Kashmir Pen

THURSDAY | 11 April 2024 | Vol:09 | Issue No: 15 | Price:5/- | Page 16

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OPINION | 04 ANALYSIS | 05 PERSONALITY | 8&9

THE DYNAMICS OF MUSLIM

POLITICAL PARTICIPATION | PRESERVING THE INTEGRITY OF
JOURNALISM IN THE DIGITAL AGE | THE MELODIC JOURNEY OF
GULAM NABI BULBUL: A TALE OF
ARTISTRY AND RESILIENCE

EID-UL-FITR
SHARING JOY, SPREADING
HOPE, AND BUILDING UNITY
EID-UL-FITR BRINGS WITH IT A SENSE OF JOY WE ASSOCIATE
WITH A BENIGN COMMITMENT TO SHARING IT WITH OTHERS.
 THURSDAY | 11 APRIL 2024
NEWS THIS WEEK 02
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Shift in agenda, predominantly champi-

oned by the BJP. However, in the Makeup Brush Lok Sabha
Election Dis- Elections: Bat-
current electoral landscape, these
issues have taken a backseat. KNO Correspondent
Instead, the rallying cry of “lap-
course: Emo- top, not gun” for the youth has
gained traction. The abrogation of
Srinagar, Apr 09 (KNO): In
the quaint outskirts of Srinagar, a tle of Young
tive issues Turks vs Old
Articles 370 and 35A by the Central young girl’s journey from obscu-
Government within six months of rity to empowerment through the
the Pulwama attack has reshaped transformative power of makeup is
take backseat, the political terrain, fueling debates
on the impediments posed by these
capturing hearts and minds across
the region. Guards
development, articles to the region’s development.
“With separatism waning and
Azra Nazir, 23, who hails from
Soitang, has become a beacon of Five candidates below the age of
40 in fray against 71-year-old GM
progress dom-
incidents of stone pelting on the hope for many, breaking stereo-
decline, the focus has shifted to- types and paving the way for others Saroori, 76-year-old Jitendra Singh
wards heralding a new era of pros- to follow suit. According to news
inate discourse perity and growth. The resumption agency—Kashmir News Observer Ali Asad
of Bollywood’s interest in the valley (KNO), Azra’s ascent in the make-
and the revival of cinema halls af- up industry is nothing short of me- Srinagar, Apr 09 (KNO): As the
KNO Correspondent ter decades underscore the tangible teoric. electoral battle heats up for the
progress witnessed post-Article From a modest beginning of Udhampur parliamentary seat in
Srinagar, Apr 09 (KNO): As Jam- 370 abrogation,” says a senior BJP one client slot per day in 2022, Jammu and Kashmir, an intrigu-
mu and Kashmir gears up for an- leader who is part of the electoral she now juggles five appointments ing age divide emerges among the
other electoral battle, a noticeable campaign in Jammu and Kashmir. daily, cementing her status as the candidates vying for the coveted
shift in election slogans and issues Furthermore, he said, the issue fastest-growing makeup artist in position.
over the past five years is palpable. of granting citizenship to long-ne- the Valley. She shot to fame when Among the 12 contenders,
According to news agency— glected communities, such as West her success story featured in a local 28-year-old Amit Kumar stands
Kashmir News Observer (KNO) Pakistan Refugees, Valmiki Sam- news portal in 2022, which thrust as the youngest aspirant, while
the winds of development have also aj, and Gorkha Samaj, has gained her into the spotlight and trans- 71-year-old GM Saroori represents
emerged as a pivotal issue, not only prominence. “The government’s formed her life forever. What sets the seasoned veterans in the elec-
within Jammu and Kashmir but efforts to address the grievanc- Azra apart is not just her excep- toral fray.
also at the national level. With the es of Kashmiri Pandits, including tional talent, but also her enigmatic The diverse spectrum of candi-
spotlight firmly fixed on the five employment opportunities and persona. dates reflects a generational shift
parliamentary seats, a nuanced di- housing provisions under the PM Despite her burgeoning popular- in the political landscape, with five
alogue on the trajectory of develop- package, have also found resonance ity, she remains a mystery to her cli- candidates below the age of 40 and
ment and progress permeates the among voters,” says a Jammu based ents, as she doesn’t reveal her face an equal number surpassing the
electoral discourse. political analyst—(KNO) and clients only catch her glimpse age of 50.
The tragic suicide attack on a As per news agency—Kashmir
How Kashmir
on booking days. “Yet, my ano-
CRPF convoy in Pulwama, just nymity hasn’t deterred mer from News Observer (KNO), Amit Ku-
months before the 2019 Lok Sabha making a profound impact. I try to mar’s youthful vigor at 28 years
elections, reverberated across the
COUNTRY, claiming the lives of Girl Trans- charge nominal fee and if any don’t
afford even these charges, I extend
old marks a stark contrast to the
seasoned experience embodied by
GM Saroori, whose 71 years of age
formed Her
40 brave soldiers. Subsequent retal- a generous discount to them,” she
iatory airstrikes on terrorist camps says. epitomizes decades of political en-
in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Azra, the youngest makeup art- gagement.
Kashmir propelled national secu-
rity to the forefront of the electoral Life Through ists of the Kashmir Valley, says she
gives generous discounts to clients
Among the contenders, nota-
ble candidates include 67-year-old
Ghulam Mohammad Saroori rep-
who cannot afford even her nom-
inal charges, ensuring her services resenting the Democratic Progres-
are accessible to all, regardless of sive Azad Party, followed by BJP
their financial means. candidate Dr. Jitendra Singh at 67
Her success goes beyond her years old and Congress’ Chaudhary
flourishing career, it’s a testament Lal Singh at 65 years old.
to her resilience and determination However, the youth brigade is
to defy societal norms. In a culture not to be underestimated, with Ba-
where traditional gender roles of- hujan Samaj Party’s Amit Kumar
ten dictate a woman’s place, Azra’s leading the charge at a mere 28
story challenges the status quo. She years of age. Additionally, indepen-
not only supports herself but also dent candidate Swarnveer Singh
provides support to her parents. Jaral, aged 30, and Ekam Sanatan
She says that girls can indeed be Bharat Dal candidate Manoj Ku-
pillars of support for their families. mar, aged 32, bring a fresh perspec-
As she continues to inspire and em- tive to the electoral arena.
power, her story serves as a rallying Other candidates in the mix
cry for girls everywhere to shatter include independent contenders
barriers, defy stereotypes, and pur- Mehraj Deen at 36 years old and
sue their dreams with unwavering Sachin Gupta at 37 years old. Mo-
determination. hammad Ali Gujjar, contesting in-
In her journey, she proves that dependently, clocks in at 43 years
with passion, perseverance, and a old, while Dr. Pankaj Sharma and
touch of makeup magic, anything Rajesh Manchanda represent the
is possible. 40s age bracket at 44 and 56 years
She says her mantra is simple, old, respectively. Jammu and Kash-
“Don’t think you cannot do it, don’t mir National Panthers Party candi-
think you cannot be a support to date Balwan Singh, aged 57, rounds
ON THE EVE OF EID UL FITR SHABIR AHMAD SHAH, AU- your family, especially to your par- out the diverse array of contenders
ents. Believe in yourself, defy the vying for the Udhampur parlia-
THOR, COLUMNIST, SPORTS PROMOTER EXTENDED HIS odds, and remember, you have the mentary seat—(KNO)
GREETING TO THE PEOPLE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR. HE
FURTHER SAID THAT THIS EID WILL BRING HAPPINESS,
power to support your family, espe-
cially your parents. Don’t let any- Meet Ud-
PEACE AND PROSPERITY WITH SOBERNESS SO THAT WE
hampur Lok
one tell you otherwise.”—(KNO)
CAN ACHIEVE THE DESIRED GOALS. SHAH ALSO SAID THAT
YOUTH WILL BE A GAME CHANGER TO UPLIFT THE SOCIETY
AND WORK FOR THE DEPRIVED CLASS AND OWE TO DELIV- Udhampur Sabha’s richest
ER EVEN IN DIFFICULT TIMES.
candidates in
 THURSDAY | 11 APRIL 2024
NEWS THIS WEEK 03
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electoral race wife’s movable assets are valued at Rs 28.276 lakh,

including gold worth over Rs 26 lakh and some
of Kashmir traditionally come to Rajpora for
Sheermal, the customer influx significantly in-
creases during festive periods, which boosts sales.
deposits in bank accounts. Saroori also possesses
Dr Jitendra wealthiest candidate; constituency a residential house in Srinagar and commercial Shakeel Ahmad, another baker, said their
heads to polls on April 19 properties in Jammu and Kishtwar, besides ag- Sheermal variety has been in high demand for de-
ricultural land, amounting to Rs 5.19 crore. His cades due to its uncompromising quality. “Kash-
Yogesh spouse has also contributed to the wealth with miris living elsewhere often visit Rajpora to pur-
multiple properties in Kishtwar valued at Rs 84 chase Sheermal in bulk as a special gift for their
Jammu, Apr 09 (KNO): Dr Jitendra Singh, lakh. friends,” he said.
Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Choudhary Lal Singh - Congress During Eid and other festive occasions, hun-
candidate for the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda Lok Choudhary Lal Singh of Congress earned an dreds of customers from distant places flock to
Sabha constituency has emerged as the wealthi- annual income of Rs 11.41 lakh in 2013-14, al- the area to buy Sheermal, Shakeel said, adding,
est candidate, with a significant increase in assets though his recent declaration shows a decline. He “Each baker typically sells around 4000-5000 kgs
over the past decade. declared an income of Rs 4.55 lakh in 2022-23. of Sheermal on Eid, providing a substantial source
Former J&K Minister Ghulam Mohammad His wife, also a former legislator, receives a of income for those involved in bread-making.”
Saroori from the Democratic Progressive Azad yearly income of Rs 16.74 lakh as per the 2022- Customers queuing at bakeries in Rajpora ex-
Party (DPAP) and former Member of Parlia- 23 declaration. She shows her income sources as pressed their willingness to travel long distances
ment Choudhary Lal Singh from the INDIA Bloc pension as an MLA, interest from savings, and to purchase Sheermal and share it with their rel-
(comprising National Conference and PDP), salary as the Chairman of an Educational Trust. atives.
supporting the Congress candidate, also possess There are no criminal cases registered against They said that while Sheermals are made in
substantial resources, although they do not match Choudhary at any police station. However, he has other regions, none match the crispiness and fla-
Singh’s wealth. been investigated under a Prevention of Money vour of Rajpora Sheermal.
Dr Jitendra Singh - BJP Laundering case registered by the Enforcement Rajpora Sheermals are preferred across Kash-
Leading the pack is Union Minister Dr Jiten- Directorate in the RB Education Trust Case. mir and beyond for their unmatched quality and
dra Singh whose financial portfolio has seen a In terms of liquid assets, Choudhary holds Rs taste—(KNO)
remarkable surge over the past decade. His assets
Over 17.67 lakh
45,000 in cash, while his wife possesses Rs 40,000.
have soared from Rs 3.19 crore in 2014 to around They also maintain balances of Rs 26.53 crore and
8 crore this year. This wealth includes movable Rs 73.60 lakh in multiple bank accounts, respec-
assets of over Rs 3.33 crore and immovable prop-
erties valued at Rs 7.04 crore.
tively.
Choudhary has invested in land in Basholi
voters to decide fate
His spouse’s assets have witnessed a surge, with
movable and immovable assets valued at Rs 1.64
and Kandi Khurd in 2022 and 2010, respectively,
with the current market value estimated at Rs 1.5
of 22 candidates in
crore in 2024. Their combined financial strength
has contributed to this increase.
crore. Similarly, his wife, also a former legislator,
has invested in land at Mareen Kathua, current- Jammu Parliamenta-
Dr Singh’s annual income has shown a consis-
tent rise, from Rs 8 lakh in 2013-2014 to Rs 33
lakh in 2022-23. In terms of movable assets, Singh
ly valued at Rs 1 crore. The Choudhary family’s
property holdings are valued at Rs 4.3 crore. Lal ry Constituency
Singh also mentioned liabilities of Rs 20 lakh in
possesses Rs 3.33 crore, while his wife holds Rs the form of bank loans, while his spouse has a lia- Main Contest between BJP, Congress
88.88 lakh. They also maintain substantial bal- bility of Rs 5 lakh—(KNO)
ances in their bank accounts and fixed deposits. Yogesh
Their vehicle assets include a Ford SUV valued
at Rs 26 lakh owned by Dr Singh and a Chevro- Jammu, Apr 09 (KNO): The fate of 22 candi-
let Aveo valued at Rs 2.7 lakh owned by his wife.
Their jewellery holdings include Rs 13.30 lakh Festive treat: Ra- dates will be decided by over 17, 67, 837 lakh vot-
ers of Jammu-Samba-Reasi Lok Sabha seat in the
worth for Dr Singh and Rs 16.50 lakh worth for
his wife. jpora’s Sheermal second phase of General Elections to be held on
April 26. On the last day of withdrawal of can-
The Union Minister also possesses significant
real estate, including an ancestral orchard in continues to be in didature in Jammu Parliamentary Constituency,
Independent candidate Roop Krishen Dhar with-

