Prof. Sabeha Mufti assumes charge as the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kashmir. Currently serving as the Head of the Media Education Research Centre (MERC), Prof. Mufti brings with her rich academic experience, distinguished scholarship, and an extensive contribution to media studies and social science research.
Prof. Mufti holds a Ph.D. in Mass Communication & Journalism from the AJK Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia, and an M.Phil from University of Kashmir. Her academic work has largely focused on media research and media sociology, with significant contributions in areas such as media and representation of women, media and development in society, media audiences, and contemporary communication studies.
A distinguished scholar and academic, Prof. Mufti has published several research papers in reputed journals and has actively participated in numerous national and international conferences and seminars. Over the years, she has also guided and supervised a good number of M.Phil and Ph.D scholars, contributing immensely to research and academic mentorship in the field of media and social sciences.
The University fraternity extends heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Sabeha Mufti on assuming this important academic responsibility and wishes her continued success in strengthening teaching, research, and academic excellence in the Faculty of Social Sciences.
source: http://www.kashmirindepth.in / KINS Communication / Home> Breaking News> Kashmir / by Zainab Hamdani / May 23rd, 2026
Dr. Naila Majid has been selected for the IAUA Outstanding Ph.D. Thesis Research Award 2025 under the Social Sciences category.
Hailing from Hazratbal, Srinagar, Naila did her Ph.D. in Fisheries Extension from Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai in 2025 under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). She is currently working as assistant professor in Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Srinagar.
This prestigious recognition by the Indian Agricultural Universities Association (IAUA) highlights exceptional research contributions across key disciplines including Crop Sciences, Horticultural Sciences, Animal Sciences, Fisheries Sciences, Natural Resource Management, Agricultural Engineering, and Social Sciences.
Her achievement reflects dedication, innovation, and commitment to advancing knowledge that contributes to sustainable development and society.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Pride of the Nation> Awards / by Radiance News Bureau / May 23rd, 2026
Young writer, academician, and social commentator Faheem Ul Islam from Achan, Pulwama, has been honoured with the prestigious Rashtra Ratna Sahitya Puraskar 2026 by the Indian Literature and Arts Society for his remarkable contribution to literature and society.
Faheem Ul Islam, who holds academic qualifications from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has gained recognition for his literary works focusing on youth, society, education, and contemporary challenges. His writings reflect social awareness, intellectual depth, and a strong commitment towards positive change.
Apart from literature, he has also remained actively involved in educational and youth initiatives, media programs, and social awareness campaigns. His contribution as a writer, columnist, television host, and mentor has earned appreciation from various sections of society.
The award recognises his dedication to promoting literature and inspiring young minds through meaningful writing and public engagement. People from different walks of life have congratulated Faheem Ul Islam on this significant achievement and wished him continued success in his literary journey.
source: http://www.kashmirvision.in / Kashmir Vision / Home / by KV News / May 21st,2026
Meer Sehrish from Kupwara district of Jammu & Kashmir has brought pride to the Union Territory by clearing the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) examination and securing a place among the only 24 girls selected across India.
Her achievement is being hailed as a major milestone for the region and an inspiration for young girls aspiring to join the armed forces. Residents, teachers and local officials congratulated Meer Sehrish for her dedication and hard work in cracking one of the country’s most competitive defence entrance examinations.
The NDA examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is the gateway for entry into the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. Since the inclusion of women candidates in NDA, the competition among aspirants has remained extremely high.
Meer Sehrish’s success highlights the growing participation of girls from Jammu & Kashmir in national-level competitive examinations and defence services. People across Kupwara expressed hope that her accomplishment would motivate more students, especially from remote areas, to pursue careers in the armed forces.
Her selection is also being viewed as a positive sign of changing aspirations among the youth in Kashmir, where students are increasingly excelling in academics, sports and national competitive platforms.
source: http://www.kashmirahead.com / Kashmir Ahead / Home / by News Desk Kashmir Ahead / May 09th, 2026
His 60 wickets led J&K to its maiden Ranji Trophy triumph
AUQIB NABI’S SINGLE-season journey from a largely unknown cricketer outside of Jammu & Kashmir to the toast of the Indian cricketing fraternity, after having led his state to their maiden Ranji Trophy with the ball, is the kind of feat that makes followers of the sport believe in fairytales.
But make no mistake, the 29-year-old fast bowler’s wider arc of becoming a professional cricketer of repute from the Valley is no miracle.
