Latest news with #Dogri
NDTV
5 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
A Purple Revolution Is Brewing In J&K's Town, Thanks To Lavender Culture
Bhaderwah: A six-hour drive from Jammu leads to the quiet hilly town of Bhaderwah, which is blanketed in purple this time of year, thanks to the sea of lavender spread across the town, giving a new identity to the place. From using lavender in traditional Dogri embroidery to making essential oils, beauty products and food syrups infused with this flowering plant, Bhaderwah, once known for its maize fields, is embracing lavender to bring about an economic transformation to their small town. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who inaugurated the Lavender Festival 2025 in Bhaderwah, called the town the Lavender Capital of India and the birthplace of the country's 'Purple Revolution'. The Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), under CSIR, introduced the aromatic flower to the temperate areas of Jammu through the Aroma Mission, following earlier trials in Kashmir in the 1980s and 1990s. The seeds were first planted in 2017 when farmers in Bhaderwah, the small town in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district, decided to experiment with lavender, a crop previously unheard of in the region, CSIR-IIIM Director Zabeer Ahmad told PTI. Many farmers gave up traditional crops like paddy and maize, which were being increasingly destroyed by monkeys and other animals. "Back then, monkeys used to destroy our maize crops. The lavender's strong scent keeps them away," Ahmad said, adding that this crop has given them peace, income, and purpose. Arjun Raina, founder of Ridayu Botanics and CEO of Girdharilal Holistics (Kisan Udyami), told PTI that he started lavender farming with his grandfather Girdharilal in 2017 when he was just in Class 10. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when demand for natural and medicinal products surged, the idea took shape. "Last year, I began focusing on value addition and started making more from this flower rather than just growing it. We developed products like soaps, bath salts, shampoos, and food syrups for coffee lattes, mocktails, and cocktails," he said. Singh, who represents the Udhampur parliamentary constituency, which also covers Doda, said, "Lavender has not just added fragrance to these mountains, it has added identity, income, and inspiration." He noted that young entrepreneurs are now earning an average of Rs 65 lakh annually through value-added lavender products. Stating that Bhaderwah's transformation has been both cultural and economic, Singh said, "What started as a risk has grown into a revolution, often called the Purple Revolution." Singh also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mann Ki Baat address, where the lavender mission was highlighted, for putting Bhaderwah on the national map. Highlighting how the lavender culture has brought new opportunities for the people in the town, Singh pointed out that farming was not the only option anymore for a lot of people here. "This small town, once known for the migration of its youth, is now seeing many return, as the initiative has become a hub of employment, especially for women," he said. The government has provided free lavender saplings, oil distillation units, and end-to-end support from cultivation to marketing, bringing about a transformation in the lives of the locals here. Fatima, a 39-year-old farmer, shared, "I belong to a family where everyone is into farming. My father was a farmer, and my husband is a farmer. Now he has switched to lavender farming." She recalled their initial apprehension about this change, saying, "When he first decided to take it up, we were scared because we had no idea how it would turn out. But now, while my husband handles the farming, I create candles and incense sticks using lavender oil." She noted that lavender is gradually becoming an integral part of Bhaderwah's cultural heritage. "Just like Dogri traditions where makhmali (velvet) was used in traditional embroidery, lavender is now being imprinted in designs and even incorporated into traditional khadi," she said. According to the farmers of Doda district, who are growing lavender under the Union government's Aroma Mission, the unconventional farming of aromatic plants has helped them become 'atmanirbhar'. 2017 was the turning point when a large number of farmers began cultivating lavender in the valley, officials say. Families in the region are ecstatic with their youth returning home from cities, drawn by the potential of this new crop. The younger generation is not only assisting on the farms but also bringing fresh ideas and exploring innovative ways to add value to the lavender-based products. Lavender was introduced to the temperate regions of the Jammu division by IIIM under the CSIR-Aroma Mission. The institute initially tried to popularise it in Doda, Kishtwar, and Rajouri districts. Finding a suitable cold climate and favourable growing conditions, a few small and marginal farmers in the Bhaderwah region took the risk and switched to lavender cultivation in 2017. Until then, maize was their primary crop. Singh said things have changed for the better, as the new generation and entrepreneurs are happily working in lavender fields. "This not only provides them with a chance to multiply their income but also helps them generate employment for others." The minister further pointed out how the government is providing complete assistance, including funding, technology and marketing, to the farmers associated with lavender so they do not face any problems at any stage. The CSIR-Aroma Mission has been instrumental in promoting lavender cultivation in the temperate regions of Jammu and Kashmir. Its primary goal is to increase the income of small and marginal farmers and support the growth of agriculture-based startups, officials added.
