Category: OTHER VIEW

Have you ever paused to wonder why two people can witness the same situation but interpret it in completely different ways? Why what seems disrespectful to one person might seem completely normal to another? This divergence stems from one powerful force: perception.

Perception is not just a psychological term tucked away in academic textbooks. It is a living, breathing part of our everyday lives—quietly influencing how we think, how we feel, and how we respond. It dictates our personal relationships, workplace dynamics, emotional health, and even our sense of purpose. Most importantly, it shapes how we experience reality.

•     What Is Perception and Why It Matters

Perception is the process by which we interpret sensory information and give meaning to the world around us. It’s how we “see” things—not just with our eyes, but with our mind. For example, if two friends watch the same movie, one might find it thrilling and inspiring, while the other finds it dull and confusing. This happens because perception is influenced by our beliefs, experiences, memories, values, and emotions.

Think of perception like a personal lens or mental filter. Everything we hear, see, or feel is processed through this lens before becoming part of our understanding. This is why perception is often referred to as subjective reality. It doesn’t necessarily reflect the objective truth—it reflects our truth.

•     How Changing Your Perspective Changes Everything

One of the most important aspects of perception is that it can shift—and when it does, everything else changes with it. These changes are often called paradigm shifts—sudden changes in our understanding or view of a situation.

Imagine you’re waiting in a long line at a coffee shop, and the barista seems inattentive or slow. Your first perception might be annoyance or frustration. But then you notice the barista quietly helping a customer who looks unwell or distressed. Suddenly, your irritation melts into empathy. The situation hasn’t changed—the barista is still taking time—but your perception has shifted dramatically.

This kind of shift in how we view others and the world around us can completely alter how we respond emotionally and behaviorally. Learning to recognize and initiate these mental shifts can lead to more thoughtful, kinder, and wiser decision-making.

•     Perception in daily life

1.     Perception Shapes Communication and Prevents Misunderstanding

Imagine greeting a co-worker cheerfully, but they don’t respond. One might immediately think, “They’re ignoring me,” and feel hurt or offended. But another might think, “Maybe they didn’t hear me or are lost in thought.” The event is the same, but the emotional outcome depends entirely on perception.

This difference often plays out in families and friendships too. When someone doesn’t return a phone call promptly, we might feel unimportant or rejected. Yet, the other person may simply be overwhelmed or distracted. Without checking our assumptions, misperceptions can lead to unnecessary arguments or distance.

Effective communication, therefore, depends heavily on understanding that others’ reactions may not be personal but shaped by their own situations and mental states. Practicing patience and giving the benefit of the doubt can prevent many everyday misunderstandings.

2.     Social Media Creates False Perceptions of Life

Social media often presents an idealized version of reality. When we scroll through carefully curated posts showing friends’ achievements, vacations, or perfect family moments, it’s easy to perceive that everyone else is living better, happier lives.

This perception can trigger feelings of envy, loneliness, or inadequacy. For example, seeing a friend’s photos from a luxurious holiday might make us feel stuck or unhappy with our own circumstances, even though those snapshots represent only a small part of their life.

Recognizing that social media is a highlight reel rather than the full picture allows us to maintain perspective. It reminds us that every person faces challenges and struggles behind the scenes, which aren’t visible online. This awareness helps us avoid unhealthy comparisons and appreciate our own journey.

3.     Workplace Feedback and Performance Are Perception-Driven

Workplace feedback is a common area where perception can dramatically affect our experience. Imagine receiving a manager’s comment: “You need to improve your report quality.” One employee might perceive this as harsh criticism, leading to feelings of failure, frustration, and lowered confidence. Another might see it as constructive advice—a chance to develop skills and improve their career prospects.

Similarly, an employee’s quietness in meetings might be perceived by some managers as disinterest or lack of initiative. In reality, the employee could be carefully considering ideas or struggling with confidence. Misperceptions here can lead to unfair judgments or missed opportunities for growth.

Being mindful of how perception colors workplace interactions promotes better communication, trust, and productivity. It encourages both managers and employees to seek clarity, ask questions, and avoid jumping to conclusions.

4.     Perception Can Cause or Resolve Relationship Conflicts

Perception plays a major role in personal relationships, often shaping how conflicts arise and escalate. When a partner fails to respond to a message promptly, one person may perceive it as neglect or lack of care, triggering feelings of hurt and resentment. Meanwhile, the other partner may simply be busy or distracted.

These differing perceptions can create emotional distance if not addressed openly. Over time, small misinterpretations accumulate, leading to bigger conflicts and misunderstandings.

Healthy relationships depend on recognizing that each person’s perspective is influenced by their emotions, past experiences, and communication style. When partners make an effort to share their feelings honestly and seek to understand each other’s perceptions, they build stronger emotional bonds and resolve conflicts more effectively.

5.     Understanding Perception Builds Stronger Relationships

Our perceptions profoundly influence how we relate to others—whether in friendships, family, or romantic partnerships. For example, if one partner perceives a disagreement as a personal attack, they may respond defensively or withdraw, escalating conflict. Meanwhile, the other partner might see the same disagreement as a healthy discussion aimed at solving a problem.

These differing perceptions can cause misunderstandings and emotional distance if left unaddressed. However, when both individuals recognize that their views are shaped by personal experiences and emotions—not absolute truths—they can approach conflicts with greater patience and openness.

This awareness encourages active listening and empathy, fostering stronger, more trusting relationships. By understanding and respecting each other’s perceptions, relationships grow in compassion and resilience.

•     How to Change Your Perception for a Better Life

The good news is that perception is not fixed or immutable. It can be expanded, refined, and reshaped with conscious effort and self-awareness. When we reframe how we see the world, we open ourselves up to deeper understanding, greater emotional balance, and more effective decision-making.

Reframing perception means stepping back from our immediate reactions and habitual viewpoints, and intentionally looking at situations, people, or challenges through different lenses. For example, when stuck in traffic, instead of perceiving it as a frustrating delay, try to see it as an opportunity to listen to your favorite podcast or reflect quietly. This simple shift can reduce stress and improve your mood.