high demand
Doda valued at over Rs 1 crore and a residential drew his nomination, leaving a total of 22 candi-
home in Jammu’s Trikuta Nagar valued at over Rs dates in the fray.
2.5 crore. His spouse owns non-agricultural land As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer
in Gaghwal, Kathua, and a residential flat in Noi- Bread makers say sales increase on every fes- (KNO), the main contest is considered between
da with a combined value of Rs 1.68 crore. tive occasion candidates of arch rivals BJP and Congress,
Singh’s income sources include pension, salary though other parties having traditional vote
as a Member of Parliament and Minister of State, Jahangeer Ganaie banks dent any players’ fortune. The prominent
and interest from deposits, while his spouse’s in- candidates remaining in the contest included sit-
come is from interest on deposits. Pulwama, Apr 09 (KNO): The tradition of buy- ting member Parliament and BJP nominee Jugal
In contrast, his opponents, Choudhary Lal ing Sheermal from Rajpora in south Kashmir’s Kishore, former minister and Congress party’s
Singh (former MP and former minister) of the Pulwama district for special occasions like Eid working president Raman Bhalla. Ankur Shar-
INDIA Bloc and Ghulam Mohammad Saroori remains strong among people in the valley and ma of Ekam Sanatan Bharat Dal, who is riding
(former minister) representing the DPAP, al- beyond, with demand consistently increasing on Hindu votes and a prominent face behind
though not as affluent, still command substantial during festive periods. Roshani Act abolition, is also trying to make his
resources. Interestingly, while Dr Singh and Saro- According to the news agency—Kashmir News political debut for Jammu Lok sabha seat.
ori have maintained clean records devoid of any Observer (KNO), Sheermal is a distinctive, flat The 5-Jammu Parliamentary Constituency is
pending police cases, Choudhary Lal Singh has and circular bread adorned with sesame seeds. spread over four districts including Jammu, Sam-
mentioned one ongoing case under investigation This bread typically enjoyed with Kashmiri Nam- ba, Reasi and Rajouri with a total number 18 as-
by the Enforcement Directorate in his records. keen tea or Sheer Chai, has become an essential sembly constituencies. The segment has 17, 67,
Ghulam Mohammad Saroori - DPAP element of various social customs and traditions 837 voters out of which 9, 15, 010 are male and 8,
Ghulam Mohammad Saroori, a former minis- in Kashmir. It comes in two varieties: sweet, 52, 796 are female and 18 transgenders. Election
ter representing the DPAP, declared assets worth enjoyed with Khewa, and salty, savoured with administration has set-up 2416 polling stations
Rs 5 crore, with his wife also possessing signifi- Noon-Chai. to felicitate voters. This important constituency is
cant gold jewellery. Saroori, previously a minis- Mohammad Akbar Sofi, a bread-maker in going to elections in the second phase of General
ter in the Omar Abdullah-led Congress-Nation- Rajpora town, has been working tirelessly in re- Elections to be held on April 26, 2024—(KNO)
al Conference coalition government but who cent days to fulfill Sheermal orders ahead of Eid.
switched to the Ghulam Nabi Azad-led DPAP last Alongside him, more than two dozen bakers in
year, reports an annual income of Rs 7.55 lakh, Rajpora have been putting in extra hours to meet
primarily from his pension. His wife, a retired the high demand for Sheermal.
government teacher, has considerable wealth. Akbar said that in the past, only those with the
As per the financial statement, Saroori’s mov- means could afford Sheermal. “However, now it
able assets are valued at Rs 4.44 lakh, including is accessible to nearly everyone in the village,” he
amounts deposited in various bank accounts. His said, adding that while people from various parts
 THURSDAY | 11 APRIL 2024
OPINION 04
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The Dynamics of Muslim

Political Participation
HILAL AHMED EXAMINING THE NA- cians act as patrons. They seek the help of bro-

D
kers (activists, influencers, and even community
o Muslims have complete faith in
Indian politics? This question is of-
TURE OF MUSLIM elites) to reach out to clients (common Muslim
voters). Adam Michael Auerbach and Tariq
ten posed as a serious concern to POLITICAL ENGAGE- Thachill’s recent book, Migrants and Machine
assess the political participation of
common Muslims in the institu- MENT IN A VILLAGE Politics: How India’s Urban Poor Seek Represen-
tation and Responsiveness (2023), is an excellent
tional life of the country. On one hand, Muslim
engagement with politics is seen as a conscious
IN WEST BENGAL, BA- source to capture this trend.
This study also finds that the relationship be-
strategy to maximise communal interests. There NERJEE SHOWS THAT tween the BJP and Muslim communities at the
grassroots level is very different from the preva-
is an old argument that active Muslim participa-
tion in electoral processes has always been in- MUSLIM COMMUNI- lent media-driven debates. The book shows that
terest-oriented, and hence, their patriotism and
loyalty towards the nation are questionable. TIES IN RURAL INDIA at the highly localised level of slums, and even at
the level of urban municipal wards, the BJP ap-
On the other hand, it is claimed that Muslims
feel alienated in the current environment as a
TREAT ELECTIONS AS pears willing to include Muslims within its ranks,
and Muslim brokers appear willing to join the
threatened minority, and for that reason, their A FESTIVE EVENT. SHE BJP. In fact, there were 46 (almost 27%) Muslim
brokers in their sample who were affiliated with
faith in politics is almost shattered. A section of
pro-minority intellectuals and public commen- ARGUES THAT DEM- the BJP.
tators tend to claim that Muslims are gradually
getting alienated from political life.
OCRATIC PROCESS- Communities Of Voters Or Vote Banks?
This example is useful in two ways. First, it elu-
These simplistic responses are problematic.
Muslim participation in politics is a multifacet-
ES HAVE PRODUCED cidates the fact that Muslim communities do not
necessarily participate in the electoral processes
ed phenomenon and should always be examined A UNIQUE CULTURE with a set agenda. They engage with all political
in its entirety. Muslims’ faith in politics could be
taken as a point of reference to make a serious THAT ENCOURAGES players/coalitions at the constituency level. This
is precisely the reason why we find that almost
comment on the ever-changing relationship be-
tween common citizens (in this case, Muslim
LOCAL COMMUNITIES, 9% of the Muslim vote goes to the BJP at the na-
tional level (CSDS-Lokniti post-poll 2014, 2019
communities) and the political system. More INCLUDING MUSLIM surveys).
Second, it also underscores a fundamental
specifically, three facets of this relationship are
important for our analysis-acceptance of voting GROUPS, TO PARTICI- truth about Indian political life. Social and reli-
as a decisive tool, evolving new forms of politi-
cal mobilisation, and finally, the constitution of PATE IN ELECTIONS AS gious communities do not hesitate to transform
themselves into what may be called ‘communities
caste/religion-based communities of voters at the
grassroots level.
A RITUAL. IN OTHER of voters’ at the constituency level. This is also
true for Muslim groups. They come together to
Voting as a Ritual WORDS, MUSLIMS EN- assert themselves as a collective entity. However,
religious affiliation is not the only criterion that
CSDS-Lokniti surveys, especially the post-poll
studies conducted after the elections, have shown VISAGE ELECTIONS AS encourages Muslims to become a consolidated
that Muslim turnout has not decreased in the
Modi era. In fact, one finds a slight increase in
A CULTURAL EVENT group of voters. Often, caste configurations play
a decisive role, especially in areas where Muslims
Muslim turnout in 2019 (60%) compared to 2014
(59%). Although it is true that Hindu turnout
DEEPLY ASSOCIATED are in the majority.
The Bihar assembly election of 2020 is a good
(over 70% in 2019) has noticeably increased in WITH THEIR EVERY- example in this regard. Muslim caste-groups
this period, the data does not indicate that Mus-
lim communities have stopped taking national DAY LIFE ISSUES AND became the ‘community of voters’ in the Mus-
lim-dominated Seemanchal region. Howev-
elections seriously. This is also true for the as-
sembly elections, where Muslims enthusiastically
CONCERNS. er, this was not the case with the rest of the
seats where Muslims were not powerful. The
participated in voting during state polls. CSDS-Lokniti Bihar 2020 (post-poll) survey also
Mobilisation as Bargain confirms this trend (source). It simply means that
The acceptability of voting as a legitimate po-
Voting as a ritual, Banerjee’s study reminds us, Muslim communities, like any other religious or
litical action is also visible at the grassroots level.
is not the only mode by which Muslim commu- caste groups, become a community of voters, if
Recent ethnographic studies have demonstrated
nities engage with political processes. She shows not a vote bank, at the constituency level.
that Muslim communities, like other socio-re-
that elections are also viewed as an appropriate This complex, multifaceted, and, in a way, ev-
ligious groups, recognise elections as a ritual.
occasion to establish effective communication idence-based story of Muslim political partic-
Mukulika Banerjee’s groundbreaking book, Cul-
with members of the powerful political class. ipation reminds us that Muslim voters are very
tivating Democracy: Politics and Citizenship in
Muslim groups, including caste-Biradari-based much situated in the cultural universe of Indian
Agrarian India (2022), is very relevant in this
panchayats, bargain with political parties at the politics. The idea of strategic voting, therefore,
regard.
constituency level. These negotiations are often should not be seen as a Muslim-specific phe-
Examining the nature of Muslim political en-
led by elites on behalf of the concerned Muslim nomenon. It is an unwritten norm of Indian elec-
gagement in a village in West Bengal, Banerjee
community. toral politics, which is followed by all social and
shows that Muslim communities in rural India
These political bargains are not restricted to religious communities at the constituency level.
treat elections as a festive event. She argues that
rural India. Muslim communities, especially the
democratic processes have produced a unique
poor and marginalised groups living in urban Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.
culture that encourages local communities, in-
slums and semi-urban regions, also interact with com
cluding Muslim groups, to participate in elec-
the political class in a similar manner. Elections,
tions as a ritual. In other words, Muslims envis-
in this sense, turn out to be a reference point to Hilal Ahmed is Associate Professor, Centre for the
age elections as a cultural event deeply associated
revive the broker-client-patron configurations at Study of Developing Societies.
with their everyday life issues and concerns.
the bottom level of society. Professional politi-
 THURSDAY | 11 APRIL 2024
ANALYSIS 05
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Preserving the Integrity of

