Opinion on issue of Suicide

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7 September issue

    Suicide“And do not kill yourselves.  Surely, Allah swt is Most Merciful to you.” (Quran 4:29)
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By Suhaib Ashraf Bhat

Suicide, which is increasing day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute and second by second. Thinkers are thinking; Philosophers making another philosophy out of it yet the rate of the suicide is increasing. Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire countries and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind.  Life is an unending succession of moments.  At the two extremes there are joyful moments that make our hearts soar and dark moments that plunge us into sadness and worry or even despair.  Gladness and its opposite sadness are part of the human condition, however when we lose control over our emotions we can easily fall into despair.  Despair is the feeling that we get when all hope has disappeared and it is a very dangerous situation. Calamity is part of the natural order of things and hardly anyone is safe from it.
 The Messenger of Allah  swt Muhammad Salalahualihwasalam narrated from his Lord that He Said: “I am as my slave expects Me to be.
Ahmad bin ‘Umar al-Qurtubi Rahimullah said:“It is said that His Saying “I am as my slave expects Me to be” means if one expects an answer when he supplicates, his repentance to be accepted, something repugnant to be repelled from him, his deeds to be accepted that are performed with their proper conditions. And this is supported by his saying: “Call upon Allah swt while you are certain that you will be answered.” Likewise, it is incumbent upon the one who repents, seeks Forgiveness, and does good deeds to exert himself in fulfilling his obligations while he is certain that Allah swt will accept his actions and Forgive his sins, as Allah swt has promised that He will accept any truthful repentance and righteous deeds. So, whoever performs such a deed and believes and expects that Allah swt will not accept it and that it will not benefit him, this is despair from the Mercy of Allah swt, and is from greatest of the major sins. Whoever dies upon this will be delivered to that which he expected.”‘Al-Mufhim li ma Ushkil min Talkhis Kitab Muslim’ (5/267)
Suicide is a complex issue and therefore suicide prevention efforts require coordination and collaboration among multiple sectors of society, including the health sector and other sectors such as education, labour, agriculture, business, justice, law, defence, politics, and the media. These efforts must be comprehensive and integrated as no single approach alone can make an impact on an issue as complex as suicide.

 “And whoever oppresses (commits injustice) among you, We will make him taste a great punishment.” (Quran 25:19)
Prophet Muhammad Salalahualihiwasalam said: “A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor.  Whoever fulfills the needs of his brother, Allah swt will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of a discomfort, Allah swt will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever covers the faults of a Muslim, Allah swt will cover his faults on the Day of Resurrection.”
Thus there is certainly a benefit in treating others well, especially in coming to the aid of friends or family members who are overwhelmed by life’s cruelties and injustices.  However what of the people who feel alone, crushed by circumstance and are teetering on the edge of despair.  How can a person suffering from suicidal thoughts bring themselves back from the brink? This can be achieved in many ways; firstly by strengthening one’s relationship with Allah swt. This is achieved by reading the Quran, being mindful of Him and making lots of dua (supplication) to Allah swt. Next a person would do well to recognise Satan’s hand in this matter.  He whispers frightening scenarios of poverty and helplessness.  They are not true for Allah swt’s mercy conquers all.  Cling to Him and to Islam even in the darkest hour and the longest night.
 If you suspect that a family member or friend may be considering suicide, talk to them about your concerns. You can begin the conversation by asking questions in a non-judgmental and non-confrontational way.
Talk openly and don’t be afraid to ask direct questions, such as “Are you thinking about suicide?”
During the conversation, make sure you:
Stay calm and speak in a reassuring toneAcknowledge that their feelings are legitimateOffer support and encouragementTell them that help is available and that they can feel better with treatmentMake sure not to minimize their problems or attempts at shaming them into changing their mind. Listening and showing your support is the best way to help them. You can also encourage them to seek help from a professional.
Offer to help them find a healthcare provider, make a phone call, or go with them to their first appointment.
It can be frightening when someone you care about shows suicidal signs. But it’s critical to take action if you’re in a position to help. Starting a conversation to try to help save a life is a risk worth taking.
Dear brothers and sisters, don’t forget, Trouble is inevitable in the life of this world; this is how Allah swt has decreed it and He swt has made it a place of trials and tests, and a bridge to the Hereafter. Even the best of His creation, the prophets, were never free of troubles. Life is never plain sailing for anyone, young or old. You may have reason to rejoice one day, then reason to feel sad for many other days; this is how it always is in the life of this world and this is how people are all the time.
May Allah swt make things easy for us and make us among those who always provide helping hand to others. Aameen