Pause Before Reacting: When something triggers an emotional response, take a moment to breathe and reflect before reacting. Ask yourself: “Is there another way to understand this? Could my first impression be incomplete or influenced by my mood or past experiences?” This pause creates space for more thoughtful responses rather than knee-jerk reactions.

Listen with Empathy: Truly listen—not just to respond, but to understand. Empathy involves imagining what the other person might be feeling or thinking, which allows us to connect on a deeper level. For instance, if a friend seems distant, instead of assuming they don’t care, consider they might be going through a tough time.

Challenge Your Assumptions: We often make assumptions unconsciously—about people’s intentions, about situations, or about ourselves. Being mindful and questioning these assumptions is critical. Ask: “Am I interpreting this based on facts, or is it influenced by my beliefs, fears, or past experiences?” Challenging assumptions helps prevent misperceptions and opens the door to new insights.

Expand Your Experiences: Exposure to diverse people, cultures, ideas, and environments naturally broadens our mental frameworks. This expansion enables us to view situations from multiple perspectives rather than a narrow or fixed mindset. Traveling, reading widely, engaging in meaningful conversations, and seeking new experiences all contribute to a richer, more flexible perception.

Practice Self-Reflection: Regularly take time to reflect on your own thoughts, feelings, and reactions. Understanding how your personal history, values, and emotions shape your worldview increases self-awareness. This self-knowledge empowers you to consciously choose how to interpret and respond to life’s events.

Importantly, reframing perception is not about ignoring facts or avoiding reality. Instead, it’s about seeing the full picture—recognizing nuances, multiple viewpoints, and deeper causes. This fuller understanding equips us to navigate complex situations with greater wisdom, patience, and effectiveness.

By actively reframing how we see the world, we not only improve our relationships and communication but also enhance our emotional resilience and problem-solving abilities. Ultimately, this leads to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

•     Why Perception Truly Changes Your Life

Perception is not just how we see the world—it’s how we live in it. Every day, it quietly influences our relationships, mental health, productivity, and happiness.

By becoming aware of the filters through which we view life, we gain the power to shift them. And in doing so, we open ourselves up to new possibilities, deeper connections, and more fulfilling experiences.

In the end, when you change your perception, you don’t just change your point of view—you change your world.

The writer can be contacted at [email protected]

By: Nayeem U Zia

Physiotherapy often hailed as a cornerstone of holistic healthcare, is shrouded in misconceptions that hinder its widespread understanding and acceptance. This article aims at debunking prevalent myths around Physiotherapy, aiming to unravel the truths that lie beneath the surface. As we navigate through these misconceptions, the goal is to empower readers with accurate information, fostering a broader appreciation for the diverse benefits that Physiotherapy brings to individuals of all ages. The commonest misconceptions are:

1. Physiotherapy works only in chronic pain:

Patients and some healthcare experts often opine that Physiotherapy is effective only in chronic pain and has less to offer in acute pain conditions. Maintaining this view patients lose the opportunity of getting treated in the early stages.

Physiotherapists are believed to have a very good understanding of pain, its anatomy and physiology and ways of managing it in both acute and chronic stages. They study pain extensively and are well versed with regard to types of pain, factors responsible and eventually employ different methods for managing it. 

Physiotherapy makes use of various treatment modalities that have been devised for pain relief particularly acute pain such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), Interferential Therapy (IFT), Kinesio-taping, Dry Needling, Joint and Soft tissue mobilisations etc. Various target interventions such as Therapeutic Ultrasound, Laser, Shockwave therapy etc. are used to promote tissue healing that in turn help in managing acute pain. 

In addition, Physiotherapists teach various strategies and postural adjustments which result in alleviation of pain and prevent its progression. Effective management in acute stage can prevent development of chronic pain. Therefore, Physiotherapists are well equipped to treat acute pain as good as they manage chronic pain and consulting a Physiotherapist early in time will help patients achieve better results.

2. Physiotherapy is all about musculoskeletal issues: While it is commonly associated with treating conditions like muscle and joint injuries, Physiotherapy has a broader scope. It plays a crucial role in various medical specialties beyond Orthopaedics such as Neurology, Cardiopulmonary Medicine, Sports Medicine, Critical Care, Geriatrics, Paediatrics, Women’s Health to name a few as they specialise in these areas after completing the graduation programme. 

It is to reiterate that Physiotherapists deal with a wide range of health issues apart from the musculoskeletal ones. Physiotherapy, nationally and internationally is increasingly recognised for its role in preventive healthcare, addressing issues before they become severe and reducing overall burden on healthcare system. The importance of Physiotherapy continues to grow as healthcare systems recognise the value of holistic approach of patient well-being. It is virtually impossible to ensure quality care delivery without integrating Physiotherapy into healthcare. 

3. Anyone can practice Physiotherapy: Physiotherapists undergo rigorous education and training, ensuring they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to provide effective care as any other healthcare professional. To become a Physiotherapist, one typically needs to complete a recognized Physiotherapy education program and obtain the necessary licensure or certification in the relevant jurisdiction. This involves earning a Bachelor’s, Master’s degree or Doctorate in Physiotherapy and completing supervised clinical placements. 

While specific requirements can vary by country, becoming a Physiotherapist usually involves a dedicated and specialized education in the field. It requires a solid understanding of subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics, Orthopaedics, Neurology, Paediatrics, Medicine to name a few and application of rehabilitation techniques in these areas, along with practical experience in working with patients. 

It’s essential to adhere to the regulatory standards and educational requirements set by the relevant health authorities. Not just anyone can practice Physiotherapy without possessing the appropriate education and qualifications. Therefore, practicing Physiotherapy without having the requisite educational qualification and training, is tantamount to quackery and is a punishable offence. 