Journalism in the Digital Age
ZAMEER SAFVI

I
t is said that ,” The journalistic code
of ethics governing the broadcasts
requires that opposing views be pre-
sented, and that journalists’ person-
al opinions or judgments be left out
of factual reporting”.
In the realm of journalism, ethics serve
as the bedrock upon which trust and
credibility are built. The journalistic code
of ethics mandates the presentation of op-
posing views, while demanding that per-
sonal opinions remain separate from fac-
tual reporting. However, in today’s digital
age, the integrity of journalism faces un-
precedented challenges, as the prolifera-
tion of amateur journalists threatens to
undermine these fundamental principles.
Earlier, sources of information were
limited, yet they typically provided accu-
rate information. Becoming a journalist
was not an easy task; it required courage
and diligence. A journalist must possess
a profound understanding of journalistic unfortunate that some individuals who skepticism and suspicion. The prolifera-
ethics and thoroughly research any topic claim to be journalists lack the profes- tion of sensationalist content has further
before publication. Journalists dedicated sionalism and ethical standards expect- exacerbated this distrust, leaving audi-
extensive time to fieldwork, meticulously ed in the field. True journalism requires ences disillusioned and craving authen-
validating facts before presenting any sto- integrity, objectivity, and respect for the ticity.
ry or news item. truth. Using platforms for personal gain It is imperative that steps be taken to
At the heart of journalism lies a com- rather than serving the public interest un- preserve the integrity of journalism in
mitment to objectivity, fairness, and accu- dermines the credibility of journalism as the face of these challenges. Govern-
racy. Objectivity, in particular, is essential a whole. It’s important to hold account- ments must play a role in defining who
for maintaining the trust of the audience, able those who misuse their positions and can rightfully claim the title of journalist,
who rely on journalists to deliver factu- advocate for ethical reporting practices. setting standards and accreditation pro-
al information free from manipulation. One of the ethical considerations jour- cesses to uphold professional standards.
While objectivity does not equate to neu- nalists prioritize is the language they Additionally, collaboration between jour-
trality, it entails a dedication to fairness employ. They must be mindful of their nalists and administrations is essential in
and truth in reporting. choice of words and how they commu- safeguarding the profession against fur-
It’s true that technological advance- nicate with the public. Journalists are ther degradation.
ments have brought both benefits and tasked with bringing attention to societal In an era defined by rapid technolog-
challenges, and misuse is unfortunately a issues and aiding the public. However, a ical advancements and evolving media
part of that reality. In journalism, the rise concerning trend among self-proclaimed landscapes, the need to uphold journal-
of citizen journalism and social media social media journalists is their lack of ism ethics has never been more pressing.
platforms has blurred the lines between decorum in communication. They often As guardians of truth and accountability,
professional reporting and amateur con- express themselves aggressively, revealing journalists must remain steadfast in their
tent creation. It’s important to promote their immature ethical standards through commitment to objectivity and integrity.
media literacy and critical thinking to their demeanor. Additionally, their ap- By taking collective action to address the
discern credible sources from misinfor- proach to reporting tends to lack objec- challenges posed by amateur journalism,
mation and propaganda. tivity, as they often resort to sensational- we can ensure that the profession remains
The advent of social media has democ- ism and personal judgment rather than a beacon of trust and credibility in an in-
ratized the field of journalism, allowing impartially presenting facts. It is imper- creasingly complex world.
individuals from diverse backgrounds to ative that journalists refrain from assum-
enter the fray. Unfortunately, this democ- ing the role of judges and allow the legal The author can be mailed at raza.zameer@
ratization has also paved the way for un- system to handle matters of judgment. gmail.com
qualified individuals to proclaim them- The actions of these self-proclaimed
selves as journalists, without adhering journalists have not gone unnoticed, tar-
to ethical standards or receiving proper nishing the image of the profession and
training. As a result, sensationalism and eroding public trust. Where journalism
misinformation have proliferated, with was once regarded as a beacon of hope
some individuals prioritizing fame and and impartiality, it is now viewed with
attention over journalistic integrity. It’s
 THURSDAY | 11 APRIL 2024
EDIT 06
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AVOID SHARING PERSONAL AND

SENSITIVE INFORMATION ON
KASHMIR PEN GENERATIVE AI (CHATGPT)
EDITORIAL cial security, privacy, and reputation. Moreover, the advent of
advanced AI technologies, such as ChatGPT, introduces new
complexities in preserving personal data integrity and combat-
ing misinformation. Deep fakes, Audio, video, image morph-
ing can create chaos if these are not understand well and im-

ESSENCE
plemented correctly.
While AI models like ChatGPT offer remarkable capabil-
ities in natural language processing and generation, they also
pose potential risks when exposed to sensitive data. Here’s why

OF EID-UL-FITR SHADAB PEERZADA and how to avoid sharing sensitive data with AI models:

I
Data Privacy Concerns: AI models, including ChatGPT, op-
erate by analyzing and processing large volumes of text data,
n the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), there exists a which may include personal or sensitive information. Expos-
fascinating and rapidly evolving branch known as Gen- ing such data to AI models raises concerns about data privacy
Generally, it is held that Eid erative AI, which has gained significant attention in
recent years. At the forefront of this technology stands
and security.
Potential Misuse: There is a risk that sensitive information
al-Fitr is the Eid of sweets, ChatGPT, a pioneering model that has revolutionized
human-computer interaction. To comprehend the intricacies
shared with AI models could be misused or accessed by unau-
although sweets are not a re- of Generative AI and ChatGPT, it is imperative to delve into
the concepts of Big Data and Test Data, which form the cor-
thorized parties, leading to privacy breaches or identity theft.
Limiting Data Inputs: To mitigate these risks, users should
ligious part of Eid al-Fitr, but nerstone of their functioning. Generative AI refers to a class
of AI algorithms designed to generate new content, whether it
refrain from inputting sensitive personal information into AI
models like ChatGPT. Instead, focus on providing generic or
certainly they represent the be text, images, music, or other forms of data, mimicking the
anonymized data for interaction.
Use of Synthetic Data: Researchers and developers can explore
patterns and styles of the data it was trained on. Unlike tra-
spirit of Eid, for sweet dishes ditional AI models that rely on predefined rules or templates,
the use of synthetic data or simulated inputs to train AI mod-
els, thereby avoiding the exposure of real-world sensitive in-
are always considered to be generative models have the ability to create original content au-
tonomously. This capability opens up a plethora of possibilities
formation.
Government Employees, Defense Personals, agencies and
the sign of love, compassion across various domains, including creative expression, content
generation, and problem-solving.
ChatGPT Usage:
Government employees in particular who are directly involved
and well wishing. Gifts of One of the most prominent examples of Generative AI is Ope-
nAI’s GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) series. These
with administration and law enforcement agencies, must ex-
ercise heightened vigilance when interacting with AI models
sweets distributed on the models have garnered widespread attention for their remark-
able proficiency in natural language understanding and gen-
like ChatGPT, given the sensitive nature of their work and the
day of Eid represent the true eration. Among them, ChatGPT stands out as a breakthrough
in conversational AI, enabling seamless interaction between
potential implications of data exposure. Here’s why and how
government employees should approach ChatGPT usage:
spirit of this Islamic festival. humans and machines. ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is an
advanced conversational AI model based on the GPT architec-
Data Confidentiality: Government agencies handle vast
amounts of sensitive and classified information, ranging from
The Prophet of Islam once ture. It is trained on a vast corpus of text data, encompassing
national security to personal citizen data. Interacting with AI
models like ChatGPT using such data could compromise con-
diverse sources such as books, articles, websites, and social me-
said that an exchange of dia posts. Through this extensive exposure to human language,
fidentiality and breach security protocols. As AI is dependent
on the training data which nearly record every detail for the
gifts promotes love in soci- ChatGPT learns to understand context, generate coherent
responses, and engage in meaningful conversations with us-
future references can store the sensitive information passes to
it through ChatGPT.
ety. So, sweets are not sim- ers. At its core, ChatGPT employs a deep learning framework
known as a transformer architecture. This architecture enables
Compliance Requirements: Government employees are often
subject to strict regulations and compliance standards regard-
ply sweets: they also have a the model to process and generate text by attending to rele-
vant parts of the input sequence, capturing dependencies and
ing data handling and privacy protection. Using AI models like
ChatGPT with sensitive government data may violate these
spiritual meaning. Sweets patterns in the data effectively. Through successive iterations
of training on massive datasets, ChatGPT hones its linguistic
regulations and invite legal repercussions.
Risk of Misinformation: ChatGPT, like any AI model, is sus-
represent not only the spirit capabilities and becomes increasingly adept at generating hu-
man-like responses.
ceptible to biases and may generate inaccurate or misleading
of Eid, but also the true spirit How ChatGPT Works:
The operation of ChatGPT can be elucidated through its un-
information based on the input data it receives. Relying on
ChatGPT for decision-making or information dissemination
of Islam.The prayer observed derlying architecture and training methodology. At a high
in government contexts could propagate misinformation and
undermine trust in official communications.
level, the model consists of multiple layers of neural network
on the day of Eid is offered modules, each responsible for different aspects of language
To mitigate these risks, government employees should adhere
to established data security protocols, avoid sharing sensitive
in congregation. All the Mus- processing. These modules work in concert to ingest input
text, encode its meaning, generate contextual embeddings, and
information with AI models like ChatGPT, and exercise criti-
cal judgment when interpreting the output generated by such
lims, including women and produce output text that reflects the desired response. During
the training phase, ChatGPT is exposed to vast amounts of text
models.
Potential Risks of ChatGPT: Misinformation and False Data:
children, gather together in data, which serve as the basis for learning linguistic patterns
and semantics. The model undergoes a process called unsu-
While AI models like ChatGPT offer tremendous potential for
enhancing productivity and communication, they also pose
this congregational prayer pervised learning, where it seeks to minimize the discrepancy
between its generated output and the actual text in the training
inherent risks, including the proliferation of misinformation
in order to promote harmony dataset. Through techniques like backpropagation and gradi-
ent descent, ChatGPT adjusts its internal parameters to opti-
and false data. Here’s why and how ChatGPT can lead to mis-
information:
and brotherhood, not only mize its performance over time. Once trained, ChatGPT can
be deployed in various applications requiring natural language
Bias in Training Data: AI models are trained on vast datasets,
which may inadvertently contain biases or inaccuracies present
among Muslims but also understanding and generation. Users interact with the model
in the source data. As a result, ChatGPT may generate respons-
es that reflect these biases, leading to the propagation of misin-
by providing input prompts or queries, to which ChatGPT re-
among all men and women. sponds with contextually relevant and grammatically coherent
formation or reinforcing existing stereotypes.
Lack of Contextual Understanding: AI models like ChatGPT
According to a tradition, the output. The model’s ability to generate diverse and contextually
appropriate responses contributes to its utility in tasks such as
lack contextual understanding and may generate responses
based solely on statistical patterns in the training data, with-
day of Eid is the day of divine customer service, content creation, language translation, and
more.
out comprehending the underlying meaning or intent. This
can result in the generation of factually incorrect or misleading
reward. When believers ob- What is Training Data?
Training data for artificial intelligence (AI) forms the bedrock
information.
Amplification of False Narratives: ChatGPT’s ability to gener-
serve their duty in the month upon which algorithms learn and make decisions. However,
this data is not immune to threats, posing significant challeng-
ate human-like text makes it susceptible to manipulation by
of Ramadan in the true spir- es to the reliability and ethical use of AI systems. One of the
foremost concerns is biased data, where historical inequalities
malicious actors seeking to spread false narratives or disin-
formation campaigns. Such false narratives can spread rapidly
it, God Almighty declares: and prejudices are inadvertently encoded into algorithms,
perpetuating discrimination and unfairness. To counter this,
through social media and online platforms, amplifying the im-
pact of misinformation.
“O angels, be witness that I diverse and representative datasets must be curated, ensuring
In conclusion, personal identity theft remains a pervasive threat
in the digital age, exacerbated by the proliferation of online
fair and equitable outcomes. Another threat is data poisoning,
have decided to bestow upon where adversaries manipulate training data to deceive AI sys-
platforms and advanced AI technologies. To safeguard person-
al information and mitigate the risks of identity theft, individ-
them paradise in the world tems, leading to erroneous predictions or compromised secu-
rity. Robust data validation processes and anomaly detection
uals must exercise caution when sharing sensitive data online,
adhere to best practices for data security, and remain vigilant
hereafter.” In short, the techniques are essential safeguards against such attacks. Fur-
thermore, privacy breaches are a looming threat, as AI systems
against phishing attempts and cyber threats. Furthermore, the
integration of AI models like ChatGPT into various domains
month of fasting represents may inadvertently reveal sensitive information from training
data. Implementing privacy-preserving techniques such as dif-
introduces new challenges and considerations regarding data
privacy, misinformation, and ethical usage. Government em-
the responsibilities of the be- ferential privacy and federated learning can mitigate these risks
by anonymizing data and decentralizing training processes. In
ployees and those who carry state secrets, in particular, must
lievers in this world and Eid essence, safeguarding training data requires a multi-faceted
approach encompassing data transparency, bias mitigation, se-
exercise prudence when interacting with AI models and avoid
sharing sensitive information that could compromise national
al-Fitr represents the reward curity protocols, and privacy-enhancing technologies, to foster
trust and ensure the responsible deployment of AI systems.
security or violate privacy regulations.