Suhaib Ashraf Bhat Suhaibbhatt85@gmail.com

Opinion 5 October issue by Suhaib Ashraf Bhat on Patience and Gratitude

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Patience and Gratitude 

Suhaib Ashraf Bhat
Allah swt has made patience like a horse that never gets tired, an army that can never be defeated and a strong fortress that can never be breached. Patience and victory are twin brothers, for victory comes with patience, relief comes with distress and ease comes with hardship. Patience is of more help to the one who has it than men, as it helps without any need for equipment or numbers and its relationship to victory is like that of the head to the body.  The degree of difficulty in abstaining from some things depends on the strength of one’s motive and one’s ability to do the action in question. Whoever has no motive to kill, or steal, or drink alcohol, or whatever, and at the same time in not able to do it, will find it very easy to exercise patience in abstaining from those things. Whoever has a strong motive to commit a wrong action and has the means to do so, will face great difficulty in exercising enough patience to abstain. There it is very difficult for a ruler to refrain from committing injustice and oppression , and it is difficult for a young man to refrain from fornication, and it is difficult for a rich man to refrain from pursuing physical desires and pleasures.
The Prophet Salalahualihiwasalam is reported to have said: “Allah swt will commend a young man who never behaved in an ignorant way” (Ahmad). In another hadith, he referred to those who will be shaded in the shade of Allah swt’s throne for their perfect patience – such as the patience of an absolute ruler in being just in all situations, regardless of his own feelings, and the patience of a young man in worshipping and obeying Allah swt and suppressing his own whims and desires, and the patience of the man who gives sadaqah in keeping his sadaqah secret, and the patience of a man who resists the temptation of a woman of beauty and high status, and the patience of two men who meet for the sake of Allah swt and part for the sake of Allah swt, in keeping their relationship for the sake of Allah swt, and the patience of one who weeps out of fear of Allah swt, in keeping that secret and not telling others about it. All of these are among the most difficult types of patience. Therefore the punishment of an old man who commits adultery, a king who tells lies and a poor man who is arrogant is more severe, because it is easy for them to keep away from such wrong actions, and does not require much in the way of patience. Their attitude indicates that they are wilfully rebelling against Allah swt.
In the Qur’aan, Allah swt has guaranteed those who are patient that He will give them reward without measure.  He tells them that He is with them by guiding and supporting them and granting them a clear victory. Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning):                                                                    
“Surely, Allah swt is with those who are As‑Saabiroon (the patient)”
[al-Anfaal 8:46] 
Allah swt has made leadership in terms of religion conditional upon patience and certain faith, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):   
“And We made from among them (Children of Israel), leaders, giving guidance under Our Command, when they were patient and used to believe with certainty in Our Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)”
[al-Sajdah 32:34] 
Allah swt tells us that patience is better for those who are patient, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“But if you endure patiently, verily, it is better for As‑Saabiroon (the patient)”
[al-Nahl 16:126] 
Allah swt tells us if we are patient and pious, the plot of the enemy cannot do any harm, even if he is powerful, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“But if you remain patient and become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious), not the least harm will their cunning do to you. Surely, Allah swt surrounds all that they do”
[Aal ‘Imraan 3:120]  
