A Call for Pragmatism: Rethinking Tobacco Harm Reduction on the Global Stage

In the quest to liberate the world from the shackles of smoking, it’s evident that a one-size-fits-all approach falls short. This realization must extend to the very institution that aims to lead the charge – the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Two decades ago, the WHO unveiled the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, envisioning a universal solution to combat smoking’s scourge. Yet, today, over a billion people still smoke worldwide, and the WHO’s stringent stance on alternative opt...

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Is Social Media Making Us Less Social?

“Social media is a tool for building relationships, but it’s not a substitute for real-world interaction.” – Sherry Turkle, author of “Alone Together”

Social media has become an integral part of our lives. We use it to stay connected with friends and family, to share our thoughts and experiences, and to learn about the world around us. But what is the impact of social media on our mental health? There is some evidence to suggest that social media can have a negative impact on mental heal...

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Stepping Beyond Ladakh: Exploring the Transformative Power of Studying

“Nobody can discover the world for somebody else. Only when we discover it for ourselves does it
become common ground and a common bond and we cease to be alone.” – Wendell Berr
y
Today in this contemporary world education is the only tool to any society to which can be used to
change the world, from cradle to grave we learn a new subject each and every day. Education isn’t
about how well we can read and write; it’s about how well we can interact with and comprehend the
outside world.

A qualit...

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THIKSEY MONASTERY, LADAKH: A Must-Visit Destination

Thiksey Monastery is one of Ladakh’s most beautiful and largest Buddhist monasteries. It is affiliated with the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism. Due to its unique setting on a hilltop with surrounding snow-clad mountains, it affords breathtakingly gorgeous views of vast landscapes. The colourful built forms in red, yellow ochre, and white, with a fusion of traditional and contemporary architecture and craftsmanship, are the vital aspects of its beauty.

The Thiksey Monastery is in Thiksey...

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THE MORAL SCHOOLING AND THE TECHNO SCHOOLING

The schooling system in our society has undergone tremendous changes. When we compare the older, traditional schooling system to the modern schooling system, which incorporates technological aspects (referred to as the Techno School), many argue that the traditional system, often referred to as the moral school, was better.

The moral school emphasizes moral values and sentiments. Teachers in these schools focus on fostering students’ moral character, and classes are conducted through live...

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SECMOL School, Leh, Represents Himalayan Region in ‘New Indian Architecture’

SECMOL School building in Leh, Ladakh, represents the entire Himalayan Region in a recently published book, “NEW INDIAN ARCHITECTURE: 1947-2020.” This elaborate treatise is a prestigious Indian architecture publication in the post-Independence era which features more than one hundred architectural marvels. These are spread over a vast area of the subcontinent from Leh in the north to Madurai in the south (3600km), and Kolkata in the east to Gandhinagar in the west (2000km). Conceived and bui...

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اسلام اور انسانیت کی بقاء ہے کربلا

در نوائے زندگی سوز از حسینؑ
اہلِ حق حریت آموز از حسینؑ
(اقبالؒ)

انسانی تاریخ میںان گنت تحریکوں نے جنم لیا بہت سے انقلابات رونما ہوئے۔ لیکن کسی ایک تحریک اور انقلاب کو عاشورہ جتنی دائمی اور لافانی حیثیت حاصل نہیں ہوئی۔تاریخ کا یہ پہلا انقلاب ہے جس میں تلوار پر خون فاتح ہوا،اور لاکھوں یزیدی افواج کے مقابلے میں حزب اللہِ کربلا کے 72جوانوں نےایسا عظیم کارنامہ انجام دیا جس کی تاریخ نہ ابتدائے آفرینش سے ملی نہ فنائے دنیا تک مل سکتی ہے۔ چودہ سوسال گزر جانے کے باوجود بھی کربلائی انقلاب ایساتروتازہ ...

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From Housewife to Entrepreneur: The Inspiring Journey of “Lakhpati Didi” in Kargil

Fatima Banoo, a resident of the border village of Latoo in Kargil district, has earned herself the title of “Lakhpati Didi”; thanks to her successful venture which is a Self-Help Group. Despite having no formal education, Fatima has not only become a successful entrepreneur but also emerged as an inspiration for women in the Kargil district. Her story represents a shining example of women’s entrepreneurship in Kargil, where the Ladakh Rural Livelihood Mission (LRLM) is making significant cha...

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200-Year-Old Gyab-Thago Mud Heritage Home, Ladakh Revisited

“So much of our future lies in preserving the past.” – Peter Westbrook.

It is assumed that concrete buildings have a life of 100 years, but strangely mud and timber houses can last for more than 200 years. It has been proved right by the Gyab-Thago Heritage Home, Ladakh, which has lived for more than 200 years. This mud-and-timber house is in Stok village, about 17 km southeast of Leh town in Ladakh, India. The Stok village is situated in the Indus Valley and has an altitude of 3497 m (11...

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Lookmik: The Alpine Medicinal Plant of Kargil with Therapeutic Potential

During a recent picnic excursion to Sapi village in Kargil, I had the delightful opportunity to capture photographs of a captivating plant adorned with fuzzy and stout “petals” that strikingly resembled a lion’s paw. Intrigued by its unique appearance, I was eager to learn more about this remarkable plant. It was during this journey that Haji Hussain Pashkumpa, a knowledgeable companion shared with me that this plant holds the esteemed status of being the national symbol of Austria. This rev...

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