States

Partition Horrors Remembrance Day : Dont repeat mistakes of past: LG Sinha to J&K youth

Srinagar, Aug 14: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said the youth of Jammu and Kashmir must ensurethat the mistakes of the past are never repeated in the future. Where walls were once raised, you must build bridges of trust and constructa Viksit Bharat that is inclusive, he LG said, addressing the youth at the solemn observance of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day at Tagore Hall, Srinagar. The Lieutenant Governor attended the event, which was marked by collective remembrance and a reaffirmation of national unity. In his address, hepaidheartfelt tribute to all those citizens who endured unimaginable suffering during thepartition of 1947and whose sacrifices continue to inspire generations. Emphasising that the wound of partition continues to exist as a pain in the collective consciousness of every Indian, Sinha said, Decades after the partition, their sacrifice reminds us that the wound remains unhealed, lingering as a generational pain in India's collective soul. On Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, we are not merely recalling the past,butwe are giving voice tothosemillions whose voices were takenaway from them.I wish to reiterate with firm resolve that we will not allow their pain to be buried in the dust of history. He said remembering themis fulfillinghumanity's duty, and called for preserving their memories with complete truthfulness, honesty, and utmost sensitivity. I believe that their stories are an indelible chapter of our national consciousness, and their sacrifice will forever remain alive in the soul of Mother India, he said. The Lieutenant Governor urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to treat this day as anoccasion ofintrospection and national resolve. He called upon the youth, farmers, workers, and women to rise with courage and determination toturn the pace of time towardsprogress and harmony. He praised the resilience of people who rebuilt their lives with courage and enriched the country's social fabric and cultural heritage with historic traditions and values. Today's occasion is an opportunity to acknowledge the pain of the past and strengthen our unwavering commitment to peace, harmony and national unity. This day reminds us that only the lessons of history can make the future secure and humane, he said. The Lieutenant Governor noted that partition divided families and displaced communities from Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir and Chhamb. He paid tribute to those who faced decades-long discrimination within the UT due to Article 370, saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended their suffering and granted them equal rights like any other citizen of the country. He also paid tribute to countless families who sacrificed during the tribal invasion months after partition. Within a few months of partition, enemies of the nation carried out terror attacks under the cover of tribal invasions. Indian Army and people fought bravely. The struggle and sacrifice of countless families are an integral part ofthe collective memory of Jammu and Kashmir.Today, I humbly pay tribute to the patience, hard work, and unbroken patriotism of all those families, he said. Addressing the youth, LG Sinha emphasised that partition is not merely history but a living memory of millions of families. He urged them to reject enmity and communal bitterness and to build bridges of trust. The Lieutenant Governor reminded the gathering that India's strength lies in its diversity. Through partition, enemies of the nation tried to destroy this spirit of unity in diversity, but India has continuously moved forward with pride and confidence. We must take a pledge to acquaint future generations with the pain of partition, to strengthen peace and harmony, and to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated. Building a self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir is a shared duty and national unity remains the bedrock of our strength, security and collective progress, he said. The Lieutenant Governor visited a photo exhibition on Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. A two-minute silence was observed in memory of those who lost their lives during the Partition. The event also featured a moving theatrical performance by artists that brought to light the trauma, hardship, and displacement experienced by millions. Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson, J&K Waqf Board; Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra; Principal Secretary, Culture Brij Mohan Sharma; BJP General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul; senior officials, prominent citizens, and youth in large numbers were present.

