Latest news with #Dogra
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
We have forgotten the past, aberration of last 33 years should not haunt us anymore: Advocate GA Lone
Prominent advocate from Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Ahmad Lone said the situation in the region has haunted lawyers for long and only four to five lawyers from J&K and Ladakh have been elevated to the bench of the High Court in the last 33 years. Lone, was speaking in presence of Chief Justice of India Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai and other legal luminaries at the North Zone Regional Conference organised by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in collaboration with the High Court of J&K and Ladakh and J&K Legal Services Authority at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar. 'The Bar Association worked in harmony with the High Court since its inception in 1928 and provided justice to all without fear, favor or ill will…unfortunately we had an aberration in the last decade of the 20th century (in J&K). The whole apparatus was affected so were the lawyers. We have changed now but those aberrations are still haunting us,' said Lone. He further explained, 'they are haunting us because in the last 33 years there are only four to five lawyers from J&K and Ladakh who have been elevated to the bench of the High Court.' He said CJI's remarks that lawyers from this region (J&K and Ladakh) were as brilliant as lawyers from other parts of the country was encouraging and if that is so the 'past aberrations should no longer haunt the lawyer community.' 'We are one with you. We want to work in harmony and with dedication and uphold principles of law and constitution. We are committed to that,' said Lone adding, 'we make a pledge here that we have forgotten the past.' He quoted famous Persian poet-philosopher and jurist Maulana Rumi saying, 'Yesterday I was clever and I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise and I want to change myself.' Lone also delved into the history of J&K and genesis of the legal system here which he claimed was formally introduced by the Dogra rulers of the region. 'Kashmir, as per Raj Tarangini of Kalhana, is a civilization and culture since 2000 to 3000 BC. We then witnessed a Sufi movement that proclaimed omnipotence and omnipresence of God and taught us to respect people irrespective of race, culture, caste, language or religion. We still uphold those principles,' said Lone. He further added that the region witnessed 'several invasions by Mughals, Afghans and Sikhs.' 'None of them left any legacy. They came, ruled the region and left. They did not give us any legal jurisprudence or any legal system. It is not mentioned in any history book,' said Lone adding, 'then after 1846 Dogra rulers were the first to introduce administrative, judicial and revenue systems here and provided laws, which we are still following.' 'Dogra rulers started the High Court in 1928. They also formed the Board of Judicial Advisors, who would hear appeals against the High Court,' said Lone, adding, 'You would understand the system of justice and fairness we had that the then Maharaja has not even once, to my knowledge, objected to decision of their (High Court and Board) and accepted their orders despite being a monarch.'
United News of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Jammu IIM launches first-of-its-kind cultural immersion initiative ‘Bandhan'
Jammu, July 27 (UNI) The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu launched first-of-its-kind transformative cultural initiative titled 'Bandhan–a cultural immersion with people of Jammu at the Mandapam Auditorium, Jagti Campus. As per an official comminique, 'Bandhan' is a first-of-its-kind cultural immersion initiative launched by IIM Jammu to promote social sensitisation, community bonding, and celebration of Dogri culture and heritage. "To begin with, 412 first-year MBA students will participate, with students grouped in 4–5 and hosted by local families. More than 100 families have already shown interest, and 100 families joined the institute for the formal launch, showcasing overwhelming community support for this powerful cultural movement," said official comminique. Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, calling 'Bandhan' a long-awaited dream realised— 'a day of joy, pride, and purpose.' Reflecting on the remarkable journey of IIM Jammu, he shared how the institute has grown from just 47 students in 2018 to becoming one of the fastest-growing third-generation IIMs in the country. He acknowledged IIM Jammu's remarkable milestone as the only second-and third-generation IIM to receive both the EFMD Program Accreditation for its MBA Program and the BGA Institutional Accreditation in the same year—underscoring commitment to academic excellence and global standards. He expressed gratitude to the Government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their unwavering support in building a strong educational ecosystem in the region of Jammu and Kashmir with IIM Jammu working in close synergy alongside IIT Jammu and AIIMS Jammu. Describing 'Bandhan' as more than a cultural exchange, Prof. Sahay called it 'a soulful bridge that connects people, not just places—a step toward nation-building through empathy and tradition.' He positioned IIM Jammu as Mini India with Global Vision—deeply rooted in Dogra heritage and aligned with the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat mission. He proudly shared that more than 100 families have shown interest in this unique program to promote Jammu's Dogri culture and heritage. 