absorb another shock. A further escalation between Washington and Tehran would only deepen this uncertainty and push vulnerable societies closer to hardship. This is why restraint and diplomacy are not optional; they are imperative. Global powers must recognise that the language of force may satisfy immediate political goals, but it rarely delivers durable peace. For Kashmir, the lesson is sobering but clear: in an interdependent world, distant conflicts do not remain distant. Their aftershocks travel through oil prices, labour markets, trade and public anxiety. At such a time, peace is not just a diplomatic necessity. It is an economic and human imperative.
Between the Real World and Social Media..!
Todays youth must learn to control technology instead of becoming controlled by it ISHFAQ MANZOOR In todays rapidly changing world, social media has become an inseparable part of human life. From communication and education to entertainment and business, digital platforms have transformed the way people interact with society. For the youth, especially, social media serves as a gateway to information, opportunities, creativity, and global awareness. However, alongside its countless benefits, excessive dependence on the virtual world has also given rise to an alarming challenge: anxiety, emotional stress, and social insecurity among young people. The modern youth stands between two worlds: the real world of responsibilities, relationships, and personal growth, and the virtual world of online identities, trends, and constant comparisons. While technology itself is not harmful, an imbalance in its use can affect mental peace, confidence, and productivity. Therefore, understanding this issue responsibly is important for families, educational institutions, and society as a whole. Social media platforms have undoubtedly created new opportunities for learning and communication. Students can access educational resources within seconds, connect with experts across the globe, and participate in constructive discussions. Young entrepreneurs use digital platforms to build businesses, artists showcase their talents, and communities spread awareness about social and national issues. In many ways, social media has empowered the younger generation and strengthened their connection with the wider world. Yet, despite these advantages, many young people today experience anxiety and emotional pressure due to unrealistic standards created online. Every day, millions of carefully edited images, luxury lifestyles, achievements, and opinions flood social media feeds. As a result, many individuals begin comparing their ordinary lives with the perfect lives they see on screens. Such constant comparison can create feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and self-doubt. One of the major concerns is the pressure to remain constantly active online. Many young people fear missing out on trends, events, or social interactions, a condition commonly described as Fear of Missing Out or FOMO. Notifications, likes, comments, and followers often become sources of validation. When online approval decreases, some individuals begin to feel ignored or unimportant. Gradually, this dependence on virtual appreciation weakens emotional stability and self-confidence. Another issue is the reduction of meaningful real-world interaction. Earlier, friendships and family relationships were built through direct conversations and shared experiences. Today, many interactions are limited to short messages, reactions, or virtual engagement. Although technology connects people digitally, it sometimes creates emotional distance in real life. A person may have thousands of followers online but still feel isolated in reality. The impact on mental health cannot be ignored. Excessive screen time often disturbs sleep patterns, concentration, and emotional balance. Young minds exposed continuously to online negativity, criticism, or harmful content may become vulnerable to stress and anxiety. Cyberbullying, trolling, and online harassment further worsen the situation for many teenagers and students. Unlike traditional conflicts, online negativity spreads rapidly and can deeply affect a persons emotional well-being. At the same time, it is important not to portray social media as an enemy. Technology is a tool, and its impact depends largely on how it is used. Responsible usage can turn social media into a platform for learning, innovation, and positive engagement. The real challenge lies in maintaining balance between virtual life and real-life responsibilities. Parents and teachers play a crucial role in guiding the younger generation. Instead of imposing harsh restrictions, there should be open communication and awareness regarding healthy digital habits. Young people should be encouraged to spend time in physical activities, reading, social service, cultural programs, and face-to-face interactions. Educational institutions can also organise awareness sessions about mental health, digital discipline, and responsible online behaviour. Equally important is the role of self-discipline among the youth themselves. Every generation faces challenges unique to its time, and todays youth must learn to control technology instead of becoming controlled by it. Setting limits on screen time, avoiding unnecessary comparisons, and focusing on personal goals can significantly reduce anxiety. Developing hobbies, exercising regularly, and spending quality time with family and friends can help maintain emotional balance. The youth of any nation represent its future strength and intellectual potential. Therefore, preserving their mental well-being is not merely a personal concern but a collective social responsibility. A healthy and confident generation