Don’t we have an identity of our own?

The first lesson of social science taught almost everywhere, reads ‘man is a social animal’. It implies that humankind lives in a societal structure within a complex organization of very close and distant relations. The distinct social fabric of mankind distinguishes and puts it above all animal beings. That is presumably what we human beings narcissistically think of ourselves. Maybe other living beings possibly will have a different opinion about us!   Well, possibilities apart, relations are vital in our social system and help in creating dedicated bonds within our society and we should respect it to maintain our ‘social animal’ status, but strictly avoiding any exploitation of this sacred bond fused through our biological indulgence. Read More Minister’s cousin!

Politics apart, he was a great administrator!

I intended to write this piece on the first death anniversary of Mufti Mohammad Syed, but then I changed my mind lest I may be branded as an unprincipled sycophant. Anyways, facts are facts and we should never distort realities. All my interactions with Mufti Sahib were in the line of my duty or social work.

I have first seen and heard Mufti Muhammad Syed at a public meeting at the remote village of Lalpora, Lolab in Kupwara district, in the late sixties when he was deputy minister for works. A young spotless khadi-clad Mufti Syed dominated most part of the public meeting held in an open space under the shade of huge walnut trees. I was a young boy of seven or eight years and walked several kilometers from Dardhpora village along with the children of my close relation with whom I had come to spend my summer holidays. That time I could not understand the politics, but I enjoyed the trip where people were amused with folk music and dance before public meetings. Ah! That was simple and wonderful Kashmir. Read More Meeting Mufti

We need a strong administration to address the issue.

Few days back a walk through the city center Lal Chowk and adjoining areas was not only soothing but interesting as well. Overnight, almost all roadside vendors have vanished from this historic place and most of its adjoining areas. Clear roads, cleaner streets and enough space for pedestrians was a dream come true. Ultimately our roads, footpaths along with poor pedestrians got ‘Azaadi’. This wonderful situation proves that, ‘where there is a will, there is always a way’. Implementation of law is not impossible if law enforcing agencies are serious and mean business. However, the liberated space at several places was either occupied by shopkeepers by displaying their merchandise on footpaths or by habitual traffic violators who had parked their vehicles wrongly. Read More Footpath mafia!