'Bandhan stands for—where hearts meet, stories unfold, and the soul of India is reflected through cultural amalgamation,' he concluded. The ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries who lauded the initiative. Padma Shri Dr. Jitendra Udhampuri, a renowned Dogri scholar, brought poetic elegance to the ceremony as he spoke of Jammu as a land where culture lives in every home and tradition. Lt. Gen. Rakesh Kapoor (Retd.) President, J&K Ex Services League commended IIM Jammu and the leadership of Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu calling it one of the country's finest institutions. He emphasised the need for deeper cultural immersion and suggested adopting widows and their children as a social initiative. Citing heroes like Gen. Zorawar Singh and Brig. Rajinder Singh, he urged integration of Jammu's military legacy into academic discourse. Soujanya Sharma, Former Civil Servant, spoke of Jammu's rich heritage—from the tales of Jambu Lochan to historic routes like Katra-Jagti—and invited students to explore the cultural and spiritual soul of the region. Maj. Gen. Sunita Kapoor (Retd.), Executive Member, J&K Ex Services League highlighted Duggar Pradesh's traditions of revering women, such as Kanya Pujan and Jashakti Puja, emphasizing the region's cultural balance of Shakti and Shiva. Padma Shri Dr. S.P. Verma lauded Bandhan as a bridge across generations and cultures, drawing parallels with Gandhian ideals and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Rakesh Wazir, Chairperson, PHD Chamber of Commerce (Jammu Region) and President, Hotel and Restaurant Association, Katra, praised the visionary approach of Director, IIM Jammu and IIM Jammu's world-class infrastructure, noting it surpasses even five-star experiences and proposed hosting 100 students for immersive cultural and culinary experiences. He echoed the vision of PM Narendra Modi, emphasising that true love lies in sacrifice and community spirit. Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu, described Jammu as both the City of Temples and a rising hub of higher education. As part of Bandhan, students of IIM Jammu engage in a thoughtfully curated series of experiential activities that immerse them in the cultural and social fabric of the region. Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu delivered the vote of thanks, reaffirming Bandhan as a platform where the boundaries between classroom and community dissolve to create holistic and transformative learning. UNI VBH SSP
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Sudha Murty gives a shout-out to this 17th-century forgotten royal palace in Ladakh. How to reach there?
Tucked away in the rugged mountains of Ladakh stands a forgotten royal gem that looks straight out of a dream—Leh Palace, once the mighty home of the Namgyal dynasty . Recently spotlighted by author and philanthropist Sudha Murty , the 17th-century palace is more than just stone and history—it's a story of kings, war, art, and resilience. Murty called it an 'impressive royal residence,' inspired by Tibet's iconic Potala Palace. Built by King Sengge Namgyal and towering nine stories high, Leh Palace was one of the tallest structures of its time, watching over the entire town of Leh with majestic pride. — SmtSudhaMurty (@SmtSudhaMurty) Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Data Science MBA others Project Management Public Policy Data Science Degree Healthcare Cybersecurity Operations Management Digital Marketing Product Management Others healthcare MCA Leadership PGDM Technology Finance Artificial Intelligence CXO Data Analytics Design Thinking Management Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Postgraduate Cert in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK DABS India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 30 Weeks IIM Kozhikode SEPO - IIMK-AI for Senior Executives India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIT Madras CERT-IITM Advanced Cert Prog in AI and ML India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months E&ICT Academy, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati CERT-IITG Prof Cert in DS & BA with GenAI India Starts on undefined Get Details But its story doesn't end with kings and battles. Walk through the now-silent halls, and you'll find traces of life that once was—ancient Buddha relics, intricate murals, weathered utensils, and royal cutlery still decorate the space, as per the Leh-Ladakh tourism website. Today, the palace has been converted into a captivating archaeological museum, open to the public and carefully preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India. Its panoramic views of the Stok Kangri and Zanskar ranges are unbeatable, especially in summer when the golden sun washes the Himalayas in warm light. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The World's Oldest Living Actors. Reportingly Undo The palace's construction began in 1553 under ruler Tsewang Namgyal, and was completed by his successor Sengge Namgyal in the early 17th century. The upper floors once housed the royal family, while the lower levels served as storerooms and stables. However, in the mid-1800s, the palace was abandoned during the Dogra invasion, forcing the Namgyals to relocate to Stok Palace. Ticket prices As per the information on the website, for tourists, Leh Palace is now open daily from 7 AM to 4 PM, with an entry fee of just Rs 15 for Indian citizens and Rs 100 for foreign nationals. The best time to visit? April to September, when the skies are clear, the roads are open, and the views from the palace make you feel like you're on top of the world. How to reach? You can reach Leh by air from Delhi, Srinagar, or Jammu, or if you're feeling adventurous, take the scenic road trip from Manali or Srinagar—by bus, jeep, or even motorbike. For the boldest explorers, cycling through the winding Himalayan roads is a challenge that promises breathtaking rewards.