given to them in the world How dangerous is AI at this point: Shadab Peerzada is a Politician, Strategic-Analyst and Technol-
In an era defined by digital connectivity and ubiquitous on-
hereafter. line presence, safeguarding personal identity has become para-
ogist
mount. Identity theft, a pervasive cybercrime, poses significant
risks to individuals and organizations alike, jeopardizing finan-
 THURSDAY | 11 APRIL 2024
FAITH 07
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Aitikaaf: A Sacred
Journey Towards Spiritual
Refinement
AUBAID AKHOON

I
n the serene ambiance of the last ten
days of Ramadan, Muslims worldwide
immerse themselves in an ancient and
deeply spiritual practice known as
Aitikaaf. This period of seclusion and
intense devotion offers a unique opportu-
nity for believers to strengthen their faith,
seek divine forgiveness, and reconnect with
their Creator away from the distractions of
daily life.
“The one who secludes himself for wor-
ship in the mosque during Ramadan with
sincere faith and hope for a reward from
Allah, all of his previous sins will be for-
given.”
Sahih Bukhari
Origins and Significance of Aitikaaf
Aitikaaf is highly recommended, during awakening and reinvigoration of faith. practice that offers Muslims a pathway to
the last ten days of Ramadan, which are A Means of Divine Forgiveness divine closeness, introspection, and spiri-
considered the most blessed and spiritual- One of the most cherished outcomes of tual growth. It is a testament to the time-
ly charged days of the month. The Prophet Aitikaaf is the opportunity for forgiveness. less nature of Islamic worship practices and
Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to The Hadiths promise immense rewards for their relevance in guiding the faithful to-
observe Aitikaaf every year during the last those who dedicate these days to worship wards moral and spiritual excellence. As we
ten days of Ramadan, and it is recommend- with pure intentions, highlighting that observe Aitikaaf, let us embrace the oppor-
ed for Muslims to follow beloved Prophet’s even previous sins can be forgiven. This tunity to renew our faith, purify our hearts,
Sunnah (way of life). prospect of spiritual cleansing and renewal and contribute positively to our communi-
Aitikaaf, rooted in the Islamic tradition, underscores the mercy and compassion of ties, holding firm to the rope of Allah.
finds its significance in both the Quran Allah towards His servants. By embracing the spirit and practice of
and Hadith. It is a time-honored spiritual The Social and Community Aspect of Ai- Aitikaaf, we not only follow in the footsteps
retreat aimed at fostering a closer relation- tikaaf of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon
ship with Allah through dedicated worship, While Aitikaaf is a personal journey, him) but also partake in a transformative
contemplation, and the recitation of the it also reinforces the sense of community experience that elevates our spirituali-
Quran. This practice exemplifies the pro- and brotherhood among Muslims. Observ- ty and brings us closer to achieving inner
found commitment to faith and the pursuit ing Aitikaaf together in a mosque creates peace and divine favor.
of spiritual purity. a powerful sense of unity and shared pur- About the Author:
The Essence of Aitikaaf pose, as all participants are bound by their Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon, a fervent educa-
At its core, Aitikaaf is more than just common goal of seeking Allah’s favor. It is tional columnist, motivational speaker, and
physical seclusion; it is a journey of the a reminder of the Ummah’s collective spir- a keen observer of Islamic traditions, contin-
heart and soul towards divine presence. By itual aspirations and the strength found in ues to inspire with his insights into Islamic
withdrawing from the chaos of worldly en- unity. teachings. As the Associate Editor of ‘Educa-
gagements, believers embark on a spiritu- Updated Guidelines and Considerations tion Quill’ and the EDP Head at SKIE Class-
al voyage to purify their hearts, reflect on In observing Aitikaaf, it is essential to es in Khanyar, his work spans educational
their lives, and seek the mercy and bless- approach with sincerity and adhere to its advancements and spiritual enlightenment.
ings of Allah. It is an opportunity to tran- traditional practices while remaining open Follow his journey on Instagram at UBI9305
scend earthly desires and attain a state of to contemporary interpretations that re- for more inspirational content.
peace and contentment. spect the essence of this spiritual retreat.
Enhanced Spiritual Connection Participants should ensure that their seclu-
Aitikaaf serves as a conduit for deep- sion does not hinder their responsibilities
ening one’s connection with Allah. In towards their families and communities.
the tranquility of the mosque, away from It’s crucial to maintain a balance, ensuring
worldly distractions, worshippers can en- that the spirit of Aitikaaf is upheld without
gage in sincere supplication, meditate on causing undue hardship.
the meanings of the Quran, and perform Conclusion: A Journey of Spiritual Re-
additional prayers. This uninterrupted newal
devotion allows for a profound spiritual Aitikaaf remains a profound spiritual
 THURSDAY | 11 APRIL 2024
PERSONALITY 08
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The Melodic Journey of