contributes positively to national development, innovation, education, and social harmony. Excessive anxiety, distraction, and emotional instability among young people can affect productivity and weaken social values over time. In recent years, there has been growing awareness worldwide regarding mental health and digital wellness. Many governments, educational bodies, and social organisations are encouraging balanced use of technology and promoting awareness about online safety. Such initiatives are important because the digital age is not temporary; it is the future. The solution, therefore, is not rejection of technology but wise and disciplined adaptation to it. The real world offers experiences that no screen can fully replace: genuine friendships, human emotions, natural beauty, family bonds, and personal achievements earned through patience and effort. Social media can complement life, but it should never replace life itself. Youth must remember that online popularity is temporary, while character, knowledge, and real relationships create lasting success and happiness. In conclusion, social media is one of the most influential inventions of modern times. It has connected societies, expanded knowledge, and created opportunities beyond imagination. However, uncontrolled use and unrealistic expectations associated with the digital world have also contributed to rising anxiety among youth. The need of the hour is balance, awareness, and responsible engagement. By combining the advantages of technology with the values of real-world living, young people can build healthier minds, stronger relationships, and a brighter future for themselves and the nation. (The Author is a library futurist and a writer from Kulgam. Email: waniishfaq0001@gmail.com)
The Autumn of Our Values: Remembering the old Kashmir
True progress lies in flying high into the modern world while remaining deeply rooted in the values, empathy, and sanity that once defined us SYED NISSAR H GILANI Observing the unsettling events that unfold in Kashmir day in and day out has become deeply disheartening. At this stage of my life, witnessing such a rapid shift in our societal fabric brings a profound sense of sadnessand, at times, despair. Never in my childhood, nor even in the middle decades of my life, could I have anticipated the kind of incidents we read about today. In the days of my youth, our relationship with our surroundings was deeply spiritual and intuitive. I vividly remember how even a small, unusual brown cloud in the sky would prompt our elders to sense that something tragic had occurred somewhere. Their reaction was not panic, but a gentle advisory to the household to remain calm, reflective, and deeply invested in prayer, asking the Almighty to be kind to everyone. We navigated those uncertain moments through a collective shield of quietude, respect for nature, and faith. Today, the headlines are dominated by a starkly different reality: murders, suicides, financial scams, rising divorce rates, and delayed marriages. It forces one to wonder where we are heading.This stands in sharp contrast to the Kashmir I grew up in, where women played an active, vibrant, and foundational role in sustaining both the economy and the spirit of our communities. In the heart of our markets and neighbourhoods, women from the fisher community were a constant, hardworking presence. They traversed the valley selling fresh fish, often supplementing their baskets with native water products like nadru (lotus stems) and water chestnuts. In the summer, they brought seasonal makai (corn)both roasted on a tawa and baked to perfectionto the delight of passersby. The mornings were a sensory treat, defined by the rich aroma of local, homemade masala pounded with aromatic spices, paired with fresh lavasa bread straight from the tandoor. On Fridays, the atmosphere around sacred spaces like the Hazratbal Shrine and the Jamia Masjid was transformed by the entrepreneurial spirit of our women. They would gather to sell fresh cottage butter, traditional cheese, and during the peak of summer, baskets of sweet, dark mulberries.In the domestic sphere, our women were indispensable partners to their menfolk, lending their hands to every traditional craft. City families would participate in phumb kutounthe meticulous art of spinning fine pashmina thread on local charkhasto earn an honest, dignified living. In rural areas, women were the backbone of the agrarian economy, working shoulder-to-shoulder with their families in the open fields, weaving kangris, crafting willow baskets, and weaving mats. They managed thriving households, raising chickens to ensure a steady supply of fresh poultry, while a vibrant backyard vegetable garden was the standard for every home. Their labour was often physically demanding, including the arduous task of collecting firewood from deep forests. Yet, despiteor perhaps because ofthis rigorous, active lifestyle and their reliance on natural herbs and simple homemade remedies, they led robust lives. The myriad lifestyle diseases we see our women suffering from today were virtually nonexistent. I observed during my years in service that women were in full command of the granaries and the kitchens. They were the trusted custodians of the harvest, carefully storing dry fruits like walnuts and almonds, celebrating the fruits of their labour alongside the men in colourful, joyous community events. Today, an absolute transformation has taken place. We now see our young generation of women working confidently at gas stations, managing commercial outlets, and running ultra-modern beauty parlours. It is a striking cultural shiftmoving from the days of dandasa (walnut bark), which our mothers used as a natural preparation to clean