(gratitude, gratefulness, thankfulness) is defined with respect to ni’mah (blessing, bounty). It is a feeling in a beneficiary regarding a benefactor who has bestowed some good, fortune, or favour upon him. The essence of gratitude is the realisation and acknowledgement that ‘I owe this bounty to so-and-so, and it was because of him that I received this benefit.’ The Qur’an says:
“Whatever blessing you have is from Allah (16:53).”
For this reason, it instructs us to be grateful to Him for His bounties
Allah swt tells us: “Then remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and do not reject Me” (al-Baqarah 2:152). And He has told us that only those who are grateful to Him truly worship Him: “and be grateful to Allah, if it is Him you worship” (al-Baqarah 2:172)Allah has mentioned gratitude alongside imaan, and has made it clear that He gains nothing from punishing His people if they give thanks to Him and believe in Him: “What can Allah gain by your punishment, if you are grateful and you believe?.” (an-Nisâ’ 4:147)In other words: if you carry out the duties for which you were created, namely gratitude and Imaan, why should Allah punish you? Allah has divided people into two categories, the people of gratitude (shukr) and the people of ingratitude (kufr). The thing most disliked by Him is kufr and the people of kufr, the thing most liked by Him is gratitude and the people of gratitude: “We showed him (i.e. man) the way: whether he be grateful or ungrateful (rests on his will).”(al-Insan 76:3)
In the battle between reason/religion and whims/desires, we have the following “weapons” at our disposal:1. We should remember the glory and greatness of Allah swt, and feel that He is too great to be sinned against as He is all-seeing and all-hearing. Whoever thinks of the greatness of Allah swt will never be at ease in committing wrong actions.2. If we claim to love Allah swt, then we should not disobey Him, because of that love. A person should be obedient to the One he claims to love. Those who refrain from committing wrong action out of their love for Allah swt are of the highest status in His sight, as are those who worship Him out of love for Him. There is great difference between the one who obeys Allah swt and abstains from wrong action out of love, and the one who does so out of fear of punishment.3. We should think of the blessings and favours of Allah swt, as a decent and noble person would never act against the one who has been treating him kindly. Only base and ignoble people do such a thing. If we think of the blessings and favours of Allah swt, we will realise that we should not respond by doing against His commands and committing wrong action.4. We should think of the wrath and punishment of Allah swt, as He will be angry with the person who persists in committing wrong action. Nothing can stand in the way of the consequences of His anger, least of all this weak slave of His.5. We should think of what the person who commits wrong action has to lose, in this world and the next. It should be sufficient to think of the loss of Imaan (faith), of which the smallest amount is worth much more than everything in this world. How can anyone be willing to lose his Imaan in return for some brief moment of pleasure the consequences of which might last forever? In a sahih hadith, the Prophet Salalahualihiwasalam said: “No adulterer is a believer at the time of when he is committing adultery.” Commenting on this hadith, one of the Sahabah said: “His Imaan will be dragged out of him until it goes over his head like a cloud. If he repents, then his Imaan will return to him.”
The reward of gratitude is unlimited: “If you are grateful, I will add more (favours) unto you…” (Ibrahim 14:7) In contrast, other rewards and divine favours are conditional upon His will, for example, relief from poverty: “but if you fear poverty, soon will Allah swt enrich you, if He wills.” (at-Tawbah 9:28)
Patience and gratitude are the fruits and implications of this same belief that differ due to a believer’s circumstances. For this reason – according to several hadiths – the reward of one who is grateful and benevolent in health, wealth, and comfort is the same as the reward of one who is patient in affliction, poverty, and fasting.

