JAMMU: A prominent political activist, Sanny Sangral along with dozens of youth has joined Apni Party in presence of the President of the Party, Syed Mohammed Altaf Bukhari sahab.
The joining programme was organized at the Apni Party Office in Gandhi Nagar which was chaired by Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari.
Bukhari Sahab welcomed Sunny Sangral into the party fold along with dozens of youth and hoped that their joining would strengthen the party.
In his speech, he said that Apni Party has gained popularity among the youth in Jammu and Kashmir and the joining of Sunny Sangral has boosted the morale of the party’s youth wing.
He referred to various issues being confronted by the people of Jammu and Kashmir especially increasing unemployment, public concern regarding the anti-encroachment drive, unscheduled power cuts, slow pace of developmental activities, poor infrastructure in the health and education sector, etc.
“Our fight is against the elements who want to create division in the name of region and religion will continue. Apni Party is committed to bringing stability, peace, and prosperity,” he said.
He said that “We want to give you your own Govt which can provide equitable development to both the regions. In fact, the people of both regions are facing similar problems and the solutions to their issues are also the same.”
Expressing concern over the continuous anti-encroachment drive, he said that ‘This Govt has no other option but to regularise the unauthorized colonies. Even the Govt in Delhi has regularised such colonies from time to time, but it seems they do not understand the issues of the poor people,’
He further said that ‘The elected Govt will take a decision regarding unauthorized colonies. The administration has no right to displace people from their land. If we form the next Govt, we will reverse anti-people decisions of the administration like stopping of the darbar move practice and anti-encroachment drives, etc.’
He assured that ‘We will not allow the non-locals to settle in Jammu and Kashmir. The land in J&K belongs to the people of the erstwhile state of J&K.’
He criticized some elements who want to disturb peace in J&K on communal, and regional lines and erase the emotions of the people with the anti-encroachment drive.
He, however, appealed to the people to maintain peace and criticized the civil administration for its anti-encroachment drive.
Meanwhile, the Provincial President, of Jammu, S. Manjit Singh also spoke on the occasion and welcomed Sunny Sangral who joined Apni Party from the Samba district with his supporters.
SRINAGAR: The University of Kashmir is set to host a two-day C20 Working Group Meeting on ‘Gender Equality and Disability’, a mega event that draws national and international experts to formulate Policy White Papers for discussions on the G20 platform.
Civil-20 or C20 is the Official Engagement Group of G20 providing a platform for civil society organisations, NGOs and policy-planners to engage important stakeholders and address the root causes of “gender inequality and disability”.
The event being held at KU’s Gandhi Bhawan on February 13-14 comes amid the University’s selection from amongst 15 premier institutions in the country to host Youth20 events as part of India’s G20 Presidency, a significant milestone in the varsity’s imprint and visibility on the national academic landscape.
The C20 GED WG Meeting focuses on policy dialogues concerning two sub-themes including “Women’s Safety” and “Engaging Men and Boys”, besides highlighting ‘Udharaan’ as a successful intervention to address gender inequality. It also envisions evolving a grassroots approach to create pathways for improving women’s access to legal aid and other social support systems. A special focus of deliberations will also be on gender concerns related to specially-abled women.
National and international Coordinators and Co-Coordinators of C20 GED Working Group are among 50 delegates expected to join deliberations in both online and offline modes. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is coordinating the event.
Vice-Chancellor KU Prof Nilofer Khan, who is personally monitoring the arrangements, said it is a historic occassion for the University to be associated with events related to the country’s G20 Presidency.
“It is recognition of the University’s commitment to not only promote our national policies and programmes but also to advance the country’s G20 goals and objectives,” she said.
The Vice-Chancellor has already constituted a task force of academics and officers to oversee arrangements for the February 13-14 event.
Notably, the University of Kashmir has been chosen amongst 15 premier institutions in the country to host a Youth20 event, marking a significant moment in its history and transition to come up as an institution of excellence in the country. Youth delegates from G20 countries are scheduled to attend the Youth20 event in the second week of May 2023 at the University’s main campus.
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President and Member of the Parliament Dr Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said the recent move of J&K administration to nominate Numberdars/Chowkidars for villages and towns across J&K runs contrary to the government claims of strengthening democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.
Echoing the concerns of a delegation of Numberdars that had called on him, Dr Farooq said that the government is trying to bring in their own people for this important position through backdoor.