The Hindu
23-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Unabated Lantana camara invasion in Himachal needs swifter, more rigorous response
Lantana camara, an invasive alien species introduced decades ago as an ornamental plant, now infests approximately 3,25,282 hectares of forests in Himachal Pradesh, posing a threat to the State's native biodiversity. Even though the Forest Department has achieved significant progress by clearing 51,114.35 hectares of Lantana camara since 2009-10, ecologists are calling for faster, more rigorous action to curb the spread of the noxious weed. Lantana, a pantropical weed species, is native to the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Central and South America. In India, it was first introduced in the early 18th century, and since then, it has invaded almost all the tropical areas across the country, including Himachal Pradesh. According to the State Forest Department, a survey was carried out in 2010-11 and 2015-16 to asses the extent and level of invasion, which showed forest areas of around 2,35,491.93 hectares as being significantly infested with lantana, and varying intensity of infestation in seven territorial circles, namely, Dharamshala, Nahan, Hamirpur, Chamba, Bilaspur, Mandi, and Shimla. However, according to the India State of Forest Report 2023, the extent of Lantana camara infestation inside the recorded forest area in Himachal Pradesh is estimated to be around 3,252.82 sq. km. or 3,25,282 hectares. Kuldip Dogra, a noted taxonomist, acknowledged the progress made by the Forest Department in clearing lantana, which 'offers hope' in tackling the menace, but emphasised the need for an integrated, transdisciplinary, time-bound approach by involving stakeholders and members of civil society to create livelihood opportunities in the process of eradicating Lantana camara. 'There's no doubt that the area under alien invasive plant species, such as lantana, is on the rise, which is threatening the rich, native species diversity. To control the spread of lantana, it's important that stakeholders are involved — be it locals, industrialists, civil society organisations, etc. — and a mechanism evolved to enhance their livelihood options,' Mr. Dogra, Scientist at the Botanical Survey of India, High Altitude Western Himalayan Regional Centre in Solan district, told The Hindu. 'Lantana's management can be achieved by using its biomass for socioeconomic purposes — its timber for making furniture and also as fuelwood, etc. Its biomass can be used to produce organic compost and vermicompost, which will be better for organic farming and an alternative to inorganic manures available in the market,' he added. 'However, the cultivation of alien invasive plant species in home gardens, for landscaping, or for other economic purposes, and around the National and State Highways should be strictly avoided to prevent their further spread and establishment. Pharmaceutical companies should be encouraged to collect these species from the wild to extract potent alkaloids to be used for different industry purposes. Its management should be focused strongly on prevention, early detection and eradication strategies. Most importantly, the eradication programme should be carried out within stricter timelines by involving all the stakeholders, and increasing momentum to achieve optimal outcomes,' he added. The State Forest Department's policy document for managing Lantana camara points out that this noxious, exotic weed aggressively proliferates and forms a dense mesh of bushes. This happens excessively at the edges of forests having sparse canopies. Lantana camara is known to produce allelochemicals that restrict the growth of other species under its canopy. Hence, it replaces native flora, resulting in homogeneous vegetation, significantly contributing to decline in biodiversity. 'We have eradicated lantana in 51,114.35 hectares so far since 2009-10. The removal of lantana is being done through the 'cut root stock' method, and to ensure that lantana doesn't invade again, we are planting native species as well. We are making headway. On average, every year, we are expecting to eradicate lantana on 1,000 hectares of forest,' Girish Hosur, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Himachal Pradesh, said. 'The immediate focus should be to contain the speed of spread of lantana. It has been observed that it has been infesting from lower areas towards higher regions, which is worrying. The 'cut root stock' method is good, but the eradication should be tackled at the higher elevation first, so that the infestation could be restricted to the lower areas only, and then gradually rehabilitate all the areas with native species,' G.S. Goraya, researcher on floral diversity and former Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Himachal Pradesh, said.