4. You need a referral for Physiotherapy: 

The National Commission of Allied and Healthcare (NCAHP) act 2021 gazette defines a Physiotherapy Professional as “a person who practices Physiotherapy by undertaking comprehensive examination and appropriate investigation, provides treatment and advice to any person preparatory to or for the purpose of or in connection with movement or functional

dysfunction, malfunction, disorder, disability, healing and pain from trauma and disease, using physical modalities including exercise, mobilization, manipulations, electrical and thermal agents and other electro therapeutics

for prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, health promotion and fitness”. It also states that “The Physiotherapist can practice independently or as a part of a multi-disciplinary team and has a minimum qualification of a baccalaureate degree”. Therefore, a Physiotherapist can diagnose and manage a health issue and if needed can refer the patients to other professionals as a part of multidisciplinary team and one can directly access Physiotherapy services without a referral, depending on local regulations and healthcare systems. 

5. No need for Physiotherapy after surgery: Postoperative Physiotherapy is often crucial for a smooth recovery, but some may believe that surgery alone is sufficient without rehabilitation. Physiotherapy is crucial after surgeries for several reasons:

It helps restore and enhance joint flexibility, muscle strength, and overall mobility after surgery. This is particularly important to prevent stiffness and regain normal movement. Post-surgery, Physiotherapists employ techniques such as targeted exercises, manual therapy, and modalities to manage pain and promote healing. Immobility after surgery can lead to complications such as blood clots, respiratory issues, and pressure sores etc. 

Physiotherapy aids in optimizing the healing process by promoting blood circulation to the surgical site, reducing inflammation, and preventing scar tissue from causing functional limitations. Surgical procedures can temporarily weaken muscles and Physiotherapy incorporates specific exercises to rebuild strength, preventing muscle atrophy and promoting overall physical fitness. Physiotherapists work on restoring patients’ ability to perform daily activities independently. 

Therefore, relying on scientifically supported information ensures that individuals make informed decisions about their health. Myths can perpetuate misconceptions, hindering people from benefiting fully from the proven advantages of Physiotherapy. Always seek advice from qualified healthcare professionals and consider evidence-backed reports to make informed choices about your healthcare journey.

The writer is working as Physiotherapist at GMC Baramulla. Formerly worked as Assistant Professor, Hamdard University Delhi.

By: Aqib Ul Ahad Wani & Bisma Yousuf 

The utilization of bogus identities in online fraud presents a complicated legal environment where criminal, civil, and regulatory issues coexist. The legal aspects of the phenomenon, involving theft of identities, fraud, scams, internet crimes, and privacy laws, are examined in the current article. The investigation delves into the legal ramifications of fabricating and using false identities on the internet, examining pertinent laws such as the Information Technology Act of 2000 and the Indian Penal Code. The report draws attention to the difficulties with jurisdiction and international cooperation in a digital environment that is becoming more and more globalized. The report also looks at how defamation laws, banking restrictions, and civil liabilities interact to combat online fraud. The function of regulatory frameworks, such as the cybersecurity guidelines published by the Reserve Bank of India,.

In the context of combating fraudulent activity, the importance of regulatory compliance procedures, such as Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) processes, is emphasized. The article highlights the need for law enforcement agencies, governments, companies, and people to work collectively in order to effectively manage the various difficulties that arise from online fraud involving bogus identities.

Methods for online fraud using false identities:

1. Phishing and spoofing: Criminals create fraudulent emails, webpages, or messages claiming to originate from reputable business organizations, financial institutions, or government entities. Under the pretense of verification or an urgent need for immediate action, these messages frequently ask for sensitive information, including passwords, credit card numbers, or personal identities.
2. Identity Theft:

Criminals use many kinds of techniques, including physical theft, social engineering, and database hacking, to obtain personal information from people. Then, false identities are created for fraudulent actions using this stolen information.

3. Fake online profiles:

With the goal of building connection and confidence with their victims, perpetrators create fictitious profiles on social media, dating site apps, or professional websites. They might make use of these connections to gain money, financial information, or even personal information from their targets.

4. Fraudulent online stores:

To deceive people into purchasing fake products or services, scammers create fraudulent marketplaces on the web, auction sites, or e-commerce platforms. They might take money, but they never deliver the products they promised.

5. Scams at Work

The perpetrators lure victims in with false job opportunities or work-from-home programs, demanding payment in advance for background checks or training materials. The fraudsters disappear when the money is received.

6. Financial and Investment Fraud:

Fraudsters provide too-good-to-be-true investment possibilities while posing as financial advisors or investment consultants. After being persuaded to invest money, victims have it stolen.  An example of this kind of fraud is recently exposed Ponzi scheme that defrauded thousands of people in J&K on the name of beauty items, and easy money. Thousands of people, mostly homemakers and students, were enticed to participate in surveys by the Chennai-based Company “Curative Survey” because they “plan to launch beauty products” in exchange for large payouts. 

By using a free account, the company promised simple survey takers Rs 200 every two weeks. And this is where the seemingly harmless activity turns into something dishonest. The business offered paid accounts, where investors paid Rs 5,000 each in exchange for a guarantee of receiving Rs 1,500 every two weeks for surveys.It was promised that a person with multiple paid accounts would see a corresponding rise in income. In addition, Rs 250 was offered to the investors for each referral. In addition, the business paid them more as promised for more referrals, which attracted new investors. Even some influencers on social media created promotional videos for this company.

The company abruptly stopped making payments when the number of investors reached thousands. Alarmed investors found all offices of the company shut and its promoters and directors missing. A  local YouTuber, with the social media handle ‘NAFxx Tech’ had warned people against “investing” in the ‘Curative Survey’ and explained how it could be a scam. The scam caused a stir in the Valley, and the J&K Police’s Cyber Wing lodged a case under the IT Act and IPC. “The fraudulent company tricked the victims into depositing their hard-earned money by making exaggerated claims of huge profits.

7. Scams of Romance Online:

On dating sites, scammers create accounts in order to initiate romantic relationships with gullible people. Once they have established an intimacy, they fabricate tales of financial hardship and demand money from their victims.

8. Fake contests and offers:

Fraudsters impersonate winners of lotteries, contests, or special offers and demand payment or personal information from their targets in order to receive their claimed reward.

CONCLUSION:

 In a nutshell, using bogus identities for online fraud is a complex and widespread issue that has implications for law, technology, and society. Cybercriminals take advantage of online platforms to deceive people, companies, and groups, leading to financial losses, damage to their reputation, and emotional distress. 