Dr Farooq said the association members who called on him resented the manner in which the incumbent Numberdars were being shown the door and the new ones nominated by the incumbent administration ditching all established norms and procedures.
“The incumbent numberdars who command public confidence as persons are being shown the doors. It seems the administration, by nominating candidates of their choice, is trying to set a political discourse in the villages and towns that suits their cause,” he said.
“The positions of Numberdar and Chowkidar are very significant in terms of better coordination at the grassroot levels and for that reason the government should have acted more sensibly rather than in this arbitrary way,”Dr Farooq said adding, “The process of selection cannot evade accountability and public scrutiny. The manner in which the process is being carried out raises a number of questions and it’s the government which has to come clean.”
To create a more inclusive and supportive culture for introverts, societies must strongly discourage negative feedback about them from their talkative counterparts. This may require providing more opportunities for privacy and quiet environments.
Introvert extrovert, a LinkedIn graphic
Sitting in the cafeteria of his college, Rehan is nursing his coffee but is lost in thought. His heart races as he watches one of his peers approaching him – his mind scrambling for a way to avoid the impending interaction. Shrinking into his chair, he tries to focus on his coffee.
The boy is upon him, his voice cutting through the noise of the restaurant like a sharp-edged blade. “Rehan!” said the boy. His voice boomed – shattering the silence and causing Rehan to jolt in his seat. He wanted nothing more than to be alone. He is desperate to escape the constant barrage of noise and attention. The sound of his name is like a physical blow – such hard that Rehan can feel himself shrinking under his weight. His mind is a whirlwind of emotions as he struggles to find a way out of this situation.
Such incidents occur on a regular basis in Rehan’s life. It holds nothing new. He has devised numerous ways to get out of such tight spots. On some occasions, Rehan may have to pretend to be on the phone and skip the gathering to trick everyone else. Or he may have to devise new ways to escape scenes that are unfavourable to his persona.
Why is Rehan feeling this way? Why is he suddenly so unwilling to interact with others? The answer is not so complex. Rehan is an introvert! He cannot do anything but deal helplessly with such situations – in a society that does not recognise introversion at all.
People like Rehan are individuals who prefer to be alone or engage in quieter, solitary activities because they are more introspective and reflective. They may be more sensitive to stimuli like social events and crowds. They generally prefer to spend time in quiet, low-stimulation surroundings. Introversion is a spectrum feature. But make no mistake, people like Rehan are not a monolithic group. They possess their own unique set of characteristics and tendencies, existing along a spectrum.
Take Rehan, for example. He may exhibit traits of social introversion, finding comfort in small, tight-knit groups of friends. Or perhaps he is a thinking introvert, drawn to the depths of seclusion where his mind can wander through the labyrinths of thought. Or maybe, an anxious introvert, feeling suffocated by the pressures of social interaction and seeking refuge in the safety of his room environment.
It is possible for a person to be both shy and extroverted, or talkative and introverted. These characteristics are not mutually exclusive. It is common for people to have traits from both ends of the spectrum. A shy extrovert may enjoy socializing and being around other people, but may still feel nervous or self-conscious in certain situations, such as public speaking. On the other hand, a talkative introvert may feel comfortable speaking in front of others with no stage fright, but may still prefer to spend time alone or in a small group rather than in a large crowd.
MBTI Assessment
Introversion is one among 16 different personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). The MBTI is a popular personality assessment tool constructed by a mother-daughter duo Katharine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers.
It defines introversion as a preference for inward-focused attention and reflection instead of seeking external stimulation and interaction with others. The MBTI is based on the theories of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung and is used to help people understand their own personality characteristics and how they interact with others. People who score high in introversion on MBTI tend to be more introspective and reserved, while those who score low tend to be more outgoing and sociable.
However, it is important to distinguish between introversion and shyness because they are two distinct characteristics that must be handled in separate ways. Understanding a person’s individual traits, whether shyness or introversion, can aid in identifying solutions to cope with or overcome the trait. It can also assist in the improvement of communication and understanding within relationships, as well as in the development of a more inclusive and understanding society.
Introversion versus Slyness
Shyness is characterised by a tendency to feel uneasy or self-conscious in social circumstances, particularly with strangers. It is a fear of rejection. It implies submissiveness—which can further lead to avoiding social contact and deteriorating relationships altogether. Shyness is often perceived as a negative trait; however, it is not always an issue until it interferes with a person’s everyday routine.
