Doda, February 1:

In a commendable initiative to promote environmental awareness, the District Administration Doda has transformed public spaces into powerful platforms for social messaging through creative wall paintings. These murals, installed at prominent locations in the town, convey strong messages on water conservation, environmental protection, and collective responsibility towards nature.

The paintings recently gained wide attention on social media after the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Doda, Shri Sandeep Mehta, shared the images on his official platforms along with a strong message. He wrote: “If you fail to safeguard 🌲 them… you will have to search for a drop of water in coming days. Message on the walls of Doda. Nice initiative @DodaAdmin.” His post further amplified the reach of the initiative and encouraged public discussion on environmental responsibility.

One of the paintings depicts a young girl collecting a precious drop of water from a tap, along with images of birds and flowing water. This artwork highlights the growing importance of saving every drop of water and respecting natural resources. It reminds people that water is the foundation of life and that careless usage today may lead to serious shortages in the future.

Another striking mural presents a large tree emerging from human hands, symbolizing care, protection, and shared responsibility. The painting reflects the idea that the future of greenery and ecological balance depends entirely on human actions. It conveys that when people nurture nature, it thrives and continues to support life for generations.

Together, these paintings form a strong narrative about the interconnection between water, trees, wildlife, and human life. They emphasize that environmental protection is not limited to government policies but begins with individual awareness and daily actions.

Residents have welcomed this initiative and expressed appreciation for the administration’s innovative approach. Many citizens feel that such visual messages are more effective than conventional awareness campaigns, as they leave a lasting impact, especially on children and youth.

Apart from spreading awareness, the murals have also enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the town, making public spaces more vibrant and meaningful. The initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to sustainable development, cleanliness, and environmental consciousness.

By blending art with social responsibility, the District Administration Doda has set a positive example of how creative expression can inspire change. With support and appreciation from senior officials and the public alike, these wall paintings stand as a reminder that protecting water, trees, and nature is a shared duty and the key to ensuring a cleaner, greener, and healthier future for Doda.

Bhaderwah, Doda:

Dr. Tahir Rufayee, National Chairman of the National Foundation For Journalism And Media (NFJM), today visited various snow-bound areas of Sub-Divisional Bhaderwah, including Nalthi, Sartingal, Thanthera, and adjoining regions, to assess ground realities and interact with local residents regarding the availability of basic facilities and essential services during the ongoing winter season.

During the visit, Dr. Rufayee held detailed interactions with the local population and reviewed the functioning of public services, particularly snow clearance operations, road connectivity, power supply, and emergency response mechanisms. He also gathered first-hand feedback from residents on administrative support during harsh weather conditions.

The locals expressed their satisfaction and appreciation for the prompt and coordinated efforts of the District Administration in ensuring timely assistance and minimizing inconvenience during heavy snowfall. They acknowledged the continuous support extended by the administration, which has played a vital role in maintaining normalcy in remote and snow-bound areas.

Dr. Rufayee also visited the upper reaches of Bhaderwah, where he further engaged with community members and assessed the challenges faced by people living in difficult terrain. The residents reiterated their confidence in the administrative machinery and praised the proactive measures taken to ensure public safety and welfare in extreme weather conditions.

On the occasion, Dr. Rufayee emphasized the importance of responsive governance, effective coordination, and responsible journalism in highlighting public concerns and administrative initiatives. He stated that the National Foundation for Journalism and Media remains committed to strengthening the bridge between citizens, media, and administration for transparent and accountable development.

He commended the District Administration for its dedication and professionalism in managing winter-related challenges and stressed the need for sustained efforts to improve infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and emergency response systems.

Dr. Rufayee assured the residents that their concerns, suggestions, and feedback would be conveyed to the concerned authorities and followed up through appropriate platforms to ensure further improvement in public service delivery.

Doda Jan. 31:- In a significant milestone for healthcare in the Chenab Valley, the Department of *General Surgery at Government Medical College (GMC) Doda* has successfully performed its first-ever Advanced Minimal Access Surgery for carcinoma rectum. The complex procedure, known as Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection (LAR), was conducted on a 73-year-old male patient, marking a major advancement in cancer care services in the region.

The patient, diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer, had earlier undergone neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy at GMC Jammu and was subsequently advised definitive surgical management. Being a resident of a far-flung area of District Doda, the patient chose to undergo surgery at his local institution, GMC Doda.

After detailed evaluation by Dr Sajan Bijyal, Surgical Oncologist, Department of General Surgery, the surgery was successfully performed by Dr Sajan Bijyal and his team, which included Dr Peeyush, OT technicians Mr Nadeem and Mr Kamran, with critical support from the Anaesthesia team led by Dr Shafiq and Dr Guddi Devi.