Gulam Nabi Bulbul:
A Tale of Artistry
and Resilience

SANJAY PANDITA

I
n the quaint village of Batsum, nestled
amidst the verdant valleys of Kashmir,
a young boy named Gulam Nabi Bulbul
embarked on a journey destined to inter-
twine his life with the soulful melodies of
his homeland. Born in the year 1949, Bulbul’s
early inclination towards music and dance set
him apart in a community renowned for its mu-
sical legacy.
The serendipitous turn of events that catapult-
ed Bulbul into the limelight began in the early
sixties, during the era of cultural resurgence in
Jammu and Kashmir. As the then Prime Min-
ister Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed initiated the
celebrated Jashn-e-Kashmir programs, educa-
tional institutions became bastions of cultural
promotion. It was in one such school, amidst the
bustling town of Dangiwacha, that the nascent
talent of Bulbul was discovered.
Selected to perform before the esteemed Ed-
ucation Minister, Sham Lal Saraf, young Bulbul,
with no prior singing experience, astounded the
audience with his rendition of Kral Koor. His
mesmerizing performance not only earned him
accolades but also a generous gesture from Saraf in the footsteps of his predecessors; he sought of voice, dance, and sarangi playing that truly
himself. Unbeknownst to many, this humble be- to carve out his own path, to leave an indelible set him apart. His performances were not just
ginning marked the genesis of a prodigious ca- mark on the world of music. concerts; they were experiences, journeys of the
reer in the realm of music and dance. It was this drive for innovation that led Bul- soul that left audiences breathless and begging
Bulbul’s journey into the realm of music was bul to develop his signature dance move—a for more. And it was this undeniable charisma,
nothing short of extraordinary, a symphony of mesmerizing display of balance and grace, as he this magnetic allure, that earned him the adora-
talent and perseverance orchestrated under the delicately balanced a glass of water on his head tion of fans the world over.
guiding hand of local rabab virtuoso Khazir Mo- while effortlessly gliding across the stage. It was As Bulbul’s fame spread like wildfire, his art-
hammed Shah. Under Shah’s tutelage, Bulbul’s a sight to behold, a testament to his skill and istry continued to evolve, weaving new dimen-
artistry blossomed, each note he played infused dedication, and it captivated audiences wherev- sions into the fabric of Kashmir’s musical tap-
with a soul-stirring passion that enraptured au- er he went. estry. With each performance, he mesmerized
diences far and wide. But perhaps what truly set Bulbul apart was audiences with his virtuosity, infusing every
From the tender age of five, Bulbul displayed his ability to seamlessly blend his voice with his note with passion and emotion.
an innate gift for music, his fingers dancing ef- dancing, each movement of his neck on the beat Embracing his role as a custodian of tradition,
fortlessly across the strings of the sarangi, weav- eliciting gasps of wonder from the crowd. His Bulbul embarked on a mission to revive forgot-
ing intricate melodies that echoed through the voice was pure magic, a rich, resonant instru- ten melodies and preserve the cultural heritage
valleys of his homeland. But it was not merely ment that seemed to carry the weight of centu- of his homeland. Through his tireless efforts, he
his technical prowess that set him apart; it was ries of history and tradition. breathed new life into age-old compositions, en-
the sheer emotion he poured into every perfor- And then there was his sarangi playing, a suring that they resonated with audiences both
mance, as if each note were a piece of his very masterful display of skill and dexterity that nev- young and old.
being laid bare for all to witness. er failed to thrill and amaze. With each stroke Yet, amidst the adulation and acclaim, Bulbul
Under Shah’s guidance, Bulbul delved deep of the bow, he wove a tapestry of sound that remained grounded, his humility serving as a
into the rich tapestry of traditional Afghan mu- transported listeners to another world, a world guiding light in an industry often tainted by ego
sic, mastering the delicate nuances of the Bacha where joy and sorrow danced together in perfect and vanity. Despite his fame, he remained acces-
Nagma, a dance form steeped in centuries of tra- harmony. sible to aspiring artists, offering guidance and
dition. But he was not content to simply follow But above all else, it was Bulbul’s unique blend encouragement to those who sought to follow in
 THURSDAY | 11 APRIL 2024
PERSONALITY 09
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BULBUL’S JOUR-
NEY IS A TESTA-
MENT TO THE
TRANSFORMATIVE
POWER OF ART-
ISTRY AND RESIL-
IENCE. FROM HUM-
BLE BEGINNINGS IN
A REMOTE VILLAGE
TO GRACING PRES-
TIGIOUS STAGES IN
DELHI, BOMBAY,
AND BEYOND, HIS
ODYSSEY EMBODIES
THE INDOMITABLE
SPIRIT OF KASH-
MIRI CULTURE. AS
HE CONTINUES TO
his footsteps.
As the years passed, Bulbul’s influence tran-
tion alive.
Yet, amidst the adulation and acclaim, Bulbul
SERENADE AUDI-
scended borders, earning him recognition not remained steadfast in his commitment to pre- ENCES WITH HIS
just within Kashmir but across the Indian sub-
continent. His performances at prestigious cul-
serving the purity of Kashmiri music. Eschewing
modern trends, he adhered to traditional instru-
SOUL-STIRRING
tural events and collaborations with renowned ments like the sarangi, rabab, and harmonium, MELODIES, GULAM
artists cemented his status as a true ambassador
of Kashmiri music.
shunning the allure of electronic embellishments.
For Bulbul, the essence of music lay in its authen-
NABI BULBUL RE-
Even in the face of adversity, Bulbul’s passion ticity, a sentiment echoed in every note he played MAINS A BEACON
for his craft never wavered. Whether overcoming
personal challenges or navigating the ever-chang-
and sang.
However, as Bulbul’s star ascended, he wit- OF HOPE AMIDST
ing landscape of the music industry, he remained nessed the gradual erosion of his beloved art THE EVER-CHANG-
resolute in his commitment to preserving the rich
heritage of Kashmiri folk music.
form. Outside influences crept in, diluting the
purity of Bacha Nagma and other traditional ING CURRENTS OF
As Bulbul’s career blossomed, he became a dances. The commercialization of music further TIME.AS HE EN-
symbol of resilience and perseverance, inspiring exacerbated this decline, as opportunistic singers
countless individuals to pursue their passions prioritized monetary gain over artistic integrity. TERED THE TWI-
against all odds. His journey from humble begin-
nings to the pinnacle of success served as a bea-
Amidst these challenges, Bulbul remained a
steadfast guardian of Kashmir’s musical heri-
LIGHT OF HIS CA-
con of hope for aspiring artists across the region. tage. Through his mentorship of aspiring talents REER, BULBUL’S
With each performance, Bulbul transported
audiences to a realm where music transcended
like Gulzar Ahmad Ganai and Manzoor Ahmad
Shah, he sought to cultivate a new generation of
LEGACY REMAINED
language and culture, forging connections that custodians for Kashmiri folk music. ETCHED IN THE
bridged the divides of race, religion, and creed.
His ability to evoke raw emotion through his
Bulbul’s journey is a testament to the trans-
formative power of artistry and resilience. From
HEARTS OF THOSE
melodies left a lasting imprint on all who had the humble beginnings in a remote village to gracing WHO HAD BEEN
privilege of hearing him perform.
Beyond the confines of his village, Bulbul’s me-
prestigious stages in Delhi, Bombay, and beyond,
his odyssey embodies the indomitable spirit of TOUCHED BY HIS
lodic prowess transcended geographical bound- Kashmiri culture. As he continues to serenade MUSIC. HIS CONTRI-
aries. His enchanting voice resonated through
the airwaves of Radio Kashmir, reaching listeners
audiences with his soul-stirring melodies, Gulam
Nabi Bulbul remains a beacon of hope amidst the BUTIONS TO THE
across the valley and beyond. Songs like “Tresh ever-changing currents of time. CULTURAL LAND-
Chete Shah Kule Jigar Phule lu lu” became an- As he entered the twilight of his career, Bulbul’s
thems of Kashmir’s folk heritage, perpetuating a legacy remained etched in the hearts of those who SCAPE OF KASHMIR
legacy that spanned generations.
As he continued to push the boundaries of his
had been touched by his music. His contributions
to the cultural landscape of Kashmir would en-
WOULD ENDURE
art, Bulbul experimented with new styles and dure for generations to come, a testament to the FOR GENERATIONS
techniques, constantly pushing himself to evolve
as an artist. Whether through collaborations with
enduring power of art to transcend boundaries
and unite hearts in harmony.
TO COME, A TESTA-
fellow musicians or solo performances that show- In the end, Bulbul’s legacy was not just in the MENT TO THE EN-
cased his singular talent, he remained committed
to pushing the boundaries of what was possible in
music he played or the songs he sang, but in the
hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of
DURING POWER OF
Kashmiri folk music. witnessing his unparalleled talent. For in Bulbul, ART TO TRANSCEND
Even as the music industry underwent seismic
shifts, Bulbul remained steadfast in his dedica-
they found not just a musician, but a true master
of his craft, a shining beacon of inspiration in a BOUNDARIES AND
tion to preserving the purity of Kashmir’s musical world too often shrouded in darkness. UNITE HEARTS IN
heritage. His refusal to compromise his principles
in the face of commercial pressures endeared him The author can be reached at sanjaypanditasp@ HARMONY.
to purists and traditionalists, who saw in him a gmail.com
kindred spirit fighting to keep the flame of tradi-
 THURSDAY | 11 APRIL 2024
COVER STORY 10
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Eid-Ul-Fitr: Sharing Joy,

Spreading Hope, and
Building Unity
EID-UL-FITR BRINGS WITH IT A SENSE OF JOY WE ASSOCIATE
WITH A BENIGN COMMITMENT TO SHARING IT WITH OTHERS.

