Our auspicious days
August 25: Wednesday: Sankata Nivaran Chaturthi.
August 30: Monday: Janamashtami.
September 10: Friday: Vinayaka Chaturthi.
September 11: Saturday: Rishi Panchami.
September 12: Sunday: Vijaya Saphtami, Kumara Shashti.
September 14: Tuesday: Laleshwari Jayanti.
September 17: Friday: Sankranti vrat.
September 18: Saturday: Vitasta, Verinag Yatra.
September 19: Sunday: Ananta Chaturdashi.
September 21: Monday: Pitrapakhsha Aramb
Padma Shree awards for J&K and Ladakh residents
This year Padma Shree awards have been conferred on two distinguished personalities of the J&K Union Territory and one of Ladakh.
In Jammu and Kashmir, Prof. Chaman Lal Sapru has been, posthumously, conferred the award for literature and education and Sh. Ghulam Rasool Khan for art.
In Ladakh, Sh. Tsultrim Chonjor has been awarded for the social work he has rendered.
The awards are conferred by the President of India, at ceremonial functions held, usually, in March and April every year.
L. G.: KPs are victims of bureacracy’s conspiracy
SRINAGAR: The government officials must take proactive steps to facilitate the return of Kashmiri “Pandit community who were forced to flee their homes and now settled in various parts of the country. There are many families living in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and other parts of the country and abroad who are willing to return home or register themselves. Officials of the UT Government must roll out an extensive exercise to reach out to them through proper means of communication.”
Lieutenant Governor,Manoj Sinha made these remarks during a meeting he chaired to review the functioning of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRR&R) Department here at Raj Bhavan.
“First of all, we must ensure that the entire population of Kashmiri Migrants is registered with the J&K Government.” “Many people yearn for their old lives and would like to return to their homeland. Some families are well settled elsewhere but may want to come here to pay obeisance to their motherland and get registered as Kashmiri migrants. Work on this with utmost sensitivity and sincerity”, observed the Lt Governor.
It is government’s responsibility to make sure this dream of thousands of people turns into reality with proactive approach of the administration, the Lt Governor told the officials.
The Lt Governor also told the officers to ensure that the benefits of Kashmiri migrants must reach all the communities which are falling under the said category.
Taking stock of the future deliverables of the department, the Lt Governor directed the officials to take effective measures for completion of works within committed timelines.
Delays in delivering public services and execution of development works won’t be accepted. Action will be taken against the officials responsible for the holding up of the works, said the Lt Governor.
Setting the agenda straight, the Lt Governor fixed the deadlines for the completion of transit accommodations for Kashmiri Migrant Employees across the valley.
While directing for preponing the targeted timeframe for completion of the ongoing construction works, the Lt Governor set November this year as new timeline for completion of Transit Accommodation at Ganderbal.
Directions were also passed for the completion of construction work at Shopian by March, 2022 and at Baramulla & Bandipora by November, 2022.
Timelines need to be adhered to for the completion of construction work of transit accommodations. Any official found responsible for delays shall be taken to task, maintained the Lt Governor.
Tenders for the upcoming works must be prepared in consultation with stakeholders for smooth and early execution of works, he added.
We need to double our efforts to ensure that the benefits under various components are being extended to all eligible beneficiaries, especially those who are being left out from the ambit of the welfare measures. At the same, it must be ensured that no in-eligible person shall be entitled to any of the benefits which is the rightful claim of someone else, the Lt Governor asked the officials.
He also passed clear cut directions for identifying unauthorized allocation of accommodations and taking strict measures to vacate the same.
While taking detailed assessment of the works done under Civic Action programme, the Lt Governor directed for proper fund utilization for quality output and instructed the concerned Chief Engineer to submit a comprehensive report chart on the work executed so far.
Instructions were passed to the senior officials for taking a periodic review of the progress made under ongoing projects, besides putting dedicated efforts through comprehensive measures to remove bottlenecks, if any.
Earlier, Simrandeep Singh, Secretary to the Government, Department of DMRR&R, gave a detailed briefing on the working of the department and measures initiated in respect to extending Relief to Kashmiri and Jammu Migrants; Implementation of PMDP component of providing 3000 Jobs to Kashmiri Migrants; Constructing 6000 Transit flats for Migrants Employees in Kashmir; providing Financial package to PoJK DPs; Financial package for West Pakistan Refugees; World Bank Funded Project of NDMA for Seismic Risk reduction.
While enquiring about the present status of the 6000 Transit flats for Migrants Employees in Kashmir, the chair was informed that 304 Units are being constructed at Kulgam (208) and Budgam (96), besides accumulative 1200 Transit Accommodations are coming up at Ganderbal, Shopian, Bandipora, Baramulla, Kupwara, and land for other 2744 Units has been identified at 07 locations.
Baseer Ahmed Khan, Advisor to Lt Governor; Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Pandurang K Pole, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Raghav Langer, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; concerned Chief Engineers and other senior officers participated in the meeting, in person and through virtual mode.