In order to tackle this problem, a multipronged strategy involving legislation, technology development, and user education is required. Advancements in technology, like more secure methods for authentication, artificial intelligence-driven fraud detection, and safe digital identity verification, can serve as precautionary measures. To reduce the risk of fraud, companies and financial institutions must additionally have robust safety precautions in place, follow Know Your Customer (KYC) instructions, and regularly update their cybersecurity plans.

(The authors are practicing lawyers and are alumni of university of Kashmir)  

By: Dr. Reyaz Ahmad                                                           

Medical doctors and teaching communities are often considered indispensable to society, each contributing uniquely to individual and societal well-being. While doctors ensure physical and mental health, teachers shape character and intellect. Ranking their importance involves examining their roles through a nuanced lens. This analysis considers their services and their impact on individuals, society, and the world, culminating in an argument for why one profession might hold greater long-term significance.

Role in Individual Development

Medical Doctors: Preserving Life and Health

Doctors address the fundamental need for health. Without physical and mental well-being, individuals cannot pursue education, work, or personal aspirations. Doctors cure illnesses, save lives, and promote preventive care. However, their role is often reactive, addressing immediate crises rather than long-term character or societal change.

Teaching Communities: Shaping Minds and Characters

Teachers go beyond transferring knowledge; they build the character, morals, and intellectual capacity of individuals. They instill values, nurture critical thinking, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning. The saying, “If health is lost, something is lost; if the character is lost, everything is lost,” underscores the profound importance of education in shaping ethical, compassionate, and competent individuals who contribute to society.

Insight: While health is vital, the absence of character and intellect prevents individuals from leading meaningful lives or making sound contributions to society. Teachers provide the moral compass that guides individuals toward productive and ethical choices.

Contribution to Society

Medical Doctors: Ensuring Public Health and Stability

Doctors are central to managing public health crises, improving life expectancy, and ensuring societal stability. A healthy population is more productive and can better contribute to economic and social progress. However, their influence is primarily focused on preventing or mitigating harm rather than proactively building societal structures or values.

Teaching Communities: Cultivating Social Foundations

Teachers educate future leaders, innovators, and responsible citizens. By fostering literacy, critical thinking, and ethical values, they create the foundation for social progress and governance. An educated populace is essential for addressing global challenges, from climate change to political stability.

Insight: While doctors protect society from immediate health threats, teachers empower society with the tools to prevent and address long-term challenges. A society’s progress often hinges on the quality of its education.

Global Impact

Medical Doctors: Pioneering Healthcare Innovations

Doctors contribute to groundbreaking medical research and global health initiatives. Their expertise advances treatments and technologies that improve the quality of life worldwide. However, their innovations often address symptoms rather than root causes, such as poor education on health or inadequate infrastructure.

Teaching Communities: Shaping Global Progress

Teachers play a pivotal role in fostering global cooperation, cultural understanding, and technological innovation. Education drives sustainable development and peace by addressing systemic issues and empowering individuals to lead change.

Insight: While doctors save lives, teachers create the thinkers, policymakers, and professionals—including doctors—who tackle complex global challenges.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

Both professions face immense challenges. Doctors confront ethical dilemmas such as equitable healthcare access, while teachers struggle with societal undervaluation and systemic inequalities in education. Despite these challenges, their societal roles emphasize that teachers often work on a deeper, long-term scale, while doctors address immediate, critical needs.

Ranking Their Importance

While both professions are vital, teachers hold a slight edge when evaluated through the lens of long-term societal impact.

Doctors ensure survival and well-being, enabling individuals to live productive lives. Their role is foundational but reactive, addressing immediate needs.

Teachers create the framework for progress by cultivating character, knowledge, and values. They shape the very fabric of society by influencing future generations.

The saying, “If character is lost, everything is lost,” highlights why teachers might rank higher. A healthy but unprincipled individual can pose a danger to society, while a person of character contributes positively, even amid adversity. Without teachers, there would be no doctors, leaders, or innovators.

Conclusion

Medical doctors and teaching communities are both indispensable, but when considering long-term impact, teachers emerge as slightly more crucial. Their role in shaping character and intellect lays the foundation for all other professions and societal progress. However, a balanced society requires both professions to work in harmony—health ensures that individuals can learn, and education ensures that individuals use their health for constructive purposes. Both must be celebrated and supported for a brighter future.

The writer is a Faculty of Mathematics, Department of General Education SUC, Sharjah, UAE

Email: [email protected]

By: Mohd Amin Mir

 In the quiet corners of rural Kashmir, two important but forgotten systems of local revenue collection—Chola and Aabiyana—are slowly fading into oblivion. Both have been essential to our agrarian history, rooted in the idea that those who benefit from public services must contribute modestly to their upkeep. Yet today, neither is properly collected, nor formally abolished. They simply exist in a shadowy, dysfunctional limbo. 

Chola is the fee that was traditionally collected by lumberdars—village-level revenue intermediaries who acted as the government’s eyes and ears in the countryside. It was a token contribution from farmers, given in return for the lumberdar’s services: relaying government orders, resolving disputes, maintaining local order, and assisting revenue officials. 

On the other hand, Aabiyana was the irrigation fee—charged to farmers for using water from canals managed by the Irrigation Department. Both were never meant to be burdensome. They were symbolic of a shared civic responsibility. Yet today, on the ground, they are ghostly remnants of a past that our bureaucracy neither wants to preserve nor reform Take a stroll through any village in Anantnag, Pulwama, or parts of Jammu, and ask farmers about Chola or Aabiyana. You will likely be met with puzzled looks. “Who collects that now?” they’ll ask. 

The answer is: no one, or at best, someone who does it arbitrarily. Chola is collected irregularly, often without receipts or official rates. In one village, a lumberdar might charge Rs. 20 per kanal. In another, Rs. 300 per household. In most villages, it’s not collected at all. There’s no annual verification, no digital record, and no clarity on where the money goes. Meanwhile, lumberdars—once pillars of rural administration—are left demoralized and unpaid. The situation with Aabiyana is no better. The Irrigation Department still maintains handwritten registers from decades ago. There are no demand notices, no online portal for payment, no linkage with land records. Many junior engineers and canal patwaris are too overburdened or ill-equipped to conduct regular verification. 