their teeth, to the modern luxuries of pedicures and threading that previous generations were entirely unaware of. On a recent visit to a commercial bank in Shahr-e-Khaas, I was filled with pride to see the entire branch, including the Branch Manager, managed by a team of dedicated, highly professional ladies. Similarly, during my recent travels, I have boarded flights operated by capable, modern crews, reflecting a very positive outlook on what our present generation can achieve. Yet, this undeniable progress brings with it a profound paradox. While we celebrate these new heights, we must ask ourselves: at what cost? In the rush toward modernity, the core essence of our cultural values and traditions must not be cast aside. It breaks the heart to see the current state of our society. Our daughters should not be found wandering the banks of the Jhelum, desperately searching for a soft spot to jump into the river to end their precious lives. Our youth possess immense potential; they should be striving for lifetime achievements in science, arts, humanities, and trade. They should not be losing themselves to the menace of drug addiction, the tragedy of running away from homes, violence, or street vandalism. Even on our roads, the reckless disregard for traffic rules risks not only their own lives but the lives of innocent citizens. We must welcome the winds of change and celebrate the empowerment of our youth, but never at the expense of our souls. True progress lies in flying high into the modern world while remaining deeply rooted in the values, empathy, and sanity that once defined us. (The author is a former civil servant from the administrative service. He can be reached at:nisargilani57748@gmail.com)
Watch: From Home to Finance: Key portfolios in V. D. Satheesans Cabinet
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Nationwide Heat Drives Tourists Toward the Hidden Valleys of Kashmir
Rare May Snowfall at Razdan Top Draws Tourists to Gurez, Bangus & Sonamarg Bandipora, May 20 (KNS): As an intense heatwave grips several parts of India, Kashmirs cool climate and breathtaking landscapes are once again becoming a major attraction for tourists seeking relief from soaring temperatures. This summer, however, the spotlight is shifting from traditional tourist hubs to the Valleys lesser-explored destinations including Razdan Top, Gurez Valley, Tulail Valley, Bangus Valley and Sonamarg. With temperatures crossing 45C in several states, tourists arriving from Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab and Maharashtra are finding Kashmirs weather refreshing and pleasant. Visitors are especially flocking towards the high-altitude regions where snow still blankets mountain peaks despite the arrival of summer. One of the biggest attractions this season has been the unexpected snowfall at Razdan Top the gateway connecting Bandipora district with the scenic Gurez Valley. Tourists were seen enjoying snow activities, capturing photographs and experiencing chilly weather rarely witnessed during the month of May. We came here to escape the unbearable heat in Delhi, and seeing snowfall in May feels magical, said a tourist visiting Gurez with his family. Tourist activity has also increased significantly in Sonamarg, where families and adventure lovers are enjoying pony rides, streams and cool mountain winds. Meanwhile, Bangus Valley in north Kashmir is attracting nature lovers looking for peaceful and less crowded destinations surrounded by forests and vast green meadows. Visitors described the atmosphere in these offbeat destinations as calm, untouched and closer to nature compared to the more commercial tourist spots. Local tourism stakeholders say social media has played a major role in promoting these hidden destinations, encouraging travelers to explore beyond Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Tourists now want unexplored places with natural beauty and peaceful surroundings. Gurez, Tulail and Bangus are becoming preferred destinations because of their unique charm and cool climate, said a local tourism operator in Gurez. Travel guides and hotel owners across these regions have also reported a noticeable increase in tourist arrivals over the past few weeks, with many visitors extending their stay to enjoy the pleasant weather conditions. Tourism officials believe Kashmirs offbeat destinations are likely to witness even higher footfall in the coming weeks as temperatures continue to rise across the country, making the Valley one of the most sought-after summer retreats in India. (KNS)
World Diversity Day: Many Voices, One Humanity
Cultural diversity is not a destination humanity has reached. It is a work perpetually in progress and perpetually at risk MIR ALTAF A World of Staggering Plurality On World Cultural Diversity Day, the most important cultural monument should neither be a building nor a manuscript. It should be an old woman in a remote village who knows something no one else does: a song, a dyeing technique, a way of reading the monsoon sky, a word for a feeling that no other language has ever named. Because when she is gone, that knowledge does not retire into an archive. It disappears from the world entirely, as completely as though it had never existed. This is what is truly at stake on May 21, when the world observes the Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, proclaimed by the United Nations in 2002 following the adoption of UNESCOs Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity. It is not merely a commemorative occasion. It is a standing invitation to humanity to recognise that our differences are not fault lines to be feared, but fertile ground from which understanding, creativity, and enduring peace can grow. In 2026, the invitation carries a new weight. The world is changing fast and not always in ways that are kind to difference. The real question for our time is not whether cultures will meet. They will, every day, everywhere. The question is whether those meetings will leave both sides richer or diminished. 