Introversion is characterised by a fondness for isolation and calm surroundings. Introverts may prefer to spend their time alone—thinking and pondering—and may find social circumstances exhausting or overwhelming. They may not be shy, but they do prefer solitude and introspection and ghost-quiet surroundings.
A shy person may long to be in the spotlight and gain exposure, but a lack of confidence can inhibit their ability to say or do what they need. An introvert, on the other hand, likes to spend time alone and avoids the spotlight. These two personalities are fundamentally opposed—with one wanting attention and the other seeking isolation. In order to follow their need for exposure, the shy person may need to focus on improving their self-esteem, whilst the introvert may need to push themselves out of their comfort zone in order to fully adapt to social situations.
The Introvert Behaviour Introverts tend to speak a lot less than extroverts, but this does not, in any way, signify that they dislike people or that they need to be fixed. Thinking (a lot) before speaking is one of their main characteristics, followed by communicating in writing rather than speaking out loud. Chatting on the internet does the job!
This does not make them any less social; it simply means they interact with the environment in a different way. Both introverts and extroverts have unique abilities worth bringing to the table. An introvert, though, is always hesitant to ask for favours, no matter to what extent they need them. They always prioritise self-reliance and believe more in helping those who are in dire need of it. Rather than attempting to alter someone who is an introvert, it is comparatively better if their distinctions are respected and appreciated.
Introversion is not a medical condition that narrows a person’s ability to achieve success and reach the pinnacle of their profession. Many prominent introverts have accomplished significant success in their respective fields, including Albert Einstein, JK Rowling, Bill Gates, Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Johnny Depp, Manmohan Singh, and Sachin Tendulkar.
Charles Bukowski, a well-known German-American writer, an introvert himself, famously remarked, “I do not hate people. I just feel better when they are not around”. This quotation exemplifies Bukowski’s conviction in the benefits of isolation—as well as the notion that introverts can thrive when given the opportunity to be by themselves.
Not Taken SeriouslyUnfortunately, introverts are undervalued in many of our societies. Most cultures place a strong emphasis on extroversion. This can make it difficult for introverts to completely express themselves and feel comfortable in their own skin. The urge to adhere to extroverted ideals is perhaps the most familiar obstacle that introverts encounter in society.
They may feel intimidated to participate in social activities with which they are uncomfortable. To engage in small chats and other superficial exchanges may not come naturally to them. This can be especially difficult in places, where socialising is sometimes regarded as crucial for prosperity and job progress. Because of their quieter and more reserved character, introverts are frequently targeted by bullies. As a result of being viewed as easy targets or weak, they may be exposed to emotional, or verbal abuse— if not physical.
Introverts are prone to suffer social complications that extend beyond instances of bullying. Because of their more reserved persona, they may be hesitant to call a waiter in a restaurant for fear of drawing everyone else’s attention to themselves. They may also be concerned about making a loud phone call or engaging in other forms of public communication. Shopping—which frequently requires engaging with salespeople—may be a difficult experience for introverts. In these instances, it is essential to acknowledge and promote introverts while also working to create a more inclusive and accepting atmosphere for all individuals.
Another difficulty that introverts may confront is the stigma of being introverted. Introversion is perceived as a negative personality trait, and introverts are treated as socially distant, or even anti-social. This might leave introverts feeling misunderstood or alienated, making it more difficult for them to connect with others. Lack of support and understanding for introverts can easily contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Introverts may find it difficult to locate others who share their interests and values and may feel as if they do not fit in with mainstream society. This can be especially difficult in contexts where there is a strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, such as crowded offices, schools, or businesses.
To create a more inclusive and supportive culture for introverts, societies must strongly discourage negative feedback about them from their talkative counterparts. This may require providing more opportunities for privacy and quiet environments.
Ajaz A Khawaja
If asked, they should be allowed to work separately. Tailored communication and fostering a more tolerant and understanding attitude towards introverts may also entail fighting the stigma associated with them. They just get more out of a peaceful sunset evening than a large crowd partying together. They can be assisted in reaching their full potential by providing them with a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. Identify them with their behavioural patterns.
Stay informed, one among the four of us is Rehan!
(The author is a teacher in the Department of School Education in Jammu and Kashmir. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of TheNewsCaravan.)
SRINAGAR: The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Junior Assistant, for demanding & accepting bribe of Rs.15,000 in Samba district.