In some places, even identifying who uses canal water has become guesswork. What’s being lost here is not just a few rupees, but a system of accountability, rural discipline, and civic engagement. . It has real consequences. First, there’s a massive revenue loss. Collectively, Chola and Aabiyana could fetch crores annually—money that could be used for canal repairs, rural roads, or disaster resilience. 

Instead, we let that stream dry up. Second, the erosion of local institutions is palpable. Lumberdars, who once kept villages tied to the state, now float in a sea of irrelevance. Without official mandates or collection duties, they have no incentive—or dignity—left in their role. Third, the absence of irrigation usage data weakens water planning. 

With climate stress and growing water scarcity, it is critical to know who is using how much water, and for what crops. Without Aabiyana records, we are flying blind. Fourth, and most worryingly, the public trust in governance erodes when the state fails to do something as basic as collecting nominal, lawful fees transparently. The blame lies in policy stagnation. 

The J&K Land Revenue Act still talks about revenue recovery but is silent on modern mechanisms for Chola or irrigation charges. There is no clear order standardizing the Chola fee, nor any coordination between revenue and irrigation databases. Worse, in some districts, the lumberdari system has been scrapped quietly without building a better alternative. 

The irrigation department, meanwhile, has not rationalized Aabiyana rates to account for fragmented landholdings or modern irrigation techniques. Most of its offices are not digitally integrated with tehsil revenue records, making cross-verification almost impossible. What we are left with is a dead system—neither operational nor officially closed—simply gathering dust in the files of forgotten departments It doesn’t take a revolution to fix this. It just takes clear vision, small investments, and political will. Here are a few modest, actionable reforms:

1. Notify Standard Chola Rates across districts. Let it be Rs. 20 per kanal or Rs. 300 per household, but make it official and uniform. Issue receipt books or apps for lumberdars to collect and deposit the amount transparently.
2. Digitize Aabiyana Records and link them with jamabandis and khasra girdawaris. Let farmers log in online to check their dues and pay them via UPI, like any other utility bill.
3. Redefine the Role of Lumberdars. Let them become digital facilitators of revenue services—equipped with smartphones, trained to collect dues, report grievances, and verify canal usage. Give them a modest honorarium to revive their dignity.
4. Run Pilot Projects in a few model villages. Test mobile-based collection, data integration, and public transparency. Once successful, replicate across the UT.
5. Public Disclosure of Payments. Like MGNREGA job cards, display lists of who paid and who didn’t at the Panchayat Ghar annually. Community pressure works better than government notices.
6. Create Joint Verification Teams from the revenue and irrigation departments to monitor water usage and update rolls annually.
7. Offer Incentives—like Aabiyana discounts—for farmers using drip irrigation or rainwater harvesting, linking revenue with sustainability.
8. Audit Every 3 Years. Let a university or civil society group review the system periodically and publish its findings. Transparency is the best disinfectant. These steps are neither expensive nor politically controversial. They only need execution. At a time when Jammu & Kashmir is investing heavily in land record digitization, rural development, and Panchayati Raj institutions, it makes little sense to ignore these grassroots revenue mechanisms. Chola and Aabiyana are not colonial relics. They are tools of community participation and administrative order. To abandon them without reform is to admit failure in grassroots governance. Let us not forget—governance is not only about big-ticket projects. It is also about collecting Rs. 20 fairly, issuing a receipt, and keeping a record. That, too, is democracy. The next time we lament the decay of rural institutions or the poor maintenance of canals, we must ask: are we even trying to collect what is due? Are we empowering the very people meant to sustain these services? Chola and Aabiyana may sound outdated. But reform them, digitize them, and root them in transparency—and they will become symbols of a smarter, more inclusive state. Let’s not allow these quiet pillars of our rural economy to fall in silence. 

Mohd Amin Mir is a columnist focusing on land administration, rural governance, and institutional reform in Jammu & Kashmir.

By: Bhat Hilal Ahmad

Making a smart use of Cutting-Edge HiFi Sequencing Technology , a first of its kind ‘Pangenome’ of Asian Rice is stitched together by assembling key parts of genomes from 144 different variants of cultivated and wild varities of Asian rice. The first genetic breakthrough of its kind reveals that all modern rice have evolved from a single wild ancestor. 

This genomic innovation will enables researchers to develop new rice cultivars and introduce newer traits for resilience against climate change and disease resistance. It is much like the Human Genome Project ( HGP – 2003 ) expressing genetic diversity of the human species by mapping genomes from a range of individuals. While rice has 46,000 to 55600 genes , humans are believed to have only 30,000 to 40,000 genes. 

Genetic studies further suggest that around 10,000 to 14,000 years ago YangTze river valley in china is likely the primary site of domestication for the Asian Rice. In that context Pangenome of Asian Rice is not only a scientific progress but a substantial tool in our fight against the food insecurity in the progressively warmer world. 

Such an innovation underscores the urgency of integrating genomics into sustainable agriculture. It is a comprehensive reference genome that will revolutionize rice breeding by unlocking traits that boost not only diseases resistance but also the climate resilience. It captures the immense biodiversity within the entire rice species. This Pangenome decodes as to how different strains adapt to their new environments and how beneficial traits would be bred into new and improved cultivars.

For nearly two-thirds of the globe, rice is a staple food. In India it is not just food but culture and a livelihood. A primary crop grown over the monsoon months of June to September. India produced a record 220 million tonnes of rice over 51000 hectares with an average yield of 4.2 tons / ha in 2024-25. However, the future of this staple food is under threat. 

Given the impact of Global warming which is not only shooting temperatures up but also jeopardizing crop yields and food safety. Over the years several studies have warned that rising temperatures due to climate change would increase arsenic uptake among several rice varieties and will also affect yields. Researches have shown that since 1901 India’s average temperature has increased by 0.7°c with an average minimum temperature of 0.9°c above the long-term average, with 2024 being the hottest year on record.

