Category: INTERALIA

Sir,

The recent events have signaled a concerning shift in terrorist activities in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Experts are noting that terrorist focus appears to be moving from the Kashmir Valley to the Jammu region. The recent terrorist incidents in areas like Reasi and Doda serve as evidence of this troubling trend.

This geographical shift, however, does not diminish the severity of the situation. It is clear that there has been a sudden spike in terrorist activities across the region, leaving the nation’s populace in a state of shock and concern.

While regional politics may ebb and flow, the primary focus must remain on safeguarding our borders. The time has come for a more robust response to these threats, matching force with force.

The changing dynamics of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir present new challenges for security forces and policymakers alike. It necessitates a reevaluation of counter-terrorism strategies and a renewed commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

As the nation grapples with this evolving threat, it is crucial for both the government and citizens to remain vigilant and united in their resolve to combat terrorism. The security and integrity of our nation must take precedence over all other considerations in these challenging times.

Dr. Shiben Krishen Raina

[email protected] 

 

Labelling Hindus as terrorists is just as inaccurate and inflammatory as calling Shiva’s Trishula (trident) a weapon of peace. It seems that Rahul Gandhi, the leader of opposition, used poorly chosen analogies to support his argument, possibly due to a lack of deeper understanding of the religious and cultural context.

Go through the pages of history and you will find that Hindus are the most tolerant and peace-loving community and for that this community is paying heavy price as always.

DR.Shiben Krishen Raina

 

Shri Manoj Sinha

Honourable,

Lieutenant Governor,

Jammu & Kashmir

Respected Sir,

I pen this letter with utmost respect &reverence, I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to  your good self  today as a Rehbar e Khel teacher, a position I hold with great pride and dedication.

However, I find myself in an excruciatingly difficult situation that compels me to reach out to you with a heavy heart. I am not just a teacher; I am a parent responsible for three young children and elderly parents who depend on me for their well-being. The honorarium I receive for my service, a mere Rs. 4000 per month, is barely sufficient to cover the cost of commuting to work. Unfortunately, this leaves my family in a state of constant hunger and deprivation.

My children and aging parents go to bed hungry, unable to have a decent meal, and it breaks my heart. I am left feeling broken, hopeless, and overwhelmed by despair, with thoughts of desperation and even suicide haunting my mind. Witnessing the suffering of my loved ones, especially my children and elderly parents, is a torment I cannot bear.

I acknowledge the recent decision by the administrative council to increase the honorarium of Rehbar e Khel teachers in J&K by 50%, as per Order No. 09- JK (YSS) of 2024 dated 26-02-2024. However, the previous monthly honorarium of 4000 rupees, with the recent 50% increment, brings the total to 6000 rupees per month, which we find unjust and inadequate. It has come to our notice that our counterparts in the Union Territory of Ladakh have received a significant hike in their honorarium, now standing at 18000 rupees per month, following a decision by the Lieutenant Governor. Both sets of teachers were recruited under similar policies, yet such a glaring discrepancy in compensation exists. This discrimination against the Rehbar e Khel Teachers of J&K is untenable and against the principles of equity.

We firmly demand that the honorarium for J&K Rehbar e Khel teachers be increased to 18000 rupees per month, aligning it with the compensation received by their counterparts in Ladakh. The current honorarium of 6000 rupees per month is insufficient to meet the basic needs and expenses of Rehbar e Khel teachers in today’s world, making survival challenging.

Sir, I implore you with folded hands and the utmost sincerity to consider the plight of not only myself but also my fellow teachers in similar circumstances. We are on the brink of desperation and require your immediate intervention.

I beseech you, for the sake of humanity, to take action and provide us with the support and assistance we need to put food on our tables, ensure our families’ well-being, and restore hope in our lives. I have faith in your compassionate leadership and the potential for positive change. Please, Sir, let us not continue to suffer in silence. Extend your helping hand to us, and together, we can overcome this harrowing ordeal.

With deep respect and a heavy heart,

Yours obedient

Rehbar e Khel Teacher

[email protected]

By: Tawqeer Hussain

In the tapestry of our family’s history, there exists a luminous thread woven by the hands and heart of an extraordinary woman – my grandmother. She wasn’t merely a matriarch; she was the unyielding pillar upholding the essence of our family, a guardian of traditions, and an exemplar of unwavering faith.

Her devotion to the teachings of the Holy Quran transcended the pages of scripture. She wasn’t just a teacher; she was a conduit of wisdom, imparting the essence of the Quran’s teachings to all who sought enlightenment. Her gentle voice echoed the verses, reaching far beyond the confines of our home, nurturing minds and hearts with its profound guidance.