For, Nabi’s phenomenal rise is steeped in hard work, single-minded dedication to his passion despite his father, a middle-school teacher in Baramulla, being dead-set against his choice and a whole lot of belief, given that J&K had no real cricket-infrastructure to speak of when Nabi took up the sport over a decade ago.
Nabi managed to raise some eyebrows with 44 wickets in the previous first-class season (2024-25), but has all but kicked the door to the Indian team down with 60 wickets in 2025-26—the most by any bowler in this Ranji Trophy edition.
He picked them in great bunches, with eight five-wicket hauls studding his tally, including one in the final in Hubballi, the backyard of the favourites, Karnataka.
Far from being intimidated, Nabi ended up counting among his scalps the wickets of KL Rahul, centurion Mayank Agarwal and Karun Nair for nought—all three of whom have or continue to represent India in Test cricket, the ultimate stage and format in the sport that Nabi now seems destined for.
source: http://www.openthemagazine.com / OPEN / Home> Sports / by Aditya Iyer / March 06th, 2026
Enso Wellness – A Platform for Mental and Emotional Health of Bangalore has been awarded the best online platform by International Business Awards 2022-2023.
Mental and emotional health needs and deserves more and more recognition in today’s era to remove the stigma attached to it, says Arouba Kabir Founder, Enso Wellness.
Born in Kashmir, Arouba Kabir setup her organisation in Gurgaon in 2015 with an aim to spread more awareness and become a one-stop solution for those who have been struggling with the issues and challenges of emotional and mental health.
“Pandemic changed the definition and made it globally possible for people to ask for help by using online platforms keeping their identity anonymous as reaching out to a mental health professional is still a stigma,” Arouba said.
Her organization is known for hosting many online series- like Stand up to Stigma, One-minute Mental Health, Ask the Doctor with eminent personalities from across the globe and conducts various online and offline workshops for Kashmiris in the last five years.
“Mental health is as important as physical health-one definitely impacts the other. We need to start talking about mental health as we do talk about physical health and make it normal for people to reach out for help when they need it.”
“And if you want to see the change, we have to be the change, so talking about your emotions, challenges, struggles and visiting a professional definitely does help make it normal,” she said.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by ATV, posted by Nakul Shivani / December 13th, 2022
In a land shaped by upheaval—where countless dreams were long overshadowed in remote corners—a silent revolution is underway. Far from the spotlight, a group of remarkable individuals is reshaping the social fabric of Kashmir. They are quietly overcoming obstacles, challenging norms, and inspiring countless others with their unwavering commitment to progress.
Sakeena Akhtar
Sakeena Akhtar is a trailblazer who has shattered deep-rooted gender norms in Kashmir, where women in sports—particularly cricket—have historically faced stigma and exclusion. From being the only girl playing cricket in the narrow lanes of Munawarabad to becoming India’s first female National Cricket Coach from Jammu and Kashmir, her journey is a powerful testament to resilience, courage, and transformation.
Seerat Tariq
At just 19, Seerat Tariq has turned her personal journey of artistic expression into a movement for empowerment and cultural revival. With national records and international accolades to her name, she uses her platform to amplify the voices of others—especially young women in conflict zones—helping them discover their strength and creativity through art.
Shabnam Kausar
In a conflict-ridden region, Shabnam Kausar stands as a beacon of purpose-driven leadership. Starting with just four students and no infrastructure, she transformed the Army Goodwill School in Bandipora into a nationally recognized educational institution. Her story exemplifies the transformative power of education, vision, and resilience.
Suhail Saeed Lone
Born in Bandipora and scarred by the violence of militancy, Suhail Saeed Lone could have succumbed to disillusionment. Instead, he channeled his trauma into storytelling through cinema. Now working in Mumbai’s film industry, he uses the medium to share narratives of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism, turning pain into powerful, purposeful expression.
Sarwar Bulbul
Sarwar Bulbul is preserving and redefining Kashmir’s spiritual and cultural legacy through the timeless medium of music. As a celebrated Naat Khwan and founder of the Bulbul Academy of Performing Arts (BAPA) in rural Rafabad, he mentors underprivileged youth in Kashmiri classical, Sufi, and devotional music—ensuring that age-old traditions are passed on with reverence and relevance.
Irtiqa Ayoub
Irtiqa Ayoub is changing the game—literally—for women in Kashmir. As the region’s youngest Rugby Development Officer, she challenges patriarchal norms in a male-dominated sport. Her work promotes empowerment, equality, and confidence among young women, showing that sports can be a powerful platform for social change.