Therefore, by tapping into the full spectrum of rice genetics from ancient wild verities to high-yielding modern strains, the Pangenome offers breeders a magical outlook. The new cultivars will not only show high-power resistance to high temperatures , water stress  , emerging pests and diseases , but will also retain nutritional quality under extreme climates. That is the key to secure future of farming and feeding the generations to come. 

Earlier in 1990 we saw engineered Golden rice with a multi-gene biochemical pathway in its genome. The increased beta-carotene content in Golden rice is a precursor to Vitamin A that improves human health. Consequently ‘Pangenome’ of Asian Rice is considered a giant leap in modern plant biotechnology.

The writer holds master’s degree in the discipline of Biotechnology.  [email protected] 

 

In a world driven by intentions, dreams, and ambitions, it is ultimately our deeds—the tangible actions we take—that define who we are and shape the legacy we leave behind. Words may inspire, thoughts may provoke, and emotions may stir, but only through our deeds does the true essence of our character emerge. Deeds are the foundation of life. They are the footprints we leave on the sands of time and the currency with which we purchase meaning, legacy, and transformation.

This article explores the profound importance of deeds in human life—how they shape identity, influence society, reflect values, and ultimately give purpose to our existence.

THE MEANING OF DEEDS 

At its core, a deed is a conscious, intentional act. Unlike mere thoughts or feelings, a deed carries the weight of execution. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, building a business, standing up for justice, or simply being kind—every deed contributes to a broader narrative.

Deeds are not limited to grand gestures or public accolades. Even the smallest act, when rooted in sincerity, can create ripples far beyond our imagination. A smile during someone’s moment of despair, a word of encouragement, or a silent act of sacrifice—these too are deeds that enrich life’s tapestry.

WHY DEEDS MATTER 

1. Deeds Shape Identity

Our identity is not defined by what we say, but by what we consistently do. A person who speaks of honesty but cheats in private is not honest. A leader who preaches service but exploits others is no servant. We are judged and remembered not by our words but by our actions. Deeds are the evidence of our values and the mirror of our soul.

2. Deeds Build Character

Repeated actions form habits, and habits shape character. Acts of kindness foster a kind heart. Regular efforts at self-improvement build resilience. In this way, deeds are not just a reflection of character—they are also the tools that build it. Life rewards character, and character is built one deed at a time.

3. Deeds Influence Society

Societies are not upheld by constitutions alone, but by the collective actions of individuals. When people act with integrity, compassion, and courage, society thrives. But when cruelty, apathy, or selfishness dominate, the social fabric begins to fray. Every act matters. Our deeds either contribute to building or dismantling the world around us.

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON DEEDS 

History remembers not just the dreamers, but those whose actions matched their ideals.

Mahatma Gandhi embodied his philosophy of non-violence, inspiring a nation through peaceful resistance.

Mother Teresa redefined compassion through her tireless service to the poor and sick in Calcutta.

Martin Luther King Jr. didn’t just preach justice—he marched, protested, and sacrificed for it.

Their legacies were not forged by beliefs alone, but by their consistent and courageous deeds.

DEEDS IN EVERYDAY LIFE 

While history celebrates monumental actions, everyday life is sustained by ordinary yet meaningful deeds. Parents nurturing children, teachers enlightening minds, farmers cultivating crops, doctors healing patients—these are the quiet rhythms that uphold society.

In today’s world, good deeds manifest in many forms:

At work: Acting with responsibility, honesty, and empathy.

In relationships: Showing loyalty, integrity, and compassion.

In communities: Volunteering, protecting the vulnerable, and safeguarding the environment.

Every person, through daily actions, helps shape the world in subtle but significant ways.

THE MORAL COMPASS OF DEEDS 

Intention matters—but impact defines the value of our actions. A noble deed is one guided by sincere intent and moral clarity. It is not merely about doing good, but doing good for the right reasons, with humility and integrity.

Ethics are vital. For instance, a donation made for self-glory lacks the moral weight of a humble, heartfelt gift.

Here lies a powerful truth: one who performs good deeds with sincerity fears none but Allah (SWT). Such a person is not swayed by public opinion but is anchored in the awareness of divine accountability. They find confidence in sincerity and strength in solitude.

GOOD DEEDS AND DIVINE ACCOUNTABILITY 

One of the most compelling motivations for good deeds is the belief in divine accountability, especially as emphasized in Islamic teachings.

1. The Day of Judgment: Weighed by Deeds

Islam presents a vivid image of the Day of Judgment, where every action will be weighed—not wealth, status, or lineage—but deeds.

 “And the weighing [of deeds] that Day will be the truth. So those whose scales are heavy – it is they who will be successful.”

— Surah Al-A’raf (7:8)

 “Then as for one whose scales are heavy [with good deeds], he will be in a pleasant life. But as for one whose scales are light, his refuge will be an abyss.”

— Surah Al-Qari’ah (101:6–9)

2. No Deed is Too Small

No act of goodness is insignificant. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

 “Save yourself from Hell-fire even by giving half a date in charity.”

Sahih al-Bukhari

Sincerity elevates even the simplest action in the eyes of Allah (SWT).

3. Continuous Good Deeds (Sadaqah Jariyah)

Certain deeds benefit a person even after death, including:

Knowledge that continues to benefit others

Ongoing charity—like building a well, school, or hospital

A righteous child who prays for their parents

Such deeds reflect a life lived for others—a legacy that endures.

DEEDS AND ACCOUNTABILITY 

Accountability lies at the heart of why deeds matter. Every action—visible or hidden—is recorded. In a world where appearances can deceive, deeds remain the truest evidence of character.

The Qur’an underscores this principle:

 “So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.”

— Surah Az-Zalzalah (99:7–8)

This assurance—that nothing is overlooked—infuses life with meaning and urgency. It encourages hope for every good deed and caution against every misdeed.

A believer who internalizes this lives with sincerity and integrity, knowing that Allah (SWT) sees all—whether or not people do.

“Indeed, those who say, ‘Our Lord is Allah,’ and then remain steadfast – the angels will descend upon them [saying], ‘Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.’”

