The “Vibrant 2026 Tourism” campaign is in a recovery and rebrand phase. The USBRL (Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link) is the primary driver for 2026, with Vande Bharat trains expected to bring a more stable, weather-independent flow of domestic tourists. The Tourism Department is heavily promoting “unseen” spots and border tourism (Keran, Gurez) to decentralize the rush from the traditional Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Targeting more than 2 Crore tourists after reaching 1.58 crore visitors in 2025 (despite setbacks), the target for 2026 is to cross the 2-crore mark again, bolstered by international roadshows in Germany and Malaysia.

The security landscape in 2026 is dominated by a transition in militant tactics. Following “Operation Sindoor” in 2025, security agencies estimate approximately 150 foreign militants are operating in high-altitude forests (Kupwara, Rajouri, Poonch) and their movements are hopefully being watched. The non-Kashmiri senior bureaucracy with a poor people to people contacts makes it a challenge. The 2026 strategy focuses on “Area Domination” to prevent a repeat of the April 2025 Pahalgam incident. Taking a cue from the hushed up cyber-attack on the key sites in the post May 2025 skirmish with Pakistan, China combination which had rendered several websites and important public outlets un-operational, the Cyber surveillance 2026 should see intensified monitoring of social media and encrypted apps to counter “self-radicalized” cells. A concern that grew after the Red Fort blast investigations in late 2025.

The political climate remains the most uncertain variable. Political deadlock despite the Omar Abdullah government completing its first year in late 2025, the restoration of statehood in all likelihood will remain on the “back burner.” The year 2026 is likely to see continued power struggles between the elected Cabinet and the Lieutenant Governor’s office over bureaucratic appointments and legislative provisions. There is a growing “restoration fatigue” among the local population, with many shifting focus toward immediate economic needs and employment.

As we move through 2025 and look toward 2026, the attitude of Kashmiris regarding the non-restoration of statehood and Article 370 has shifted from shock to a complex form of “strategic pragmatism” tinged with deep-seated disillusionment. While the 2024 Assembly elections saw record participation, the mood in 2025 is increasingly cynical. There is a widespread perception that the elected government, led by the National Conference (NC), is a “glorified municipality.” Local residents often express frustration that while they voted for a Chief Minister, the real power remains with the Lieutenant Governor (LG). Many Kashmiris feel “betrayed” by the delay in statehood restoration, which was a central pillar of the 2024 election manifestos. However, there is also a growing realism that Article 370 or at least a special status is unlikely to return under the current central dispensation.

In 2025, the focus of public anger has subtly shifted from high-level constitutional debates to daily governance failures. While the central government highlights “peace and progress,” local sentiment remains sensitive to what they call “dual authority “, Issues like smart electricity meters, reservation policies, and bureaucratic high-handedness are now the primary flashpoints for public protest. For the first time in a decade, Kashmiris are closely following Assembly proceedings. This isn’t necessarily due to faith in the system, but rather a “vigilant disappointment”—watching to see if their representatives can wrest even minor powers back from the Centre. The lack of political restoration has contributed to a “quietening” of the public sphere that security agencies call normalcy, but locals describe as “enforced silence. A notable trend in late 2025 is the narrowing gap between Jammu and Kashmir’s sentiments on statehood. While Jammu initially celebrated the 2019 changes, by 2025, the business community in Jammu has become equally vocal about the loss of statehood, citing concerns over “outsider” dominance in trade and the lack of a local responsive government. Fears of a “permanent UT” status or a further bifurcation of the region (granting statehood to Jammu while keeping Kashmir as a UT) have created an atmosphere of deep suspicion across the entire Pir-Panjal range.

Civil society and local media remain under significant pressure. The 2025 security landscape—marked by “hybrid militancy” and the aftermath of the April Pahalgam attack—has led to continued restrictions that many feel are used to stifle political dissent rather than just fight terrorism. While stone-pelting has vanished, the lack of statehood and the perceived “outsider” control over land and jobs remain potent triggers for underlying alienation, which experts fear could feed into long-term radicalization if not addressed in 2026 and years to come. The Vexed and lingering political problem cannot be solved by the currently seen measures. At best it can be managed, which should be a reasonable goal.

