By Safdar Gazi Lone
Can be reached at safdarbotany999@gmail.com
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinion of the author.
By Safdar Gazi Lone
Can be reached at safdarbotany999@gmail.com
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinion of the author.
Author is a Teacher in Education Department. Can be reached at bukhari.hilalahmad5@gmail.com
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinion of the author.
By Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon
In the complex and nuanced tapestry of Kashmir’s historical narrative, a stark revelation surfaces — the relentless pursuit of personal gain has too frequently eclipsed the collective well-being of the community. The ascension of an elite class, propelled by conscienceless motives, adeptly orchestrated the narrative through diverse channels, including mass media broadcast platforms and various tools within the state machinery.
This historical deception, orchestrated by those who would later form the elite, celebrated plunderers and blunderers, perpetuating a distorted legacy. The underlying issue lies in the acknowledgment that glorifying such figures betrays society and deviates its trajectory. What unfolded was not merely a breach of trust but a deliberate manipulation of narratives to serve vested interests.
Central to this narrative is the imperative for conscientious reflection before action. In a society where personal gains frequently overshadow collective welfare, the Kashmiri elite’s fixation on personal reputation misled the populace, perpetuating self-serving motives and hindering genuine societal progress.
The downward filtration theory becomes apparent — the elite’s actions influencing the broader population. As the elite prioritized reputation over authentic conscience, the common people were led astray, perpetuating a cycle of self-serving motives at the expense of societal advancement.
Navigating this historical landscape requires individuals, particularly Kashmiris, to liberate themselves from the shackles of personal gain. Both past and present elites must be held accountable for choices that have shaped Kashmir’s narrative.
In the broader context, the Kashmiri tale serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers when personal gain overshadows collective well-being. The call to question one’s conscience isn’t merely philosophical; it’s a practical imperative for a society prioritizing humanity over individual interests. Only through conscientious introspection can a community break free from the chains of historical fraud, paving the way for an authentic and just future.
This reflection extends beyond Kashmir, resonating with the timeless wisdom of Mark Twain, the American writer, humorist, and lecturer: “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” In a world fixated on external judgments, this insight urges individuals to prioritize the inner compass over fleeting perceptions.
Mark Twain’s wisdom centers on the idea that conscience is an unwavering guide to our actions, reflecting our moral and ethical principles. Unlike reputation, influenced by external factors, our conscience serves as a steadfast compass, pointing toward authenticity and moral integrity.
Reputation, often shaped by public opinion, is a fickle entity. Subject to change and influenced by external circumstances, it may not always align with our true character. While it can open doors, the cost of compromising principles for external validation should be carefully considered.
A delicate balance exists between maintaining a positive reputation and staying true to our authentic selves. Mark Twain’s counsel encourages us to evaluate the cost of compromising principles for external validation, recognizing the inherent paradox in societal expectations.
A robust conscience is built on self-awareness and a commitment to moral principles. Reflecting on our values allows us to align our actions with convictions, cultivating a reputation grounded in authenticity.
Prioritizing conscience over reputation provides resilience against external judgment. Recognizing that we cannot control others’ perceptions liberates us from self-imposed expectations, shifting focus from seeking approval to staying true to our principles.
Tail peice : the Kashmiri parable and Mark Twain’s wisdom converge, offering a profound lesson for navigating societal narratives. The essence lies in conscientious reflection, prioritizing authenticity over fleeting reputations. Whether in the historical context of Kashmir or the broader spectrum of human experience, embracing the call to question one’s conscience becomes paramount for a society aspiring to forge an authentic and just future.
Author is a Teacher in Education Department. Can be reached at bukhari.hilalahmad5@gmail.com
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinion of the author.
By Tousif Raza
Crafting poetry, especially in blank verse, is a pursuit both gratifying and bewildering. I’m fascinated and bewildered myself, navigating the realms of verses, yet far from grasping its essence. Poetry’s allure lies not just in its seemingly beautiful arrangement of words but in the concealed narratives within, whispering tales of love, wisdom, and an exploration of the Divine.

It’s an art that transforms seemingly eloquent words into a vessel, resonating with countless stories of devotion and spiritual voyages, amidst the radiant brilliance that illuminates from the play of words. The splendor of Allah’s light dispersed amidst verses, while at times, the same verses cloak the mysteries within the shroud of darkness. I find joy in presenting before you the tale of a verse, an untitled blank verse poem, hoping to embark you on a journey through narratives, enriching your awareness of the Creator’s magnificence through the tapestry of tales. Please make it more beautiful
Dr. Shahida Shabnum’s poetic composition masterfully transcends the confines of individual narratives, inviting a reader to contemplate the spiritual underpinnings that unite these diverse tales. Through the symbolic threads of Mansur’s esthetic pursuit intertwined with penalties faced, Moses’ ascent to the mountain and the subsequent reward of affection, Jonah’s inner revelation amidst the confines of the fish, and Joseph and Zulaikha’s narrative of enduring contentment, the poem paints a canvas of spiritual journeys. Before moving ahead let’s read the poem to go deep into it’s esthetic aroma and un_comparable beauty of universal appeal. And let’s revisit the universal tails of through this poem
“With the language of love, ‘Mansur’—scholar and penalty,
Through the terminology of affection, ‘Moses’—mountain and reward,
In the essence of love, ‘Jonah’—fish and inner revelation,
In the tale of devotion, ‘Joseph’—’Zulaikha’ and contentment.”
Prior to delving into this poem, my mind was a whirlwind of contemplation, grappling with the notion that crafting poetry might mirror traversing flames barefoot. Yet, Shahida Shabnam’s petite yet exquisite composition unveiled before me the poet’s quest to unravel the divine within. Each syllable within this poetic tapestry primed my thoughts to explore the intricate tapestry between the Creator and His creation. It dawned upon me that the closer one is, the deeper the enigmatic bonds and confidences shared.