— Surah Fussilat (41:30)

Such people live with taqwa (God-consciousness), undeterred by criticism, grounded by eternal values.

INTEGRATING THE SPIRITUAL AND PRACTICAL 

The concept of divine accountability enriches the idea that “deeds are the foundation of life.” When actions are guided by both moral benefit and spiritual consciousness, they transcend the temporal and become eternal.

Good deeds are more than societal contributions—they are steps toward divine pleasure and eternal salvation. Justice becomes a shield, compassion a light, and sincerity a path to Paradise.

Such a life is not lived for the fleeting applause of this world but for the enduring approval of the Creator.

CONCLUSION 

Deeds are more than actions—they are the embodiment of who we are, what we believe, and what we hope to become. They shape our identity, build our character, influence the world, and determine our fate—in this life and the next.

Let us live not just with good intentions but with good actions. Let us build character through consistency, serve others with sincerity, and seek Allah (SWT)’s pleasure through righteousness.

In the end, our deeds will speak louder than our words—and echo far beyond our time on earth.

 (The author is a freelance columnist and national TV debater. Views expressed are personal. He can be reached at [email protected])

 

By: Ishfaq Majeed Dar 

In today’s fast-paced, competitive world, parents often find themselves caught in a relentless pursuit of excellence for their children. The pressure to enroll them in highly branded institutions, push them toward lucrative careers, and ensure they outperform their peers has become overwhelming. But beneath this drive for success lies a complex web of motivations, consequences, and questions about what truly matters in parenting.

The Social Stigma of Achievement

For many parents, the choice of school or career path for their child is not just about nurturing talent but also about projecting a certain image. Sending children to prestigious institutions or steering them toward high-status professions is often seen as a reflection of parental success. This societal pressure can lead to a “keeping up with the Joneses” mentality, where parents feel compelled to match or surpass the achievements of others.

The Cost of High Expectations*

While ambition and high expectations can motivate children, they can also have detrimental effects. When parents prioritize achievement over well-being, children may experience:

Stress and Anxiety: The constant pressure to excel academically or professionally can lead to burnout, anxiety, and mental health issues.

Loss of Passion: Children may feel forced into careers or activities that don’t align with their interests, leading to dissatisfaction and disengagement.

– *Erosion of Ethics*: In the pursuit of success, values like empathy, kindness, and integrity can sometimes take a backseat, leaving children ill-prepared to navigate moral complexities.

The Forgotten Child

In the rush to secure a bright future, parents often overlook a critical question: What do their children truly want? By imposing their own aspirations, parents may unintentionally stifle their child’s individuality and creativity. Children need the freedom to explore their interests, make mistakes, and discover their own path in life.

Rethinking Parental Priorities

To create a healthier approach to parenting, it’s essential to shift the focus from external validation to intrinsic fulfillment. Parents can:

Nurture Individuality: Encourage children to explore their passions and interests, even if they don’t fit traditional notions of success.

Prioritize Well-being: Value mental and emotional health over academic or professional achievements.

Instill Ethical Values: Teach children the importance of empathy, kindness, and integrity, helping them become well-rounded individuals.

A Balanced Approach

While ambition and achievement are important, they should not come at the expense of a child’s happiness and well-being. By adopting a balanced approach that emphasizes personal growth, ethical values, and emotional intelligence, parents can help their children thrive in a meaningful way. Ultimately, the goal should be to raise individuals who are not only successful but also compassionate, resilient, and true to themselves.

Conclusion

Parenting is not about creating a trophy child but about nurturing a thoughtful, empathetic, and fulfilled human being. By rethinking our priorities and focusing on what truly matters, we can create a brighter future for our children—one that is built on more than just grades, titles, or social status. Let’s strive to provide our children with the freedom to grow, learn, and flourish in a way that is authentic to who they are.

The Way Forward

As parents, we have the power to shape the next generation’s values, attitudes, and priorities. By adopting a more balanced and nuanced approach to parenting, we can help our children develop the skills, confidence, and character they need to succeed in all aspects of life. Let’s work together to create a supportive and nurturing environment that allows our children to thrive and reach their full potential.

We must understand the importance of reevaluating parental priorities and adopting a more balanced approach to nurturing children’s growth and development. By focusing on intrinsic fulfillment, well-being, and ethical values, parents can help their children become well-rounded individuals who thrive in all aspects of life.

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By: Mohd Amin Mir

 

The digitization of land records across Jammu & Kashmir has been hailed as a watershed moment in governance. Fragile paper jamabandis, once tucked away in patwar khanas, are now part of an online public database promising transparency, accessibility, and justice.

But behind this major achievement lies a growing, largely unnoticed crisis: the unresolved mess of survey numbers, overlapping family shares, and mismatches between digital records and ground realities.

Despite digitizing millions of land records, the government has yet to settle a crucial layer of detail—the actual possession and sub-division of land parcels, especially within families. The cost of this omission is being borne silently by thousands of rural households who find themselves stuck between outdated records and legal hurdles.

As Dr. Klaus Deininger, senior land economist at the World Bank, puts it, “Digitization is like mapping the sky. But unless the stars—your actual plots—are settled on the ground, you will always be navigating blind.”

In many villages across South and North Kashmir, a common situation is unfolding: one survey number in the digital record, multiple family shareholders, but only one or two individuals in actual possession.

Take, for instance, a village in Kulgam where survey number 792 lists five brothers as co-owners. In reality, only one of them has cultivated the land for two decades, while the others have shifted elsewhere based on informal family arrangements. Now that the jamabandi is online, this contradiction has become more visible—and more problematic.

Whenever a loan application, a crop insurance claim, or a land dispute arises, the mismatch between actual possession and registered record leads to confusion, delays, and sometimes legal confrontation.

The standard legal route to correct these discrepancies is through family settlements executed at sub-registrar offices. But this process involves stamp duty, legal paperwork, and procedural delays—not to mention significant costs.

For families depending on marginal agriculture, this burden is simply unaffordable. Even after completing a registered settlement, further steps like mutation and creation of a Tatima Shajra (sub-division sketch) are needed to make the record legally functional. Without these, even a legally registered deed may not hold ground in practical scenarios.