Anissa Nabi
Anissa Nabi seamlessly fuses public service with personal passion. As a JKAS officer and Chief Sports Officer, she champions grassroots sports development across Jammu and Kashmir. A marathoner and fitness advocate, she founded the Wondrous Women community and serves as an ambassador for the Fit India Movement—proving that leadership thrives on action, inclusivity, and inspiration.
Ghulam Nabi Tantray
Ghulam has launched educational institutions such as a B.Ed. college in Bandipora and the Doon International School in Jammu to mentoring rising sports stars like Tajamul Islam, Ghulam Nabi Tantray has made community empowerment his life’s mission. In times of crisis, he has stepped up with compassion and aid. Despite accolades at the national and international levels, he remains deeply rooted in his community—proving that true leadership begins with purpose, not position.
Mohammad Hafeez Furqanabadi
Mohammad Hafeez Furqanabadi has dedicated his life to transforming society through education and compassion. In an environment where girls’ education was often discouraged, he visited homes personally to shift mindsets and advocate for equality. As a teacher and founder of a charitable trust, he has provided free education and resources to countless underprivileged children—regardless of religion or background—promoting communal harmony and opportunity.
Wajahat Farooq Bhat
Once a stone-pelting teenager driven by rage and radical ideologies, Wajahat Farooq Bhat’s life took a transformative turn after an unexpected encounter with SSP Imtiyaz Hussain in Baramulla in 2018. As a young man from Sheeri village near Baramulla, Wajahat grew up amid narratives of jihad, revenge, and martyrdom, reinforced by mosque sermons and community glorification of violence. However, a deeply personal moment, witnessing the hypocrisy of a local cleric, and later, a heart-to-heart with the soft-spoken SSP during his NCC stint, triggered his awakening. Imtiyaz’s message. Today, he leads Jammu and Kashmir Save Youth Save Future, a grassroots organisation that has helped deradicalise over 3,000 Kashmiri youth. Wajahat aspires to take his mission global, to inspire hope where despair once reigned.
These changemakers may not often make headlines, but their impact is undeniable. Through courage, creativity, and conviction, they are not only rewriting narratives in Kashmir but also illuminating a path for others to follow. Their stories are a reminder that even in the most challenging environments, transformation is possible—quietly, steadily, and powerfully. In the days to come Awaz-The Voice will bring their detailed stories for our readers.
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by ATV, posted by Aasha Khosa / June 22nd, 2025
Team India -Zahoor Ahmed Lone, Suhail Mohammad Khan, Mridul Upadhyay with their snow sculpture
New Delhi :
For a second time, Team India has won a bronze medal and the People’s Choice Award in the international snow sculpture championship held in Colorado, USA.
The Indian team was led by the Kashmir-born Zahoor Ahmed Lone and comprised Suhail Mohammad Khan, Mridul Upadhyay, and Matt Seeley (USA).
While Lone belongs to Singhpora Pattan, Baramulla, Khan is a specially-abled person and also belongs to Kashmir.
The organisers of the International Snow Sculpture Championship shared this visual of the competition on their website:
Breaking psychological barriers about India being a “hot country” and unfit for snow sports or arts, young Indians from “snow states” and others are gradually leaving their mark on snow art. Snow art has been associated with affluent First World Western European, Scandinavian & North American countries.
Team India’s 16 ft tall piece, “Corn: The Ultimate Domesticator — Who is truly in control?”, reimagines human history with humour and depth.
It’s inspired by Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens. The artists explored the idea that while humans believe they domesticated corn, perhaps corn—or crops—have been domesticating us, shaping our agriculture, diets, and landscapes for centuries.
The venue of the International Sculpting Championship
The sculpture invited audiences to reflect on the relationship between nature and humanity, sparking both curiosity and laughter among visitors and judges alike
The four-member Indian team, led by Suhail Mohammad Khan, worked tirelessly for four days in freezing temperatures ranging from -25°C to -35°C.
This marks Team Snow India becoming the first South Asian country to participate and win, a second time, an international medal in snow sculpting.
“Winning both the jury’s and the people’s awards is truly special. Every flake of snow here tells a story—of teamwork, passion, and India’s creative spirit,” said Mridul Upadhyay from Team Snow India, told the media.
Zahoor Ahmad Lone said that despite the challenging weather conditions and time constraints, Team India’s sculpture impressed the judges and spectators alike with its elegance and precision. The 5-judge panel took more than 6 hours to evaluate 12 snow sculptures.
India ranked third, while Korea secured first and Mongolia second, amongst teams like the US, Finland, Canada, Argentina, and Turkey.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for Indian snow sculpting, showcasing the country’s talent and creativity globally.