From Swatantrata to Viksit Bharat: Indias Journey from 1947 to 2047

On 15 August 1947, India awoke to freedom after a long and difficult struggle. The lowering of the Union Jack and the unfurling of the Tricolour marked the birth of an independent nation, but Independence was not the end of India's struggle. It was the beginning of a much larger responsibilitythe responsibility of transforming political freedom into social and economic freedom, and of building a nation capable of providing dignity, opportunity and security to all its citizens. The India inherited in 1947 faced enormous challenges: widespread poverty, low literacy, inadequate healthcare, food shortages, limited industrialisation, weak infrastructure, scarce electricity and poor connectivity between villages, towns and cities. Partition had brought displacement and immense human suffering. Yet, against these odds, India chose democracy, constitutionalism and inclusive nation-building. The first generations of independent India began constructing the institutions and infrastructure that would ultimately become the foundation of modern India. Eight decades later, as the country approaches its 80th Independence Day in 2026, the distance travelled is extraordinary. The India of 2026 is not the India of 1947not because the challenges have disappeared, but because the scale of India's capabilities, aspirations and confidence has fundamentally changed. One of the most profound transformations has taken place in education and human capital. At Independence, education was available to only a relatively small section of the population, literacy was low and opportunities for higher and technical education were severely limited. Independent India understood early that political freedom could not be sustained without an educated citizenry. Institutions of national importance were therefore established to create the intellectual foundations of a modern country. The establishment of AIIMS New Delhi in 1956 became a landmark in medical education and healthcare, while the IITs, IIMs, universities, scientific institutions and research establishments created generations of engineers, doctors, scientists, administrators, entrepreneurs and professionals. The journey from one AIIMS to a network of AIIMS across the country is symbolic of the wider expansion of higher education and medical capacity. At the school level too, India has moved from a situation where millions of children were outside the education system to one of the world's largest school education networks. The nature of the challenge has consequently changed. In 1947, the question was how to bring children into schools and create institutions; in 2026, the challenge is how to ensure quality, skills, innovation, research and global competitiveness. Education is no longer simply a social sectorit is the foundation of India's knowledge economy and perhaps the most important investment in the India of 2047. The transformation in healthcare tells a similar story. The early Republic inherited a health system with limited hospitals, doctors, medical colleges and public-health infrastructure. Over the decades, India expanded medical institutions, district hospitals, primary healthcare, specialised treatment and public-health programmes. The expansion of AIIMS and medical colleges has increased the country's capacity to produce doctors and provide specialised healthcare. The development of national health programmes and financial protection schemes has sought to ensure that illness does not push vulnerable families into financial distress. But healthcare, like education, must ultimately be judged by the last mile. A world-class hospital in a metropolitan city is important, but so is a functioning health facility in a remote village. A medical institution in Delhi matters, but so does the ability of a citizen in Ladakh, the Northeast, a tribal area or a border village to access timely medical care. The real measure of India's healthcare transformation is therefore not merely institutional expansion but access, affordability, quality and dignity. The India of 2047 must aspire to a healthcare system where geography and income do not determine the quality of care a citizen receives. If education and healthcare represent the development of India's people, infrastructure represents the physical transformation of the nation. The India of 1947 had limited roads, inadequate rural connectivity and enormous geographical barriers. Over the decades, roads became one of the most powerful instruments of integration. National highways, expressways, rural roads, bridges and tunnels have brought villages closer to markets and cities and have transformed the movement of people and goods. A road is much more than a strip of asphalt. It allows a farmer to take produce to the market, a student to reach an institution, a patient to reach a hospital and an entrepreneur to access a larger market. In the Himalayan and border regions, infrastructure has an additional strategic and social significance: it connects communities that historically remained isolated and strengthens their integration with the rest of the country. The infrastructure story has also moved beyond roads. Airports have expanded, ports have been modernised, logistics networks are developing and multimodal connectivity is increasingly becoming a central part of India's economic strategy. The result is an India where distance is gradually becoming less of a barrier to opportunity. The railway story perhaps provides one of the strongest metaphors for India's journey. The railways were largely inherited from the colonial era, but independent India transformed them into a national lifeline connecting almost every part of the country. Electrification, modern signalling, upgraded stations, new trains, dedicated freight corridors and major bridges have progressively modernised the network. The expansion of rail connectivity into Kashmir is particularly symbolic. The UdhampurSrinagarBaramulla Rail Link, together with the engineering achievement of the Chenab Railway Bridge, represents the determination to overcome some of the most difficult geographical barriers in the country. The vision of an increasingly connected Indiafrom Kashmir to Kanyakumariis not simply about transportation. It is about national integration, commerce, tourism, employment, mobility and a common economic space. When a citizen can travel across regions more easily, when goods can move faster and when remote areas become connected to national markets, infrastructure becomes an instrument of social transformation. The journey of Indian Railways therefore reflects the larger journey of India itself: from inherited infrastructure to an increasingly modern, integrated and technologically advanced network. The story of power and energy is equally significant. At Independence, electricity generation capacity was extremely limited and large parts of rural India had no access to reliable electricity. The decades after Independence saw the construction of large dams, thermal power plants, hydroelectric projects, transmission systems and later nuclear facilities. Rural electrification gradually expanded, transforming agriculture, industry, education and household life. Today, India possesses a vastly larger and more diversified power system and is simultaneously pursuing energy security and a transition towards cleaner sources. Solar and wind power have expanded rapidly alongside hydro and nuclear energy. This marks a fundamental change in the nature of India's energy challenge. The question is no longer simply how to bring electricity to people; it is how to provide reliable, affordable and sustainable energy for a rapidly growing economy. Energy will be critical to India's manufacturing ambitions, digital economy, electric mobility, urbanisation and quality of life. The India of 2047 will require an energy system that is not only larger, but smarter, cleaner and more resilient. India's transformation cannot, however, be understood without its farmers and agricultural economy. In the early decades after Independence, food security was one of the country's most pressing challenges. The Green Revolution, agricultural research, irrigation, improved seeds, procurement systems and institutional support fundamentally changed India's food-production capacity. India moved from dependence and vulnerability towards greater food self-sufficiency and became a major agricultural producer. But the agricultural challenge of 2026 is different from that of 1947. The question is no longer only how to produce enough food. It is how to make the Annadata prosperous. Farmers require better irrigation, storage, processing, market access, technology, crop diversification, insurance, credit and value addition. Cooperatives, farmer-producer organisations and modern agricultural supply chains can play an important role in ensuring that the farmer receives a greater share of the value generated from his produce. The future agricultural revolution must therefore be an income and productivity revolutionone that combines technology with sustainability and traditional knowledge with modern markets. The transformation of industry and the economy has been equally significant. Independent India had a relatively limited industrial base. The early decades focused on creating basic industries, steel plants, heavy engineering, public-sector enterprises and scientific and technical capabilities. The economic reforms of 1991 opened another decisive chapter, bringing greater competition, private investment and integration with global markets. The growth of services, information technology, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, telecommunications and other sectors demonstrated India's capacity to compete globally. Today, the national ambition is increasingly moving towards becoming a major manufacturing and innovation hub. Electronics, semiconductors, defence manufacturing, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, automobiles and advanced technologies represent areas where India seeks not merely to consume but increasingly to design, manufacture and export for the world. This economic transformation has created a new aspiration: an India that is not simply a large market, but a productive, innovative and globally competitive economy. Perhaps nowhere has the change been as rapid as in telecommunications and digital technology. There was a time when obtaining a telephone connection could take years. Today, mobile phones and internet connectivity have become integral to everyday life. Digital payments have transformed commerce; Aadhaar and digital identity have enabled new models of service delivery; direct benefit transfers have reduced the distance between government and beneficiary; and digital platforms have opened new possibilities in education, healthcare, banking and governance. India's digital public infrastructure has emerged as one of the country's distinctive capabilities. Technology has also begun to transform the concept of the last mile. A citizen living hundreds of kilometres from a district headquarters can increasingly access banking, information, government services and digital payments without physically travelling to an office. This is a remarkable change in the relationship between citizen, State and economy. The digital revolution has therefore complemented the physical revolution in roads, railways, power and connectivity. Alongside physical and economic development, India has built an expanding architecture of social security and basic services. Housing, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, financial inclusion, food security, healthcare protection, insurance and direct benefit transfers have increasingly become part of the development framework. The objective is gradually shifting from welfare as temporary relief to welfare as a pathway towards empowerment. Development must ensure that poverty does not determine a person's destiny. A woman should have the opportunity to become an entrepreneur; a young person should have access to skills and employment; an elderly citizen should have social protection; a worker in the unorganised sector should not be invisible to the formal systems of support; and a poor family should not be forced into financial ruin because of illness or lack of basic services. The most important measure of any government programme is therefore not the number of beneficiaries listed on paper, but whether the intended benefit actually reaches the person for whom it was created. Last-mile delivery is the true test of development. This is also where India's cooperative and community-based institutions can play an important role in the next phase of development. India's villages, farmers, artisans, weavers, dairy producers and small producers cannot all participate in modern markets individually. Cooperatives and producer organisations can aggregate production, improve bargaining power, provide access to finance and technology, create value chains and connect local products with national and global markets. This is particularly relevant for traditional sectors such as handloom, handicrafts, wool and Pashmina. When local producers become organised and connected to markets, development becomes participatory rather than merely distributive. The future of Viksit Bharat must therefore include not only large corporations and major cities, but also cooperatives, artisans, farmers, women-led enterprises and small producers in villages and remote regions. As India stands in 2026, the destination of Viksit Bharat @2047 lies twenty-one years ahead. The centenary of Independence will be more than a commemorative milestone; it represents a national deadline for transforming the foundations built over the first century of the Republic into a developed, inclusive and confident India. The vision places Yuva, Garib, Mahilayen and Annadata at the centre. India's youth must become the engines of innovation, entrepreneurship, research and productivity. The poor must receive not only welfare but opportunity, dignity and pathways to prosperity. Women must become equal partners and leaders in India's economic and social transformation. Farmers must become more prosperous, technology-enabled and integrated with modern markets. These four pillars represent a simple truth: Viksit Bharat will not be built only through infrastructure; it will be built through empowered citizens. But there is another ingredient without which national development remains incompletea shared sense of belonging. A nation is not held together only by roads, railways, institutions and economic statistics. It is also held together by symbols, memories and emotions. The Tiranga represents that collective identity. The Har Ghar Tiranga movement has helped transform the National Flag from something primarily seen at official ceremonies into a people's expression of patriotism. The flag has entered homes, schools, villages, workplaces and public spaces. It has become an emotional bridge between the citizen and the nation. Its influence becomes particularly powerful when it reaches the remote landscapes of India. The Tiranga Yatra at Pangong Lake in Ladakh is a striking example. Against the backdrop of the high Himalayas, the National Flag becomes a symbol not only of patriotism but also of India's geographical diversity and national unity. When the flag is hand-knitted by local women weavers, another layer of meaning is added. Here, patriotism meets Swadeshi, women's empowerment, traditional craftsmanship and local livelihood. The hands that preserve India's traditional skills also create a symbol of the Republic. A Tiranga at Pangong therefore tells a much larger story: the story of an India where remote regions are not peripheral to national development but are active contributors to it; where local communities are not merely beneficiaries but partners; and where cultural heritage and economic opportunity can reinforce each other. This is perhaps the most important lesson of India's journey from 1947 to 2026. Development is not simply about making India richer; it is about making India more capable, more connected, more secure and more confident. It is about ensuring that a child in a remote village has the same aspiration to become a doctor, engineer, scientist, entrepreneur or public servant as a child in a metropolitan city. It is about ensuring that a farmer, artisan or weaver can connect with markets. It is about ensuring that the citizen living in the mountains, on an island, in a tribal region or near the international border feels equally included in India's national story. It is about ensuring that the benefits of technology and infrastructure reach the last mile. The India of 1947 had to fight for freedom. The India of 2026 has to build the future that freedom made possible. The first generation of independent India built institutions. The next generations expanded infrastructure and economic capacity. Today's generation has inherited a country with enormous capabilities and even greater aspirations. The responsibility now is to convert those capabilities into a developed India by 2047. The journey ahead must be measured not only by the size of the economy or the height of bridges, but by the quality of life of ordinary citizens. It must be an India where every child can learn, every young person can dream, every woman can lead, every farmer can prosper, every worker can live with dignity, every village can be connected, and every citizen can access the benefits of development. That is the real meaning of Viksit Bharat @2047. The Tiranga that was unfurled at the dawn of Independence in 1947 today flies over a vastly transformed India. From the first AIIMS to a nationwide health ecosystem; from limited roads to expressways; from power scarcity to a diversified energy system; from isolated regions to connectivity from Kashmir to Kanyakumari; from food insecurity to agricultural strength; from limited telephones to a digital India; and from welfare delivery to an ambition of last-mile empowermentthe journey has been extraordinary. But the journey is not over. 2026 is a moment to reflect on how far India has come. 2047 is the destination towards which we must now work. From Swatantra Bharat to Viksit Bharat. From freedom to empowerment. From infrastructure to opportunity. From Har Ghar Tiranga to Har Dil Tiranga. And ultimately, from the promise of development to its delivery to the last person. The Tiranga is not only a reminder of where we came from. It is a promise of where we are determined to go. Jai Hind. (The Author is a columnist and can be reached at: balisachin775@gmail.com )