T
he day of the festival brings an end
to the prohibitions and restrictions
placed during the period of fasting.
Eid reminds us of the joys and plea-
sures of the Hereafter for a believer
who has successfully passed this worldly test.
A true believer, having undergone the pe-
riod of fasting in a most sincere way, gets the
feeling of the Hereafter as soon as the month
of Ramazan is finished and the celebrations
for Eid are under way. He feels as if he is be-
ing entertained as a guest by Allah Himself.
From the depths of his being, his heart cries
out:
Oh Allah, as you have helped me carry out
the injunctions of fasting and at the culmi-
nation of the month have bestowed on me
the joys of Eid, accept this life of mine as one
spent in fasting and bestow on me the de-
lights of Paradise. Write me down amongst
the list of persons who have been bestowed
the life of Paradise by opening thy gates of
mercy.
As fasting does not imply mere hunger and
thirst, the day of the festival does not imply
mere feasting and celebration. It should rath-
er strengthen in us the right perspective of
the ephemeral nature of this worldly life and
the imminent delights of the life Hereafter
that are sure to follow.
This should be truly manifested in the
thankfulness we present to the Creator by
offering prayers and also by giving more in
charity to the needy. As the period of fasting
was spent in self-preparation and spiritual The word Eid comes from Arabic; which Islam, there is a practice of giving “Zakat” by
development, the day of Eid should inculcate means frequent coming. Again Eid denotes which discrimination, disparity and injustice
in the believer a new spirit and a renewed happiness, joy and pleasure. Again, the social will be minimised.
sense of zeal and determination towards the connotation of Eid means festival. Eid-Ul- At an Eid congregation all people forget
journey to the life Hereafter. Fitr is the festival of breaking fasting. This and forgive their past ill activities, they sub-
The message of Eid fosters the rekindling day is celebrated throughout the whole Mus- mit their humble prayer before Allah for
of our faith and the opening of new vistas and lim world. The festival brings glory and the peace and unity. As a result, we see a very
an entirely fresh and innovative approach to highest return from Allah for all the beloved heavenly atmosphere at an Eid congregation
the struggles of life which would culminate Muslims. Its social teaching and significance and it becomes a big meeting place with each
by the grace of Allah with the rewards of ev- are very imaginable and meaningful. It so- other. So we always become the worshipers
erlasting Paradise. lidifies and strengthens social harmony, hu- of truth and beauty. Let us promise that we
When the day of Eid-ul-Fitr dawns on manity and values in society extending and spread the teaching of humanity to all hu-
them, then Allah is pleased and proclaims to exchanging mutual co-operation, collabora- mankind for Allah’s mercy.
the angels, ‘O my angels, What is the reward tion, simplicity, sympathy and brotherhood Eid-Ul-Fitr brings with it a sense of joy
for the doer who has completed his deed? among the people. So, on this day all people, we associate with a benign commitment to
The angels reply, ‘Our Lord, such a person irrespective of poor and rich come under an sharing it with others. Coming as it does
should be given the complete reward for the umbrella of equal enjoyment. It is so a big day immediately after the end of Ramadan, it is
deed done’. when all Muslims throughout the world cel- for all Muslims an occasion not only to cel-
After the end of Ramazan, the day of Eid- ebrate it with pomp and grandeur. Purity of ebrate but also to introspect and reflect on
ul-Fitr appears with glad tidings, with tidings our soul comes through Eid and it removes the degree to which we have brought them-
of everlasting happiness as reward. This re- and washes away narrowness and jealousy of selves closer to the true tenets of the religion
ward is for those believers of Allah who have mind. and how prepared are we to identify our-
proved themselves deserving of it by reviv- The pleasure of the Eid is so arranged that selves with the woe of the disadvantaged and
ing the true spirit of all kinds of good deeds the hungry and the have-nots can join and less fortunate members of society. It is not
during the month of Ramazan. share despite their all want and sorrows. In enough to be empathetic of their plight but
 THURSDAY | 11 APRIL 2024
COVER STORY 11
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THE MESSAGE OF
EID FOSTERS THE
REKINDLING OF
OUR FAITH AND
THE OPENING OF
NEW VISTAS AND
AN ENTIRELY FRESH
AND INNOVATIVE
also to contribute our mite to serving the out some money for the poor. This is a APPROACH TO THE
cause of collective well-being. Through
a month of sacrifice and the process of
reminder that the fasting has made them
more understanding of the needs of oth- STRUGGLES OF LIFE
self-purification we came to the stage of
giving zakat and fitra as a more than sym-
ers. Then they go to mosques for the Eid
prayer. After that, most people visit fami-
WHICH WOULD
bolic act of piety.
The Eid prayers and the embrace that
ly and friends where they exchange gifts,
share sweets and enjoy time together.
CULMINATE BY THE
follows are expressions of brotherhood, Most Muslim communities hold an Eid GRACE OF ALLAH
fellow feeling and solidarity of all people. dinner later in the evening for the people
In the mundane world, there is a surge to get together. The celebrations continue WITH THE REWARDS
in trade and commerce, which has a lift-
pump effect on the entire economy. The
for a couple more days, sometimes even
till the next weekend. OF EVERLASTING
volumes of sale and business increase
manifold with a rapid rise in terms of
During this holiday, Muslims greet
each other by saying “Eid mubarak”
PARADISE. WHEN
productivity, procurement and supplies.
Also, new products signifying trade diver-
meaning “blessed Eid,” and “taqabbala
allahu a’maalakum” or “may Allah accept
THE DAY OF EID-
sification come into the market with fresh your deeds”. It is a time to reflect on the UL-FITR DAWNS ON
merchandising, advertising and fashion month that has passed, to be happy at
designing. In catering to the varied tastes, having achieved a month of fasting and THEM, THEN ALLAH
the market achieves diversification with
our export potential increasing to that
worship, and to hope that the deeds have
earned the pleasure of the Lord. IS PLEASED AND
extent. There are, however, twin responsi-
bilities and obligations that must accom-
Muslims on this day wear their best
clothes and offer Eid ‘namaz’ or congre-
PROCLAIMS TO THE
pany this overarching, buoyant trend. It is
in keeping with the spirit of Ramadan and
gational prayer at mosques. After offering
their prayers, they exchange good wish-
ANGELS, ‘O MY AN-
that of Eid-ul-Fitr, that the wealthy and es of the festival with their neighbours GELS, WHAT IS THE
affluent should have exercised restraint and other people. They also donate alms
in their personal purchases so as not to to the poor on the auspicious occasion. REWARD FOR THE
indulge in a show of wealth, even unwit-
tingly. Such deference to the feelings of
The celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr not only
has religious essence but also carries a DOER WHO HAS
the disadvantaged segments of the society
is expected. Secondly, the traders and the
social connotation. Like other festivals,
Eid-ul-Fitr is also observed with great
COMPLETED HIS
businesspeople could undergo self-exam-
ination as to whether they participated
enthusiasm. Delicious food and drinks
are an indispensable part of the festivity.
DEED? THE ANGELS
in fair business practices to spread their People decorate their houses and pre- REPLY, ‘OUR LORD,
profits through larger volumes of transac- pare luscious traditional sweets and cui-
tions. Then there is the emphasis on safe sines to celebrate the festival. The most SUCH A PERSON
homecoming and return of the people
who have been on the move.
common recipe in this festival is the
delicious meethi seviyan (Sweet Vermi- SHOULD BE GIV-
Ramadan is the month on the Islamic
lunar calendar during which Muslims ab-
celli) prepared from various healthy and
mouth-watering ingredients. Moreover,
EN THE COMPLETE
stain from food, drink and other sensual
pleasures from break of dawn to sunset.
ahead of the festival, the markets are filled
with fascinating items in the shopping
REWARD FOR THE
The end of Ramadan marks the begin- list for Eid. Fancy and food items mostly DEED DONE’.
ning of the three-day Eid ul-Fitr or “feast dominate the festival and as the festival
of fast breaking” holiday, in which Mus- approaches excitement to celebrate gains
lims exchange social visits and seek to momentum not only with Muslims but
strengthen bonds of brotherhood in the also with shopkeepers and traders doing
community. They celebrate with prayers a brisk business. The celebration of Eid-
of thanksgiving, good food, new clothes, ul-Fitr is no-doubt perks up the spirit in-
gift giving, and all the other festivities herent in all the festivity. The significance
associated with a happy occasion. Eid-ul- of this festival is also interpreted as a good
Fitr is celebrated not because the month time to bring people together in harmony
of Ramadan is over, but out of gratitude and gratitude.
to Allah for having obeyed the command-
ments in the holy month.
Eid day is an exciting time for Mus-
lims. Before the Eid prayer Muslims give
 THURSDAY | 11 APRIL 2024
EDUCATION 12
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Group Study - Advantages

and Disadvantages
the group should be chosen wisely for the successful func- dent definitely understands some topics of the syllabus. This
tioning of the group. is the key factor which makes studying in group advanta-
Choosing Leader: Every group requires a leader or a cap- geous for all the students. The can explain the topics which
tain. The leader should be so chosen such that he is familiar they know properly to the other members of the group.
with all the other members of the group. The leader would Moreover, during self-study, some topics are so difficult that
be responsible for almost everything in the group. The lead- they could not be understood alone. They require help. This
er will organize meetings for the group. It is the responsibil- help isis sometimes provided by the study group. In this way,
ity of the leader to check that any discussion in the group every student gets to know each and every topic of the sylla-
should not take an unhealthy form. The leader should take bus. Moreover, students retain in their mind the things they
VIJAY GARG

W
the decisions about the timings of the groups. The leader talk about. If they discuss the topics related to their syllabi in
hen the students study in small groups will decide where the group members will meet. Also, it is the study group, they will retain it in their mind. This nulli-
and share their views on a common ed- the duty of the leader to regularly communicate with all the fies the need for cramming.
ucational topic, it is called studying in members for the proper functioning of the group. The lead- Different Perspectives: Every student does not think the
a group or group study. The group so er should send regular emails or text messages to the mem- same. While doing self-study, a student will think only in
formed is called a study group. The study bers to fix the next meeting of the group. one single direction. This provides him with limited knowl-
group usually comprises of students which study in the same Deciding Timings and Venue: The timings and the ven- edge only. Moreover, due to thinking in one direction can
class or the same batch. It is not necessary that the students ue for the group meetings should be chosen in such a way cause the student to different things to be the same. This ul-
of a study group know each other. Before forming a study that all the members are comfortable with it. In case, a group timately leads to confusion or incorrect knowledge. In the
group it should be seen that the all the participating students member is not comfortable with the timings or the venue, case of group study, the students will discuss with each what
must share a common topic or syllabus for studying so that it should be immediately changed. If this is not done, the their perspectives on the topics are. The thinking ability of
they can share their views with each other. The participat- person will feel ignored and may exit the group. The tim- all the students is increased in this way. The different pos-
ing students regularly meet and discuss the topics with each ing should be so chosen that all the members are free at that sibilities associated with the topics arise in the minds of the
other. The group may be formal or informal. Informal study time. While choosing the venue, it should be seen that all the students.
groups are formed by the students in their friend circle for members can easily reach over there. If the venue is very far Makes Learning Enjoyable: while studying for a long
studying together the difficult topics or to prepare for exams. or very near to the residence of any group member, it may time, a student get tired. Self-study usually becomes bor-
The formal groups are formed by the authorities or the fac- lead to conflicts. ing. Sometimes, the students may also fall asleep. But, while
ulty in schools and colleges or at the offices for working on Study or Research Plans: Before forming the group, it studying in a group, learning is not a burden; rather it is a fun
a common project. In these types of group, the participants should be decided that which all topics will be discussed in task. Students enjoy while discussing the topics and learning
meet for researching a topic and to prepare a group project the group. The topics chosen should be of common interest becomes way more interesting.
which is to be submitted to the schools, colleges or offices. to all the group members. After every meeting of the group, Less Stress: Mostly, the students are very tensed before the
How to form a Study Group? it is the duty of the group leader to decide the next topic, exams. While studying in groups, the students feel relaxed.
Forming a study group is not an easy task. Furthermore, with the consent of other members of the group, which will The atmosphere becomes lighter. With less stress, there are
there are many consequences. The group may be or may not be discussed in the next meeting of the group. It will be a more chances to succeed in the exams.
be successful. Forming a study group needs many wise de- very effective plan if a proper timetable is made indicating Enhanced Communication Skills: During a group study, stu-
cisions. Here are some points which should be kept in mind which topic will be discussed in which meeting. dents interact with each other. There is a healthy discussion
while forming a study group: Connect with Experts: Connect the group with one of the going amongst them. This discussion boosts their confi-
Deciding the Number of Members: The first decision to experts like a professor or a teacher who can guide all the dence. It also increases their vocabulary. Communication
be taken is about the number of members in the group. The members on the topics of discussion. While studying to- skills of the student are enhanced.
maximum number of students in a study group should not gether, any doubt in any topic occurs; the group members What are the Disadvantages of Group Study?
be more than five. This is a very important decision as the should be able to contact the teacher for their help. It is a very With so many advantages, there are a few disadvantages as-
number of students has a direct impact on the group. If the important task because the students cannot have answers to sociated with group study. Some of them are:
numbers of students are very less, that is, just two members every question. While studying new thing there may be a lot Losing Way: while studying in groups, the members often
of the group, the group will be very inefficient. There will of doubts which other members of the group fail to explain. lose their ways from the topics and the discussion goes to
be a limited discussion. The group will turn out to be very In this, an expert advice is needed. another topic. A lot of time is wasted in this wasted in this
boring. For a healthy discussion, two people are not enough. What are the Characteristics of a Successful Study Group? way. As the members meet for small fixed time, wasting
Often, when two people study together it is not termed as For a successful study group, these are the characteristics: time is not at all acceptable for the effective functioning of
a group study. If the number of students is very large, that Each group member participates in the discussion. Only the group.
is, eight to ten members in a group or even more than that, then the discussion can be healthy. If any member is quite all Gossips: when the members also form a social group apart
then also the group will be very inefficient and unsuccess- the time during the discussion it indicates that the topic is from a study group, gossips are the only thing which hap-
ful. It is so because it is very difficult to communicate with not of his interest or he is not satisfied with the group. pens during the group meeting. Everyone discusses the
so many students at a time during a discussion. Most of the The group members should listen to each other. The dis- random stuff rather than discussing the topics which were
people feel ignored. Moreover, time management becomes cussion should not take the form of a debate. Any member already decided for discussion. If the members are class-
very difficult. All the students may not be free at a common should not interrupt while another member is speaking. mates, they may start complaining about their teachers and
time. In this case, it becomes very difficult to decide a fixed The group members should be already prepared with other classmates. This makes the study group unsuccessful
time for studying in a group. Deciding on a place for study- the topic of discussion. If all the members are already pre- and useless.
ing also becomes a problem as more number of students pared it leads to a healthy discussion and a good exchange Conflicting Topics: It becomes very difficult to choose a topic
needs more seating arrangements to be made. So, deciding of knowledge. which is of a common interest to all the students. This may
the number of students in the study group is the first and There should be no hesitation among the group mem- lead to conflicts in the group. Some people may also even
foremost decision to be made. bers. They should be able to ask questions of each other very exit the group.
Choosing the Members of Groups: The second decision freely. If this is not the case, the doubts may remain in the Inefficient Decision: If the decision about the timing, venue,
should be to select who all will form a part of your group. minds of the members which may cause a problem in the and the number of members, topics or selecting the group
While choosing the students, a number of members should future. members are not properly taking, it may lead to failure of the
be kept in mind. The members should be chosen in such While discussing, the members should not move to any group. It is a very hard task to take these decisions. A lot of
a way so that they can make the group efficient. Taking an other topic. There should be a consistent discussion on a things have to be kept in mind before taking these decisions.
example, suppose a student wants to form a study group single topic. Despite so much thinking, the decisions usually turn out
for the preparation of his final exams, he should choose the The group members should respect each other. There to be failures because it is very difficult o lt make a decision
members in such a way that neither all the members should should be no hard feelings. There should be no criticism which keeps all the group members happy.
be too intelligent nor all of them should be very weak in while discussion. Conclusion
studies. If all the students are very weak, there will be no What are the Advantages of Study Group? Studying in groups is a fun task. But it should be noted that
one in the group who can take the responsibility of teach- There are many advantages of studying in groups. These the study group does not turn into an only fun group or a so-
ing other members. If all of them are very intelligent, the advantages make group study the first and foremost choice cial group. During the group meetings, only the pre-decided
group turns out to be useless. The intelligent students will of some students in exam time. They are described below: topics should be discussed. The leader should be responsi-
know almost everything in the syllabus and there will be no Regularity: When the student has to do self-study, it is ble for maintaining discipline in the group. But if someone
topic for discussion. Each and every member will then pre- likely that he will postpone it to some other time just due is very shy and is not able to interact with group member,
fer self-study. The intelligence level of the group members to laziness. In such a situation, a student who does not like group study is not meant for him. The student should then
should be balanced. The group should comprise of weak studying will not study properly. But in the case of group go for self-study. He should not waste his time by studying in
students as well as the intelligent ones so that the intelligent study, regularity is maintained. It becomes compulsory for groups as it will not be fruitful for him.
students can teach the weak students. In this way, the weak all the members to regularly participate in the discussion or-
students will get to know and understand the topics and it ganized by the group. In this way, even those students who Vijay Garg Retired Principal Educational Columnist Malout
will be a revision for the intelligent students. Before choos- are unwilling to study will have to study regularly. The group Punjab
ing the members, it should be kept in mind that none of the should be disciplined enough that there is no place of excus-
members possesses any hard feeling for any other member es for studies from anyone.
of the group. This may lead to conflicts in the group leading Better Learning and Understanding: Every student can-
to the failure of the study group. Therefore, the members of not understand all the topics in the syllabus but every stu-
 THURSDAY | 11 APRIL 2024
PERCEPTION 13
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The Power of Saying