7,000+ Languages spoken worldwide 370M+ Indigenous peoples globally ~50% Of world languages at risk $2.25T Cultural industries globally Across six continents, cultural diversity manifests in astonishing forms, like in the oral traditions of West African griots, the architectural philosophy of Japanese ma (negative space), the communal cosmology of Andean Pachamama worship, and the stoic civic ethos of Scandinavian societies. Each represents not simply a different way of doing things, but a fundamentally different way of understanding what it means to be human. UNESCOs 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions remains the foundational legal instrument in this field, recognising cultural goods and services as bearers of identity and values rather than mere commercial commodities. Yet the gap between legal recognition and lived reality yawns wide. Languages disappear at the rate of roughly one every two weeks. A child growing up today in rural Bolivia or the forests of Odisha is simultaneously more connected to global culture than any previous generation, and more at risk of losing their own. Cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature. UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, 2001 The Republic That Is a Civilisation To speak of cultural diversity in an Indian context is to speak in superlatives that nonetheless fall short of the reality. India is not merely a diverse country; it is a civilisation that has functioned, across millennia, as a living laboratory of cultural coexistence. With 22 officially recognised languages and over 1,600 mother tongues documented in the census, eight major religions, dozens of distinct classical art forms, and a culinary geography that transforms every hundred kilometres, Indias diversity is not incidental to its identity. It is its identity. 1,600+ Mother tongues documented 705 Scheduled tribal communities 16 UNESCO ICH elements inscribed 43 World Heritage Sites The philosophical underpinning of Indias approach to diversity is perhaps best captured in the ancient concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam the world is one family. This is not a passive tolerance of difference but an active embrace of it, rooted in the understanding that plurality is not a problem to be managed but a wisdom to be drawn upon. The Vedic tradition of debating opposing philosophical systems side by side, the Sufi dargahs that welcomed devotees of all faiths, the syncretic folk music that blended Hindu and Islamic devotional vocabularies, these were not accidents of geography but the fruits of a deliberate cultural philosophy. Modern India carries this inheritance forward imperfectly but persistently. The constitutional protections for linguistic and cultural minorities under Articles 29 and 30 are among the most robust frameworks for minority cultural rights in the world. The Sangeet Natak Akademi, Sahitya Akademi, and Lalit Kala Akademi have, for seven decades, worked to document, sustain, and celebrate art forms from every corner of the subcontinent. On this World Diversity Day, Indias challenge and its opportunity is to translate constitutional aspiration into living practice. That means not merely preserving heritage in museums and festivals, but ensuring that the communities who are the living custodians of that heritage have the economic security and institutional support to continue creating, not just surviving. Indias Northeast offers perhaps the most concentrated illustration of this challenge and potential. The eight sister states together are home to over 200 distinct ethnic groups and also over 200 languages and dialects. Manipuri dance and Mizo choral traditions, the textile arts of the Nagas and the boat festivals of Assam, this region is not a peripheral curiosity but a cultural heartland. The recent granting of Classical Language status to additional Indian languages is a step in the right direction; what is needed now is the sustained, granular work of documentation, transmission, and economic empowerment of cultural practitioners. The Valley Where Cultures Embraced: Kashmir Focus Kashmir occupies a singular place in the cartography of world culture. Positioned at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Silk Road, the valley absorbed and synthesised influences from Persian, Mughal, Buddhist, Shaivite, and Central Asian traditions across fifteen centuries of cultural exchange. The result is a remarkably original culture with its own aesthetic language, philosophical tradition, and social fabric. The tradition of Kashmiriyat, the composite cultural identity of the valley, transcending religious lines, represents one of the most instructive examples of cultural coexistence in South Asian history. Shared shrines, syncretic devotional poetry in the tradition of Lal Ded and Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani, these were the lived texture of Kashmiri pluralism. The Kashmiri handicraft sector, comprising Pashmina weaving, Kani shawls, papier-mch, walnut
When Hope Becomes Business: The Commercialization of Parental Grief