The writer can be emailed at: Suhaibbhatt85@gmail.com

Schools as per Capacity will take care of deserving students : GN Var

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Schools as per capacity will take care of deserving Students : GN Var News Kashmir Desk 
Fee waiver has become a welcome decision in current times of pandemic Coronavirus for those parents facing economic hardships in Kashmir. 
In a significant development few days back, Private Schools’ Association of J&K (PSAJK)  announced a major fee waiver scheme for students, whose family income has been severely impacted by the Covid-19 lockdown.
The announcement about the fee waiver scheme was made during a press conference addressed by President PSAJK G N Var after holding deliberations with Parents Association of Privately Administered Schools (PAPAS), trade bodies and representatives of tourism, transporters and other sectors, a statement issued by the schools association  said.

While talking to the News Kashmir,  GN Var, President Private Schools’ Association of J&K (PSAJK) stated :” The schools at individual level and as per their capacity will take care of deserving students.We have to also bear in mind that Parents have to pay fee otherwise economy schools will collapse . “
On Covid crisis he stated that the online exams, uniform curriculum and community schooling is the only option as long  as Covid 19 situation continues.
Masses are pinning hopes that considering the economic pain they are in, the private school associations and bodies will take care of their interests. 

Domestic Abuse

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 DOMESTIC ABUSE-The epitome of power and control over a women during COVID-19

Safura Amin

 It is a tough time for people around the world as we are suffering from a pandemic but it is tragic for women’s around the world as they are facing domestic abuse. Self-quarantining and social distancing are leading towards violence, abuse and aggression in homes. During these months, with many businesses closed, some victims are stuck at home with their abuser. Government has advised people to stay at home to avoid getting or spreading the novel coronavirus,  but there are many women’s who are worried about  staying at home, as it is not a safe or a happy place for them.Different women narrated there miserable experience during this Lockdown due to pandemic Coronavirus. Maroofa  from  lal Bazer  called us and told he is tracking her more closely and keeping a watch on her. She pointed to the inability to see friends and family who might normally offer support and thusless the financial or emotional burden.Shafqat from Arampora told us he was abusing her emotionally, psychologically, financially, but due to lock down it has led to physical violence.Afshana from budgam said she expected that there will be an outbreak; her ex-girlfriend kept calling him and led to difference between them and which lead to physical abuse to kids as a reply to the questioning by wife.The condition is worst in Kashmir as we don’t have shelters home. Women facing violence are unable to escape their situations due to lack of facilities.  Not every family in our society supports their daughter to live alone and escape the abuser. Women are expected to live in oppressive set ups to save the honour of the family and also because women are financially dependent on their family and abuser. As a lawyer there are many cases which come to us but as courts non availability leads to worst situation and no shelter home in Kashmir adds more to this.  The courts will also see another type of case as a prolonged period of time where people are out of their routines and stuck at home with each other will exacerbate marital difficulties that may lead to increase in divorces. Unemployment will lead to increases in domestic violence .Domestic violence is also deadly, more so now with abusers finding themselves frustrated and at home far more than normal.Tabasum told she was the first to lose his job and suffered the most from economic problems. Low-income in families make it impossible to meet their most basic needs. She told us that her husband keeps fighting with her on the notion she spends a lot and not realizing the economic crunch of the family which ultimately lead to beating and violence  in their home.  Even if partners aren’t living together, the abusive patterns can still persist. For example, Nahida says her abuser tried to convince her to still see in spite of social distancing requirements.  He use to send her Pressuring messages like, “If you really loved me, then you have come over” or “I haven’t been exposed and am not sick, so why won’t you hang out with me?” in this way van abuser is trying to exert control, at the risk of both partners’ health. The situation went worst when he told her that if you don’t meet me I will upload the victim’s pictures on internet.   Isolation period can trigger flashbacks for survivors of domestic violence, too. “A trigger is something that elicits a certain reaction from us when we emotionally—or even physically—re-experience something in our lives,” Sana from Nowpora says she faced an abusive relationship long in the past; this isolation brings her back to that traumatic time Victims are more alone and vulnerable than before. Someone in an abusive relationship feeling even more emotionally dependent on an abusive partner and less likely to reach out for help. The more time that goes on, someone trapped in an unhealthy relationship can lose confidence in their ability to reach out to friends and family for helpMoreover, the very institutions designed to protect victims of abuse and violence—courts, social service agencies, and law enforcement—are themselves shutting down or cutting back while they struggle to determine how to implement social distancing and fight the pandemic. There’s a serious risk that they will operate at significantly reduced capacity at a time when the need for their services is greater than ever so it eventually lead a responsibility on every human to help, protect and report violence of any kind in society.There are enormous opportunities now for us as a responsible citizen to do better in the wake of this crisis and help each other. During this crisis it’s vital that we all look out for each other, and those experiencing domestic violence are on the list of our most vulnerable it’s important for victims to know that they’re not alone, and there is hope. Talk to someone and don’t be ashamed to ask for help. Whether it’s a neighbour, colleague, or family member, it’s important to have the support needed to get to safety.I want to conclude by saying if you have opportunity be a responsible citizen and help each other during this crisis. By- Safura Amin(The author is a practising advocate at J&K High Court, Madras High Court and can be reached at safurabhat15@gmail.com )  

“Is an education necessary for politicians “

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“Is an education necessary for politicians”

Showkat Ahmad Dar and Engineer Firdous Nazi

Education is the cornerstone of a civilised society. Its education that boosts up the minimum knowledge and intellect of a person. As well as education person is considered as a resource for the development of the country. Though wisdom and intelligence hold prominence over
education but without Education the wisdom lacks from grounds of
Certainty and evidence.