The competition, held in Breckenridge, Colorado, featured 12 teams from around the world, including the US, Germany, Mexico, Finland, Canada, Mongolia, South Korea, Argentina, and Turkey.
Teams from Argentina, Germany, Finland, India, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea, Ukraine, USA – Breckenridge, and USA – Vermont participated in the championship.
The first prize – a gold – was won by Team Republic of Korea for their work “Beauty Beyond Difference: Harmony of Coexistence”.
Team Magnolia won a Silver for “Lassoing Time”
source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Aasha Khosa / February 01st, 2026
Kaprin Village (Shopian District), JAMMU & KASHMIR :
Shafi Shauq (Kashmiri poet and academic)
Srinagar :
Eminent Kashmiri scholar, poet, linguist and translator Prof Shafi Shauq has been named among the recipients of the Padma Shri Award 2026, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to education and literature. The award places Shauq at the forefront of this year’s honourees from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, marking a major national acknowledgement of his lifelong work in preserving and enriching the Kashmiri language and its literary heritage.
Born in 1950 in Kaprin village of Shopian district, Shafi Shauq is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative voices in Kashmiri studies. Over a distinguished academic career spanning more than three decades at the University of Kashmir, he authored, edited and translated over 100 books across Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi and English. His seminal works—including Keeshur Lugaat (Kashmiri Dictionary), Keeshryuk Grammar, and Kaeshir Zaban ti Adibuk Tawaariekh (History of the Kashmiri Language and Literature), are considered foundational texts and remain indispensable to scholars, students and researchers.
The Padma Shri citation recognises not only Shauq’s scholarly output but also his role as a cultural custodian who ensured that Kashmir’s rich Sufi, poetic and intellectual traditions reached both national and international audiences. His celebrated series The Best of Kashmiri Literature, featuring iconic mystic-poets such as Lal Ded and Nund Reshi, played a crucial role in preserving and popularising Kashmir’s spiritual and literary canon beyond linguistic boundaries.
Alongside Prof Shafi Shauq, the Government of India has also announced Brij Lal Bhat (Social Work, Jammu and Kashmir) and Dr Padma Gurmeet (Medicine, Ladakh) as Padma Shri awardees for 2026, recognising exemplary service in their respective fields. However, Shauq’s inclusion has drawn particular attention in literary and academic circles, being seen as a long-overdue national honour for a scholar who devoted his life to safeguarding the linguistic soul of Kashmir.
Social worker Brij Lal Bhat has been conferred the Padma Shri 2026 for his sustained and wide-ranging contributions to social service. Known for his grassroots engagement, Bhat has worked extensively to strengthen spiritual and community institutions through yoga shiksha shivirs, spiritual retreats and Bhandara Seva. He has actively promoted social cohesion and communal harmony by organising inclusive festivals and community programmes, while also contributing to rural development by reclaiming barren land for apple and walnut orchards. His work is widely recognised for combining social service with spiritual outreach and environmental stewardship.
In addition to Shauq and Bhat, Dr Padma Gurmeet of Ladakh has been named a Padma Shri awardee in the field of medicine, underscoring the diverse range of contributions from the region honoured in 2026.
source: http://www.kashmirlife.net / Kashmir Life / Home> Kashmir Latest News / by KL News Network / January 25th, 2026
Muslim students have made a strong mark in this year’s Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student union elections, with Danish Ali, Hafsa Bukhari, and Mohammad Aslam among the winners. The elections saw the Left alliance secure all four top posts, defeating the ABVP. Aditi Mishra was elected President, K Gopika Babu as Vice President, Sunil Yadav as General Secretary, and Danish Ali as Joint Secretary.
Danish Ali, a research scholar at the Centre for Historical Studies, defeated ABVP’s Anuj to win the Joint Secretary seat. Coming from Narsinghpur, Madhya Pradesh, Danish belongs to a family of educators. She was active in student mobilisations during the 2019 CAA protests and said her victory belongs to all students who value justice and democratic rights.
Hafsa Bukhari from Poonch, known for her hijab-wearing identity, also won a councilor seat. Her election is seen as a step forward for women’s representation and Muslim inclusion on campus. Alongside her, Mohammad Aslam, a visually impaired PhD scholar from Bihar, earned a councilor position. Despite his challenges, Aslam has consistently spoken up for equality, disability rights, and social justice.
Faculty members at JNU described their wins as a reflection of courage, resilience, and commitment to equality. Students across the university have welcomed the outcome, seeing it as a mandate for inclusivity and democratic engagement.
source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / November 08th, 2025
