kashmir university Kings

‘It is my kingdom and I am the ruler’ the kind of attitude that most heads and directors of various departments across the Kashmir University do have. They do have a mindset that whole of the department or center they are heading is their kingdom, the employees working under them are their subjects and they have every right to use them for their personal growth, home chores; incase of any resistance the person is abused to core.

There have been many cases in the varsity where heads have gone to all possible extent to bow down ‘resistant subjects’ so as to set examples for others not to resist and to be loyal to the kings of times.

Well, it could sensed, the moment an outsider talks to these ‘top academicians’ of the university all he/she would hear: "I, Me and Myself" who seem to have ostracized in their egos.

And most a time they would brag about their achievement much more than their actual worth. However, in their cocooned lives they think others are interested in hearing them without realizing that they are annoying and obviously irking someone.

When it comes to the permanent staff, they too are subjects, but the level of acceptance of orders from the king is least. However, the adhocs, contractual employees are the worst suffers being the ‘third class’ subjects of the var-sity they have to bear the brunt of their kings.

In case of the contractual employees, it is the heads or directors of that department who decides their fate for each day. And the ‘kings’ to best of their abilities use, abuse and reuse them in whatever way they can. Irony is that no one in the varsity is bothered about it. It is not that that those who are at the helm of affairs at top are unaware of these facts but they are putting a blind eye toward this menace.

Interestingly, about each other ‘lead academicians’ of the varsity would share all the scorns you probably would ever have heard of. This speaks volumes about their level of maturity they do possess. All that could be suggested to all of them is please realize that those “I, me and myself” syndrome is plainly egoist and suffering from a vaunted.

Motorbike expedition to Ladakh

Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas R P N Singh today flagged off a motorbike expedition to Ladakh.

The expedition—Peaks of Friendship—is being sponsored by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the country’s largest oil marketing firm.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Singh appreciated the efforts of the Pathfinders, the organisers, in embarking on an expedition which promises to make a difference to the people living in remote areas.

"The fact that Indian Oil, the leader in the downstream petroleum sector is sponsoring this expedition is a proof and an eloquent testimony to our commitment to people living in remote locations," the Minister said.

IOC has been sponsoring the expedition since the year 1995, IOC Chairman R S Butola said, adding it will continue to extend its support in the future as well.

IOC Director (HR) Sudhir Bhalla was also present at the flag off ceremony. 

Mata Vaishno Devi yatra may touch 1 cr

Pilgrimage to holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi ji was, for the first time, touching 6 million in just seven months of the year recording an increase of 7.77 lakh over the corresponding months last year. The present trend of increase could take the yatra very close to magic figure of 1 crore this year.

It would be the first shrine, located between the Trikuta hills and untouched by the passenger vehicles, to receive nearly 10 million pilgrims in a year in the country.

During first seven months of this year, 58.63 lakh yatris had visited the cave shrine of Goddess Vaishno Devi, located at a height of 5200 feet from sea level. Going by the current average arrival of 35,000 to 40,000 pilgrims per day at Katra, the base camp of the shrine, the yatra would cross 6 million in next three to four days. Last year, the feat of 6 million was achieved after eight months.

Additional CEO Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), Dr Mandeep K Bhandari told the Excelsior that pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has shown an increase of 7.77 lakh during first seven months of this year as compared to same period last year.

As against 58.63 lakh pilgrims visiting the holy cave shrine by this evening, 50.86 lakh yatris had visited Vaishno Devi Bhawan in the corresponding period last year, he said.

In the month of July, 11.27 lakh yatris paid obeisance to Goddess Vaishno Devi. The number during last year was 8.17 lakh.

This is for the first time that yatra to Vaishno Devi shrine had crossed 11 lakh in the months of June and July. During the two months alone, the yatra has recorded an increase of about 6.5 lakh over the same months of previous year taking total increase during seven months to 7.77 lakh.

During 2010, an all time high 87.2 lakh pilgrims had visited Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. With 7.77 lakh increase having been registered in the yatra already, the Shrine Board authorities were anticipating that, going by the present trend, the yatra could touch or reach close to 1 crore this year.

There is no shrine in the country having no direct access of passenger vehicles which received 1 crore pilgrims a year. The pilgrims had to trek 13 kilometers hilly track from Katra to reach the Bhawan of Goddess Vaishno Devi.

Meanwhile, the Shrine Board has received report from IIM Ahmedabad experts on yatra management at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in view of ever increasing rush of the yatris. The Board had hired services of IIM Ahmedabad experts to suggest yatra management within limited scope of widening at Bhawan complex for better management of yatra queues to ensure that the pilgrims face less inconvenience and time in the queues.