Courtesy Excelsior, Jammu
Spouses of J&K women, married outside UT
Can get permanent residency
The J&K administration has tweaked its domicile rules to enable spouses of native women married outside the Union Territory to apply for and get permanent residency. Until the J&K Grant of Domicile Certificate (Procedure) Rules 2020 were amended, the term “spouse” was applicable in this context only to non-Kashmiri wives of native men.
According to the order issued by commissioner and secretary of general administration Manoj Dwivedi, any outsider married to a native will be eligible to seek a domicile certificate on the basis of the husband or wife’s domicile status. Native women married to non-Kashmiris could so far get only their children to apply for domicile certificates.
The documents required for the issuance of a domicile certificate to either non-native spouse include the partner’s papers and a valid proof of marriage. The designated authority for issuance of a certificate is the tehsildar.
Till Articles 370 and 35 A were nullified, there was no provision for issuance of permanent resident certificates to husbands of native women married outside J&K. This had created a situation in which a local man who married outside J&K could confer permanent residency on his wife while local women married outside would forfeit their rights.
J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina termed the change “a historic decision to end the injustice meted out to the girls of J&K by previous governments”.
Former deputy chief minister and senior BJP functionary Kavinder Gupta said, “As of today, our daughters and their spouses will be able to get ownership rights of their already existing properties, besides the properties which they now purchase in J&K.”
Courtesy: Times of India, July 22, 2021
Stone-pelting to cost security clearance
For passport, govt services in J&K
A circular from the SSP of the CID directed all field units to ensure that all such verification be corroborated with local police and also refer to digital evidence.
The government of the Union territory of Jammu & Kashmir has issued an order stating there will be no security clearance to those found involved in law and order and stone pelting cases and other crimes “prejudicial to the security of the State” for passport verification and government schemes and services.
A circular from the SSP of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Special Branch, Kashmir, directed all field units to ensure that all such verification be corroborated with local police. Officials have also been asked to refer to digital evidence like CCTV footage and photographs.
It must be ensured that “during verification related to passport, service, and any other verification related to government services/schemes, the subject’s involvement with law and order, stone pelting cases and other crime prejudicial to the security of the state be specifically looked into and the same must be corroborated with local police station records”.
Courtesy: Times of India, August 3, 2021
Sharika Sewaks organise Samohik Yagnopavit
Children in yajneopavit attire with organisers during Samohit Yajneopavit at Faridabad
JAMMU, July 11: It was a day to celebrate after a lot of gloom and unpleasant happenings due to the global pandemic as Sharika Sewaks of Delhi-NCR who are primarily KP volunteers for creating awareness for social causes organised a Samoohik Yajneopavit Sanskar ceremony for six community children at Sharika Bhawan, Sec-17, Faridabad, on July 11.
Kashmiri Pandit families from different areas came together to join the function because of its significance as it is an important’sanskar’/ritual in the Kashmri Pandit community.
The organisers said that they got entries from 15 families for Samohik Yajneopavit, adding that due to Covid restrictions only six participants were allowed to undertake this ritual under complete SOPs and other restrictions.
“This function gives a clear message to the community and other sects of society to avoid unnecessary expenses and extravaganza when it can be done collectively for the benefit of society and community,” said Digamber Raina who oversaw the function.
He said that it was the need of the hour to save money for other equally important aspects of life when people are losing jobs and uncertainty glooms all over.
“These customs are part and parcel of our community and celebrating it together with known and unknown families gives it a unique touch and colour wherein children learn a lot about ‘dharma’ and its importance,” said Ajay Pandita, another Sharika Sewak volunteer.
The organisational heads who attended the function included Dr Sudhir Sopori, MK Pajan, Dr SK Handoo, Utpal Koul, Ravinder Pandita, Duleep Mattoo, Sanjay Ganjoo, Jia Kachroo, while the team from Sharika Sewaks included Sanjay Kaul, Rakesh Koul, Bharat ji Pandita, Ashwani Pandita, Subash Premi and Palvin Tiku.
On the occasion, traditional Kashmiri bhajans by Sanjeev Gautam Raina generated ecstatic feeling in the audience..
The programme was supported by Kashmiri Welfare Association, KSS, Faridabad, Youth 4 Panun Kashmir, Roots in Kashmir, Sharika Foundation, Koushersaal Restaurants, Landmark Crafts, Save Sharda Commitee, Kashyap and Milchar Cricket teams.
DN Pandita, guide and mentor of Sharika Sewaks, blessed the gathering and distributed Bhagwat Gita among all children. Sharika Sewaks have, also, decided to organise an exclusive *Samoohik Mekhla Upanayan Sanaskar* for girls in coming days.
Dr Agnishekhar gave special blessings through a phone call and has assured to support and join the proposed Samoohik Yagnopavit Sanskar for girls.
Hara Navami Posthe
Hira Lal Kak
Kashmiri Pandits celebated the Ashada Navami, Hara Nawaqmi, on July 18 last. The day is said to be the birthday of Sharika Devi, known as Sharika Jayanti. The Sharika Tirtha is the abode of Mahashakhti — Divine Mother Goddess Durga. The eighteen-armed Goddess Sharika, Ashtadushbuja, is regarded one of the Isht Devis of Kashmiri Hindus. In Tantra Shastra, Para-Shakhti is known as Tripruasundari.