 “Land administration fails when legality becomes too expensive,” says Dr. Rolf Stegmann, a land tenure specialist who worked with GIZ. “You need solutions that are affordable and locally applicable.”

A full-scale re-settlement of land across J&K may be unfeasible. But the Revenue Department can adopt a low-cost, field-based mechanism to verify and update survey numbers.

The approach is simple: organize camps at the village level under the supervision of the tehsildar. Patwaris and girdawars, aided by lambardars and chowkidars, physically verify each survey number. Family members are called in, possession is noted, and rough Tatima sketches are drawn. If consensus is reached, the mutation should be allowed. Where disputes exist, the mutation can be held in abeyance.

Such camps would not only provide clarity but also restore community trust in the land administration system. This model aligns with best practices in global land governance, which stress decentralized, people-centric interventions.

Without physical verification, digital jamabandis risk becoming inaccurate over time. They reflect ownership patterns from the past, but not the present reality.

In Kulgam district, a widow was denied compensation under a crop insurance scheme because the digital record still listed her late father-in-law as the primary landholder. In such cases, government welfare schemes—PM-Kisan, land compensation, or agricultural subsidies—are undermined due to outdated data.

Revenue staff are often blamed for delays or mismatches, but the real issue lies in their limited ability to update records without formal deeds or verified possession.

1. Hold Settlement Camps: Start block-wise two-day camps in villages to verify on-ground possession and shares.
2. Empower Field Staff: Give patwaris and girdawars time, travel allowance, and legal support to carry out this work effectively.
3. Simplify Mutation Rules: Where all legal heirs consent, allow mutation based on current possession, without requiring a court decree.
4. Deploy Tatima Units: Assign junior staff or outsourced surveyors to prepare sub-division sketches during these camps.
5. Engage Panchayats: Involve sarpanches to mediate and verify family consensus, issuing joint verification letters.
6. Pilot and Scale: Begin with 50 trial villages in districts like Anantnag, Baramulla, and Budgam. Based on results, scale the process across the region.

Abdul Gani, a 72-year-old farmer  from Doru said, “Our father’s land is still in his name. We divided it years ago but couldn’t afford a registered deed. Now, the patwari says nothing can be done without that.”

In Ganderbal, Noor Jehan lives on a piece of land gifted orally by her late husband. “Everyone in the village knows it’s mine. But the online record says otherwise. I have no money for a court case,” she said.

 

These are not isolated cases—they represent a widespread, silent struggle across the Valley.

Digitization is not an end in itself. Its real value lies in connecting digital records with ground realities. The current situation calls for immediate attention to settle survey numbers village by village, family by family, using local knowledge and participatory methods.

As Professor Liz Alden Wily rightly said, “Maps don’t create land justice. Only people do.”

For Kashmir, the road from data to justice runs through its fields, not just its servers.

 

By: Syed Duha and Mehak Fayaz

The coronavirus pandemic didn’t end when lockdowns were lifted or when the masks came off. Its most enduring symptom wasn’t only physical—it was psychological. While ventilators were removed and hospitals fell silent, something more invisible and persistent took root. It didn’t scream—it dulled everything: memory, attention, emotion, and will—quietly reshaping how people, especially the young, think, feel, and function. This was brain fog.

Abdul Rashid, a carpenter from Saida Kadal, once cut wood with instinct. Now, he stares at his tools, measuring twice and still uncertain. “I thought it was just the age,” he said. His son, sixteen, confessed that he can’t hold a full conversation without losing his train of thought. “Words come, then vanish midway,” he murmured. What they’re experiencing isn’t rare. 

A 2024 study published in Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery reported that over 20% of long COVID patients suffer cognitive symptoms such as forgetfulness, confusion, and mental exhaustion. An Indian study published in IJIAPP confirmed that 26.4% of recovered patients struggled with similar cognitive issues.

These figures however don’t exist in isolation—they are magnified by the region’s long-standing challenges: disconnection, disrupted access to services, and prolonged uncertainty. Just before the pandemic, the valley had already experienced a major interruption in communication and public life. The collective psyche was stretched thin even before the virus arrived. The result wasn’t just a health emergency—it was a psychological overload for students, the impact was especially severe. 

A 2021 UNICEF study found that 64% of schoolchildren in Jammu and Kashmir lacked access to online learning. Education, already weakened by repeated disruptions, was now suspended in both structure and spirit. Without classroom interaction, peer bonding, or outdoor play, cognitive development visibly slowed. Teenagers interviewed by local NGOs admitted they struggled to hold conversations, sustain attention, or feel emotionally present.

A 22-year-old woman from Baramulla shared that, “COVID left me with a lingering impact that’s made daily life a challenge. Simple tasks feel like climbing a mountain, and remembering things is a constant struggle. But I’m determined to push through and find my way back to clarity.”

The implications of the fog didn’t stop at school gates or clinic doors. With local industries shut for months, The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce recorded over ₹17,000 crore in losses that hit the region’s economy. When cognitive exhaustion echoes across generations, it’s not personal—it’s structural. A 2023 report by the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) noted that over 25% of small businesses in sectors like handicrafts, tourism, and retail either permanently shut down or downsized due to pandemic and where mental emptiness grows, dangerous coping mechanisms often follow. IMHANS reported a 23% rise in drug-related cases during and after the pandemic. Many weren’t chasing highs—they were escaping a fog too thick, too endless. 

In a region with only one psychiatrist for every 1.8 lakh people, such symptoms often go undiagnosed, unspoken, and misunderstood. What Kashmir needs now is a comprehensive mental health response. This response must be accessible, affordable, and rooted in community understanding. District-level wellness centers staffed with trained counselors and psychologists can provide early intervention. 

Schools must incorporate mental health check-ins and emotional support alongside academics. Training community workers, teachers, and volunteers to spot early signs of distress will expand the safety net. When a child forgets frequently or withdraws, patience and listening is vital. Shaming or frustrations only push the child further into silence and emotional distance. Instead, quiet understanding can bridge that gap and nurture resilience.

The writers are pursuing Masters from department of Political Science, University of Kashmir. [email protected]