The Shrine Board authorities are studying the report, official sources said.

SDPO Katra P N Tickoo said security arrangements at Katra, which serves as base camp for the shrine, Darshani Deodi, Ban Ganga and surrounding areas of Katra have already been intensified in view of unabated heavy rush of the pilgrims to Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan.

Mr Tickoo said the pilgrims having mobile handset with IMEI number and photo identity cards were being allowed only in the hotels, guest houses, lodges and sarais as per the directive of police.

As against 87.2 lakh yatra in 2010, the number in 2009 was 82 lakh. In 2008, 67.92 lakh yatra was recorded while the number was 74.17 lakh in 2007. The pilgrimage was down in 2008 due to Amarnath land row agitation.

While 4,21,231 yatris had darshan of natural pindies of Goddess Vaishno Devi during January this year, the similar figure for previous year was 3,99,665. In February, the yatra came down slightly and stood at 3,69,755 as against 3,77,213 last year. In March, 7.55 lakh yatris paid obeisance to the Goddess as against 7.22 lakh last year. In April this year, 9.77 lakh pilgrims visited Mata's Bhawan as against 8.35 lakh last year.

Yatra to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in the month of May was almost equal like the last year. While this year, 8.7 lakh yatris visited the cave shrine, the figure for the last year was 8.65 lakh. In June, the yatra went up to 11.6 lakh as against 9.19 lakh last year.

Chhari Pooja performed

 Chhari Poojan’ performed, 5000 more offer prayers at shrine

Over 5,000 pilgrims performed darshan in holy cave of Shri Amarnath Ji in South Kashmir district of Anantnag on 32nd day of yatra today.

With this, the total number of pilgrims performing darshan during this season till today has touched 6,17,090 mark. It may be recalled that 6,12,090 pilgrims had performed darshan in the cave shrine by late last night, a Yatra Officer said.

He said out of them six lakh pilgrims have returned to their home States while the rest were on their way. The pilgrims who performed darshan in holy cave yesterday were on their way to Baltal and Nunwan-Pahalgam base camps, he added.

He said the pilgrimage was progressing smoothly despite the cloudy weather on yatra routes.

The Yatra Officer said 4,882 pilgrims left for holy cave from twin base camps of Baltal and Nunwan-Pahalgam. Out of them 3,017 pilgrims left via traditional Nunwan Chandanwari track while 1,865 left via shortest Baltal route. Besides hundreds of pilgrims, who had a night halt at Sheshnag and Panjtarni yesterday, also left for their onwards sojourn this morning, he added.

He said while the pilgrims who left from Panjtarni and Baltal this morning performed darshan in cave shrine by late tonight, those who left from Sheshnag and Chandanwari were on their way to next camps.

Meanwhile on the occasion of Shrawan Amawasya today, holy Chhari Poojan was performed at historical Shankaracharya temple in a traditional way by Mahant Deepender Giri Ji, the Mahant of holy mace amidst chanting of Vedic hymns. A large number of saints and devotees participated in the function.

The holy mace was taken to Shankaracharya temple from Dashnami Akhara early this morning by Mahant Ji. After performing the traditional Chhari pooja, the holy mace was brought back to Dashnami Akhara.

It will be taken to Sharika temple at Chakreshwar, Srinagar tomorrow by Mahant Ji where the Chhari Poojan will also be performed in a traditional way.

Besides a fresh batch of 793 pilgrims left Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu Yatri Niwas for holy cave early this morning under tight security arrangements.

Comprising 378 males, 84 females, six children and 325 Sadhus, they left in a cavalcade of 23 vehicles. These pilgrims had reached Nunwan-Pahalgam and Baltal base camps till last reports came in where from they will leave for their onwards sojourn tomorrow morning.

The 46 day long yatra which started on June 29 will culminate on Shrawan Purnima coinciding with Raksha Bandhan falling on August 13.

KPs protest Indo Pak dialogue

A protest demonstration was staged by Joint Forum of Kashmiri Pandit organizations in front of Press Club here today to protest against the recently held Indo Pak dialogue. The demonstration was led by senior KP leader and president, All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference, (ASKPC) A N Vaishnavi.

The protestors displaying pla-cards and banners raised slogans denouncing the Indo-Pak talks as sham. They said that these talks would prove counter productive and would only encourage Pakistan and secessionist elements in the State.