Aristotle a great scholar as Philosopher said
about education, ” The educated differ from the uneducated as much as the living differ from the dead” But making education the sole criterion for politicians is not a beneficial resort.
India is the largest democracy in the world and its success cannot be deemed to rely first on the educational qualification of its leaders or politicians. The debate on the issue whether educational qualification can be made compulsory for politicians is an emotive one. In 2015 Govt
of Haryana enacted Haryana Panchayti Raj Amendment act 2015
setting a minimum educational criteria for contesting the local body
election. At the same time Govt of Rajasthan also Passed a legislation
for minimum qualification in local body election. The act outlined
various levels of minimum educational criteria for general candidates
women and Dalits.
A PIL was filed in the supreme court contesting the validity of such a law. Supreme court after hearing both sides said, ”
Its only education which gives a human being the power to discriminate between right and wrong, good or bad. “on this issue supreme court said that the govt as well within its rights to impose reasonable restrictions on the rights of people. So, was of the opinion that Right to contest elections were neither Fundamental right under law of land nor a common legal right, rather its a statutory right. Therefore its well within the prerogative of any govt to impose
minimum qualification criteria.

Our country has history of highly educated leaders since the time of independence but the importance and pivotal and role of education in the decision making leadership and as a fuel to run a country has
vanished.
Its desirable to make a minimum educational qualification can be
enforced so that our leaders are equipped with the ability to understand various issues with our sighted vision. India is suffering
from various challenges including economic development, infrastructure, health and Hygeine, poverty ,unemployment etc. The
reason behind failure in elimination of these evils is corruption that is
prevalent in our country because political power is coalesced with
economic power. Uneducated contestants are opined and believe that
economic power provides ample opportunity to control and gain benefits. Corrupt leaders are more inclined and capable of amassing
social wealth instead of working for the welfare of people.
However electing a right person to run the country may be difficult. A
leader has to be elected through observation of his communication
skills, literacy level, patriotism, honesty etc.
The electorate should be wise enough to analyse the background of the
electing contestants incase the arguable and debated criteria i.e
education is not at par. Earning and possessing highly educational
degrees may be bonus, but making education mandatory is
contradictory since a good leader must be more committed to social
service than a mere holder of degrees without the ability of making a
contributory change. Also, politicians are model citizens for the common
people. Therefore, its imperative that they have educational
qualification which can motivate common masses to emulate them. Its
evident that good and successful governance depends on the quality
of leadership, which is polished through education.Hence,minimum
education is must for politicians.

In a country like India, where people elect through a voting system based on caste, money and religion ways, a person who is properly educated can judge the whole scenario and can judge the minister’s potential too. Does the so called illogical Voting is enough..really? Though intelligence has more prominence over education, it’s
the education which boosts up the minimum knowledge
of an individual. A well educated man is considered as
the resource for the development of the country. And if
the leaders of the human resource are ill literate then there would be no proper guidelines for human
resource. An ill-literate leader would have no thinking, realising, amplifying and implementing ability, which he needs to uphold. Uneducated politician may misuse their power and in spite of thinking for development they will get themselves involved in criminal activities. They would not bother of citizens’ deficiency and problems. they would become corrupt. In order to prevent the country from all these shortcomings, rules should be implemented that “people having a limit of education qualification could take part in the political system of the country.” Hence, minimum education is must for
politicians.
Many of you will still consider this article contradictory but start thinking if we get a leader who is equally intelligent and well educated…

Still wondering why Indians are perpetually dissatisfied
with their rulers?

From Salaam to Lal Salaam

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From Salaam to Lal Salaam!!!
Owais Ahmad Shah