Their faces carried a different kind of fatigue. Not the fatigue of waiting for hours, but the fatigue of waiting for years DR SUHAIL NAIK Busy outpatient departments, two to three hundred patients every single day, scorching summer heat, exhausted fingers holding pens hardened with pressure callosities, sweating parents waiting endlessly with their sick children for just a few moments of consultation. Amid this endless daily rush in hospitals, one group always stood apart in silent suffering parents of children with neuro-disabilities, syndromes, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, behavioural disorders, and refractory neurological illnesses. Their faces carried a different kind of fatigue. Not the fatigue of waiting for hours, but the fatigue of waiting for years. Years of unanswered questions. Years of social isolation. Years of carrying children in their arms from one hospital corridor to another. To decrease even a fraction of their agony, we introduced a small humanitarian gesture. We issued them a simple notebook costing barely twenty rupees and used it as a special symbol for the nursing staff and orderlies, so these parents could directly enter for consultation without standing in long queues or struggling for routine OPD tickets. It was not charity. It was guilt. Somewhere deep within ourselves, we subconsciously knew that our healthcare systems, delayed interventions, poor perinatal care, lack of rehabilitation infrastructure, social neglect, and systemic failures were also responsible for many of these lifelong tragedies. Only a minority truly had a purely genetic basis. The public across all three districts of North Kashmir appreciated this humane gesture, and thankfully the younger generation of paediatricians continued this legacy with compassion. Most of these children were known to us since birth. We had worked our entire lives in the Valley. We knew their stories, their crises, their neonatal struggles, their delayed cries, their seizures, their MRIs, their social realities. And most importantly we knew the painful truth. For many of them, there was nothing dramatically actionable left except good seizure control, nutritional support, physiotherapy, speech therapy, prevention of aspiration, maintaining hygiene, preventing bed sores, and preserving dignity. Then one fine day, hope arrived wearing the coat of super-specialization. We were informed that a visiting pediatric neurologist from outside the Valley had started clinics in Kashmir. Soon, almost all our so-called cerebral palsy patients began visiting him. The consultation fee itself was massive. Immediately, every child was subjected to EEGs, MRI Brain, MRI Spine, NCV studies, TMS, GCMS, metabolic panels, and endless investigations. Entire cohorts of devastated families ran from laboratory to laboratory. And after all the sophisticated investigations, almost everyone received the same prescription: Pacitane 2 mg. That single tablet became a symbol of hope. Parents sold savings, borrowed money, travelled long distances, and emotionally convinced themselves that perhaps their child was finally curable and that local doctors had wasted precious years of their lives. But after the investigations were exhausted and the emotional economy around hope had been completed, the specialist quietly stopped visiting the Valley. His work was done. The parents slowly returned back to us one by one. This time physically exhausted, mentally shattered, and economically devastated. Many of them could no longer make direct eye contact with us. Not because they hated us, but because hope itself had humiliated them. Years later, history repeated itself again. This time it was not a visiting social-media-promoted doctor. This time it was Genetic Testing. Clinical Exome Sequencing. Once again, emotionally vulnerable parents were made to believe that somewhere inside a laboratory report existed the final answer to their childs suffering. Poor families started arranging money desperately. Many mothers literally sold their earrings and jewellery. And the painful irony was that a large proportion of these children already had obvious established clinical diagnoses, severe acquired cerebral insults, microcephaly less than minus two standard deviations, profound hypoxic injuries, or unmistakable clinic-oradiological pictures of cerebral palsy. Yet the tests continued. After months of waiting with trembling hope, the reports finally arrived. Variant of Uncertain Significance. Then came another recommendation: Parental testing advised. More uncertainty. More expense. More emotional exploitation disguised as scientific advancement. When this professionally unethical, scientifically unjustified, and clinically non-actionable practice was brought to my notice, I strongly raised the issue with concerned people. I told them very clearly: Testing known cerebral palsy patients indiscriminately, when the etiological diagnosis is already clinically evident, is not precision medicine. Itis commercializationof parental grief. We are certain about many of these childrens diagnoses. Your reports themselves are uncertain. The response I received from one of the stakeholders still echoes painfully in my mind. He said: Doctor, we may be uncertain about the genebut we are very certain about managing CMEs, food, flights, and shawls. That single sentence summarised the tragedy of modern medical commerce more honestly than any textbook ever could. Thank you very much. (The author is a Senior Consultant and Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics, GMC Srinagar and has 50 research publications in paediatric neurology)
Shaurya Gatha Complex Puts Karnah on Tourism Map