Prof Upendra Kaul, Founder Director

Gauri Kaul Foundation

The post 2026: Optimism or Despondency appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

The national political environment in 2025 was defined by the working of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, which, having secured a third term, operated as a coalition needing a careful balancing act between the core agenda of the leading party and the regional interests of its allies. The ruling party won the much sought after election in Delhi in February making a significant shift in the capital’s political landscape. This was followed by a sweeping victory in the Bihar elections beyond anybody’s expectation.

The government’s policy focus remained heavily skewed towards infrastructure investment and social welfare schemes. The Union Budget for FY2025-26 continued the emphasis on capital expenditure (CapEx), aiming to crowd in private investment and boost job creation. India entered 2025 as the fastest-growing major economy, with strong forecasts despite global uncertainty. There was a robust GDP growth with leading institution, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and various global financial firms, projected India’s economic growth for FY2025-26 in the range of 6.5% to 7.2%. This growth was primarily driven by strong domestic consumption (supported by measures like tax cuts), a rebounding agricultural sector following favourable monsoons, and the continued push for government capital expenditure. However, this growth is shadowed by controversies over data reliability, specifically discrepancies between low inflation figures and high nominal growth, leading to some economists to question the magnitude of real growth and concerns about job creation and inequality despite headline figures.  A GST cut lowering of 1-5%, before the Diwali festival, with a cut on some food items and healthcare products and some construction materials gave some symbolic relief.

Air pollution which has become a perennial problem has not received the attention it needs. The answer is not a blame game, everybody including the ruling Government has to take the responsibility. Measures like what China did in 2013, a time bound comprehensive approach with multi-pronged strategy and drastic measures is the only way to go. Shying away from discussing this issue as happened in the winter session of the Parliament is an ostrich like attitude.

Focus on J&K

For the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, 2025 was a year of mixed developments, characterized by security challenges, infrastructure completion, and efforts toward greater administrative integration.

The inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel in January was a landmark event. This all-weather tunnel drastically improved connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh, a critical element for both local economic activity and defence logistics. The J&K Budget for 2025-26 focused on social schemes and entrepreneurship. Key policy initiatives included the launch of Mission YUVA to create employment and enterprises, a digital health records system via the SEHAT app with on line consultations, and the introduction of free public transport for women on government-owned buses from April 2025, aimed at enhancing financial and physical autonomy.

In a push to promote normalcy and tourism, J&K hosted several large-scale events, including the annual Tulip Festival in Srinagar and the first-ever International Dangal and Rustam Title wrestling championship in Jammu, showcasing the region’s commitment to cultural revival and sporting engagement. On the front of education almost every district of the UT has a medical college. An All-India Institute of Medical Sciences is coming up in Awantipora, Pulwama. The new Engineering colleges in Ganderbal, Baramulla and a private institute of Technology in Srinagar are the valued additions of 2025.

The year saw significant security challenges, notably the Pahalgam attack in April, where terrorists targeted innocent tourists, resulting in casualties. This attack prompted a strong counter-response, including a major security and military push. India’s subsequent military actions, codenamed Operation Sindoor, aimed at targeting terrorist infrastructure across the Line of Control (LoC), marking a strategic shift in retaliatory posture and leading to a brief but intense standoff with Pakistan. The operation also revealed times have changed in warfare. Air supremacy is the key. The tactical collaboration of Pakistan with China, Turkey and an understanding with Saudi Arabia is likely to change our muscular policy.  Pahalgam carnage led to a substantial fall for the tourism industry which was booming till April. The recent busting of a gang of doctors belonging to Kashmir, who had led to the blast outside the Red Fort unfortunately brought in J and K into controversy again. This has led to a sustenance of poor tourism.

The much-awaited restoration of the statehood after the elections to the assembly in 2024 has not come in the year gone. It is possibly because of security and administrative reasons and the Centre’s very cautious political calculus which is keeping Jammu Kashmir in limbo politically. The news in the corridors in Kashmir regarding the present elected Government fulfilling the promises on which it came is pathetic. It is more than one year since Omar Abdullah assumed the office of Chief Minister nothing substantial except for deciding to resume the durbar move which was appreciated by most and agreed by the LG. The core issues of restoration of 370, release of unjustified arrests of young men and return of statehood which brought NC back seem to have been put on the back burner.  Blaming the Governor for ignoring his ministry on most important issues and not allowing them to do any constructive work is not convincing. If this is actually the case then it would be better for him to resign in disgust and protest. It would at least get him much needed projection throughout the country especially and discussion in the highest seat of democracy – the Parliament. It is hoped that 2026 will usher in more confidence on both the sides leading to more power to the elected government and accelerate the on-going development further.