CUK holds VBYCP, speakers urge youth to lead fight against drug abuse

Ganderbal, Aug 14: To aware youngsters about the adverse effects of the substance abuse under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan, Dean Students Welfare (DSW) and National Service Scheme (NSS) Central University of Kashmir CUKashmir) organised a Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme (VBYCP) at varsitys Tulmulla campus here Friday. Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, appreciated the presentations made during the programme and congratulated the young leaders for effectively presenting the theme. Emphasising the responsibility of students as the future architects of the country, he urged them to acquire knowledge, disseminate it and, above all, apply it for the larger good of society. Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest, Satish Chandra IAS (Retd), Chairperson JKRERA, spoke about the alarming spread of drug abuse among the youth and the need for collective action and measures to arrest the trend. Registrar, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, Dean School of Legal Studies, Prof. Farooq Ahmad Mir, Dean DSW, Dr. Jehirul Islam, NSS Coordinator, Dr. Shabir Ahmad, Nodal Officer, VBYCP, Suhail Ahmad Ahangar, faculty members, scholars, students and NSS volunteers from GDC Ganderbal were present. In his address, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Ganderbal, Urfaan highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between young people and the police in the fight against drug abuse. Drawing attention to the distinction between drug users and those involved in drug trafficking, he said that a drug addict is a victim. We need to own him, emphasising the need for empathy and rehabilitation alongside stringent action against those involved in the illicit drug trade. Earlier, students Anubhav Anand from the Department of Law and Tulba Rasool, from the department of English made a comprehensive presentation about the important role of youth in Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and the measures taken by the Government of India, across the country, to counter the drug abuse. The participants also took a pledge to fight against the rampant drug addiction. Shafaq Ashfaq conducted the programme proceedings and Dr. Shahid Sultan, Asst Prof. Deptt of IT, proposed the vote of thanks.

JKLCMA Vice Chairman reviews conservation, dredging works in Gilsar

Srinagar, Aug 14: Vice Chairman, J&K Lake Conservation & Management Authority (JKLCMA), Khurshid Ahmad Shah on Friday conducted a comprehensive field inspection of Gilsar to review the ongoing conservation, restoration and navigational channel cleaning works. He was accompanied by Collector, Executive Engineer, Lake Division Ist /2nd /Mechanical, AEEs and other field staff of the Authority. During the inspection, the Vice Chairman reviewed the progress of dredging and cleaning of navigational channels in both water bodies. He was informed that dredging of two major channels from Saidapora Bridge towards Firdousa Abad and Sazgaripora have been completed. Work on opening and cleaning the remaining interior channels is currently underway. The Vice Chairman also inspected the Watermaster recently deployed in the area and reviewed its utilization for cleaning, opening and maintaining navigational channels. The concerned officers briefed the Vice Chairman on the progress achieved so far, the challenges encountered during execution and the measures being taken to ensure timely completion of the remaining works. The Vice Chairman directed the concerned officers and field staff to ensure that all ongoing works are executed efficiently and within the stipulated timelines. He stressed the importance of regular field monitoring, optimum utilization of available machinery and close coordination among the field teams to restore navigational connectivity and improve water circulation in Khushalsar and Gilsar. He further emphasized that all conservation and restoration interventions must be carried out with due care to safeguard the ecological health of the water bodies while ensuring improved navigation, water flow and overall functionality of the interconnected water bodies.

Parents praise arrangements as NIT Srinagar UG admissions continue

Srinagar, Aug 14: For many parents, accompanying their children to the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar for undergraduate admissions was an occasion marked by pride, anticipation and a sense of achievement, as their wards embarked on a new phase of academic life. On the second day of undergraduate admissions at the Institute on Friday, parents accompanying students seeking admission to various programmes appreciated the arrangements, describing the process as orderly, efficient and convenient. For families who had travelled from different parts of the country, the admission day also brought relief after months of preparation and uncertainty. Parents said clear guidance from staff and the availability of essential services on campus helped them complete the formalities without much difficulty. Rajesh Kumar, a parent from Punjab, said seeing his son secure admission to NIT Srinagar was a proud moment for the family. We had been waiting for this day for a long time. There was naturally some nervousness when we arrived, but the way the staff guided us made everything much easier. From document verification to the final formalities, everyone was very cooperative, he said. Ram Prasad Meena, a parent from Rajasthan whose son secured admission to Mechanical Engineering, said the arrangements had made the transition easier for both students and families. For us, this is a very important moment. Our son is beginning a new chapter of his life, and as parents we wanted everything to go smoothly. The staff guided us properly, while having different facilities available at one place made the process much easier, he said. Shradda Kumari from Patna, Bihar, whose ward was admitted to the Institute, said her family was impressed by the way the rush of students and parents was managed. We were expecting a long and tiring process, but things moved smoothly. The staff was patient and cooperative. It was reassuring to see that the Institute had made arrangements to assist parents at every stage, she said. Shradda said parents often carry concerns when their children leave home for higher education, adding that the arrangements at the campus helped ease some of those apprehensions. As parents, we always worry when our children take such a big step. Seeing the arrangements here and the way officials are helping students gives us confidence, she said. She added that the atmosphere on campus was encouraging, with students appearing excited about beginning their journey at one of the countrys premier technical institutions. Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. B.A. Mir, said the admission process was progressing smoothly, with teams working continuously to facilitate students and their parents. Today, we have completed the admission process for around 80 candidates, taking the overall number of admissions to 169 so far. The response has been encouraging, and our teams are working to ensure that every student and parent gets proper assistance throughout the process, Prof. Mir said. He said the Institute had streamlined the admission procedure by bringing different facilities and services together at the campus, allowing students to complete their formalities in a coordinated manner. Our teams are working tirelessly from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM to ensure a hassle-free experience for students and parents. We have tried to make the process as convenient as possible, with the required facilities available under one roof, he said. Senior officials are monitoring the arrangements and speaking with students, parents, and staff to ensure coordination across teams during the ongoing admission process.

India at 80: A Nation of Strength, Vision, and Progress

India celebrates Independence Day on August 15 not only to remember the end of British rule in 1947, but also to honour the extraordinary journey of a nation that has grown into one of the worlds most vibrant democracies. On this day, the tricolour flies high across the country, symbolising unity, dignity, and the unbreakable spirit of the Indian people. As India marks its 80th Independence Day in 2026, it does so with confidence and hope. From the struggles of the freedom movement to the achievements of the present era, Indias story is one of determination, sacrifice, and remarkable progress. The nation has overcome immense challenges and continues to move forward with strength, guided by a strong democratic framework and an enduring sense of national purpose. This progress is also reflected in the leadership that has steered the country in recent years. Under the Prime Ministers dynamic vision and committed governance, India has advanced on multiple fronts from infrastructure and digital innovation to global diplomacy and national security. The leadership has given fresh energy to the idea of a self-reliant, confident, and developed India. The Prime Ministers address on Independence Day has, year after year, become a moment of inspiration for the nation. It reflects not just policy direction but also a deeper call to collective responsibility, encouraging citizens to work together for a stronger and more prosperous India. His emphasis on reform, development, and unity has resonated widely, especially among the youth who see in India a country of expanding opportunity and rising ambition. Indias achievements in the past decade have strengthened its standing in the world. The countrys economy, technological capabilities, defence preparedness, and diplomatic influence have all grown significantly. At the same time, India has retained its core democratic values and its unique civilizational identity. This balance between tradition and transformation is what makes India truly exceptional. Independence Day is therefore not only a remembrance of the past, but also a celebration of the present and a pledge for the future. It is a day to salute the brave freedom fighters who gave India its liberty, and also to acknowledge the leaders, institutions, and citizens who continue to build on that legacy. As the nation looks toward the vision of a stronger and developed India, Independence Day 2026 arrives with a message of pride and optimism. India is not merely celebrating its history; it is celebrating its rise. It is celebrating a nation that dreams boldly, acts decisively, and stands tall among nations. And at the heart of this journey is the collective faith of the people, guided by leadership that has given the country renewed purpose and direction. India at 80 is not just free. India at 80 is confident, ambitious, and ready for the future

