Jammu — Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra on Sunday accused the BJP-led Central government of deliberately delaying restoration of statehood to continue its proxy rule in the Union Territory despite formation of an elected government last year.

“BJP is doing injustice to the people of Jammu and Kashmir by not fulfilling its commitment of restoring statehood since people did not give it the mandate to rule J&K,” he said addressing a public rally at Salerh in Bishnah area here.

Karra claimed the BJP wants to rule by “proxy through the LG administration”.

“This is great injustice to people and a betrayal after repeated commitments for early restoration of statehood and this is defiance of the Supreme Court direction also,” he said.

Carrying forward his party’s campaign for restoration of full statehood, Karra said it was ironic that people have to demand statehood from those in power whose political ancestors sided with the Britishers when the Congress was fighting for freedom on the roads and in jails.

“They have no history in freedom of the country,” he said recalling the contribution of Dogra warriors for expanding the boundaries of Jammu Kashmir Ladakh upto Gilgit-Baltistan.

He said the BJP dismembered the historical state and is not willing to restore the statehood despite repeated promises. — (PTI)

JAMMU, Mar 03 ; Santoor maestro and music composer Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori on Sunday was conferred with the Swar Shri Samman 2025.

The award was conferred by Sargam Mandir during its 61st year celebrations in Delhi recognizing Pt Abhay Sopori’s path breaking works and contributions in the field of music.

Sargam Mandir is a well-known cultural organization of Delhi which was founded in 1964 by late Pt Jagdish Mohan, an eminent vocalist of Kirana Gharana.

Dr Deepak Sharma, Secretary of Sargam Mandir congratulated Pt Sopori while presenting the award.
Taking forward the legacy of great masters like Pandit Shamboo Nath Sopori and Pandit Bhajan Sopori, Pt Abhay Sopori dedicated the award to his Gurus, his father and grandfather.

He thanked Sargam Mandir organization for bestowing the honour upon him.

During the function Pt Abhay Sopori presented his Santoor recital accompanied by Pandit Ram Kumar Mishra on Tabla.

Pt Sopori presented Aalap, Jod and Gats in Vilambit and Drutlaya Teentaal in Raga Bageshree highlighting his ‘Sopori Baaj’ style of Santoor with variations of Meend, Gamak, Laya, Chhand and Bol patterns.

His Gayaki and Tantrakari aspects receiving a long standing ovation from the music connoisseurs and eminent personalities present in the auditorium.

Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori is the present custodian of the age-old Santoor tradition and the Shaivite – Sufi musical tradition of Kashmir.

A scion of the fabled Sopori – Sufiana Gharana of Kashmir, he represents the 3 centuries old Santoor legacy.

Vinod Bhat

On the occasion of International Wheelchair Day 2025, various national institutes and composite regional centers (CRCs) under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, organized numerous programmes across the country to promote accessibility, independence, and inclusion for Divyangjan. This day not only highlights the significance of wheelchairs in the lives of users but also serves as an important opportunity to enhance awareness and inclusivity in society.

Seminar and Sports Events at NILD, Kolkata

The National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (NILD), Kolkata, hosted a seminar, wheelchair distribution, and various sports activities for wheelchair users. On this occasion, Ms. Dolly, a wheelchair user, was felicitated for her positive outlook on life and indomitable spirit.

Discussion on Assistive Devices at NIEPID, Secunderabad

The National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), Secunderabad, in collaboration with Mobility India, Hyderabad, organized an interactive session on assistive technologies. Experts discussed the latest advancements in mobility aids and the significance of wheelchairs for persons with disabilities.

Awareness Programme on Inclusion at SVNIRTAR, Odisha

A special awareness programme was conducted for wheelchair users and caregivers at the Swami Vivekananda National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR), Cuttack, Odisha. The event emphasized accessibility and inclusion, highlighting their impact on the lives of persons with disabilities.

Public Awareness and Wheelchair Distribution Programme at CRC Gorakhpur

The Composite Regional Centre (CRC), Gorakhpur, hosted a one-day awareness and wheelchair distribution programme, benefiting a large number of persons with disabilities. Wheelchairs were distributed, significantly enhancing mobility and self-reliance.

Various Activities by CRC, Tripura

On this occasion, CRC Tripura, organized special sessions focusing on the needs, rights and accessibility of wheelchair users.

Wheelchair Training and Assistive Device Distribution at CRC, Davangere

CRC Davangere, in collaboration with ALIMCO, conducted wheelchair operation training for 26 beneficiaries and distributed 90 assistive devices, ensuring better mobility and accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Wheelchair Competition and Distribution at CRC, Nellore

At CRC, Nellore, various programmes were conducted, including an awareness campaign on the importance of International Wheelchair Day, distribution of wheelchairs to those in need, and a wheelchair race competition. Winners of the competition were felicitated with special gifts.

These initiatives not only highlighted the needs of wheelchair users but also marked a significant step towards building a more inclusive and empowered society.

Vinod Bhat

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah will inaugurate the “Workshop on Sustainability and Circularity in Dairy Sector” on 3rd March 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The Workshop will focus on policies and initiatives of Ministry of Cooperation and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying aimed at promoting sustainable dairy farming while ensuring economic growth with environmental responsibility. Circularity is an economic concept that focuses on the reuse, regeneration, and recycling of resources, products, and materials to make the most environmentally friendly use of available resources.

The workshop will witness signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for the establishment of biogas plants across multiple states, release of comprehensive guidelines aimed at promoting environmentally responsible practices in dairy farming and new financing initiatives under NDDB’s and NABARD’s Large Scale Biogas/CBG projects and the Sustain Plus Project. The workshop will have technical sessions on sustainable manure management models which convert dairy waste into biogas, compressed biogas (CBG), and organic fertilizers.

Experts from NDDB, industry, and global organizations will discuss ways to expand circular dairy practices, explore financing options, carbon credit opportunities, and waste-to-energy solutions, and highlight the role of advanced technology in making dairy farming more efficient. Sustainability and circularity in dairy sector along with increased efficiency will lead to realization of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’.

The workshop is being organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Government of India in coordination with National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The event will bring together key dignitaries, including Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Union Ministers of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel and Shri George Kurian, Ms. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of DAHD and senior officials of ministries such as New & Renewable Energy, Forest & Climate Change, Petroleum & Natural Gas, Chemicals & Fertilizers, Jal Shakti.