International Women’s Day
Panel discussion unveils innovative ‘Cashmere Recuperation’ initiative, advocates for community-based solutions to nurture children away from screens
SRINAGAR: In a significant observance of International Women’s Day, the Amar Singh Club’s Managing Committee convened a thought-provoking session titled “The Cashmere Recuperation” aimed at tackling the pressing issue of digital addiction and to spotlight the critical role that women play in societal intervention.
The session was presided over by esteemed guest Ms. Tanveer Jehan (IAS), former Commissioner/Secretary, joined by a panel of influential voices including Ms. Qurat-ul-Ain, Ms. Hawa Bashir, and other prominent women leaders from varied backgrounds. Mr. Rauf A Punjabi and Mr. Parvez Fazili represented the Managing Committee, with Mr. Nasir Hamid Khan, Secretary of the club, welcoming attendees and emphasizing the importance of the day’s discourse.
Khan highlighted the progress of the Club’s ‘Common Interest Conversations’ initiative, mentioning the five previous sessions held over the past two months that garnered substantial engagement. However, he regarded this particular conversation as vital due to its focus on women— “the backbone of families and communities,” as he described them, emphasizing their roles as primary caregivers and nurturers.
In his address, Khan unveiled the rationale behind “The Cashmere Recuperation,” revealing alarming statistics regarding the impact of digital devices on children’s development. He stressed that excessive screen time during formative years—particularly before the age of six—could lead to irreversible damage to their emotional and cognitive functioning. “We are witnessing a generation afflicted by anxiety, confusion, and depression,” Khan noted.
Furthermore, he called for a societal shift in how children are raised, advocating for the establishment of a supportive environment that encourages healthy digital consumption and emotional resilience. “Growth comes from pain, progress from inquiry, and transformation through introspection,” he shared, outlining a vision where children are nurtured not only through parental guidance but also through community involvement.
The event allowed for an open dialogue among participants, who expressed concern over the increasing reliance on digital devices for childcare—an issue exacerbated by both parents often working. The consensus revealed a need for actionable interventions, resulting in proposals for creating communal spaces termed “greenhouses,” designed to foster interactive and real-life learning experiences for children away from screens.
These specialized centers, manned exclusively by women, would focus on imparting cultural knowledge and life skills to children in a nurturing environment, shielding them from the adverse effects of digital addiction. The implementation of such a program would require collaboration with various government departments and leveraging existing public infrastructure.
In a progressive move to stimulate community engagement, Khan also announced a public competition to design a logo for “The Cashmere Recuperation,” offering a prize of Rs 25,000 to the selected designer.
The session concluded on an optimistic note, with participants committed to drafting a detailed blueprint for the proposed “Greenhouse Intervention.” By advocating for collective action and raising awareness against digital addiction, the Amar Singh Club continues to take strides towards fostering healthier, more resilient future generations in Kashmir.