Indias Rise as a Beacon of Achievement

Indias story in the modern era is one of resilience, ambition, and remarkable progress. In a world often defined by uncertainty, India has emerged as a compelling example of how determination, scale, and vision can combine to shape a stronger national future. From technology and innovation to space exploration, infrastructure, and economic growth, the country continues to demonstrate achievements that deserve recognition and respect. At the heart of Indias success is its ability to balance tradition with transformation. Few nations carry the weight of ancient civilisation while simultaneously embracing the pace of contemporary development. India has managed to do both. Its cultural depth remains a source of identity and pride, while its expanding presence in global commerce, science, and diplomacy reflects a nation increasingly confident in its place on the world stage. One of Indias most striking achievements lies in its technological and scientific progress. The countrys space missions, digital public infrastructure, and growing innovation ecosystem have earned international admiration. India has shown that progress does not require abandoning its roots; rather, it can be built upon them. This ability to innovate at scale, while remaining inclusive, is one of the defining features of Indias rise. Equally important is Indias economic momentum. As one of the worlds fastest-growing major economies, India has become a vital engine of global growth. Its young population, entrepreneurial energy, and expanding consumer base offer tremendous opportunities not only for India itself but for the wider world. The nations achievements in manufacturing, digital payments, renewable energy, and startup culture underline a broader truth: India is not merely participating in the global economy; it is helping shape it. Indias progress also carries symbolic importance. It stands as proof that development can be pursued with democratic legitimacy, social diversity, and a strong sense of national purpose. In an age when many countries struggle to define their direction, Indias ascent offers a message of possibility. It shows that steady institutions, public investment, and human talent can produce lasting national strength. Of course, no national journey is without challenges. But what makes Indias achievements noteworthy is not perfection; it is persistence. The country continues to move forward, improve, and adapt while carrying the aspirations of more than a billion people. That alone is an extraordinary accomplishment. Indias achievements are not just milestones for one nationthey are part of a larger global story of progress. As the country continues to grow in influence and confidence, it does so with a message that resonates far beyond its borders: that vision, resilience, and collective effort can transform possibility into reality.

SKUAST-K, NIFT Srinagar sign MoU to strengthen research, innovation, academic exchange

Srinagar, Aug 14: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Srinagar, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaborative research, innovation, product development and academic exchange, with a special focus on adding value to Jammu and Kashmirs rich fibre resources. The agreement was signed at SKUAST-K, Shalimar, in the presence of Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, and Prof. Monica Gupta, Director, NIFT Srinagar, along with senior university officials, faculty members and representatives of both institutions. The collaboration seeks to combine the scientific and technical expertise of SKUAST-K with NIFT Srinagars strengths in design, fashion technology, product development, and market-oriented innovation to develop value-added, commercially viable products. A key outcome of the partnership will be the formulation of a collaborative research program on the value addition of J&Ks fiber resources including wool, pashmina and silk, with a focus on the fiber-to-fabric value chain. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai said the partnership should translate institutional expertise into tangible outcomes for local resources and communities. He directed the relevant faculty and officers to develop a focused, collaborative research program to improve value realization from the regions fiber resources. The Vice Chancellor emphasized that such institutional partnerships should go beyond conventional academic collaboration to yield new technologies, innovative products, livelihood opportunities, and greater economic value for local stakeholders. Director, NIFT Srinagar, said the collaboration offered significant potential for integrating NIFT Srinagars expertise in design and product innovation with SKUAST-Ks scientific and technical capabilities. She expressed confidence that the partnership would generate meaningful outcomes in value-added products and market-oriented innovation. Dr. Asif Hassan, Head, Division of Livestock Products Technology (LPT), SKUAST-K, outlined the objectives of the MoU and said it would provide a broader framework for joint research and development, faculty and student exchange, collaborative academic programmes, sharing of research facilities, and joint seminars and workshops. Earlier, Prof. Monica Gupta visited the SKUAST-K Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship (SKIE) Centre, where she interacted with Dr. Naveed, CEO, SKIE Centre, and his team. Discussions explored opportunities for joint work to strengthen the innovation ecosystem, promote student-led enterprises, support start-ups, and facilitate the commercialization of technologies and products. The MoU marks a step towards building stronger institutional linkages between science, design, technology and entrepreneurship, with the potential to create new value chains around Jammu and Kashmirs indigenous fibre resources.

Borders Defines Indian: But Who Defines Border Citizen?

As the 80 th anniversary of Independence Day dawns, the country will simply go into an overdrive with customary grandeur. The Tricolour will flutter atop important buildings; schoolchildren will sing patriotic songs, and speeches will extol the sacrifices that won us freedom from our colonial masters. A nation- state is defined by two of its very distinct facetsits people who populate its entire length and breadth and off course the national boundaries/borders. Both of these entities find ample space and discourse in its constitution and are complementary to each other. Not one of them individually can define the concept of a nation-state on its own steam. No wonder eighty years back, when Cyril Radcliffe the British lawyer cum boundary commission chairman set out his task of defining the national boundaries of India and Pakistan in a mere forty five days span , even he wouldnt have realized the importance of carving out such a cartographic lineation. Since this lineation was followed by one of the biggest human displacements with bloody repercussions in modern times across the Radcliffe line, hence the uniqueness of this partition.The borders of a country are not merely cartographic labyrinthine but a place where the republic is tested every single day. It is where the idea of India ceases to be an abstraction and becomes a lived reality. Ironically, while the border defines Indias geography, the border citizen often remains invisible in Indias policymaking. For close to seventy nine years, India has viewed its national borders primarily through the prism of military strategy, investing in troops, weapons, surveillance and other infra to protect its territorial integrity. These investments are indispensible no doubt, but they also reveal a deeper flaw in our national thinking right from 1947. We have treated borders as military spaces to be defended rather than living spaces to be nurtured. This distinction matters, and hence my endeavour to pen down this write up on Indias 80 th Independence day to put under the scanner such a distinction which may not portend well for our country if left untreated. A nation-state is not merely secured by its armed forces guarding its borders. It is secured when citizens choose to live there with dignity, confidence and hope. Every inhabited village on the border is a declaration of national sovereignty. Every family that refuses to abandon its ancestral home despite enemy shelling, infiltration or isolation is performing an act of national service that rarely finds mention from the ramparts of Red fort of India. Nowhere is this reality more visible than in Jammu & Kashmir. Border residents have lived through wars since 1947, terrorist violence, repeated ceasefire violations and prolonged uncertainty. Children have grown up distinguishing mortar fire from festival fireworks, farmers have cultivated fields under the shadow of sniper fire and many more such vagaries as thrown up by our inimical western neighbour at us. These are not isolated tragedies. But represent a way of life that few Indians living hundreds of Kilometers away can fully comprehend. Out of a stated fifteen thousand kilometers of total land boundary of India touching seven neighbouring nations, how much of border is actually under fire of ours? I may dare say only that which abuts our western neighbour in the UT of J&K and now under an uneasy calm punctuated by repeated ceasefire violations. Isnt it suitable time on the anvil of 80 th Independence Day of India, that these hapless people are not left to the mercy of geo-political machinations of this sub-continent which are played with utter disregard to their wellbeing? Be that as it may, yet public policy frequently views border districts through the lens of relief rather than resilience. Compensation is announced after damage, roads are sanctioned after strategic necessity arises. Same is the case with a plethora of welfare schemes involving schools, hospitals and employment opportunities. In the after math of mayhem unleashed by Pakistan last year during Op Sindoor on our border villages abutting both the IB and the LC, stories of continued neglect, administrative cum bureaucratic apathy emanate from media circles regarding laggardly pace of redevelopment of damaged infra. Leave alone relief, resilience is a far cry for us to come on top of the things as they stand today. The contrast with China is instructive. Both India & China threw out the yolk of slavery in the late 1940s. With a gap of only two years in between i.e. 1947 and 1949 respectively, China has pursued an integrated border strategy in which civilian settlements, economic development and military preparedness reinforce each other thereby surpassing India both in thought and action. Many of the readers of my article may argue that being a totalitarian cum communist nation, for China the concept of a nation-state supersedes its denizens. This is pass, simple and straight. For the sake of argument even if I do take this concept as viable, then may I ask why India has woken up lately to emulate the same concept in the format of VVP (Vibrant village programme now? The villages of China all along the LAC in our context present themselves the Chinese instrument of national security, signaling that the writ of mandarins of power in Beijing runs not only in their national capital but right till the last village of theirs. Though India as stated above has lately started in the right earnest to rectify decades of its inertia in such matters, by kicking starting programmes like the VVP it is too late and too less. The intent though commendable, the scheme doesnt inspire that much confidence. As late as few weeks back the PM in one of his discourses with the youth of India under the aegis of DIYLD (Developed India young leaders dialogue) presented an idea before them of visiting border villages, stay and connect with them instead of using the virtual media to do so. This suggestion by our honourable PM throws an interesting question insteadIs merely encouraging the youth of India to visit these border villages enough? Can these cosmetics change the dismal situation as found present in these frontier areas? I shall not dwell much upon this topic, since it is being tackled by me in a separate article from Rising Kashmir paper. Border citizens per se ought to be placed head and shoulders above the rest of populace of our country. Their defining attributes being derived from their very stay in the border areas and acting as the sentinels of a democratic dispensation in a region surrounded by theocratic countries. As India enters its eightieth year of independence, perhaps the time is ripe enough to redefine the citizenry of our border areas who away from the din of the mainstream living of India are silently carving out an existence for themselves based on true values of nationalism. The strength of a nation cannot be measured in terms of its military or economic might. But from the confidence of its citizens living at its farthest edge. If the border defines Indias territorial identity, then the border citizens defines its moral identity. How India treats those who stand at its frontiers reveals what kind of republic it truly is. (The writer is a retired army officer and a regular scribe of Rising Kashmir. He can be approached on his email: slalotra4729@gmail.com)