The word for salaam is foreign and the sentiment is not native to us.In India we have no such problem and we can see that from the endless saluting of policemen they need to do in our parts.Even those on traffic duty have to flash it each time when the senior passes by.
In India and Pakistan,the salute is made for both police and army with the palm facing out.This is different from the way Americans salute,with their palm facing down and showing only the blade of hand.The American one is easy to copy and requires less practice but the Indian one is a bit smarter and requires extra smartness.
It is always too odd of corpulent,sloppy politicians to salute the flag or return their salute at military or police functions.Even Americans didn’t return salute to the Marines guarding the helicopters at white House since actor Ronald Raegan did this first.
So,what are salutes for and what they are meant to communicate?It shows telegraph respect and the exposure of hand shows that the salute is unarmed.
What does the Roman salute communicate?
It comes from the painting by 18th century artist Jacques Louis David called the Oath of Horrati.Adapted from story in Livis Histories.It was adopted by the Nazi Party under the Hitler’s rule although it is now reviled across the world.
Hitler also did the job of bending his elbow and showing his palm which was ruthlessly mimicked by the Great Charlie Chaplin.
Another salute that is no longer visible is the Black Power salute.The elbow is moved at around 80 degrees and hand balled into a fist.
The Rashtraya Swamsewak Sangh has Cultish feeling for its salute called Zogist salute.The arm is bent at the elbow which slightly goes over the chest.Where did they get it from.Veer Savarkar has made warm references of Guissepi Mazzini and Guissepi Garibaldi and Hindutva is deeply influenced by Italians.
The above mentioned salutes bring us to another salute called the Lal salaam.This was with the elevation of Sitaram Yechury to secretary Communist Party India(Marxist).Yechury held his arm above his head and the fist turned out.This gesture communicates defiance and solidarity.

Uses and Curses of Cement Factories

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Uses and Curses of cement factories
Gowher Bhat

Nearly thirteen miles from Srinagar City, there are seven Cement factories in KHREW Kashmir. The names of the factories are under JK Cement, HK Cement, Max Cement, Cemtac Cement, ICC Cement, Arco Cement and Valley Cement. The neighboring vicinities are KHREW, Batina, and Ladoo. Families who live in these localities work in the factories and benefit from the industry.

They are holding positions such as, managers, receptionists, technical support, and laborers who load and unload the bags of cement, gravel, and sand. Fourteen-hundred trucks are affiliated with these factories, and the truck owners are employees of KHREW, Batina, and Ladoo locations. They earn a substantial income, and part of the reason is that the factories are far away from the central city — almost 80% “who live nearby, work in these factories for earning their livelihood.” I interviewed many people, and mostly they said they are grateful for the jobs.

However, there is a severe drawback; they say there are problems with air pollution, the dust that these factories produce are uncontrollable. The environmental issues are causing people to suffer from chest infections, eye infections, and viral infections. They can’t seem to get away from it; it’s on their roofs, the walls, floors, in their homes. The dust gets onto their clothes and deposits on their food. Some people told me we are not against the business, but this is becoming a severe problem. In other states of India, they have the same industry, but there is environmental control, and they use updated machinery and technology to produce less dust.

Why can’t Kashmir’s cement factories invest in proper equipment and help the people and the air quality? Complaints were made to higher authorities about this, but no one paid heed to these issues. What makes it worse is that roads are in shambles, there are potholes, and broken asphalt, that causes a lot of dust and debris when the trucks ride through them. The government should help fix these roadways, being that fourteen-hundred heavy trucks are driving through them every day.

On a personal note, although I’m glad the people can support their families on the income they earn in these factory jobs. It’s was disturbing how much dust and dirt collected on my skin, clothes, and shoes., my eyes burned, and I started coughing while I visited. There is no reason for this. The cement factories are a billion-dollar Industry. They should take care of the environmental issues and invest in updated machinery to assure people stay healthy.

“””Social networking sites… Benediction or Malediction for the society….””””

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“””Social networking sites… Benediction or Malediction for the
society….””””

Showkat Ahmad Dar and Engineer Firdous Nazir

Social networking is fundamentally shifting the way we interact, communicate,organise ,form opinions or even shop. It
is blurring boundaries, increasing transparency and creating fluidity in everything we do. Companies at all levels today are compelled to attend the cater their influence of social networking sites.

The reality is you need to go where your target audiences are and people are more likely to participate in social media forum
than any other venue.

Customers, partners and employees,
expect to engage with you via social media-its way for you to stay connected, gather feedback, recruit and collaborate.
The invention of social media has changed our lives tremendously. With instant messaging, unlimited access, being
a cheaper method of communication.