Overall, 2025 stood as a period of consolidation for India—politically managing a coalition mandate, economically maintaining a high-growth trajectory, and strategically reinforcing its position, particularly through sensitive and high-stakes developments in Jammu and Kashmir. The elected Government there needs to wake up from a slumber.

Prof Upendra Kaul, Founder Director Gauri Kaul Foundation

The post 2025: India’s Year of Contrasts appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

The primary deterrent to a booming season is not the weather, but the psychological scar left by the Baisaran targeted killings in April 2025. That incident—the deadliest attack on civilians in decades—shifted the militant strategy toward targeting tourists directly, breaking a long-standing unwritten rule of the conflict. The recent “Red Fort event,” involving a Kashmiri group, has further amplified these anxieties, creating a narrative of “returning volatility” just as the winter season began. For a family in Mumbai or a solo traveller in Bangalore, the risk-reward ratio of a Kashmir trip has shifted; the beauty of the snow is now weighed against the haunting images of the Baisaran meadow.

Can tourism be revived this winter?

Revival is possible, but it will be gradual and niche rather than a mass-market “boom.” The influx is currently driven by “snow-chasers”—die-hard winter sports enthusiasts and adventure travellers who are less deterred by security optics than the casual family tourist.

To turn this trickle back into a flow, the following measures are essential to my mind;

Visible but Non-Intrusive Security: The “Operation Sindoor” and the subsequent strengthening of the security grid must be felt without making the Valley look like a war zone. Smart surveillance and “Area Domination” in tourist circuits like the Tangmarg-Gulmarg stretch are vital.

Shifting the marketing focus from “Security” to “Culture.” Events like Pheran Day and food festivals highlighting winter delicacies (Harissa) help humanize the destination and remind travellers of the warmth of Kashmiri hospitality.

With hotel occupancy struggling, the government and private stakeholders must offer aggressive “Peace Dividends”—discounts on houseboats and ski packages—to lower the barrier to entry for hesitant travellers. Counter-Narratives from “Ground Truth”: Utilizing real-time testimonials from tourists currently in Gulmarg. When a traveller sees a peer enjoying the Gondola ride or a sunset at Dal Lake on social media, it carries more weight than any government advisory.

The path forward:

The arrival of snow is a gift from nature, but the arrival of guests is an act of trust. For Kashmir to reclaim its status as a winter wonderland, the administration must bridge the gap between perceived threat and ground reality. Tourism in the Valley has always been a barometer of peace; this winter, its revival depends on proving that the “White Beauty” of Chilai Kalan is stronger than the shadows of the past year.

Prof Upendra Kaul, Founder Director, Gauri Kaul Foundation

The post From Baisaran to Gondola appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

The Perilous Consequences of Non-Adherence: Non-compliance with antihypertensive medication means the patient’s blood pressure remains uncontrolled, subjecting their delicate vascular system and vital organs to relentless, high-pressure stress. The consequences are far-reaching, affecting the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.

1. Increased Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Risk

Uncontrolled hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Non-adherence prevents the protective effects of the medication, leading to 1 Stroke: Persistently high blood pressure damages blood vessels in the brain, making them prone to rupture (haemorrhagic stroke) or blockage (ischemic stroke). Studies show non-adherence is significantly associated with a higher risk of stroke. 2.Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): High pressure forces the heart to work harder, leading to thickening of the heart muscle and damage to the coronary arteries. This increases the risk of blockages, resulting in a heart attack. 3. Heart Failure: The heart muscle, constantly struggling against high pressure, eventually becomes weakened and less efficient at pumping blood, leading to heart failure.

2. End-Organ Damage

The damage extends beyond the major cardiac events to other essential organs: Kidney Failure (Nephropathy): The tiny, delicate blood vessels in the kidneys are easily damaged by high pressure. Over time, this damage impairs the kidneys’ ability to filter waste from the blood, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease and, eventually, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. Vision Loss (Retinopathy): Hypertension damages the small blood vessels in the retina of the eye. This condition, called hypertensive retinopathy, can cause bleeding, fluid leakage, and swelling of the optic nerve, leading to blurred vision and, in severe cases, permanent blindness.

Vascular Dementia and Cognitive Impairment: Damage to the small blood vessels supplying the brain can lead to restricted blood flow, resulting in reduced cognitive function, memory loss, and vascular dementia.