This composition, akin to the insights of a dervish, intricately weaves words both veiling and revealing their connection to the divine. It commences with the melodies attributed to Mansur, suggesting the existence of souls intimately acquainted with God’s mysteries, capable of reshaping the world by their revelation alone, sans the prophetic title. Through Mansur’s narrative, a cautionary metaphor emerges—a stern warning against unveiling God’s secrets to humanity unless sanctioned by His will. It’s akin to the establishment of a decree, eventually transmuting into a conduit for love and enlightenment.
Indeed in the vast, barren expanse of ‘Toor,’ this nameless poem paints an allegory of amorous yearning. It delineates souls attuned to the celestial call of Allah, reveling in the rapture of seeking a divine audience. Unfettered by unrequited longing, their passion propels them to boundless ascension, an infinite reward for their unyielding ardency. It appears an axiom is being woven— the depth of one’s pursuit determines the soaring heights; the strength of their affection anchors them through ineffable joys. This verse, through its recitation, elegantly constructs a doctrine, acquainting its beholder with spiritual pinnacles—a testament to the triumphant quest of glistening dewdrops in their celestial pursuit.
Each evocative reference speaks to the human quest for love, understanding, and enlightenment. It resonates with the universal desire to transcend worldly limitations, seeking a deeper connection with oneself and with others. The amalgamation of these figures and their associated elements portrays the human experience as a multifaceted expedition toward spiritual fulfillment, weaving together threads of devotion, self-discovery, resilience, and the transformative power of love. In essence, Dr. Shahida Shabnum’s poem becomes a sanctuary of contemplation, where the diverse facets of these tales converge, inspiring us to explore our own spiritual odyssey and to discover the profound interconnections that bind us to the realm of love, compassion, and transcendence.
As mentioned that this poem intricately weaves together tales symbolizing different eras of earth’s history, creating a tapestry of love and devotion. Each reference represents a unique facet of affection, illustrating the depth of human emotions. From Mansur to Zulaikha, these names, with their associated symbols, explore love, scholarship, and spiritual revelations. Actually the poem invites readers to delve into diverse stories, offering a profound reflection on love through history and mythology while reminding us of humanity’s divine origins. Through this rich tapestry, the poem celebrates the myriad dimensions of love, leaving us with a timeless contemplation on the essence of human connection across ages.
After observing the structure of this poem keenly, I was amazed, but then I came to a conclusion that Allah has endowed Shahida Shabnum with a divine pen. Perhaps that’s why through the beauty of her pen, she has made a successful attempt to revive the beautiful epochs of human history, reminding of the centuries-long relationship between mankind and his creator. I don’t find it repulsive to say that a poet writes nothing of his own accord; rather, he write only what nature commands him to. This poem though without a title, is a doctrine in itself, reminding us that although humans are created from the same mold, they yield different outcomes due to their actions and behaviors. Let me conclude with this statement. “This poem has proven that Shahida’s pen is not only beautiful but also powerful.”
Author is an english literature student and hails from Tangmarg and can be reached at tousifeqbal555@gmail.com
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinion of the author.
By Arsalan Ashiq
The abrogation of Article 370 refers to the revocation of a constitutional provision that granted special autonomy to the region of Jammu and Kashmir in India. Article 370 was a temporary provision that allowed Jammu and Kashmir to have its own constitution, autonomy over internal matters, and limited jurisdiction for the Indian government. It also restricted the applicability of Indian laws in the region.
On August 5, 2019, the Indian government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced the revocation of Article 370. This move was accompanied by the bifurcation of the state into two separate Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
The abrogation of Article 370 led to significant changes in the region’s political and administrative status. It removed the special autonomy that Jammu and Kashmir had enjoyed for decades. The decision was met with mixed reactions. Supporters argued that it would lead to greater integration of the region with the rest of India, spur economic development, and promote equal rights for all Indian citizens. Critics, on the other hand, expressed concerns about the potential impact on the region’s identity, autonomy, and demographic composition.
The move was followed by heightened security measures, including the deployment of additional troops and communication restrictions, which were implemented to maintain law and order in the region.
The abrogation of Article 370 remains a subject of debate and discussion, with opinions on its implications varying widely based on political, social, and historical perspectives. For the most up-to-date and comprehensive information, it’s advisable to consult reputable news sources and research materials.
After the abrogation, the Indian government aimed to integrate the region more closely with the rest of the country. This included initiatives to promote investment, infrastructure development, peace, and stability across the region of Jammu Kashmir. The abrogation led to significant changes in the region’s political and administrative status. Here are some key points that were reported in the early period following the change:
The region of Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized into two separate Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. This was aimed at improving governance and administrative efficiency. The Indian government announced several measures to promote investment and development in the region. Various infrastructure projects were initiated to enhance connectivity, including road and rail projects. Efforts were made to attract industries and businesses to the region.
Focus was placed on improving education and healthcare facilities. New educational institutions were proposed, and efforts were made to upgrade existing ones. Healthcare infrastructure and services were also prioritized. Efforts were made to promote tourism in the region. The picturesque landscapes of Kashmir and Ladakh were highlighted to attract tourists and boost the local economy.
Certain land-related regulations were amended, which some viewed as opening up opportunities for investment and development, while others expressed concerns about potential demographic changes. Security measures were intensified in the aftermath of the abrogation to maintain law and order.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinion of the author.

Writer is a columnist (Qazigund). You can reach to him at rayeeskumar31@gmail.com
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinion of the author.