However,by developing addictions changing the definition of privacy creating scams and spreading anti social messages,
social media can prove to be harmful to mankind on the other
side and thus social media can be either a blessing or a curse to
the world.
It all depends on how these sites like facebook, twitter are
being used social media itself can be abused,overused and
taken advantage of. However,the of social media itself is
probably greater than the power of any person, any noble, any
ruler or even any country, But,wether the incredible power is
a blessing or a curse is also a matter to the question.
Social media like Facebook ,twitter helps an individual with instant
messaging people can get in touch with their family and
friends anywhere across the globe in seconds,and all we need
is an internet connection. Its the most effective way for business to conduct marker research about the goods and
services they promote among the public. For eg opinions. Com
is specially designed website for consumers to rate, appreciate
and criticise new products and services that have recently
been launched to the public.
On the other hand, social media brought some shortcomings
along with its Advantage .

One crucial Disadvantage is
Isolation of young people . To explain it better,even if teenagers
communicate with other people, they do this via their mobile
phones or electronic computer. They lose all contact outside
the world and became addicted to the internet.their has been
an increasingly disturbing behaviour found in students and
youngsters after their exposure towards such sites.
The adolescents may talk to someone they don’t know. Internet is posed with full dangers and one of them are the people lure
within it with malevolent intentions. Infact employees in
colleges, Universities spend less time in their work and more
time in accessing their social sites.Hence it effects the work platform
too.
Social network became a new site for artificial nikkah nama.Flock of youngsters are trapped in this coup which
affects their family touch and study schedule.
Social networking can impact health. The less a person moves
the more weight that person is likely to gain, and few calories
are being burned while sitting in front of a computer.
Computer monitors have been proven to cause eye strain,
leading to poor eyesight. Little movement has been proven to
lead to muscle weakness, less muscle development and, in
some cases, bone loss. Back, neck, and joint pain have been
associated with too much computer use. Social networkers
often spend hours networking, leading to weight and health
issues. Like all things, social networking can be beneficial in
moderation. Unfortunately, moderation and networking do not
coincide in today’s society. Social networking allows for
unnecessary risks in privacy, safety, social skills, and health.
Networking, at best, offers such ease of communication that
social skills deteriorate, and at worst, is dangerous for children
and networkers unaware of the predators lurking in the social media.
Social media is a blessing for mankind because its easy to use
cost effective, one can interact with family and friends
instantly and support and promote Business . In short its a
curse as well as blessing hangs on the shoulders of its users.
one may choose to abuse the potential of facebook or to
change the world with Twitter, the difference in your actions
may be small, but the end result varies greatly and its upto you to decide social medias role in your life.

Education for our Children has Become A Gold Mine

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Education for our Children has Become A Gold Mine
Written by: Gowher Bhat
The quality of Kashmir’s government education system leaves much to be desired. There are over 14,000 schools in Jammu-Kashmir, whether they are private or government-run. However, the literacy rate is rising, in the public schools, and parents are removing their children and paying for private learning facilities. Even the teachers of government schools who have children do not have faith in the government school system. They, too, are putting siblings into private learning institutions. Education is the spine of any society, but the government schools in Kashmir are failing to provide the enriched curriculums to advance our students to college level.
It’s sad to see that in the past the government schools have accommodated the poor, who could not pay private tuition. The government schools are getting unacceptable test scores due to overcrowded classrooms, disruption in school days, and not enough individual attention is given to the students. A teacher working for government schools earns decent salaries, and we need to search for a better solution to improve our education system In Jammu-Kashmir.
Now parents are placing their children in coaching centers, not even private schools. These coaching center literary hand feeds the students. The popularity of these private coaching centers loot the students’ families and have made this teaching profession become a lucrative business. It is a money minting factory, and people are recommending this to their neighbors and friends.
I visited many areas where I saw the coaching centers filled to the brim with students. It cost as much as Rs.15,000 to send their child to one of these coaching centers. What’s even worse the families that are hitting hard times can not afford this, but they feel they have no choice, their children need an education.
The government has applied some guidelines, but there’s no reinforcement. I have also learned that many tuition centers are not registered and operating illegally.
On a personal note, I need to make some recommendations. Children should not be packed into classrooms like cattle. Teachers should give incentives to their students to work harder, and curriculums need guidelines and carried out. The government should come down on those illegal coaching centers with hefty fines and close them down. Becoming a teacher is a noble profession, and they have the responsibility of holding your child’s future in their hands. They need to ban together as educators to help our children instead of getting rich off of them.