“I’m Sorry”: Transforming
Weakness into Greatness
THE STRENGTH IN APOLOGY IS A REFLECTION ON GREATNESS,
CONFIDENCE, AND COMPOSURE
APOLOGIZING IS NOT A SIGN humility to admit when one has faltered. It
takes a person of great character to set aside
OF WEAKNESS BUT RATHER A their pride and prioritize the well-being of
DISPLAY OF STRENGTH, CON- others over their own ego. By apologizing,
one demonstrates a commitment to personal
FIDENCE, AND COMPOSURE. growth and a willingness to learn from past
IT REQUIRES COURAGE TO mistakes, traits that are indicative of true
FIAZ FAZILI

I
greatness.Moreover, apologizing requires a
ADMIT WHEN ONE HAS ERRED, considerable amount of confidence. It takes
n the tapestry of human interactions, CONFIDENCE TO CONFRONT confidence to confront the consequences of
the phrase “I’m sorry” often carries one’s actions and face the individuals who
the weight of vulnerability, mistakenly THE CONSEQUENCES OF ONE’S have been affected by them. It is a testa-
interpreted as a sign of weakness. Yet, ACTIONS, AND COMPOSURE ment to one’s self-assurance to acknowledge
upon closer inspection, it reveals itself
as a profound manifestation of greatness
TO NAVIGATE THROUGH DIF- wrongdoing without succumbing to feelings
of guilt or shame. Confidence allows indi-
within individuals. Far from diminishing FICULT CONVERSATIONS. BY viduals to take ownership of their actions
one’s stature, the ability to apologize trans-
forms weakness into strength, showcasing
APOLOGIZING, INDIVIDUALS and to stand behind their words, even when
admitting fault. Rather than undermining
traits of resilience, empathy, and integrity. DEMONSTRATE THEIR COMMIT- one’s self-esteem, apologizing actually re-
Greatness is not defined solely by unyield- MENT TO PERSONAL GROWTH, affirms it, as it showcases the strength of
ing strength or unassailable victories; it character and integrity necessary to take re-
encompasses the courage to confront one’s THEIR BELIEF IN THE VALUE OF sponsibility for one’s actions.Furthermore,
own fallibility. Apologizing demands a level INTEGRITY, AND THEIR ABILITY composure plays a crucial role in the art of
of self-awareness and humility that few pos- apology. Maintaining a sense of calm amidst
sess. It requires the strength to acknowledge TO PRIORITIZE RELATIONSHIPS turmoil demonstrates inner strength and
mistakes, the fortitude to accept responsibil- OVER PRIDE. resilience. It is easy to become defensive or
ity, and the resilience to grow from adversity. reactionary when confronted with criticism
In this light, the act of apologizing emerges or conflict, but composure allows individu-
as a beacon of greatness, illuminating the sence, apologizing is not a sign of weakness als to respond with grace and dignity. By ap-
path toward self-improvement and moral but a declaration of greatness within indi- proaching the situation with a level head and
elevation. viduals. It embodies the courage to confront a composed demeanor, one can effectively
Within the realm of relationships, the one’s own fallibility, the empathy to under- communicate sincerity and sincerity, there-
ability to apologize signifies a profound stand the impact of one’s actions on others, by fostering understanding and forgiveness.
depth of empathy and understanding. It and the integrity to uphold moral principles Composure in apology not only diffuses ten-
requires humility to recognize the impact in the face of adversity. By embracing the sion but also paves the way for constructive
of one’s actions on others and the compas- power of “I’m sorry,” individuals transform dialogue and resolution.
sion to alleviate their pain. Apologizing weakness into strength, fostering personal Apologizing is not a sign of weakness but
demonstrates a willingness to prioritize the growth, nurturing meaningful relationships, rather a display of strength, confidence, and
feelings and well-being of others over one’s and upholding the highest ideals of integrity composure. It requires courage to admit
own ego, fostering an environment of trust, and humanity. when one has erred, confidence to confront
respect, and mutual support. In this way, the In a world often misconstrued with no- the consequences of one’s actions, and com-
act of apologizing becomes a cornerstone tions of power equated to dominance and posure to navigate through difficult conver-
of healthy, meaningful relationships, built infallibility, the act of apologizing can sations. By apologizing, individuals demon-
upon a foundation of honesty, vulnerability, sometimes be perceived as a sign of weak- strate their commitment to personal growth,
and forgiveness.Furthermore, the courage to ness. However, upon closer examination, it their belief in the value of integrity, and their
apologize is an embodiment of integrity, re- becomes apparent that the ability to apolo- ability to prioritize relationships over pride.
flecting an unwavering commitment to one’s gize is not merely an act of humility but a In essence, apologizing is not a reflection of
values and principles. It takes strength of demonstration of greatness, confidence, and weakness but rather a manifestation of true
character to confront one’s own shortcom- composure. In fact, it takes a considerable greatness.
ings and to strive for rectitude in the face of amount of strength to acknowledge one’s
adversity. Apologizing is not an admission mistakes, offer a sincere apology, and strive Author besides being a medical doctor is very
of defeat but rather a testament to one’s in- for reconciliation. active in positive perception management of
tegrity and moral compass. It demonstrates Greatness is not solely defined by one’s various moral and social issues. He can be
the ability to uphold ethical standards even achievements or victories but also by the reached at [email protected] & twitter
when it is difficult or uncomfortable, setting ability to recognize and rectify shortcom- @drfiazfazil
an example of honesty, accountability, and ings. Apologizing requires the courage to
authenticity for others to emulate. In es- confront one’s own imperfections and the
 THURSDAY | 11 APRIL 2024
MUSING 14
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Our Silence Has Snatched

Everything From Them!
vivor in the whole family. She was the same
girl who met me all alone shivering with fear,
aghast, terrified and half insane. The tears
started rolling from my eyes and I gave her
a tight hug. In the despair and traumatized
moment, I could listen to the sound of her THE SELLERS IN THE MAR-
EIJAZ MIR innocent heart saying, Is the whole world KET WERE CATCHING THE AT-

