HIFFA honours doctors, social activists, fashion designers and other achievers at SKICC
SYED BASHARAT
SRINAGAR, Aug 30: Member of Parliament Ghulam Ali Khatana on Sunday assured that security forces in Jammu and Kashmir remain fully empowered and vigilant, while stressing that the coordinated security grid has significantly reduced response and neutralisation times against hostile elements.
Khatana was speaking as the chief guest at the concluding ceremony of a two-day event organised by HIFFA, a Mumbai-based organisation, in close coordination with Dr Syed Masood Bukhari, a noted healthcare administrator and Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Kulgam. The concluding function was held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Srinagar.
The programme brought together leading doctors, oncologists, paramedical staff, social activists, fashion designers, journalists and other prominent citizens from different walks of life, who were felicitated for their contributions to society.
Addressing the gathering, Khatana said the security establishment had strengthened coordination among various agencies and that security forces were capable of responding swiftly to emerging threats. He maintained that the improved coordination within the security grid had substantially reduced the time taken to respond to and neutralise hostile elements.
Turning his attention to the younger generation, Khatana urged the youth of Kashmir to remain connected with their traditional occupations, particularly farming and allied activities, while simultaneously pursuing academic excellence and professional careers. He said modern education and career aspirations should not come at the cost of abandoning the traditional economic strengths of the region.
He encouraged young people to combine their education and professional pursuits with productive activities such as agriculture, poultry and animal husbandry. “People should rear poultry and animals apart from their jobs for prosperity,” he said, stressing that multiple sources of livelihood could provide greater economic security while also strengthening the local economy.
Khatana also underlined the importance of understanding human behaviour and judgement in the context of upbringing and surroundings. His observation that “inherited character multiplied with environmental factors makes judgement” drew a huge round of applause from the audience.
Emphasising the importance of preventive healthcare, Khatana said people should focus on staying healthy rather than waiting until they develop serious ailments and require hospitalisation and medication. He advocated greater awareness, healthy lifestyles and preventive measures to reduce the burden of avoidable illness and unnecessary medical interventions.
He also spoke about the importance of learning from children, saying that their innocence and openness could offer valuable lessons to society. Khatana said he learns new ideas from children because they are not divided by religion, sect or other social considerations. He stressed that society should preserve this spirit of openness, curiosity and acceptance.
Urging young people to develop a determined approach towards education and careers, Khatana said excuses could become an obstacle to achievement. He asked students and aspiring professionals to stop making excuses and instead focus on hard work, discipline and determination if they wanted to excel academically, build successful careers and “reach the sky”.
He also called for a change in the way society defines successful and influential personalities. Khatana said material wealth, riches and social status alone should not be the parameters for judging whether a person was a “big shot”. According to him, the real measure of greatness should be an individual’s contribution to humanity and society.
He said young people should therefore look up to those who have made meaningful contributions to human welfare rather than merely those who have accumulated wealth or influence. He emphasised that service to humanity, social contribution and the ability to make a positive difference should be regarded as the true indicators of greatness.
The MP also expressed grief over the devastating floods in Nepal and conveyed condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Describing the disaster as a grave natural tragedy, he expressed solidarity with those affected and prayed for their recovery and resilience.
Khatana also extended an open invitation to people from across India to visit Jammu and Kashmir, saying the Union Territory remains ready to welcome tourists as well as pilgrims.
He highlighted the region’s attractions across all four seasons and underlined the hospitality of its people. He said visitors from different parts of the country should experience Jammu and Kashmir not only for its natural surroundings but also for its cultural richness and the warmth extended by local communities.
Responding to a question on the resignation of National Conference leader Aga Ruhullah, Khatana criticised what he described as dynastic politics. He argued that political organisations controlled by families could limit opportunities for younger leaders and constrain merit-based political growth.
He advocated a political culture that provides greater space to young people and promotes inclusive and progressive governance, saying political opportunities should be determined by merit and public contribution rather than family connections.
Referring to his appointment as a member of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Khatana said improving healthcare delivery and ensuring transparency would remain among his principal priorities. He said efforts would focus on expediting critical healthcare services, particularly for youth, tribal communities and other marginalised sections of society.
The two-day programme was organised by HIFFA in collaboration with Florence Hospital and ACI Asian Cancer Institute, bringing together medical professionals and prominent personalities from across the country.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Jagdambika Pal, MLA M.Y. Tarigami, MLA Dr Shafi Wani, MLA Farooq Ahmad Shah, Dr Henna Shafi, leading oncologists from across the country, prominent doctors, public representatives and other distinguished guests.
Several doctors and individuals were honoured during the programme in recognition of their professional commitment and contributions to society.
HIFFA Chairman Mr Pinto Mandal, on the occasion, praised the commendable work being carried out by doctors and paramedical staff across Jammu and Kashmir. He appreciated their dedication, professionalism and commitment to patient care and said their contribution to the healthcare sector deserved wider recognition.
In a special recognition during the ceremony, Dr Syed Masood Bukhari was conferred with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his sustained contribution to the healthcare sector and his commitment to improving medical services and patient care in Jammu and Kashmir.
One of the major announcements during the event was that cancer patients in the region would now be able to access specialised cancer treatment and surgical procedures at the ACI Asian Cancer Institute at Florence Hospital, Srinagar, with leading oncologists being made available to provide advanced cancer care.
The initiative was described as a significant step towards improving access to specialised oncology services in Jammu and Kashmir and reducing the need for patients to travel outside the region for advanced treatment.
Prominent oncologists and other dignitaries also appreciated the efforts of Dr Imran Muzaffar, MD, Florence Hospital, for organising the programme and bringing leading medical professionals, social contributors and public personalities onto a common platform.
The organisers said the awards were intended not merely to honour individuals but also to recognise sustained contributions to society and encourage professionals and social contributors to continue their work in the public interest.
The concluding ceremony thus brought together people from diverse fields, including healthcare, social work, media and fashion, with the organisers stressing the importance of recognising those who contribute to the welfare and development of society.
