Hope lives on

Umeed Abhi Baqi Hai, a riveting collection of dramas and features, was released by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, last month in Srinagar. The book aims to rekindle the hope that the right and timely action can bring about positive changes in the victims of evils like female feticide and extremism.

Besides advocating for the adoption of the Gandhian principle of non-violence to seek redress of grievances and demands, the author Bashir Ahmad Buch, also calls for applying a healing touch in order to rehabilitate the ravaged lives of the victims of terrorism.

On climate change which affects one and all, the author pitches for use of alternative sources of energy and environment-friendly technology to conserve nature. The book offers food for thought and prescribes certain ways and methods for a better future.     

The essence of the universe

The feature focuses on grave issues of female feticide and depriving education to the girl child, thus stopping her all-round growth. It offers an insight into the numerous challenges that the woman has to face right from her birth. Hence, it is a spontaneous tribute to a  girl child and an impetus to the Government of India’s Campaign, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.

Feel of the pain

The drama revolves around the themes of extremism, violence and non- violence. The writer skillfully explores the necessity of handling disillusioned youth who have succumbed to anti-social elements, with utmost care and the potential to alter their mindset through rehabilitative measures echoing the Gandhian principles of non-violence and truthfulness.

Words work wonders

The feature illustrates how a backward mindset can hinder the pursuit of justice for women, denying them opportunities for holistic growth and development. It identifies the factors contributing to an unjust and absurd divide between men and women, relegating women to a position of insignificance. Words work wonders emphasizes, in its unique way, that the progress of any society is intricately linked to the status of its women.

Close to nature

The feature emphasizes the age-old principle of simple living by advocating for the use of alternative sources of energy and environment-friendly technology. The feature emphasizes that the best way to preserve nature is to make people aware of it.

Let us pledge

The informative and educative dramatic presentation depicts the rural scenario and how the lives of people are changing with the introduction of MGNREGA and related schemes. The programme provides a comprehensive picture of the benefits of MGNREGA, educates about the Gandhian principles of rural development and highlights the importance of nationalism and nation building.

Human with lion’s heart

The drama lays stress on adopting the children of the innocent people who become victims of communal riots and terrorism, in order to change their mindset of vengeance through reformative measures like proper guidance and education. Sher Khan, a retired army officer is the model character who along with his friend (in neighborhood), namely Pradhan follow the norms of persuasion through education. After retirement both have attempt to work as social workers. These sentiments get impetus when the solitary son of Sher Khan is killed in a bomb blast during communal riots. The drama identifies the factors that promote communalism, hatred and peculiar gulf among different communities/sects.

Thirst and shelter

This promo focuses on the environmental issues with seriousness, but in a friendly and non-formal atmosphere, where parents and grandparents share their experiences with children. The purpose is to bring home the seriousness and the gravity of the situation we are facing today regarding environment.

To conclude, the book highlights nationalism, brotherhood, communal harmony, environmentalism, curbing social evils and issues like gender sensitivity in a dramatized script having a great influence for mass motivation.

By: Zakir Nazeer Malik, senior IIS officer