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Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Kashmir rail link: ‘For us it's not just a moment of pride but a historical event'
More than five decades ago, an assembly member from Baramulla, Peer Shamus u din, had raised a question in the assembly seeking efforts for a direct railway link between Baramulla and the rest of the country. Today, his son, who is in early 60s, has seen his dream being fulfilled after Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first Vande Bharat Express connecting Katra and Srinagar. With this Kashmir has now all-weather Railway connectivity with the rest of the country. Not only the government, political leaders, business community, and even the common man termed this as a historical event. 'My father was an assembly member from Baramulla (1965 to 1971). He had raised this question in the then legislative assembly that Baramulla and Srinagar should get a train connectivity with the rest of the country. That time it looked like an impossible thing. But today when PM Modi flagged off the train from Katra, I saw the dream of my father and many Kashmiris being turned into a reality. For us it's not just a moment of pride but a historical event,' said Peer Jalaludin, former Baramulla mayor and a senior PDP leader. A senior government officer, Shabir Ahmad, who boarded the first train, said everybody who was in the train couldn't hide their emotions. 'All praised the country's leadership for accomplishing this great task despite many impediments. Now Kashmir will have all-weather train connectivity with the rest of the country,' he said. Shazia Akthar, a women entrepreneur, termed the railway connectivity a biggest gift from the Government of India. 'This will help all the sectors in Kashmir whether it's tourism, handicrafts or horticulture. It could be a gamechanger in future,' she said. On Thursday, J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah had termed this a landmark day for J&K. 'Tomorrow is a landmark day for J&K when, finally, the valley will be connected to the rest of the country by a railway link to be inaugurated at the hands of the PM,' he wrote on X while posting breathtaking pictures of railwayline on social media. Nayeem Showkat, former assistant professor at central university, who is currently doing post doctorate fellowship at Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi, this train has been a major development in the region's communication landscape. 'As a communication student, I have always considered the train to be a foundational medium of mass communication and connectivity,' he added. Leaders all praise for the move Former J&K chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti welcomed the launch of Vande Bharat Express. 'This long-awaited step promises ease for commuters and boosts connectivity in our region,' she said. Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari, who is also a prominent businessman of J&K, termed the inauguration of the Vande Bharat train by the Prime Minister a historic milestone and the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream. 'This train service from Katra to Srinagar will not only reduce travel time by several hours but also ensure all-weather connectivity for Kashmir with the rest of the country for the first time. This improved connectivity is a big step towards progress and economic growth. I extend warm greetings to the people of Kashmir and take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Government of India for turning this uphill task and long-cherished dream into reality,' he said. Fruit growers upbeat The Valleys fruit industry which contributes to 8% of J&K's GDP are upbeat on the all-weather connectivity via railway from Srinagar to the rest of the country and termed the decision as a historic and transformative moment. 'This new railway segment will reduce the travel time and enhance all-weather connectivity, besides providing safe, economical and efficient mode of transport for all,' said Bashir Ahmad Bashir of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Association. 'We want the introduction of a separate train from Delhi to Srinagar and a goods train which could boost the economy of UT.' The government also in a message termed it a big moment for Jammu & Kashmir and India's infrastructure journey. 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicates the world's highest railway arch bridge, the Chenab Bridge to the nation. This engineering marvel, taller than the Eiffel Tower, is part of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link that connects Kashmir to the rest of India year-round. With the launch of Vande Bharat trains to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and Srinagar, this project boosts tourism, trade and opportunities for youth. From 36 tunnels to 943 bridges, this is India's boldest step yet in transforming connectivity in the Himalayas,' the message released on social media and local newspapers read.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
SASTRA conducts national conference on diabetes, Parkinson's disease
Trichy: SASTRA University conducted a national conference on 'Mantras and Medicine: Managing Diabetes with Parkinson's Disease (M3DPD-2025)', by bringing traditional knowledge systems and modern medical research together to address the growing challenges of diabetes and Parkinson's disease (PD). The event, held in association with the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) on Wednesday, focused on exploring the therapeutic potential of vedic chanting , siddha medicine , and herbal interventions like costus igneus (commonly known as the insulin plant), alongside advancements in biomedical diagnostics and artificial intelligence. Ramachandra G Bhat, vedic scholar and former vice-chancellor of S-VYASA University, Bengaluru in his inaugural speech emphasized the relevance of veda-based therapies and ecological healing for chronic illnesses, especially neurological and metabolic conditions. S Venugopalan, professor, department of Oriental Studies and Research, SASTRA University, underlined the necessity of integrating scriptural wisdom with evidence-based medicine for holistic well-being. More than 50 scholarly papers were presented, ranging from ethnobotanical studies, cell line research, clinical trial methodologies, and philosophical perspectives on healing, involving researchers from India and abroad. As part of the initiative, blood screening camps were already conducted in rural parts of Tamil Nadu, identifying over 42 patients with diabetes and Parkinson's for clinical study.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
AU experts to study impact of screen time on youngsters in state
1 2 Prayagraj: In an era dominated by smartphones, tablets and digital platforms, experts from Allahabad University are now focusing on the growing concerns over screen addiction among youngsters. The department of Psychology is spearheading a ground-breaking two-year research project aimed at studying the impact of screen time on the overall well-being of young adults in state. The study, led by Assistant Professor at the department, Manikandaprabu M, is backed by an Rs 18 lakh grant from the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi. Spanning from April 2025 to March 2027, the research will engage an estimated 1,100 participants from prominent educational cities such as Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, and Noida. These urban centres are considered educational hubs and represent diverse socio-cultural backgrounds, making them ideal for conducting a comprehensive study on youth behaviour and digital consumption patterns. The objective of the study is to explore both the detrimental and beneficial effects of screen time on physical, mental and social health. A random controlled intervention (methodolgy) will be used, making to understand the nuances of digital device usage among Indian youth. The intervention will be customised to identify risk factors, highlight potential benefits, and develop strategies for more mindful and productive use of digital technology. "Screen time has become an integral part of our daily lives, but we are still unravelling how it shapes our psychological and social experiences," said Manikandaprabu. "Through this study, we aim to offer science-backed insights and practical recommendations to help young adults strike a healthier balance in their digital habits," he added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scarlett Johansson, 40, Shows Off Her Real Size In A New Vacation Photos 33 Bridges Undo Aman Singh, a PhD scholar of the same department, emphasised that the solution is not to reject technology, but to learn how to coexist with it in a healthy manner. He added that good sleep, regular physical activity and active social engagement can serve as protective factors against the harmful effects of excessive screen use. "Previous research in the field reflects a mixed understanding. Studies by scholars such as Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez and Andrew K. Przybylski show that moderate use of digital devices can enhance certain cognitive functions like decision-making, planning, and working memory. However, excessive screen time is widely associated with negative outcomes including depression, anxiety, reduced attention span, poor memory, and low self-esteem, as supported by findings from researchers like Mohd Sheikh Saleem and Jean M. Twenge", says Aman Singh. The research team plans to collaborate with local universities and community organisations, facilitating greater reach and deeper community engagement. Once completed, the findings will be shared through academic journals, conferences, and public awareness campaigns to influence educational and public health policies on responsible technology use.