The Joint Forum leaders who addressed the demonstration included Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo of PK, Rakesh Kaul of Kashmir Samiti Delhi (KSD), H L Chatta, general secretary, ASKPC, R K Raina, senior vice president, ASKPC, D N Kissu, chairman Non Camp and Virender Raina its spokesperson and women leaders Mohni Koul and Phoola Kaul.

They lambasted the Union Government and said that the manner in which the secessionist elements were facilitated to meet the Pakistan Foreign Minister is shameful. This smacks of a deep rooted conspiracy to undermine the position of the Indian nation and harm its vital national interests. The complicity of Pakistan in arranging meeting with these elements who are bent upon to break India has been established and as such the Government of India should have taken strong and appropriate measures, they added.

Instead it seems that the meeting was facilitated by the Government and was held in full glare of the media.

They said it has shaken the nation and created doubts regarding the sincerity and credibility of the Government in context of Kashmir issue. The manner and conduct of the Government gives rise to fears and suspicions that there may be a sell out being worked out at the cost of the nationalist forces in the State.

They said that time and again, the nationalist forces in the country including the Kashmiri Pandits have made it clear that there is no constituency in the country for negotiating or experimenting over the territory and sovereignty of India in J&K. The KPs have asked the Government of India to initiate a comprehensive dialogue process with the representatives of the community that would ultimately lead to the establishment of a separate homeland for seven lakh KPs in Valley, the added.

Amarnath Yatra 2011 weather

Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), has said that as per the Meteorological Department’s weather forecast for 30th July to 3rd August: there is a possibility of light rain/thundershowers on 30th – 31st July and it is expected to remain partly cloudy on 1st – 3rd August, 2011, in the Kashmir Division.

The CEO has yet again advised all those who intend to visit the Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnath to ascertain the obtaining weather conditions in the Amarnath Yatra area before embarking on the pilgrimage. The details of weather forecast are available on the website of the Indian Meteorological Department, at (www.amssdelhi.gov.in).

The CEO also urged all intending pilgrims to have themselves medically examined and no one with an orthopaedic problem, chest or lung ailment or any cardiac deficiency should venture to undertake the arduous Yatra, involving trekking upto 14,000 feet.

Goyal said that the Yatra to the Holy Cave Shrine is progressing satisfactorily on both the Baltal and Chandanwari routes since today morning.

SIF organizes blood donation camp

The Sajid Iqbal Foundation (SIF) for Peace and Human Rights on Thursday organized a blood donation camp at SKIIMS Soura in which around 200 volunteers from different districts of Kashmir besides executives of the foundation donated blood to the SKIMS in-house blood bank.

The volunteers had come from Srinagar, Pulwama and Anantnag districts. The event marked the beginning of the foundation’s ‘Lifeline’ programme which aims to provide assistance to victims of road accidents in Kashmir. Sajid himself was a prolific donor, always ready to donate blood to those in need.

Highlighting the need for Kashmiris to donate blood as an act of social responsibility, Sehar Iqbal, the Executive Director of the Foundation urged youth to come forward and join the movement.

The event was organized in collaboration with the Kashmir Social Workers’ Committee and the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura. The SIF has been established to initiate and support civil society initiatives to promote peace, reconciliation and respect for human rights in memory of Sajid Iqbal, a prominent Kashmiri human rights lawyer and youth activist.

An Indian tribe are isolated from civilization

The group was located in northern Brazil, and has four cabins with communities as well as corn and banana plantations.

The organization Brazilian National Indian Foundation (FUNAI) has detected a new tribe of Indians in the Javari Valley, a region north of Amazonian Brazil.

Funai, a body within the Brazilian government reported that the community is composed of about 200 Indians, part of the language community called pano, and investigators believe, has not had any contact with civilization.

The coordinator of the Javari Valley, Fabricio Amorim said that members of the Front for the Protection Ethnoenvironmental located three large open areas with four Community herds. In addition, according to Millennium , the community huts appear to be new, and corn plantings were located, like thickets banana and peanuts.

Amorim said that such discoveries require years of systematic and methodical, and documentary research, expeditions and satellite image analysis.

Brazilian authorities want the tribe to continue alone, to avoid threats to native-like spread of infectious diseases. Therefore, the Brazilian government has banned contact with these tribes. Amorim says that the main threats to the integrity of these groups are fishing and illegal hunting, logging, mining, grazing and deforestation. The missionary activities and some border situations, such as drug trafficking and oil exploration, also pose a risk to these communities.

Farmers awareness camp organized

The Agriculture department today organized a public awareness camp in Bhagwah area of Bhaderwah whereat AEO along with JAEOs and other subordinate staff apprised the farming community about various schemes and programmes being implemented by the department.