Quoting a statement the news agency KNO reported that a case was registered on complaint against the accused, wherein it was alleged that the complainant had taken loan of Rs.10 lakh from SBI, Samba under PMEGP Scheme, which was sponsored by District Industries Centre (DIC), Samba.
The statement reads it was further alleged that to avail the subsidy in respect of the loan, the complainant needed NOC from DIC, Samba.
“It was also alleged that the Junior Assistant, District Industries Centre, demanded bribe of Rs. 20,000/- from the complainant for issuing NOC. Later, the bribe was negotiated at Rs.15,000/-. CBI laid a trap and caught the accused red-handed while demanding & accepting bribe of Rs. 15,000/,” it reads.
It also reads searches were conducted at the premises of the accused. “The accused Gopal Raj Sharma will be produced before the Special Judge, CBI Cases, Jammu tomorrow,” it reads.
SRINAGAR: New Digital Cath Lab in SKIMS was inaugurated by Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, on Saturday.
Chief Secretary E-Inaugurates Digital Cath Lab At SKIMS Soura
The Cath lab was procured at a cost of 8.5 crores and has led to a significant enhancement of the capacity of SKIMS in handling interventional cardiology procedures at SKIMS.
Established in 1982, the cardiology department is the flagship department in SKIMS and is one of the highest volume centres in the country for coronary interventions.
The centre does interventional procedures from the ages of 1 day to 90 years and is the only centre in the UT doing Pediatric cardiac interventions as also removal of infected pacemakers. The centre is the second leading centre for pacemaker placement in the country.
Dr Mehta dedicated the Cath Lab to the people of UT and emphasised that healthcare in J&K should should evolve to such a level that no patient should ever be required to go out of the UT for medical treatment.
SRINAGAR: The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Saturday warned people to remove the illegal structures built over the Dhood Ganga Nallah.
In a notice, Srinagar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Athar Aamir Khan said that Dhood Ganga Nallah from Alochi Bagh to Chatabal is an important channel for the management of storm water and for preventing of urban flooding in the Srinagar City.
The rejuvenation and restoration of Dhood Ganga Nallah from Alochi Bagh to Chatabal has been taken up under Srinagar Smart City Limited with Drainage Circle (Civil), SMC as the executing Agency, it reads.
“Whereas, it has been found that a number of encroachments and illegal structures have come up on the site of Nallah; Whereas, removal of these encroachments and illegal structures and restoration of Nallah is important for flood and storm water management in the City,” reads the notice.
“Now, therefore, through this Public Notice, all such individuals/encroachers are given 07 days’ time from the issuance of this notice to remove all encroachments/illegal structures erected on and along the Nallah, failing which Srinagar Municipal Corporation shall initiate action including removal of these encroachments at the risk and cost of the offenders/encroachers,” reads the notice issued by Srinagar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Athar Aamir Khan.
SRINAGAR: Irrigation and Flood Control division in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district has asked residents to remove illegal encroachments over Jhelum river banks and other water bodies within the period of seven days, failing which strict action would be taken against the encroachers.
According to a notice people who have encroached over the Irrigation and Flood control (I&FC) land in the district have been asked to remove encroachments within seven days.
“If any person fails to remove the encroachment, the department would swung into action and people have to pay the charges of the same,” it reads.
It reads strict action under the law would be taken against the people who fail to remove illegal encroachments.
As per officials separate eviction notices have been issued to residents across the district for the same. (KNO)
SRINAGAR: A 35-year old man died in an road accident in Hajin town of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Friday late evening.
Quoting an official the news agency KNO reported that the man identified as Nisar Ahmed Dar son of Gh Ahmed Dar (35) of Shahgund suffered critical injuries after a car he was traveling in met with an accident at Bonikhan area.
He said soon after the accident, Dar was rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
“After conducting medico-legal formalities the body will be handed over to his family members,” he said.
SRINAGAR: Amid Prevailing Inclement Weather Conditions, Jammu And Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) Saturday issued avalanche warning for twelve districts in upcoming 24 hours.
The DMA, as per GNS, issued a ‘Medium Level’ warning above 2000 to 2500 metres over Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Kulgam, Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch Rajouri and Reasi districts.
The authority also expressed apprehension of ‘Low Level’ avalanche occurrence above 2200 metres over Anantnag, Kulgam and Ramban district.
People living in the specified areas have been advised to take precautions and avoid venturing in the avalanche prone areas.