T
sleeping? The poor girl disappeared with the
he people are busy making mon- words, you all humans will be questioned for TENTION OF THE CUSTOMERS
ey & other comforts, and luxu- your silence very soon? I woke up in tempta- THEMSELVES BY RAISING
tion and my whole body was in sweat. I felt
ries of life. The business of crook
caged by some horrible power and my hands THEIR LOUDER VOICES AND IN-
& cunning fellows watching their
miseries and haplessness snatched and feet started trembling with fear. VITING PEOPLE TO BUY FROM
The next day was Eid-ul-Fitr, the festival of
my sleep and disturbed my peace of mind.
Muslims celebrated after the completion of THEM. SOME PEOPLE WERE
Amid psycho disturbance, I decided to leave
my premises and started my journey towards 30 days of holy Month, Ramadan. The whole BUSY BUYING GROCERIES AND
the factories that spread the smoke in the at- world was enjoying the festival of happiness
and peace, but I was still thinking about the
SOME OTHER STUFF FOR THEIR
mosphere coming out of their big and giant
chimneys. I wanted to feel the conditions of same poor girl in the rubble, the scene of the FAMILIES. WHILE WATCHING
helplessness of people who felt it in the form firing of the heavy machine guns and the hor-
rible cries of the hapless people.
THIS, THE LITTLE GIRL MUR-
of heavy smoke of artillery. While observing
this horrible scene, my eyes caught the at- Wars have a deep effect on the lives of peo- MURED SOMETHING UNUSU-
tention of a little girl who was sitting at the ple. It snatched our peace of mind and left us
in a hapless situation. It took precious human
AL. SO IT PUZZLED ME NOT TO
doorsteps of a shopkeeper. I was watching her
actions and suddenly I noticed that she was lives and made us helpless, tattered and bro- GET HER ASCENT PROPERLY.
whispering some unusual words and sounds ken forever. It is not easy to overcome the I WAS FEELING DEPRESSED
traumas caused by these dreadful wars. The
from her mouth. So out of curiosity, I came
unending destruction arising out of these AND EMOTIONALLY BROKEN
near to her and asked her to utter a bit loud-
er what she was. To my astonishment, “She wars left us awed, shocked and traumatized. BECAUSE THE LITTLE GIRL
The heavy artillery and race of power break us
could not speak clearly as she was stammer-
physically, mentally, emotionally and psycho- WHO LOOKED SO BEAUTIFUL
ing and I was unable to understand her. I in-
quired, “Is she alone in this heavy smoke or is logically. As a result, thousands of children WAS SHIVERING WITH FEAR &
anybody else accompanying her? She tried to become orphans. We can not live within the
pangs of such a huge catastrophe caused by
AGHAST. I SAT DOWN ON THE
talk in a stammering voice, nay nay, nay..., So
I half-heartedly understood that the little girl illegitimate greediness of power and author- DUST AND GAZED AT THE OTH-
was all alone. ity. The power and authority do not mean to
denounce the security and freedom of others.
ER CHILDREN WHO SEEMED
The sellers in the market were catching the
attention of the customers themselves by rais- I could hear the cries and sighs of little chil- MARRYING IN THE WORLD OF
ing their louder voices and inviting people to dren everywhere. We have not left any stone
unturned in mutilating the peace, relief, free-
THEIR IMAGINATION. THEY
buy from them. Some people were busy buy-
ing groceries and some other stuff for their dom and security of others. This is all that we WERE BUSY PLAYING TRADI-
families. While watching this, the little girl have achieved so far in the race for artillery TIONAL GAMES AND SOME OF
and guns. The smoke coming out from these
murmured something unusual. So it puzzled
machine guns and the horrible sounds pro- THEM WERE SINGING MELODI-
me not to get her ascent properly. I was feel-
ing depressed and emotionally broken be- duced by these dreadful bullets have turned OUS SONGS. THE LITTLE CHIL-
us mentally sick and physically lean and un-
cause the little girl who looked so beautiful
healthy. We are not able to survive because DREN SEEMED COLOURFUL
was shivering with fear & aghast. I sat down
on the dust and gazed at the other children the sense of insecurity and lack of peace has & FULL OF JOCUND FEELINGS
who seemed marrying in the world of their mentally retarded us. We have become men-
tally sick and tired.
EXCEPT THE POOR LITTLE GIRL.
imagination. They were busy playing tradi-
tional games and some of them were singing As a columnist, I would like to say that if IT BROKE MY HEART INTO
melodious songs. The little children seemed such power continues like this, shortly we are
going to witness a huge human catastrophe.
PIECES AND I FELT MYSELF IN
colourful & full of jocund feelings except the
poor little girl. It broke my heart into pieces In the end, my opinion on this take is to elim- THE BOTTOMLESS HELL. THE
and I felt myself in the bottomless hell. The inate majestic cruelty. Human lives matter
the most and we should take utmost care of
SCENE WAS SO DISTURBING
scene was so disturbing that I could hardly
forget it. I left the place and went back to my this precious resource for the sake of human- THAT I COULD HARDLY FORGET
home. ity. All humans irrespective of religion, race IT. I LEFT THE PLACE AND WENT
and identity on the planet are the alike. We
The miseries of the little girl didn’t allow
breathe the same, we wear the same, and we BACK TO MY HOME.
me to sleep the whole night. I was still think-
ing about the haplessness and poor creature. eat the same. We are one body wearing one
Finally, I slept at 4:00 am. She came into my uniform. Then why this bloodshed?
dream and asked me in a feeble voice, “I am a
little poor girl from rubble. My parents died The Columnist is a freelancer and can be
of heavy artillery & bombs and I am the one mailed at [email protected]
who survived and was taken out alive from
the rubble. The little girl was the only sur-
 THURSDAY | 11 APRIL 2024
BOOK REVIEW 15
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Sang-e-Zar Se Zakhmon Ke Phool Tak

A book by Dr Azizullah Sheerani
Reviewed by Rayees Ahmad Kumar

D
r Azizullah Sheera- armed training there and create
ni hailing from Tonk an atmosphere of terror, chaos and
Rajasthan is a multi- confusion here. Darpok Lamhein
dimensional and re- (173-77), in a state of chaos and
nowned literary per- confusion, terror and panic people
sonality. He has tried his luck in feel lugubrious and doesn’t know
every genre of literature and has the cause of uncertainty. This story
succeeded in writing simultane- reveals the malpractices in offices
ously about research, criticism, and how a boss is duped by his own
fiction, translation, travelogues subordinate staff.
and book reviews. He was associ- Zakhmon Ke Phool(189-93)-
ated with teaching profession also this one is the title short story de-
in Rajasthan and for some time he picting the predicament of a couple
held the post of educational offi- who had lost three children one af-
cer too. There is a long list of his ter another in ten years of their mar-
creative achievements. Most of his riage. It brings tears in the eyes of
authored books were financially readers and the pain of losing one’s
aided by government organisations child is felt while going through
and many times he has received the lines of this story. Praying for
awards and appreciation for his years to get the tag of mother and
outstanding contribution to Urdu then losing them one after another
literature. is the most challenging situation to
Presently I am reviewing his bear. Farar(201-05), this roman-
short story collection ‘Sang-e-Zar tic story revolves around Shamas
Se Zakhmon Ke Phool Tak’ which a guy who makes intimacy with
is published by GNK Publications many girls and Shama a girl who
Kashmir and is a combined form solemnly declares that she loves
of his two collections, one Sang- only Shamas that too from the
e-Zar which is the collection of core of her heart but her statement
11 short stories published in 1990 proves wrong and inaccurate when
by Rajasthan Urdu Academy and Shamas discovers her with a young
2nd one Zakhmon Ke Phool Tak man Kashif. Thoker(206-08), me-
in 2012 a collection of 15 short ticulously penned story reflects the
stories. Its cover is eye catching mere friendship between Faheem
while the qualitative paper has and Nargis proving a Mirage the
further adorned it. Noted fiction moment he had thought to make
writer of Valley Noor Shah says her a lifetime companion but she
“Dr Azizullah Sheerani has suc- actually had maintained a crystal
ceeded in illuminating his name clear friendship with him and nev-
in the world of literature. Though er wanted to shatter the dreams of
he has proved his mettle in every Shahida Faheem’s legal spouse to
genre of literature but through fic- whom Faheem never treated hu-
tion he is known all over the coun- manely.
try. His magical and powerful pen Bhola Kishan(223-27), delves
has always remained nonstop to into the world of illiteracy where
highlight the romantic, social and people suffer at each step for being
other issues of society through his uneducated. They may be skilled
writings”. and smart, but the lack of educa-
Dr Abul Faiz Usmani and Dr tion haunts them most in life. Bho-
Rifat Akhtar also have highlighted la Kishan an illiterate person feels
the contribution made by Azizu- this story besides parent’s conser- tal friendship with Sun and Moon handicapped to know about the
llah Sheerani in the field of litera- vative ideology of restricting their which rise and set at regular inter- bus he had to board but in his adult
ture. According to them Azizullah sons to marry a girl of their choice vals of time without any illusion or age he makes dedicated efforts to
Sheerani has started writing short just because her mother had com- deceit like men. learn about reading and writing
stories and essays from his col- mitted a sin in her youth. Faisla (102-109), this one is a after being inspired by a passenger
lege life which were published in Aaj ki Salma (82-88) - Dr Azizu- commentary of the court discourse in the bus. Rang Chodti Hina(228-
monthly Urdu magazine Paasban llah Sheerani has nicely composed between Faesal a lawyer and the 31), amidst an environment of
and applauded by a wide reader- this one compelling a reader to go supporters of girl who craves for suspicion and misgivings families
ship. The opening short story of through it’s end. It manifests the a divorce from her husband. It is a get devastated as cracks develop
the book Sang Reze (50-56) based fickle minded nature of women clear reflection of the varied judg- among the blood relatives dwelling
on a romantic story of Arshi and who seem to be loving a person ments at different occasions to ei- under a common roof as has been
Azar reflects Azizullah Sheerani’s but in reality they only swindle and ther disappoint or please the justice beautifully portrayed in this story
artistic prowess of creating best mislead him. Poverty and humble seekers in the court room. Maqtool about Hina and her brother’s wife.
fictions through his pen encom- family background always acts as Koun(153-59), this one has been After going through the stories
passing emotions and aspirations an impediment in one’s healthy meticulously penned to make the of this book, I am of the firm be-
of two young souls. Another story relationship particularly the one’s expression of severe consequences lief that Dr Azizullah Sheerani is
Ajnabi Ajnabi (57-66) is about a intending to marry as has been of disturbance and armed conflicts one among the leading and distin-
female nurse who works in a hos- portrayed in this story. Kotahiyan of a region where the killer knows guished fiction writers of country
pital to bear the expenses of his (89-93), this one displays the av- not why he has done a murder and who knows how to write fiction
home and to live for others. How- aricious and acquisitive nature of the victim is unaware about his and what makes a story to be hailed
ever she looks lugubrious because people who intend to marry their crime. Ye Jung Kab Khatam ho Gi by the readers.
she lacked a decent and kind rela- sons only in royal and affluent (165-72), Azizullah Sheerani has
tionship in her life as her dreams of families to get plentiful of dowry. skillfully written this one high- ABOUT THE REVIEWER
tying her nuptial with Adnan were They completely neglect the val- lighting the devastation caused
completely shattered by Adnan’s ue and principles of a good rela- by wars and erecting borders to
Meternal aunt and Uncle who had tionship. Love, compassion and restrict the movement of people
raised him and were hellbent to mercy are almost alien to them through them. It is a detailed anal-
marry him with their own daugh- who only care about accumulating ysis of how wars transform hap-
ter Azra. Masoum Siski (68-74), huge wealth by whatever means. py homes into mere four walled
is skillfully crafted encompassing Dhalan(94-101), this one a roman- houses by killing their guardians,
a myriad of social issues. Pover- tic one has been artistically woven women get widowed and innocent
ty which is the biggest curse and by Dr Azizullah Sheerani about children become orphans due to
hurdle in one’s educational journey Neelam a woman who anxiously bloodshed. In war torn regions of Rayees Ahmad Kumar is a colum-
forcing even tender aged children crave for her lifetime companion globe the dreams of young girls nist hailing from Qazigund Kash-
to work in factories and Mills to but loneliness haunts her most are shattered the moment their mir.
minimize the financial burden of and she almost makes an immor- paramours cross borders to get
their parents is clearly evident in
 THURSDAY | 11 APRIL 2024
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