Calendar highlights socio-economic, women empowerment, environmental and educational issues, charity & good deeds

Srinagar: As part of reaching out to the common masses with information and education related to the social service sector, J&K Yateem Foundation unveiled its Bilingual Annual Wall Calendar for the Year 2024 here on Monday.
In this connection, a solemn launching ceremony was organized at JKYF Central Office ‘BAITUL HILAL’ Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar in which a galaxy of eminent personalities, educationists, government officials, and a cross-section of people participated with enthusiasm and a sense of belonging for the social service cause.
Speaking on the occasion, former Vice-Chancellor Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST) Prof Mushtaq Ahmad Siddiqui stressed the need to inculcate a sense of truthfulness, high moral character among scholars of BAITUL HILAL besides exposing these children to value and skill-based education systems. He said children also need to be prepared for a new world in which the coding system is in place now, linked to Artificial intelligence, data processing, and related tools. He enjoined upon the management of JKYF to blend religious education and a modern system of education that shall go a long way in bringing perceptible change for overall good in society. He also focused on training children to learn modern technologies for a better future.
Former Director/Mission Advisor School Education Kashmir Muhammad Rafi, while appreciating the spirit behind the sincere volunteerism of JKYF management and volunteers, stressed upon putting in place the institutional safeguards to protect public institutions. He added that the tendency among some individuals to glorify their persona at the expense of public trust should be discouraged and dismantled at all levels. He said the sense of ego and personal interests is detrimental to the institutional structure. He called for putting in place checks and balances, a transparent and fair system without any personal interests and glorification.
Speakers highlighted the need to contribute in all forms for the welfare and rehabilitation of the poor, needy, and destitute. They also urged the social service organizations to work efficiently, professionally, transparently, and sincerely for taking forward the common humanitarian cause in line with modern requirements. They also enjoined upon the JKYF volunteers to work towards tackling contemporary issues confronting the society by feeling the pulse of the time.
Speakers complimented J&K Yateem Foundation and the volunteers associated with it for doing commendable work for the welfare of the poor and the needy.
Chairman JKYF Mohammad Rafiq Lone while presenting the vote of thanks urged upon all sections of society to come forward and take an active part to bring out the deserving people from the morass of ignorance, helplessness, and hopelessness.
General Secretary M.Y. Reshi, Secretary Finance M. Ishaq Sheikh, CEC members, Permanent Accountability Commission (PAC) Members Mohammad Ahsan Rather & Dr. Tariq Ahmad Malik, District Representatives, and volunteers of JKYF from all districts of Kashmir Region were also present on the occasion.
‘BAITUL HILAL’ scholars welcomed all the guests with honor and respect. The Calendar is Bilingual, i.e., in English & Urdu. The Calendar focuses on various social service messages focusing on the skill development of children, good deeds, charity, and messages on the common humanitarian cause.
The JKYF Calendar-2023 highlights socio-economic, educational, ecological, and environmental issues and other challenges confronting the poor, destitute, and society as a whole.
The 12-month pages cover J&K government’s listed Gazetted & other holidays, besides the plight of the poor & needy & issues of the responsibility of society to cater to all problems and challenging situations.
In addition, the Calendar focuses on varied forms of charity, the issue of poor people under debt of banks and money lenders, the requirement of entrepreneurship and training skills among underprivileged children, women empowerment, importance of rewards for leading a virtuous and righteous life.
Besides, the Islamic Calendar, ‘Meeqat e Salah’ and information about various important days observed nationally and internationally, are included in all the months of Year 2024.
The information about the world and international days recognized by UNO is also available in the Calendar. The 2024 Calendar contains information about bonafide and designated bank accounts of J&K Yateem Foundation.
The Calendar highlights physical and financial achievements for the Financial Year 2022-2023 covering welfare programs of JKYF that includes Widow Welfare Programme (WWP), Poor Welfare Programme (PWP), Marriage Assistance for Orphan & Poor Girls (MAOPG), Educational Assistance for Girls (EAG), Higher Education Scholarship Programme (HESP), HESP Professional, Basic Education Scholarship Programme (BESP), BAITUL HILAL Alumni Scholarship Programme (BHASP), Al Hilal Diagnostic Centre Karan Nagar, Pantry Service at SMHS Hospital, Ambulance Service, Emergency Medical Help, BAITUL HILAL (Orphanage) at Jawahar Nagar Srinagar, Iqbal Nagar Sopore, Chawalgam Kulgam & Hudri Kishtwar.
Earlier, the function started with the recitation of the Holy Quran by BAITUL HILAL scholar Class 9th student Yawar Ahmad (from Budgam) whereas Na’at (Praise poetry of Prophet Muhammad PBUH) was recited by another BAITUL HILAL scholar Class 7th student Sameer Saleem (from Uri), both studying in Islamic Global School, Srinagar.
The proceedings of the function were conducted by Javaid Jawad, Programme Executive Press & PR, JKYF.

BILAL HABIB