Newly elected Sarpanchs and Panchs Lower Bhagwah, Manjmi and Mainchar of Panchayat and the general public participated in the awareness programme. The AEO apprised the farmers about various centrally sponsored schemes like KCC, National Agriculture Insurance Scheme, AIMA and Technology Mission. The farmers were advised to fill far for KCC scheme , besides making them aware about soil testing facilities available in Doda.

The demands raised by the farmers like ensuring timely availability of seeds, fertilizers and compensation for the crop loss due to prolonged dry spell were noted to be brought to the notice of higher authorities.

The farmers expressed their satisfaction over the awareness programme and hope that such meetings will be held in future also.

development of students

Omar for holistic development of students

Underlining the importance of personal development for moulding young children into capable and responsible citizens, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Wednesday asked the educational institutions to focus all round development of students while attending their academic excellence.

Speaking at a platinum jubilee celebrations of Presentation Convent School here, the Chief Minister said that the holistic development and growth of young boys and girls is need of the hour to enable them face futuristic challenges with capacity and calibre. “They should be proved to compete at the national and international level with confidence and competence”, he said adding that after completing education they have to step in a wider world to make a dent.

Traders meet in Poonch

For the first time after suspension of trade for four months, traders of both sides of divided Jammu and Kashmir today settled their accounts and urged governments of the two countries to increase the trading days as well as the number of goods, during the traders meet organised by the authorities here at Rahe Milan, Chakkan-Da-Bagh.

The traders from Pakistan administered Kashmir, however, initially decided to suspend the meet as the three most prominent defaulting traders were not present there but later with mutual understanding the meeting was carried out peacefully. PAK traders have submitted a list of 31 defaulter traders to Indian authorities while Indian traders submitted a list of 17 defaulter traders to PAK authorities and it was unanimously decided to bring all of them in this traders meet so that their accounts were settled and they get their due payment from the defaulter traders.

105 traders of J&K and PAK today converged on Chakkan-Da-Bagh and debated various issues connected with growth and strengthening of LoC trade in the backdrop of Indo-Pak foreign ministerial level talks.

The traders on the two sides also exchanged the list of the defaulting traders who had failed to clear their dues, they said.

Indian traders demanded enhancement in the number of trucks, giving list of disputed parties, trader to trader trade and five days permits for the traders to survey the markets of other country. Traders also demanded Indo-PAK governments intervention in boosting cross LoC trade as according to them there is no profitable item being imported or exported.

Traders Pawan Anand, Krishan Singh, Amin Magrey, Rajinder Vaid welcomed the decision of both the governments for enhancing the number of days from two to four. They, however, regretted that their was no benefit for enhancing number of days as there was a list of 21 items for cross LoC trade which was decided to be enhanced but instead of enhancing these, authorities have banned some profitable items on the excuse of their packing. They urged upon both the governments to solve the problems of traders of both sides as they are running this trade just to improve relations with each other and not to earn profits. They also demanded traders list of PAK traders from PAK as the authorities did not provide the same to them.

The traders of both the sides expressed their satisfaction over the outcome of the talks and urged governments of India and Pakistan to increase the number of trading days and also increase the number of the trade items of the LoC trade.

The meeting was organised under the supervision of Abdul Hamid Custodian Cross LoC Trade and Kuldeep Raj TFO Poonch while  Mirza Arshad Jaral ADC Tetrinote  supervised traders meet from PAK side in the traders meet.

A total of 105 traders including 49 from Indian side and 56 traders from PAK side participated in the traders meet.

Official reports said that more than three traders settled their accounts which were pending from last more than one year.

Pak trader Choudary Mufti Basarat, Mohammad Hafiz, Mohammad Akbar, Zardar Abbassi, Mohammad Raza told KTNS  there was need of trader to trader trade so that the middle man are shunt out from this Cross LoC trade. They alleged that some Indian traders have blocked their payments and they requested Indian authorities to provide their money to them so that they will further carry on this trade.

“We have brought a ten point formula for smooth functioning of this trade which must be supported by Indian counterparts,” they said, extending support to their Indian counterparts on the issue of providing traders permits by the authorities of both sides.

After the meeting Abdul Hamid Custodian Cross LoC Trade told KTNS that today he have got a list of 8 defaulter traders from PAK and he will ask them to attend the next traders meet. To a question of three main defaulters, he said that legal action will be taken against them.

The meeting started at 12.55 PM and culminated at 4.45 PM.