The Wire
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
What to Do When Your Mother-Tongue Fades Away
Karan Singh with Rohan Qurashi. Photo: By arrangement. Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute Now Born heir apparent to Maharaja Hari Singh and Maharani Tara Devi of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Karan Singh was catapulted into political life at an early age of 18 when, in 1949, he was appointed regent by his father on the intervention of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. In 1967, Singh was inducted as a member of the Union cabinet headed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. At 36, he was the youngest person ever to become a central cabinet minister in India. Singh was for many years chancellor of the Jammu and Kashmir University, the Jawaharlal Nehru University and the Banaras Hindu University. He was also the only former ruler of a princely state to voluntarily surrender his privy purse. Singh has been Ambassador of India to the United States from 1989 to 1990. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, a high civilian award, by the president in 2005. He is an honorary Major General in the Indian Army. He is also an author, having written a number of books on political science and philosophy. He has also published poems in English. He has composed and recited devotional songs in his mother tongue, Dogri. In his travels across Jammu, this author found that in urban areas, most people cannot write in Dogri and are often hesitant to speak it. While a few take pride in their linguistic heritage, the majority do not actively engage with it. In contrast, rural communities remain much more connected to their culture and roots. There is a stronger sense of concern among them regarding the preservation and survival of the Dogri language. Below are excerpts from a conversation with Singh on the language. What is the status of the Dogri language in Jammu? When I toured both the cities and rural areas many years ago, Dogri could be heard everywhere, all the time. But over the years, I've observed that in urban areas, people have largely shifted to speaking Hindi or other local languages. However, in rural regions, Dogri is still very much alive. There, you'll find many people, both young and old, who not only speak the language fluently but can also write it. But you're right – even I have felt this decline. What's more disheartening is that many of those who do speak Dogri now speak a mixed version – an amalgamation of Dogri and Punjabi. It pains me deeply to see our mother tongue slowly fading away. Can you tell us about how Dogri language came to be recognised and what more needs to be done to keep it alive? The history of the Dogri language is both ancient and rich. Its renaissance began in modern times around the 1940s, when prominent figures like Dinu Bhai Pant, Shambhu Nath Sharma (who wrote the Ramayana in Dogri), Kishan Smailpuri, and Padma Sachdev made significant contributions to Dogri literature. During that time, our primary goal was to secure official recognition for the language by getting it included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution – an essential milestone for any language in India. Eventually, with the collective efforts of myself, other leading writers, and the members of the Dogri Sanstha, Dogri was officially included in the 8th Schedule in 2003. However, witnessing the current decline of the language, I strongly believe that the government must take concrete steps to safeguard it. One crucial initiative would be to incorporate Dogri into the academic curriculum. We can take inspiration from our neighbouring state of Punjab, where it is mandatory for students to study their mother tongue up to the 12th standard. Even if we cannot implement it up to the 12th grade right away, making Dogri compulsory at least till the 8th standard would be a significant step forward. Something is always better than nothing. Such a move would not only help preserve the language and culture but also create employment opportunities and encourage more people to study and engage with Dogri. What do you think are the major reasons for the decline of the language in Jammu? Before we point fingers at the government or administrative bodies, it is important to recognise that we ourselves are partly responsible for the decline of the language. I believe that the influence of modernity has led many people to drift away from their roots. However, if we look at regions like South India or states like Punjab, the mother tongue continues to play a vital role in people's daily lives. In those places, the native language is integrated into the academic curriculum, and public signage and hoardings are often written in the regional language. Unfortunately, such practices have not been effectively implemented in our region. If we start adopting these measures gradually, there is a strong possibility that the language can be revived. I also know many friends from rural areas where both they and their families speak and write Dogri fluently. This highlights another issue: the rural-urban divide. In cities, people tend to prefer English or Hindi, whereas in rural areas, people remain more connected to their linguistic roots. Another major reason for the decline is the lack of parental support. Many parents do not encourage their children to speak Dogri, and in fact, some even feel shy or hesitant to use their mother tongue. But if the language is not spoken at home, not taught in schools, and not valued in society, then it will eventually die out. What led you to write about Dogra culture and its heritage? The rich culture of the Jammu region has always been my source of inspiration to delve deeper into its essence and share its stories. Be it the lively festivals or the remarkable historic sites, Jammu region is full of unique charm which is worth documenting. My deep connection with my region and my regional language, and the historical legacy of the region has been a constant source of motivation in my work. I had already recognised the importance of preserving and promoting this heritage for the coming generations, and I did it through writing. To ensure that my work reached a broader audience, I chose Dogri, Hindi and English as my primary language of expression. Do youngster have any career opportunities in Dogri? Unfortunately, it is true that there are fewer career opportunities in the Dogri language compared to Hindi, Urdu, and English. Moreover, there is a generally discouraged mindset when it comes to Dogri. If the government takes the initiative to include Dogri in academics, especially at the school level, there could be a significant increase in both government and private job opportunities for our youth. However, in the absence of such policies, people currently see little potential in learning or pursuing a career in the Dogri language. What what you wan to tell the young? Language is not just a means of communication – it is, in fact, our identity. The youth are the future, and it is their responsibility to carry forward the legacy of our language. I appeal to the youth of Jammu to speak their mother tongue with confidence and without hesitation. Learn any language you wish to, be it English, Hindi, or any other, but do not forget to learn and cherish your own. If the youth can find time for so many other things, then why not spare some time to learn and preserve their own mother tongue? I still remember the time when Dogri was widely spoken and heard everywhere. What has changed now? We must bring back that pride. If Marathis speak Marathi, Punjabis speak Punjabi, and Malayalis speak Malayalam, then why shouldn't we speak Dogri? I sincerely urge the people of Jammu to take care of their mother tongue, because our history, heritage, and culture are deeply rooted in it. If we lose our language, we will also lose our culture. Rohan Qurashi is a third year student of political science at St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi.