IUST inaugurates special 15-day Aadhaar enrolment and update drive

Awantipora, Aug 14: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) inaugurated a Special Aadhaar Enrolment and Update Drive being organised by the Dean of Students, IUST, in collaboration with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Thursday at the Mehjoor Auditorium, IUST Main Campus. The drive will continue from August 13 to 27, facilitating Aadhaar enrolment and update services for the university and local community. Prof. Shamim Ahmed Shah, Registrar, IUST, inaugurated the drive and highlighted the institutions efforts to make essential services more accessible to its students and staff. He said, These shared efforts are undertaken for the well-being and convenience of our students and the entire community. He further added: This drive is being extended to the local Awantipora community as well, and we hope to continue serving our entire community in similar ways in the future; it is, after all, a noble and rewarding cause. Speaking on the occasion, Dean of Students, Dr. Moinsa Qadri, said, The University has collaborated with the UIDAI Project here, who have deputed a team of professional operators to IUST initially for 15 days, and based on the requirements, we may offer the services again in the future. This drive will facilitate easy access to these essential services within the campus without any time, geographical, or scheduling constraints. The team expressed hope, seeing the enthusiasm among the beneficiaries, that the university community, as well as the local community, would utilise this facility and ensure that their Aadhaar details remain updated. Also present during the launch were Project Coordinator NSS Dr Tariq Ganaie, Head Watson Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine Dr Rais Ahmad Ganai, and other officials.

Homestay Policy a bedrock to boost sustainable tourism in J&K: Chief Secy

Srinagar, Aug 14: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo on Friday chaired a meeting of the Tourism Department to review the renewed Homestay Policy aimed at expanding homestay infrastructure across Jammu & Kashmir, promoting tourism in unexplored destinations and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism; Commissioner Secretary, GAD; Director, I&C, Jammu; Director, Tourism, Kashmir/Jammu; representatives of J&K Bank and other concerned officers. Describing homestays as the bedrock of tourism in unexplored destinations, the CS observed that these offer an environmentally sustainable model particularly suited to an ecologically fragile region like J&K. He emphasised that promotion of homestays would not only expand tourism beyond established destinations but also make local residents active stakeholders in tourism development, generating employment and income opportunities across different strata of society and contributing to an overall improvement in their standard of living. The Chief Secretary directed the Tourism Department to undertake greater handholding and intensive capacity-building initiatives for prospective and existing homestay owners so that local communities are adequately equipped to provide quality services to visitors. He further called upon financial institutions to extend necessary financial support for augmentation, renovation and improvement of homestay facilities under the renewed policy framework, observing that easier access to finance would encourage more households to participate in the initiative. During the meeting, the Tourism Department gave a detailed presentation on the existing homestay ecosystem and the provisions incorporated under the renewed policy. The ACS, Tourism, Dr Ashish Chandra Verma divulged that a homestay, under the policy framework, refers to a residential property where the owner/promoter and family reside on the premises, with a provision for a minimum of one and maximum of six guest rooms, subject to prescribed standards relating to safety, hygiene, water supply and electricity. Adding that Jammu & Kashmir presently has a total accommodation capacity of 20,514 beds across 2,802 homestay units. He also highlighted that the policy provides homestay owners with a range of benefits, besides an additional source of household income. It was given out that the same includes official recognition by the Tourism Department, promotion through J&K Tourism platforms, access to training and capacity-building programmes, facilitation of financial assistance through Government schemes and banking institutions, participation in tourism promotion campaigns and enhanced visibility among domestic and international tourists. The meeting was also informed about the introduction of the Bed & Breakfast (B&B) model, under which secondary residential properties can now be registered for tourist accommodations too. Under the model, owners can offer between one and six rooms for accommodation, thereby providing an opportunity to generate income from vacant or underutilised residential properties while simultaneously increasing the availability of tourist accommodation across the UT. The renewed framework also provides for a simplified online registration process through the J&K Tourism portal. Applicants can upload property details, photographs and requisite documents online, enabling greater visibility among tourists through official digital platforms. The initiative also envisages easier discovery of registered properties through digital integration and geotagging, besides providing a dedicated platform for promotion of homestays across Jammu & Kashmir. The meeting further discussed the financial inclusion component of the initiative being facilitated through J&K Bank. Under the financing arrangement, loans for converting a residential house into a homestay can be extended up to 5 lakh per room, subject to a maximum of 30 lakh per homestay, depending upon the average conversion requirements. The Department also highlighted the digital integration carried out under Mission YUVA, through which the J&K Government has partnered with OYO for the Crown of Incredible India Homestay Initiative. One more feature of this framework incorporates a simplified and time-bound inspection mechanism. An Inspection Committee will assess registered applicants on the basis of a prescribed checklist and assign Silver or Gold category based on compliance with the stipulated standards. Applicants uploading all requisite documents as per the prescribed checklist will be granted provisional registration under the Silver Category for a period of six months. Further, if verification is not completed within 15 days, the registration shall be deemed to have been automatically approved, thereby reducing procedural delays and providing greater certainty to applicants. The renewed Homestay Policy is aimed at creating a more inclusive, digitally enabled and financially supported tourism ecosystem, with local households and youth positioned at the centre of tourism-led economic development across Jammu & Kashmir.

J&K para-cricketer Amir Lone invited to Presidents I-Day reception

Srinagar, Aug 14: Jammu and Kashmir para-cricketer Amir Hussain Lone is set to attend President Droupadi Murmus At Home Reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi on August 15, marking a proud moment for the sportsperson and his home region. Amir, who lost both his arms at a young age, has built a name for himself in cricket through determination and hard work. His invitation to the Presidents reception has added another significant moment to his journey and brought happiness to his family and villagers. The reception is being organised as part of the celebrations marking Indias 80th Independence Day. For Amir, the invitation carries special meaning as it will give him an opportunity to meet President Murmu on the national occasion. Speaking to ANI, Amir said he had never imagined that he would get such an opportunity. I hadnt thought that such a day would come when I would meet President Droupadi Murmu on a special day like August 15. It is an honour for me that I have been invited on this special occasion, he said. Amir said the invitation has brought immense happiness to his family and people in his village. For them, his journey from facing a life-changing setback to representing himself through cricket has become a source of pride. His presence at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Independence Day will also highlight the role of sport in creating opportunities for people who overcome physical challenges through determination and perseverance. Amirs cricket journey has drawn attention across J&K and beyond. Despite losing both arms, he continued to pursue the sport and developed his own way of playing the game. The invitation to the Presidents reception comes as another memorable milestone in his journey, giving the para-cricketer an opportunity to represent J&K at one of the countrys most significant Independence Day events.