Peace…The only way forward!!!

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Peace…The only way forward!!!
Owais Ahmad Shah

The four wheel trolley owner and an astute businessmen Mam Kak emanated anger.Is everything all right, asked my friend Raza.Glory to be God, I am fine.What would you like to have today.he replied. Our all time favorite “Hot Pakkodas”.I said.In extreme fury and rage,he shouted at his counterpart.Hell with you.I told you early in the morning to fry pakodas,but you got it in one ear and got it out of the other. Relax Mam kak,put this down to his work,a man learns from his mistakes.Another customer in a friendly mood said.No…no…no…I am here in this market for almost fifteen years but I have had never any compromise with my work.I have attracted customers only because of my hardwork.When these young people are advised anything, they only have habit of arguing.Here all have become masters.Mam Kak drawing a breath.I casted my look at a gathering. Cricket lovers clustered around the radio. A young enthusiastic cricket lover angrily asked another boy to increase the volume of radio.The commentator exuding excitement “Look at this,batsman struck the ball,up in the air and its gone all the way for six”. Just he was about to finish his sentence, young and old all jumped into the air.Everyone does have his own business. The conductors shouting names of different places in same breath. I and Raza,we had to board different buses.I sat next to an age old man,reading newspaper.I also thumbed through the headline which read” Govt desperate for dialogue. Saying no to violence can pave our way to peace”.It almost looked a distant dream. Another young boy rattling on with his beloved on his phone and a school kid shoveling popcorns down into his mouth.It almost looked a colorful bus.Variety is the spice of life.Passengers trickled into the bus and the bus filled to gills.The bus driver jumped onto his seat.About to leave,horn blowing and passengers happy.At a very slow speed but accelerated and we drove past other bus.I peeped through the window. Nearby an army camp.A huge board standing read “Jawan aur Awaam sab saath saath”. Barricades and the concertina wire fencing off the camp.The driver controlled his speed and the passengers gossiping continued. The one question that was preying on my mind” Here all have become masters”.Mam Kaks sage advice ringed on.All are running the show.I alighted out of the bus. Moved forward and reached near an old styled Panchyat.This building almost built 20 years ago received all public grievances. From lovers tiff to Old man’s impudent son.It enjoyed the business.I saw an old woman wailing outside.The only sentence she would repeat”Whom will you leave us”.Another woman consoled her.I had this urge to know about what is wrong.The woman next to her said that she has her only son married few months ago.Before marriage they lived life of dignity but after they lost all attachment.Having heard such stories often,I was no stranger to this one. The woman also added that yesterday grandfather in law and bride fought with each other. And the girl hurled a steel jug on his face,which almost resulted in his nose bleeding.Oh God!!! I almost taken aback.Now the village dignitaries have brought this case to panchayat.we were continuing our talk,a young girl accompanied by another of same age stepped out of the door,shouted “Who the hell is he”.in a fit of apoplexy,the bride looked daggers at her mother in law.I guessed she was talking about her grandfather in law.The woman in front of me whispered “Here she is”.I walked by and the panchayat continued.Almost tired of days work.I threw my clothes willynilly.All mess and my room had turned into a veritable jungle.After eating food,I nestled myself against the pillow and the buzz that I saw today dominated my mind. The only question that threw me off balance” Leadership crisis”.Everyone is master of his own world.Mam Kaks wisdom permeated through my mind and the old woman sobbing drove me over the edge.I took a nap.Late in the evening, I switched on TV.A heated debate and a volatile argument had set news studio on fire.Stonewalling continued and the people shouted,always about to hurl abuses. India and Pakistan abused each other.The one panelist saying”Pakistan Occupied Kashmir “and the other ” Indian Occupied Kashmir “.None would say we shall achieve Peace. The germ that cropped up in my mind altruistic and puritanical. Had this Channel devoted some space to poverty,drug abuse,rape etc.But it doesn’t like that.To increase TRP’s it is fond of drama.The conflict continued and the people bore brunt of it. No leadership but hawkishness overriding over every concern.The tailored suggestion of a common man and the complex argument of politician both seemed two sides of the same coin.