But her contributions extended far beyond the spiritual realm. She was the silent force behind countless philanthropic endeavors, her compassion driving her to support every noble cause that crossed her path. Her actions were not boastful but silently impactful, a testament to her selfless nature and dedication to making this world a better place.

What truly distinguished her, however, was her ability to embrace life without holding onto any grudges. Her heart was a sanctuary of forgiveness, devoid of bitterness or resentment. It was as if she had mastered the art of letting go, understanding that forgiveness wasn’t just a virtue but a liberating force that unshackled the soul.

In the tapestry of my life, she was not just a Daadi (Read Nani) but a confidante, a mentor, and a guiding light. Her unwavering support was the steady hand that steadied me through life’s tempests, never faltering in her belief in my potential. In her eyes, I found the reflection of unwavering love, an endless reservoir of encouragement that buoyed my spirits even in the darkest of moments.

Yet, amidst her unwavering support, she never let me forget the sacrifices of my parents. Her words echoed with gratitude, reminding me of the toil and sweat they poured into raising me. She instilled in me a profound appreciation for their efforts, teaching me the value of hard work, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family.

As I reflect on her life, it’s not just the tangible memories that flood my mind but the intangible essence of her being that lingers like an eternal fragrance. Her laughter, a melody that reverberates through my memories, brings warmth even on the coldest of days. Her wisdom, imparted through stories and gentle guidance, remains a compass guiding me through life’s labyrinthine paths.

Her absence, though deeply felt, is tempered by the legacy she left behind. Her teachings continue to echo in the corridors of our home, in the hearts of those she touched, in the very fabric of our existence. She lives on in the lessons she imparted, the values she instilled, and the love she showered upon us unconditionally.

Daadi, your presence might be confined to the realms of memory, but your spirit dances amidst us, a gentle whisper in the wind, a spark in the hearth, a glimmer in our eyes. Your legacy is not just a fading echo but a vibrant symphony, resonating through generations, shaping our lives in profound ways.

In your honor, we carry forth the torch of your teachings, nurturing the seeds of compassion, forgiveness, and unwavering love that you planted within us. Your life wasn’t just a chapter; it was an opus, a masterpiece etched in the annals of our family’s history, a legacy that time cannot erode.

Daadi, you were the beating heart of our family, the embodiment of grace, strength, and boundless love. In this tribute, we pay homage not just to your existence but to the everlasting impact you’ve had on each of us. Your memory will forever be cherished, your spirit forever alive within us.

Forever and Always!

(Tawqeer Hussain, is a Kashmiri Journalist based in New Delhi)

Shahnaz Husain

Worried about your fitness goals during the festive season?  You’re not alone. This time of the year can be a minefield for even the most disciplined fitness enthusiasts.  As the festive season approaches, maintaining your fitness goals amidst tempting treats and busy schedules might seem challenging. The festive season means sleeping and waking up late, eating a lot of processed foods, and consuming a lot of sugar, and more alcohol than usual. These may result in gaining weight, having trouble sleeping, and feeling more stressed which can have a negative impact on your body.

While socializing is unavoidable, you do not need to compromise on your health and fitness. How can you do this?

1-Plan Balanced Meals —

You don’t want to get sick during the festive season, do you?

Be mindful of what you eat. Mindful eating means sticking to gluten-free meals as often as possible: This includes bread, roti, random snacks, bready dishes like pizza crackers, etc.

Source sweets made from natural sweeteners like dates, honey, and raisins. This will not only benefit you, but also your guests. This will also help you control cravings and overindulgence as natural sugars don’t create that addiction.

Opt for lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. This provides essential nutrients, keeping you energized and reducing the temptation for unhealthy snacks. If you cannot avoid snacking, choose nuts, seeds,   fruits, or low-fat yogurt.

A fistful of pistachios or peanuts will keep you satiated and your blood glucose levels stable.

Protein-rich snacks also slow down the sugar spike in the body.

Also, keep some salads/vegetables with a yogurt dip for healthy snacking.  Including more fruits and vegetables in various dishes is a great way to compensate for the festive indulgence.  Naturally available foods are rich in fibers, minerals, and nutrients and are fat-free; in short, they are the best way to ensure glowing skin, a healthy gut, and complete wellbeing

2-Stay Hydrated

Amidst the festivities, don’t forget to drink water. Drinking more water will flush out more toxins. It’s that simple. The easiest way to limit your calorie intake is to follow this simple rule. Alcohol and sweets tend to make you dehydrated, which is the last thing you want during a party.

Have a glass of water between every drink. Eat some carbohydrates 1 hour before you start drinking. Drinking a few glasses of water before a big party will make you feel fuller, eat less, and get your digestive system going at the same time. Adding a slice of lemon or a few mint leaves will give flavor to the water.