Indian Express
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Decode Politics: Why dropping of Urdu clause for J&K govt post has set off a row
By Express News Service THE Central Administrative Tribunal's (CAT) order scrapping Urdu as a compulsory language requirement for a Revenue Department post in Jammu and Kashmir has renewed debate on the issue in the Union Territory. While the BJP, which had been protesting against the notification since it came out and calling it 'illegal', welcomed the CAT decision, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said non-Urdu speakers would not be 'efficient' in the posts since most land records are in Urdu. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti, who made the same argument, added that it was 'deeply unfortunate' that the judiciary appears to be 'influenced by divisive politics'. On June 9, the Jammu and Kashmir Service Selection Board (JKSSB), one of the two government recruitment agencies, issued a notification for a written exam for 75 posts of Naib Tehsildar in the UT's Revenue Department. As always, the JKSSB specified that the second paper of the written exam for the posts will test the candidate's 'working knowledge of Urdu'. Urdu has been the official administrative language of J&K since before Partition. While Persian was the official language of J&K in the early Dogra period, Maharaja Pratap Singh made Urdu as the sole official language over a century ago. It was during Maharaja Partap Singh's time that the first land settlement of J&K was carried out by Sir Walter Lawrence, an Indian Civil Service (ICS) officer, who was also a member of the British Council of India. Lawrence, who was appointed as the first Settlement Commissioner, started the process in 1889, completing it in five years. Thus, the first official land settlement in J&K was recorded in the Urdu language. Since the Lawrence period, all the revenue records of J&K were registered in Urdu. The pre-Partition revenue records are kept at Srinagar's Muhafiz Khana, which also has the original and official pre-Partition land records for the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) region. Hence, working knowledge of Urdu has always been a prerequisite for recruitment in the J&K Revenue Department because all land records in the UT are in this language. In the wake of the abrogation of Article 370, which granted J&K special status, in August 2019, the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill, 2020, was passed by the BJP-led Central government in Parliament, which added four more languages – Kashmiri, Dogri, Hindi and English – to already existing Urdu as J&K's official languages. The Bill said that these five languages will be 'used for all official purposes' in the UT. The BJP immediately called for the scrapping of the notification making Urdu mandatory for for the post of Naib Tehsildars. Senior BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the J&K Assembly, Sunil Sharma, met Lt Governor Manoj Sinha to seek his intervention to drop this eligibility criterion. Sharma's contention was that making working knowledge of one of the J&K's five official languages mandatory for Naib Telsildar aspirants 'violates constitutional principles and administrative impartiality, and creates an unfair barrier'. He also claimed this would put candidates from Jammu at a 'disadvantage'. The NC and PDP, immediately countered the BJP's stance. 'Urdu is not associated with any class, region, or religion, but is a historical and administrative language used in Jammu and Kashmir for over 130 years. During the reign of the Maharaja, all administrative work was conducted in Persian but later Urdu was adopted as a unifying language,' NC chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq pointed out. 'It is wrong to view every issue through a religious lens. The shajras (or the ancestral land records) have long been written in Urdu and it is not possible to change all those documents now. There is a need to acknowledge Urdu's historical role in administration, including judiciary and revenue,' Sadiq said. Subsequently, a petition was filed by job seekers with the CAT over the order. A Bench comprising Member (Judicial) Rajinder Dogra and Ram Mohan Johri (Member Administrative) said the notification was discriminatory in light of the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Act, 2020, and stayed 'the operation of the relevant provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Revenue (Subordinate) Service Recruitment Rules of 2009' that spoke of Urdu as the required language. Abdullah and Mufti both reiterated the importance of Urdu for understanding land records. 'Even before Independence, our revenue records were in Urdu. How will a staff member in the Revenue Department work if he/she doesn't know Urdu? I don't think staff members of the Revenue Department who don't know Urdu can be efficient,' Abdullah said. 'It is only logical that applicants for the post of Naib Tehsildar possess basic proficiency in the language,' Mufti said.