The World Carries India Within It

On 15 August 2026, India will raise its flag for the eightieth time. Seventy-nine years since the British left. Seventy-nine years since freedom arrived carrying both a promise and a question: What would we do with it? Every Independence Day, we remember the struggle, the marches, the prisons, the salt, the sacrifice, the long and wounded birth of a nation. But perhaps Independence Day is also a time to remember another inheritance, the ideas, inventions, practices and traditions that India has sent out into the world. Not as a boast, not as a claim staked on history, but as a quiet reckoning with the ways in which knowledge travels, leaving one civilization, entering another, and finally becoming so ordinary that nobody remembers where it began. One of Indias most influential contributions came from mathematics. Its story was not the work of one mathematician alone. In the fifth century, Aryabhata developed a place-value system that depended on the idea of an empty position, creating what we might call a silent zero. Although he did not use a separate written symbol for zero, his system required a placeholder to distinguish numerical values according to their position. More than a century later, Brahmagupta gave that silence a mathematical identity. In the seventh century, he described zero, or Shunya, as a number in its own right and established rules for calculating with it. Together with the decimal and place-value systems, their work transformed calculation and gave the world a numerical language in which stars could be measured, economies could be built and machines could think. The mobile phone in your hand, the satellite circling above you and the spreadsheet waiting for its next figure all carry, somewhere inside their intricate machinery, the inheritance of that ancient Indian insight. But Indias mathematical imagination did not end with zero. Indian scholars made significant advances in algebra, geometry, astronomy, trigonometry and the calculation of pi. Aryabhata wrote about the rotation of the Earth and developed methods for calculating astronomical positions. The Sulba Sutras contained early geometrical knowledge, while later mathematicians such as Bhaskara II explored ideas that anticipated aspects of algebra and calculus. These achievements remind us that mathematics is not merely a collection of formulas. It is a way of asking the universe to reveal its pattern. Chess travelled in a different way. It began, historians broadly believe, in the form of Chaturanga, a game of war and strategy played in India during the Gupta period. Its pieces represented the forces of an army: infantry, cavalry, elephants and chariots. Over centuries, the game moved through Persia and the Arab world before reaching Europe, changing shape as it travelled. Today, a chessboard can be found in a schoolroom in Srinagar, a caf in Paris, a park in Moscow or a championship hall in Chennai. Indias gift was not only the game. It was the idea that conflict could be studied, contained and transformed into thought. Indias contributions to language were equally profound. Paninis Ashtadhyayi, composed more than two thousand years ago, presented Sanskrit grammar through an extraordinarily precise system of rules. Its structure has drawn the attention of modern linguists and computer scientists because of its formal, almost algorithmic quality. It showed that language could be observed not only as poetry and expression, but also as a system with patterns, structures and transformations. In India, language was not simply a tool for communication. It was a universe to be examined. The countrys reputation as a centre of learning is older than its modern universities. Takshashila and Nalanda were places where students and scholars gathered from different regions to study medicine, astronomy, philosophy, grammar and logic. Nalanda, in present-day Bihar, drew scholars from China and Central Asia. It belonged to an age when knowledge did not always arrive divided into departments, syllabi and examination halls. It moved more freely, like water finding its level. Indias medical traditions also travelled through time and across borders. Ayurveda developed a holistic approach to health, placing attention on diet, herbs, daily routines and the relationship between body and mind. The Charaka Samhita explored internal medicine, while the surgical writings attributed to Sushruta described procedures and instruments that reveal the sophistication of early Indian surgery. These traditions have immense historical significance. Their modern use, however, must be approached responsibly. Ancient systems may inform contemporary wellness, but they cannot replace evidence-based clinical care. India also made remarkable advances in metallurgy. The Iron Pillar of Delhi, known for its resistance to corrosion, remains a striking example of ancient Indian metalworking. Indian wootz steel, produced through a sophisticated crucible process, became renowned for its quality and influenced the development of famous Damascus blades. Behind these achievements lay an understanding of heat, carbon, minerals and materials that was practical, experimental and highly refined. Few Indian traditions have travelled as visibly as yoga. Once practised by relatively small circles of seekers, yoga now appears in schools, studios, hospitals, gyms and living rooms across the world. It has been stretched, commercialised, branded and sometimes separated from its philosophical roots. Yet beneath the mats, the postures and the breath-counting remains an old proposition: that the body is not merely a machine carrying the mind, but a doorway into it. The United Nations recognised 21 June as the International Day of Yoga in 2014, and UNESCO placed yoga on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. Long before institutions gave it official recognition, people had already discovered what the practice could offer: a pause in a world that profits from permanent motion. Indias philosophical gifts have travelled even further. Buddhism carried ideas of compassion, mindfulness and freedom from suffering across Asia and eventually into the wider world. Jainism placed non-violence and respect for all living beings at the centre of spiritual life. Sikhism brought together equality, courage, devotion and service. And then there was ahimsa, non-violence, not as weakness and not as surrender, but as a force capable of unsettling an empire. Mahatma Gandhi transformed it into a method of mass resistance. Martin Luther King Jr. studied and adapted its principles during the American civil rights movement. Others, in different countries and different struggles, found in it a way to confront power without becoming its mirror. Indias gifts have not travelled only through books and laboratories. They have travelled in song, spice, fabric, rhythm and story. Indian cotton and textiles were traded across the ancient world. Hindustani and Carnatic music carry centuries of listening. Bharatanatyam and Kathak turn the body into language. Indian food crosses borders in tiffin boxes, restaurants, kitchens and family recipes altered by migration. Indian cinema, made in many languages and many emotional registers, has created its own geography of longing. Its songs travel farther than its plots. Its faces become familiar in places where the languages are not. The world may not understand every word, but it recognises the gesture: the mother waiting, the lover returning, the family breaking and remaking itself. These are not small things. A culture survives not only in monuments, but in what people hum while washing dishes, in what they cook when they are homesick and in the stories they tell their children before sleep. Modern India has continued to send its ideas outward. The Indian Space Research Organisation has shown that ambitious scientific work need not always be accompanied by extravagant spending. The Mars Orbiter Mission, launched in 2013, entered Mars orbit on 24 September 2014 on its first attempt. ISRO describes it as Indias first interplanetary mission and notes that its success demonstrated the countrys ability to carry out a complex mission in a cost-effective manner. But science is not a miracle performed by a nation. It is the result of people: scientists, technicians, teachers, programmers, machinists, students and workers whose names rarely appear in celebration speeches. The same is true of the Universal Serial Bus, now so familiar that its name has almost disappeared into everyday language. Indian-American computer architect Ajay V. Bhatt led the team at Intel that developed the technology. The device that connects our phones, cameras, hard drives and laptops is another reminder that innovation often arrives quietly, then becomes indispensable. Indias scientific contribution also includes the work of Jagadish Chandra Bose in radio and plant science, the development of fibre-optic communication by Narinder Singh Kapany and the achievements of Indian doctors, engineers, researchers and entrepreneurs working across the world. The story of Indias gifts is therefore not a straight line from an ancient past to a glorious present. It is a river with many streams. Some flow from Sanskrit texts and temple schools. Some come from laboratories, universities and space centres. Some emerge from workshops, kitchens, farms, weaving communities and ordinary homes. There is a danger, however, in making a catalogue of Indias achievements. A country can become so enchanted by its ancient glory that it forgets the living people standing in its shadow. What does it mean to praise Nalanda while schools crumble? To celebrate Ayurveda while public hospitals struggle? To speak of the wisdom of non-violence while hatred is made profitable? To celebrate the sophistication of Indian mathematics while children are denied the education needed to understand it? To claim the generosity of Indian civilization while dissenters are silenced, minorities are frightened and the poor are asked to be grateful for survival? The question is not whether India has given the world great things. It has. The more difficult question is whether India is still willing to give the world what its oldest traditions demanded of it: curiosity without arrogance, knowledge without ownership, strength without cruelty, faith without hatred and progress without the destruction of the vulnerable. Zero teaches us that absence can contain possibility. Astronomy teaches us to look beyond the limits of the earth. Chess teaches us that every move alters the board. Yoga teaches us to breathe before we act. Language teaches us that every word carries a history. Metallurgy teaches us that patient knowledge can outlast its makers. Music teaches us that memory can be carried in sound. Ahimsa teaches us that power need not resemble violence. Perhaps these are not merely Indias gifts to the world. Perhaps they are instructions sent back to India from its own past. So, when the flag rises on 15 August, let it not be only a symbol of what India once overcame, or a banner beneath which we recite what India once achieved. Let it be a question moving through the country, from the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi to the paddy fields of Punjab, the apple orchards of Kashmir and the fishing villages of Kerala; from the farmers who read the sky, to the weavers who preserve memory in thread, to the students building robots in Atal Tinkering Labs, to the scientists sending Indias imagination beyond the earth: What will we do with what we have inherited? Because a nation is not made great by the treasures it locks inside its history. It is made great by what it protects in the present, by what it imagines for the future, and by whether, after giving the world zero, India can still find a way to make sure that no one, no child, no community, no language and no memory is treated as if they count for nothing. (The author is a columnist)