NDTV
01-05-2025
- General
- NDTV
Jammu And Kashmir Class 10 Board Results 2025 Out, 80% Students Pass, Direct Link Here
JKBOSE 10th Result 2025: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has declared the Class 10 final exam results. Students can check their results on the board's official websites, and Additionally, the results will be available on the NDTV Education portal at This year, a total of 79.94% of students cleared the exam. Out of 1,45,671 students who appeared for the exam, 1,16,453 passed. The JKBOSE Class 10 final exams in sensitive areas were conducted from February 21 to March 3. The exams began with the additional/optional subjects (Arabic, Kashmiri, Dogri, Bhoti, Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, Persian, Sanskrit) and ended with the Painting/Art & Drawing papers. Steps To Check JKBOSE 10th Results: Visit the board's official websites: or Click on the 10th results page. Enter your login credentials and submit them. Your results will be displayed on your screen. For further details, students can visit the board's official website. JKBOSE 10th Results 2025: Girls Outperform Boys Girl students outperformed boys, with a passing percentage of 81.24%, while 78.74% of boys passed. The board had announced the Class 12 results on April 30.
Hindustan Times
30-04-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
JKBOSE 10th Result 2025 Live: Jammu and Kashmir 10th board results likely today
JKBOSE 10th Result 2025 Live: JKBOSE is expected to announce the Class 10th final exam results today on and JKBOSE 10th Result 2025 Live: Jammu and Kashmir 10th board results expected today JKBOSE 10th Result 2025 Live: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) is expected to announce the Class 10th final exam results today, April 30. Students can check it on and The board announced results for the 12th class earlier today. An official of JKBOSE said that the declaration of class 12th results will be followed by class 10th results as well. ...Read More "Class 12th results will be announced at 2 pm. We will also try to declare the class 10th results in the late evening. In case we couldn't declare class 10th result on the same day, then it will be declared on May 1," he said earlier today. The JK board Class 10 final exams in hard zone areas were held from February 21 to March 3, 2025. On the first exam day, students appeared for the additional/optional subject (Arabic/ Kashmiri/ Dogri/ BhotiPunjabi/Urdu/Hindi/Persian/Sanskrit) The exams ended with the Painting/ Art & Drawing paper. How to check JKBOSE 10th results? Go to or Open the 10th results page. Enter your login details. Submit and check the results. For further details, students can visit the board's official website. Follow all the updates here: Apr 30, 2025 4:48 PM IST JKBOSE 10th Result 2025 Live: When announced, students can check the JK board 10th results on these websites- and Apr 30, 2025 4:48 PM IST "Class 12th results will be announced at 2 pm. We will also try to declare the class 10th results in the late evening. In case we couldn't declare class 10th result on the same day, then it will be declared on May 1," a JKBOSE official said earlier today.
Hans India
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Pak on the verge of breaking up: RSS
New Delhi: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) senior leader Indresh Kumar strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, terming it 'shameful, disgusting, and insulting.' Speaking to ANI, he said, 'This is shameful, disgusting and insulting. There is no limit to brutality. Therefore, no amount of condemnation is enough, and those who are directly or indirectly involved in this should be taught a lesson. A voice should be raised in Jammu and Kashmir that we are Hindustani first, then we are Kashmiri, Dogri, Pandit, and Punjabi. We should give a befitting reply with this voice...' He further claimed that Pakistan is on the verge of disintegration, with regions like Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PoJK, and Punjab seeking independence. He stated that Pakistan's attempts to foster hatred against India will not prevent its collapse. 'Today, Pakistan is standing on the brink, and Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, POJK, and Punjab are demanding independence from it. Pakistan is standing on the brink of breaking up. They think that by creating hatred against India, they will save themselves but this is not possible...,' he said. Addressing a press conference, a senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader emphasised the need for a deep investigation into a recent terrorist incident where the attacker reportedly inquired about the victim's religion before striking. 'I'm not alone in saying terrorists have no religion--many share this view. However, in this case, the terrorists' actions raise questions about their motives, which must be thoroughly investigated,' he stated. Reflecting on decades of violence, the leader pointed out, 'Over the past 30-40 years, countless innocents have been killed. At their funerals, no one has recited Gurbani or the Geeta. If we truly believe terrorism has no religion, this principle must be consistently upheld.' He called for both Jammu & Kashmir and the rest of India to unequivocally disassociate from all forms of terrorism.
