Shopian, May 21 (JKNS): J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi on Thursday said that strengthening cultural and spiritual ties with Kashmir’s rich legacy of Sufis and Rishis is essential for building a peaceful, progressive and crime-free society.
She was addressing the “Asluk Aalav” social transformation programme organised by Public Welfare Foundation Shopian, which focused on five major reformative agendas aimed at promoting social awareness, communal harmony and moral responsibility.
As per news agency JKNS, BJP General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul, Waqf Board Executive Officer for Shopian Javed Qadiri and political leader and social activist Arshid Bhat were also present during the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Andrabi described “Asluk Aalav” as an important public discourse and social transformation initiative being organised regularly across Kashmir to address key social challenges and shape a better future for society.
“Strengthening cultural and spiritual ties with our glorious past is necessary for creating a crime-free society. We belong to the sacred land of Sufis and Rishis, and reconnecting with their teachings of inclusiveness and harmony can protect society from divisive forces,” Dr Andrabi said.
She emphasized the need to guide the younger generation towards a holistic lifestyle based on peace, morality, harmony with nature and social responsibility.
“For a drug-free, violence-free and morally strong society, we must educate and guide our youth with positive values. Kashmir has suffered immensely due to hatred and violence in the past, and we cannot afford to allow divisive forces to weaken society again,” she added.
Addressing the gathering, Ashok Koul said the youth of Jammu and Kashmir must be prepared to face modern-day challenges with confidence, responsibility and positive thinking.
“Communal harmony, brotherhood and the spirit of social service are essential for building a peaceful society. We need to bridge social gaps and strengthen dialogue among communities for a progressive future,” Koul said.
He further stated that inter-community interaction and social discourse play an important role in maintaining peace and strengthening the social fabric.
Several religious scholars, social activists and civil society representatives also participated in the programme and shared their views on social reform, youth engagement and communal harmony.
Those present included Mufti Azmat Nizami, Hafiz Saleem, Molvi Peerzada Fayaz, Molvi Peerzada Tariq, Molvi Javid Iqbal, Public Welfare Foundation Chairman Peerzada Nisar Ahmad Shah, Secretary Farooq Ahmad Shah, General Secretary Fayaz Ahmad, Fruit Mandi Association President Shopian Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Retired Police Officers Association President Haji Ghulam Qadir Shah, Fruit Growers President Mohammad Rafiq Khan and Alamdaar Cold Storage President Aashiq Hussain. (JKNS)