West Asia war LIVE: Iran defiant on strait as Trump tells Americans to accept high gas prices

This strait will be opened and closed only under Irans command, and so long as you do not accept the reality of defeat and stop indulging in fantasies, Iran will continue to enforce the blockade, Irans Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said

Telangana SIR: Botched-up enumeration phase leaves 94 lakh electors at the mercy of 119 EROs

With 119 EROs endowed with quasi judicial powers set to adjudicate over 94 lakh cases in this short window, they would get less than a minutes time to verify each elector even if they worked 24 hours a day

Morning Digest: President stresses Viksit Bharat goal by 2047, lauds youth and women empowerment in I-Day eve address; Mahua Moitra claims ordered to vacate circuit house, and more

Here is a select list of stories to start the day

Strong 7.7-magnitude quake strikes off Indonesia: USGS

Indonesias Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) warned of the possibility of tsunami waves being generated by the earthquake

Welfare schemes and achievements must reach the people, says Uttar Pradesh Information Director

Four arrested in Mumbai in connection with 30 crore Ponzi, multi-level marketing scheme

Police said the company was accepting illegal investments, even in the form of cash, promising continuous, fixed returns of 5-7% monthly, without obtaining any license/registration from the Reserve Bank of India or the Securities and Exchange Board of India

Unmarked proforma being served to West Bengal madrasas by police seeking details of foreign funding, visitors

A group of activists from Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has written to CM Suvendu Adhikari and the police seeking clarification over the survey and also urged to maintain transparency

Thousands participate in Tiranga Yatra in Bihar, Jharkhand

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary led the Tiranga Yatra as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign-2026 in Munger district, whereas the 209 CoBRA Battalion (CRPF) organised a motorcycle Tiranga Yatra to foster patriotism, national integration, and respect for the Tricolour in Jharkhand

Former Trinamool MLA Nirmal Ghosh mobbed outside police station

A day back he was arrested from Odisha for his alleged involvement in the hurried cremation of the RG Kar rape and murder victims dead body

Sebastian Coe warns on interference in sport: Keep politicians on the bus but out of the drivers seat

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has discussed topics including track and fields ban on Russian athletes, private equity in sports and FIFAs credibility crisis following a controversial overturned red card at the World Cup

Refaay, Sohayla win PSA Challenger Tour, Kolkata

Third seed Refaay rallied to defeat top seed compatriot Mohamed Gohar 6-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-4

Jimmy Rimmer, European Cup winner with Man United and Aston Villa, dies at age 78

Two-time European Cup-winning goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer has died at age 78; he was at United from 1965-74 and then had three years at Arsenal before playing for Villa from 1977-83

Government removes 12-minute ad duration cap for TV channels

The Ministry says there is adequate competition within the TV industry and between TV and digital media, and the government has therefore decided to remove the duration cap

Clear encroachments from Pipeline Road in Kochi, says KWA

The drive against encroachers is being taken up ahead of laying pipelines to the city from a 190-mld water treatment plant that has been planned

21 CBI personnel awarded medals for distinguished service

The Presidents Medal for Distinguished Service was conferred on Assistant Inspector General of Police Shobha Dutta, Additional Superintendent of Police Manoj Banerjee, Additional Superintendent of Police Ginni Rana, Deputy Superintendent of Police Sanjay Kumar Samal, Assistant Sub-Inspector Ramesh Chand, and Assistant Sub-Inspector Madan Lal Dhiman

Jason Arday, former Cambridge University professor at centre of plagiarism scandal, found dead

Arday died after being found unresponsive in south London, according to British media; the plagiarism scandal erupted after some academics and media reports accused Arday, who became Cambridges youngest black professor in 2023, of plagiarising parts of his doctoral thesis

Death of wild boars raises concerns in Keralas Kasaragod

Carcasses of 10 animals found in Vorkady panchayat over the past two weeks; residents urge authorities to ensure that the carcasses are safely disposed of to prevent any possible health risk

Partition Day event turns awkward as BJP MP Rao Inderjit flags community-specific politics

Rowdy-sheeter arrested under Goonda Act

Couple found dead at their house in Bengalurus Rajagopalnagar

Akhileshtakes potshots atU.P.govt.s project on cow urine collection

DDA proposes higher FAR for slum revamp in Master Plan for Delhi-2047

Heated exchange between BJP and Priyank Kharge over Bill targeting RSS

While the BJP dares government to ban RSS, Home Minister wonders if the RSS was a terrorist/underworld organisation or a group of criminals to threaten those who questioned it

JKRTC fleet shrinks, commuters turn to private transport

Srinagar, Aug 14: Despite successive governments promising to strengthen public transport and ease the burden on commuters, the shrinking fleet of the Jammu and Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) has raised serious questions over the governments ability to provide affordable and reliable passenger services across the Union Territory. Government data shows that the number of JKRTC passenger buses has declined by 59 per cent over the past 36 years, highlighting the steady erosion of the public transport network and raising concerns over the availability, accessibility and quality of government-run bus services. The situation has left commuters in several parts of J&K increasingly dependent on private transport, often at higher fares and with limited alternatives. Transport Department officials have repeatedly indicated that new electric buses would be inducted into the JKRTC fleet. However, commuters say the promised expansion is yet to make a visible difference on the ground, with several routes continuing to face an acute shortage of buses. Many existing JKRTC buses are also in poor condition, with commuters complaining about inadequate maintenance and frequent breakdowns. On several routes, the absence of replacement buses means that once a vehicle becomes defunct, passengers are left without a government alternative. The situation is particularly evident in border areas such as Uri, where residents say the direct JKRTC bus service between Uri and Srinagar has remained suspended for more than two months. We used to have a direct bus service from Uri to Srinagar and back, but it has remained suspended for over two months. The department says the bus has become defunct, but there is no replacement. Commuters are being made to suffer, locals told Rising Kashmir. Residents said the absence of the service has forced people to depend on private vehicles and other modes of transport, placing an additional financial burden on students, employees, patients and other regular commuters. Similar complaints are emerging from different parts of the valley, where residents say the shortage of government buses has weakened an important affordable mode of transportation. The introduction of 100 smart buses in Srinagar has provided some relief to commuters within the city and adjoining areas. However, residents living on the outskirts of Srinagar and in other districts say the benefits of the improved public transport network remain largely confined to urban areas. They have demanded the extension of smart bus services to peripheral areas and major routes connecting Srinagar with other districts. People living outside the main city cannot be expected to remain dependent on private transport forever. There is a need for a reliable government-run bus network connecting the outskirts and districts with Srinagar, residents in Baramulla said. JKRTC officials, meanwhile, said the corporation is expecting the induction of 200 new smart buses for Jammu and Srinagar, which they said would help strengthen the public transport network. However, commuters maintain that merely announcing new buses will not be enough unless the government ensures regular services, adequate maintenance and replacement vehicles on routes where existing buses have become defunct. The widening gap between demand and the availability of government transport has raised a larger question: as the JKRTC fleet continues to shrink, is the government gradually leaving commuters with no option but to depend on the private sector?