Aatif Qayoom Srinagar, May 20: The border town of Karnah in north Kashmirs Kupwara district is witnessing growing tourist interest as the Shaurya Gatha Complex at SM Hill in Tangdhar emerges as a major attraction in the region. Developed as a blend of battlefield tourism, cultural preservation, and heritage promotion, the project is gradually changing the image of this frontier area from a conflict zone to a destination of historical and cultural importance. The Shaurya Gatha Complex houses a grand War Memorial dedicated to the soldiers and civilians who sacrificed their lives during the 1947 to 48, 1965, and 1971 wars, besides various counter insurgency operations. The memorial stands as a tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of the Indian Army and the people of Karnah who endured decades of hardships along the Line of Control. Located amid breathtaking mountains and valleys, the memorial has started attracting visitors interested in military history and border tourism. Residents believe the initiative will open new employment opportunities for local youth and boost the regions economy. For years people only heard about shelling and conflict in Karnah. Now visitors are coming to see our culture, mountains, and history. It gives us hope for better days, said Abdul Hamid, a local resident. Another major attraction within the complex is the Pahadi Culture Centre, established to preserve and promote the rich traditions, music, language, and heritage of the Pahadi community living in Karnah. The centre reflects the unique cultural identity of the border region and has become a symbol of local pride. Renowned singer Waqar Khan recently visited the Shaurya Gatha Complex and paid rich tributes to the martyrs. During his visit, he performed patriotic songs dedicated to the Indian Army and expressed admiration for the efforts being made to preserve the regions heritage and promote tourism. Locals say the tourism initiative can support handicrafts, homestays, transport services, and small businesses in the area. Our youth need opportunities. If tourism increases, many families here will benefit economically, said Shazia Begum, a local artisan. Tourism stakeholders believe the scenic beauty of Tangdhar, combined with battlefield tourism and cultural heritage, can attract tourists from across the country. Residents now hope Karnah will soon emerge as one of J&Ks important offbeat tourism destinations.
Two Illegal Brick Kilns Demolished In Budgam
Arif Rashid Srinagar, May 20: In a major crackdown against unauthorized industrial activities, the Budgam district administration has demolished two illegally operating brick kilns in Chadoora and Beerwah tehsils during the last two days for allegedly violating environmental and land-use regulations. Officials said the action was taken as part of the administrations ongoing drive to curb illegal establishments operating without mandatory permissions and causing environmental concerns in the district. According to an official, one illegal brick kiln in the Chadoora area was razed on May 19 after authorities found that the unit was functioning without obtaining the required authorization from the concerned departments. On May 20, another brick kiln operating illegally in Mulshulla village of Beerwah Tehsil was demolished. The unit was running without permission and was found to be in violation of environmental and land-use norms, the official said. The demolition operation was conducted under relevant legal provisions and carried out under the supervision of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Beerwah. Tehsildar Beerwah, SHO Beerwah, and other concerned officers were also present during the drive to ensure smooth execution of the operation. Officials said the administration has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal industrial units, particularly those operating in environmentally sensitive areas without proper clearances. They further said that such unauthorized activities not only violate government regulations but also pose a threat to agricultural land and public health due to pollution caused by brick kiln emissions. The district administration has warned that strict action will continue against violators and urged industrial unit owners to adhere to environmental guidelines and obtain necessary permissions before commencing operations.
Kashmiri Oncologist Dies Of Cardiac Arrest In Delhi
Mansoor Peer Srinagar, May 20: A Srinagar-born senior Surgical Oncologist, Dr. Syed Azim Razvi passed away in Delhi on Wednesday after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest, leaving the medical fraternity in deep shock and grief. Dr. Razvi, a resident of Nabdipora Hawal in Srinagar, was associated with Apollo Hospital, Delhi, and known for his dedication towards patient care and excellence in surgical oncology. According to Dr. Mohammad Momin Khan of the FAIMA Doctors Association, Dr. Razvi suffered a sudden heart attack and passed away at Vashoda Med City Hospital in Delhi. Expressing grief over the loss, Dr. Khan described Dr. Razvi as a humble, famous, and extremely helpful doctor who was highly respected among colleagues and patients alike. He was very close to me and was one of the most dedicated Surgical Oncologists. His sudden demise is a huge loss for the entire medical fraternity, Dr. Khan said. Dr. Razvi had an outstanding academic and professional background. He completed his MBBS and MS in General Surgery from Government Medical College, J&K, followed by DNB in Surgical Oncology, in which he was awarded a Gold Medal. He further pursued advanced fellowships in Colorectal & HPB Onco-Surgery and Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery from Yonsei University, South Korea. Meanwhile, Dr. Khan has appealed to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and facilitate the return of Dr. Razvis mortal remains to Kashmir for his final rites. The news of his demise has triggered widespread condolences across the medical community, with doctors and well-wishers remembering him for his service, compassion, and contribution to cancer care.
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