Proper hydration supports metabolism, aids digestion and keeps your energy levels up. Avoid excessive sugary drinks and opt for water, herbal teas, or infused water for a refreshing choice. Lime and warm water are a great way to detox your body after those heavy meals and alcohol. Green tea is also a great option to cleanse your body.

3-Exercise

Exercise every day, at home or at the gym, for a minimum of 30 minutes to stay energetic and build resistance against diseases. Maintain your workout routine, even if it means shorter sessions. Just some movement, walking, running, dancing, and yoga can leave you feeling refreshed. Exercise can contribute to overall health and fitness by elevating the heart rate, improving blood circulation, and boosting metabolism. Consider festive activities like dancing or walking with family and friends. Physical activity not only burns calories but also boosts your mood. Walking to the nearby stores or to your hang-out spot instead of taking your two / four-wheeler is a healthier alternative. So make dancing a part of the Diwali party and get in some movement and dancercise.

Put in your agenda/ Decide on a time and stick to it. Many of the festival parties and dinners take place in the Night, So get ready to hit your exercise /yoga session in the Morning.

4-Get Your Quality Sleep

From late-night gaming sessions to early-morning rituals, the holiday season can also disrupt the sleep cycle.  Lack of sleep can lead to tiredness and several health problems.

Getting a good night’s sleep during the festive season is very difficult but also necessary.   It is also one of the best ways to stay fit and healthy during this season. Make sure you plan your chores for the day accordingly and get at least six to eight hours of sleep

Sleep also helps your digestive system recover and your brain to self-clean and organize your thoughts.

Getting enough sleep helps to regulate the hormones that control appetite, so you’re less likely to overeat if you’re well-rested.

5-Learn to say ‘No’

It is common to push food onto each other’s plates as a sign of love and care. It is fine to politely decline the kind gesture if you have already eaten enough. Accept that you cannot eat everything in one sitting, so choose for yourself. See the item that will satisfy your stomach and heart at the same time . Select the drink that you like.

If you find it hard to say ‘no’, try to say ‘later’ instead. This way, you don’t seem impolite and hopefully, your host won’t remember to press you to eat more

The author is an international fame beauty expert and is called the ‘Herbal Queen of India’

 

Sir,

A few days back, the successful landing of Chandrayaan 3 on the moon has been a significant event and topic of wide-spread discussion. This event has also brought widespread recognition to ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization), as well.

India, no doubt, is establishing its unique identity in various sectors worldwide today. In the world of space exploration, India is consistently advancing and achieving new milestones. ISRO, India’s national space research organization, aims to provide space-related technologies for the country. The primary goal of ISRO’s mission Chandrayaan 3 is to gather crucial information from the moon, which the world is currently unaware of.

I am currently in Bangalore, and ISRO’s headquarters are also located here. Today, a delightful coincidence occurred as I had the opportunity to meet Dr.Kamlajeet Singh, a senior scientist and group director at ISRO. He had studied at the same college where I taught for years, and during our conversation, we reminisced about the college days. I learned that he had a deep affection for the Hindi language and was a passionate reader/writer of Hindi poetry and stories. Hindi Diwas is approaching, and witnessing his dedication towards the Hindi language, I presented him with a copy of my newly published book, “KuchYaadein: KuchVichar.”

Dr.Kamlajeet Singh, with his humble and straightforward nature, was so over whelmed that he even touched the feet of my wife and myself. This gesture reflects the profound respect our scientists, who dare to touch the moon, hold for their mentors, and it’s an unparalleled contribution to Indian culture. Such persons can serve as a great source of inspiration for the younger generation of our country.

Dr.Shiben Krishen Raina

  In memories we hold, on August’s twenty-six,

A father’s love, a light that forever transfixed.

Though you’ve departed, your teachings reside,

Guiding us through life’s ebbs and flows, like the tide.

Your wisdom and warmth, a legacy so dear,

In every step we take, you’re always near.

Though time may have taken you from our sight,

In our hearts, you’re a beacon of eternal light.

With each passing day, your presence we feel,

In laughter, in sorrow, your love is real.

Through lessons learned and stories shared,

Your spirit lives on, forever declared.

On this day of remembrance, we gather to say,

Your memory lives on, in our hearts you stay.

In the tapestry of life, your threads are spun,

A father’s love, unending like the sun.

So as August twenty-sixth dawns anew,

We celebrate you, Dad, with hearts true.

In your teachings, your love, we find our way,

Forever and always, in our lives, you’ll stay.