The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and was discharged in a stable condition with advice for regular follow-up.

While speaking Dr Sajan Bijyal stated that such advanced laparoscopic colorectal surgeries are usually confined to well-established tertiary care centres equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and high surgical expertise. The successful execution of this complex procedure at GMC Doda represents a major leap in bringing advanced surgical care to the doorsteps of the rural population of the Chenab Valley, significantly reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for specialized treatment.

Dr Bijyal further acknowledged the guidance and support of Principal GMC Doda, Dr Rakesh Bahl, stating that the institution is steadily developing the capacity to provide comprehensive and modern cancer care, which is a matter of pride for the entire region.

The initiative taken by Dr Sajan Bijyal and his team, despite limited infrastructure, has been widely appreciated by the public and stands as a testament to the growing capabilities of GMC Doda in delivering advanced healthcare services.

Doda 30 January :— Dr. Tahir Rufayee, National Chairman of the National Foundation for Journalism and Media, today visited the Amrit Sarovar / Martyrs Memorial at Masri Village to pay rich tributes to the brave sons of the soil who laid down their lives for the nation.

During the visit, Dr. Rufayee offered floral tributes and observed a moment of silence in memory of the martyrs, expressing deep respect for their supreme sacrifice in the service of the country. He stated that the nation will always remain indebted to its martyrs and their families for their courage and dedication.

Later, Dr. Rufayee visited the families of Martyr Niaz Ahmed and Martyr Siraj Uddin at Village Pranoo. He met the family members, expressed heartfelt condolences, and conveyed solidarity on behalf of the National Foundation for Journalism and Media. He assured them of continued moral and institutional support and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to stand with the families of martyrs at all times.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Tahir Rufayee said that the sacrifices of Martyr Niaz Ahmed and Martyr Siraj Uddin will continue to inspire generations. He emphasized the importance of preserving their legacy and ensuring that their contribution to the nation is remembered with honor and dignity.

He further highlighted the role of ethical and responsible journalism in keeping alive the stories of bravery, patriotism, and sacrifice, and called upon media professionals to promote such narratives that strengthen national unity and social harmony.

The visit reflects the National Foundation for Journalism and Media’s ongoing commitment to honoring national heroes, supporting their families, and promoting the values of patriotism, integrity, and social responsibility.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday paid rich tributes to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on his Punyatithi, describing him as a living guide for the modern world and underscoring the continued relevance of his principles of non-violence, truth and self-reliance.

Speaking at a solemn event organised by the Gandhi Global Family, J&K, the Lieutenant Governor said Gandhian philosophy remains essential in addressing present-day global challenges and bridging social and ideological divides.

“I believe that Bapu is a living guide for today’s world. His philosophy of non-violence, truth, and self-reliance proves as essential today as during India’s independence struggle, providing timeless wisdom for navigating contemporary crises and bridging divides that threaten global society’s collective future,” Sinha said.

He also paid homage to all martyrs and freedom fighters on Martyrs’ Day, recalling their sacrifice and dedication to the nation. A two-minute silence was observed during the event as a mark of respect.

Highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s aspiration for peace, the Lieutenant Governor said Gandhian ideals have guided generations and continue to offer strength and direction amid rapid global changes and emerging challenges. He noted that meaningful change requires not just strength but character and sustained effort, as demonstrated by Mahatma Gandhi’s life and work.

Sinha elaborated on Gandhi’s vision of a resilient, peaceful and inclusive society built on dignity, equality, justice and welfare of the marginalised, as well as the rights of women and youth. He urged the younger generation to see non-violence as a form of supreme courage rather than weakness, stressing that Gandhi’s path of Satyagraha showed how moral force can bring transformative change.

He said Gandhian values such as dialogue over vengeance, compassion over anger and understanding over confrontation are crucial for building a united and harmonious society. Expressing confidence in these principles, he said hope in times of global despair would emerge from Gandhian thought.

The Lieutenant Governor also noted that Gandhi Jayanti celebrations in J&K over the past six years have had a transformational social impact, reflected in mass participation in programmes like Tiranga Yatra, Har Ghar Tiranga and Vande Mataram. He called upon citizens to take a collective pledge for an “Ujjawal Jammu Kashmir” and an “Ujjawal Bharat.”

During the event, Sinha honoured next of kin of martyrs, family members of late Dr Raj Kumar Thapa, and civilians who lost their lives due to unprovoked firing by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. School students were conferred with the Shanti Doot Puraskar for promoting Gandhian values, while officials from the civil administration, J&K Police and security forces received the Rashtriya Sewa Puraskar.

The commemorative programme was attended by public representatives, senior civil and police officials, army officers, ex-servicemen, families of martyrs, and a large number of citizens and youth.