The sacred shrine of Sharika Devi is situated on the Hari Parbat hill, in the heart of the Srinagar city. It is one of the oldest Shakhta shrines of Kashmir. A legend is associated with the Hari Parbat shrine. A powerful demon, Jalodabhava lived in the waters over the place where the hill is. The demon harassed and troubled the Rishis. The Rishis prayed to Goddess Parvati to free them from the demon. The Goddess assumed the form of a bird Myna called Haer in Kashmiri, and dropped a celestial pebble which she was carrying in her beak, at the spot where Jalodabhava was laying. The pebble grew into a hillock, pinning the demon down forever.
Essay Contest 2021: Didda Rani
More students included
An additional category for students studying from 8th to 12th standard, displaced pre or post 1990 and settled anywhere outside the Valley at present, has been declared to broaden the reach of 2nd Online Essay Contest 2021 on the topic... DIDDA Rani.. the Fighter Queen of Kashmir; declared earlier.
Accordingly the dates of Registration and emailing of the Essay have also been advanced to 20th and 30th of August, 2021.
Three prizes 1st, 2nd and 3rd shall be awarded in this category, both languages English and Koushur included.
Rest all Registration link & email address remain as the same.
Nation remembers Kargil heroes
Drass (Kargil)/New Delhi, July 26: President Ram Nath Kovind on July 26 last led the nation in paying glowing tributes to the martyrs of 1999 Kargil War saying they have scripted “exceptional stories” of indomitable courage, bravery and sacrifice.
Kovind, who could not make it to the Kargil War Memorial in Drass due to bad weather, laid a wreath at the Dagger War Memorial in the Baramulla district of neighbouring Jammu and Kashmir union territory to mark Kargil Vijay Diwas.
“The nation salutes the soldiers and officers of the 19th Infantry Division, who have been safeguarding our borders in the most hostile terrains under adverse weather conditions as our front-line troops. They have scripted exceptional stories of indomitable courage, bravery and sacrifice,” he said.
Kovind said the Dagger War Memorial evokes profound respect for the brave fighters who laid down their lives for the safety and security of our country.
“I am sure that this memorial will educate the people of India about the highest values of the Indian Army and inspire them. Jai Hind!” he wrote in the visitors’ book at the memorial.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid homage to the Kargil martyrs saying “their bravery motivates us every single day”.
“We remember their sacrifices. We remember their valour. Today, on Kargil Vijay Diwas, we pay homage to all those who lost their lives in Kargil protecting our nation.
As many as 527 soldiers laid down their lives while over 1300 sustained injuries during Operation VIJAY as the Indian Army repulsed an attack by Pakistani intruders in the Kargil sector in 1999.
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, while paying tributes to the soldiers, said the nation will remain forever grateful to them and their families. Leaders from various parties, union ministers, chief ministers, governors were among the prominent people who paid homage to the martyrs.
Ceremonies were held in several parts of the country to mark the occasion. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, remembering all the brave soldiers of Kargil war, said,” Your indomitable courage, valour and sacrifice made it possible to gloriously unfurl the tricolour again on the inaccessible and challenging heights of Kargil”.
“A grateful nation bows to your dedication for keeping the integrity of the Nation intact,” he said in a tweet.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid homage to the martyrs at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
“Their supreme sacrifice will always be remembered and inspire coming generations,” Singh tweeted.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also lauded the martyrs and their families.
“My heartfelt tribute to every soldier who laid down his life while upholding the esteem of our Tricolour. We will always remember the supreme sacrifice for the security of the nation made by you and your families,” Gandhi tweeted in Hindi.
A solemn ceremony to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas was held at the Kargil War Memorial at Drass, the sector which witnessed some of the key battles between Indian army and Pakistani intruders.
Lt Governor, Ladakh, RK Mathur was the chief guest on the occasion who laid a wreath and paid his tributes to the fallen soldier, in a ceremony symbolising ‘Shradhanjali’ from the entire nation to the brave hearts.
This year’s celebrations were unique in two ways as the Kargil Vijay Diwas coincided with the ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh Victory Flame’ reaching the Kargil War Memorial, a defence spokesman said.
The journey of the Victory Flame across the country commemorates 50 years of triumph in the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
The proceedings at the Kargil War Memorial commenced with the reception of the ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh Victory Flame’ by Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, in the presence of Lt Gen Y K Joshi, GOC-in-C Northern Command, Lt Gen PGK Menon, GOC 14 Corps, Lt Gen DP Pandey, GOC 15 Corps and Lt Gen M V Suchindra Kumar, GOC 16 Corps, other officers, gallantry awardees, Veer Naris, relatives of martyrs and civil dignitaries, the PRO Defence said.
He said it was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony by civil and military dignitaries.
The gallantry awardees of the Kargil War, next of kin of brave hearts, and ‘veer naris’ also paid their tributes to the fallen heroes with tearful nostalgia, the spokesman said. (PTI)
Courtesy: Times of India, July 27, 2021