LOVE AND PRAYERS FROM YOUR FAMILY

Mohsina Qadri

By: Shahnaz Husain

When it comes to summer beauty trends, it is all about easy-to-apply, high-impact looks. The ‘no-makeup’ make-up look has been on the rise recently and it’s set to become even more popular in the sunny months.

As the weather gets warmer, our makeup also gets a major refresh. Summer 2023 is going to be all about flaunting dewy, glowy skin. Think radiant, natural-looking skin finishes, bright blushes, bold brows, glossy lips, and statement eye makeup looks, this season is focused on the simple yet effective.

But if they have something in common, is that boosting your personality is the key.

Move those heavyweight, matte, and full-coverage products to the side and make room for glowy, glossy, shimmery products.

Let’s celebrate the summer vibes of 2023 by serving up some amazing looks. The temperature is rising and so should our look quotient.

A trend of minimal (less) make-up will be the trend this summer. Heavy eye makeup may become a trend of the past. Fewer skin care products and make-up cosmetics will be used, especially in summer, in keeping with the minimal wave.  Tinted moisturisers, primers and serums are being used. The prediction is that glowing skin, created with highlighters, will be in. Leave out the glitter where highlighting is concerned, but use the highlighter on the high points of the face, like cheekbones, brow bones. Go for a neutral and natural blush, to emphasize the highlighted areas of the face.

There are some new popular products in skin care, like Serums and Face Oils and these will influence summer trends. A serum is in the form of a liquid and is different from a moisturising lotion. It does not moisturise the skin but is designed for many other functions, like age control, removal of pigmented patches or spots, brightening the skin, improving skin texture, protection of the skin and hair, etc. It forms a protective layer over the skin and hair.

Products that are gentle on the skin will be trending during the summer of 2023. The skin’s pH balance and normal oil-moisture barrier are very important for the good health of the skin. Skin care products that are free from parabens, sulphates and mineral oil are already preferred and people will move away from acid peel treatments. There will be an increase in awareness of sun protection. So, an increasing rise in the use and sale of sunscreens, sunblock products and protective creams is expected.

The dramatic red for lipsticks will be very much the trend. To make sure your lips stay vibrant all day, try using a lip liner to create a base, then fill in with your hot summer favourite shade. Nothing screams summer better than bright and bold lip shades like coral, hot pink, and orange.

For the day, go for reddish shades that move towards pink, or try fuschia, or coral red. Models are wearing chocolate brown too. For summer nude shades in lipstick will be trendy. A sheer shade is good for the day.

Black-lined eyes continue to be in and so is liquid eyeliner. In fact, liquid eyeliner is best for achieving a dramatic look for the eyes. Go for grey or brown eye shadow and apply a line of black eyeliner close to the lashes on the upper lid.

It is also expected that French Manicure may be back. But, instead of the long white tips for nails, the minimal trend may take over and a narrow tip of colour may become the new trend.

Putting the hair up will also be in vogue, especially for summer. Where hairstyles are concerned, the prediction is that the trend may be to put the hair up in buns or chignons, or even topknots. The spiky bun may also be a trend, with some ringlets framing the face. The classic ponytail has been dictating trends for some time now. For summer the ponytail will continue to be popular. A high ponytail will be trendy, with part of the hair wound around it. With ribbons or other hair accessories, a ponytail can provide a touch of glamour. One can have a ponytail for a formal or an informal look. The prediction is that braids are also going to be in. Micro plaits will be trendy. Colouring the hair may also have a new trend of mixing two colours. Fringes will become shorter.

Get that summer fresh look this summer with glossy skin. The trend is all about looking radiant and fresh.

However, all in all, 2023 will be a year of beauty care with products that protect and restore the good health of the skin and hair. The focus will be on healthy, organic beauty care. There will be a fresh look to make-up and grooming.

The author is an international fame beauty expert and is called the ‘Herbal queen of India’

Dear Sir,

Proverbs, maxims and hymns are experiential and knowledge-filled truths that contain boundless knowledge of our past generations. The teachings and instructions derived from these knowledge-filled reservoirs have the potential to not only purify our character but also eradicate all forms of impurity at every level in society. However, it is lamentable that the responsibility of incorporating the messages of these invaluable “words” into life is considered necessary only for students, teachers, authors, or virtuous/duty-bound individuals only.The ruling class considers this message irrelevant and acts superior to it, which diminishes the essence of these beautiful/ethical hymns. One such ethical saying is: “Do good, be good.” We all know and witness how the essence of this profound maxim is being demeaned today.

Proverbs and hymns are the foundation of moral education, and the time has come to launch a powerful campaign to include “moral education” in the country’s “national curriculum.” Only then will society and the country’s distorted values be rectified.

DR.S.K.RAINA

Writer, Educationist and Translator