Zoya Hasans lecture on pluralism at Delhi school cancelled over security concerns

Har Ghar Tiranga rally teaching youngsters about sacrifices of freedom fighters: BJP MLA

Mining Bill a blow to Odishas fiscal autonomy: BJD chief asks Majhi to convene all-party meet

India at 80, a democracy in search of renewal

Indians must confront the countrys democratic failings and reclaim hope

Kochi Corporation Council approves proposal for new plant at Brahmapuram

Proposal was passed through voting amid stiff opposition from LDF councillors at the Corpn. council meeting.The plant will have capacity to treat 150 tonnes of biodegradable waste

Ron Gowdru G.S. Patil unanimously elected Karnataka Assembly Speaker

The new Speaker, besides being a politician, is a farmer, educationist, sportsperson and cooperative leader

Ron Gowdru G.S. Patil unanimously elected Karnataka Assembly Speaker

The new Speaker, besides being a politician, is a farmer, educationist, sportsperson and cooperative leader

Financial democracy, the Jan Dhan transformation

Twelve years of Jan Dhan have led to financial inclusion and independence

Financial democracy, the Jan Dhan transformation

Twelve years of Jan Dhan have led to financial inclusion and independence

Red Fort turns fortress ahead of 80th Independence Day

A 450-camera grid, upgraded anti-drone system, 3,000 personnel keep watch over historic venue; e-mail bomb threats reported from six spots, including HC, IGI Airport; declared hoax after search

Do not dump wastes at public places today and tomorrow: GVMC chief

Do not dump wastes at public places today and tomorrow: GVMC chief

House in disorder: On the monsoon session of Parliament

Parliament must not turn into a gladiatorial arena of victors and vanquished

House in disorder: On the monsoon session of Parliament

Parliament must not turn into a gladiatorial arena of victors and vanquished

Hailstorm deals fresh blow to south Kashmir apple belt

Shopian , Aug 14: A fierce hailstorm swept through several villages in south Kashmir's Shopian and Kulgam districts on Friday afternoon, damaging apple orchards that were already reeling from wind damage a week earlier, in the third major weather-related blow to the region's apple belt this season. The hailstorm struck around 2 pm and lasted nearly 20 minutes, according to residents, affecting Heerpora and neighbouring villages including Matijun, Putsoo and Kunjullar in Shopian before extending into Hariwath and Nihama in Kulgam. In Shopian's Kapran block, a senior revenue official told Rising Kashmir that villages including Kapran, Ray, Budsu, Madojan and Pheripora were among the worst-hit, with damage estimated to run into crores of rupees. District Horticulture Officer, Shopian, Nisar Ahmad said that Mandojan, Pheripora, Kapran, Rai Kapran, Pudsoo, Kanjiullar, Batapora and Pandushan were among the areas hit by gusty winds and hailstorm. He said the department has already geared up the field staff to assess the quantum of damage and provide on-spot advisories to the affected areas. More so He assured that the final damage shall be assessed and the report shall be submitted to the Government on top priority basis For growers like Mohd Shafi Wagay, the storm has left almost nothing standing. Almost our entire orchard is completely damaged. Whatever fruit is still on the trees is bruised and injured, and whatever fell to the ground is damaged too, he said. Days earlier, strong winds had already battered the same orchard. Now hardly anything is left, Wagay said. He said his family's entire livelihood depended on this year's harvest and that the losses had put household expenses under strain. We now urge the government to support us. Our livelihood has been damaged, and we hardly expect anything from this season in return. I have children studying in Shopian, and it will be hard to even pay their fees. We used to work all day in the orchard, and now it's completely destroyed. Shabir Ahmad, a lumberdar from Ferripora, described the storm as unprecedented in the area. It lasted around 20 minutes and caused extensive damage. Heerpora received the worst of it, along with Matijun, Putsoo and Kunjullar, he said. We have never witnessed a hailstorm like this. We urge the government to immediately assess the damage and provide adequate compensation. The senior revenue official said some villages had now suffered crop damage for the third time this season, following earlier wind and hailstorm events. Nihama in Kulgam has also reported significant losses, he added, with a detailed assessment still underway.

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Bukhari flags civic issues in Chanapora, alleges development bias

Srinagar, Aug 14: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday raised concerns over civic amenities and development in the Chanapora constituency, alleging that several areas continue to face a shortage of basic facilities. Bukhari was chairing a meeting with party leaders, senior workers and prominent members from the constituency at the party headquarters in Sheikh Bagh, Srinagar. Participants apprised him of various public issues, including inadequate water supply, power shortages, inflated electricity bills, poor drainage and lack of basic amenities in several areas. They alleged that development works and public facilities were being provided on the basis of political affiliation, with areas perceived to support the ruling party allegedly receiving preference. Residents of Umar Colony and adjoining areas highlighted inadequate water supply, while members from Nadergund and nearby localities raised concerns over civic infrastructure. The participants also flagged the condition of Chanapora Hospital, saying the facility lacked adequate infrastructure, equipment and professional manpower despite catering to a large population. Addressing the meeting, Bukhari said the developmental deficit was not confined to Chanapora but was visible across Srinagar city. He alleged that despite Srinagar giving a strong mandate to the ruling party, the government had failed to provide basic facilities to residents. Bukhari said inadequate housing, unemployment, lack of livelihood opportunities and weak public infrastructure remained among the major concerns facing Srinagar. Meanwhile, several political and social activists joined the Apni Party during the meeting. Among those who joined were former NC worker Abdul Majeed Wani from Rawalpora Bagwanpora and Younis Mushtaq Sheikh from Mehjoor Nagar. Bukhari and other party leaders welcomedthe new entrants.

Rather calls for foolproof arrangements for Pakherpora Urs

Srinagar, Aug 14: Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, has extended warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of the Urs of Hazrat Sultan Ali Aali Balkhi (RA), which is scheduled to commence from August 15. In his message, the Speaker highlighted the deep spiritual and religious significance of the occasion. He said that the annual observance of this religious festival holds immense importance for the devotees across Jammu and Kashmir and beyond. He said that a large number of devotees are expected to visit the revered shrine of Hazrat Sultan Ali Aali Balkhi (RA) at Pakherpora during the 20-day-long Urs. The Speaker particularly underscored that major religious gatherings are expected on the 11th and 13th days of the Islamic calendar, with Poshak Bandi on August 25 and Shab Khawani on August 27. In view of the anticipated heavy footfall, he stressed the need for meticulous advance planning and coordinated arrangements to ensure that the devotees are able to participate in the religious gatherings peacefully, safely and conveniently. The Speaker directed the district administration to put in place all necessary arrangements well in advance, with focus on drinking water supply, uninterrupted power supply, sanitation, healthcare, transport, traffic management, cleanliness and other essential civic amenities in and around the Shrine. He called for adequate provision of drinking water points and standby arrangements to meet any exigency besides ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply at the shrine and other important locations. He also directed the concerned agencies to ensure proper sanitation facilities, deployment of adequate sanitation staff and regular lifting of waste to maintain cleanliness and hygiene throughout the Urs period. Emphasising the importance of healthcare arrangements, the Speaker directed the Health Department to ensure availability of medical teams, essential medicines, ambulances and first-aid facilities at strategic locations, especially during the major gatherings. He called for adequate preparedness to deal with any medical emergency and directed that emergency response mechanisms remain functional throughout the event. The Speaker stressed the need for a comprehensive traffic and transport management plan to regulate the movement of devotees and vehicles. He called for identification of adequate parking spaces, smooth traffic flow, proper route management and deployment of sufficient personnel to prevent congestion and inconvenience to visitors. Rather directed the district administration to ensure adequate availability of passenger transport for hassle-free movement of devotees visiting the shrine. He called for sufficient passenger vehicles to be made readily available for direct connectivity between Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Budgam, Chadoora and Srinagar and Pakherpora besides ensuring convenient return transportation from Pakherpora to these destinations.

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Steps taken to address calamity-hit grievances: Govt

Poonch, Aug 14: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Friday said that addressing peoples issues remains a top government priority, with steps being taken to ensure prompt redress of grievances and restore essential services disrupted by recent natural calamities. Rana met a number of delegations and public representatives at Surankote and Poonch who apprised him of various development-related issues pertaining to their respective areas. The visiting delegations raised a range of issues concerning the availability and improvement of essential public services, development of infrastructure and expediting ongoing works. They also brought to the Ministers attention the urgent need for restoration of public services and infrastructure damaged due to the recent flash floods and landslides. The delegations sought intervention of the government for restoration of damaged roads, water supply schemes and other essential infrastructure. Giving a patient hearing to the delegations, Javed Rana assured them that their genuine concerns are taken up with the concerned departments for appropriate action. He directed the officers to ensure close coordination and timely follow-up so that the issues raised by the people are resolved without unnecessary delay. Javed Rana assured the delegations that their concerns would be followed up with the concerned agencies for swift and effective resolution.