3. Resistant and Labile Hypertension

A patient who is non-adherent may be incorrectly diagnosed with resistant hypertension—a condition where blood pressure remains high despite using three or more medications, including a diuretic. This misdiagnosis can lead to the unnecessary prescribing of even more potent or complex drug regimens, increasing the risk of side effects and healthcare costs, and further complicating the treatment plan. Non-compliance also often results in labile hypertension, where blood pressure fluctuates wildly, which can be even more damaging than consistently high pressure.

Ways and Means of Improving Compliance

Improving medication adherence is a multifaceted challenge that requires a collaborative effort between the patient, the healthcare provider, and the healthcare system. A personalized approach is key, as no single strategy works for everyone.

1. Simplify the Regimen and Reduce Cost

Once-Daily Dosing: Opting for medications that can be taken only once a day simplifies the routine and reduces the chance of missed doses.

Fixed-Dose Combination Pills: Using a single pill that combines two or more antihypertensive agents drastically reduces the total pill burden (polypharmacy), which is a major barrier to adherence.

Address Financial Barriers: Prescribing low-cost generic drugs or connecting patients with assistance programs can overcome cost-related non-compliance, which is a significant factor, especially in low-income populations.

2. Enhance Education and Communication

Personalized Patient Education: Healthcare providers must actively assess and correct patient misconceptions. Many patients stop medication because they feel fine (“no symptoms”), believe the medication will cause addiction, or worry about long-term side effects. Education should emphasize that hypertension is a silent, lifelong condition and that consistent treatment is essential for prevention, not just symptom relief.

Motivational Interviewing: This counselling technique involves a non-judgmental, patient-centered discussion to explore the patient’s own reasons for and against adherence, boosting their intrinsic motivation to change their behaviour.

Open Discussion on Side Effects: Patients are more likely to stop a drug if they experience side effects. Creating an environment where patients feel comfortable discussing adverse effects allows the physician to adjust the medication instead of the patient stopping it on their own.

 Implement Behavioural and Technological Strategies

Reminder Systems: Encourage the use of simple aids like pillboxes (especially those with compartments for each day/time), smartphone apps with medication alarms, or coupling medication-taking with a daily habit (e.g., brushing teeth, morning coffee).

Self-Monitoring and Feedback: Teaching patients to monitor their own blood pressure at home and recording the readings provides concrete, immediate feedback on the medication’s effectiveness, reinforcing the positive habit of adherence.

Pharmacist-Guided Interventions: Pharmacists are highly accessible and can provide valuable, tailored counselling, medication reviews, and adherence support at the point of refill.

4. Improve Healthcare System Support

Routine Adherence Assessment: Healthcare providers should routinely, and non-judgmentally, ask about adherence at every visit, moving beyond simple questions to more structured or objective assessments (like checking refill history). Team-Based Care: Involving a multidisciplinary team—including nurses, pharmacists, and health educators—can provide comprehensive support and address the various complex factors (psychological, social, economic) that contribute to non-adherence.

In conclusion, non-compliance with hypertension drugs transforms a manageable chronic condition into a life-threatening health crisis, significantly raising the risk of stroke, heart failure, and organ damage. The path to better outcomes is through a deliberate, patient-centric strategy focused on simplifying treatment, enhancing informed communication, utilizing behavioural reminders, and ensuring accessible, team-based support. Achieving good adherence is the difference between a life of sustained health and one shadowed by the severe and preventable complications of uncontrolled high blood pressure

The post Take High Blood Pressure Treatment Seriously appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Wazwan remains largely confined to the Kashmir Valley for several key reasons, relating to its preparation, ingredients, and cultural significance: The preparation of authentic Wazwan is a highly specialized art, traditionally performed by professional chefs called Wazas, whose knowledge has been passed down through generations. These Wazas are primarily based in the Valley, making it difficult to replicate the quality and authenticity elsewhere. Though a sprinkling of them have moved to some metro cities of main land India too but the style of the feast has not been replicated.

Besides the certain ingredients crucial for the unique flavour profile the preference for cooking over wood fire in large copper cauldrons (Degs), are integral to the tradition and less readily available or used in neighbouring countries or regions. The Wazwan is deeply embedded in the social and cultural fabric of Kashmiri life, particularly among the Muslim community, though several Kashmiri Pandit dishes have many things in common. It is viewed as an art form and a core element of the Kashmiri identity.

The custom of four people sharing the large copper plate, the Tramee (or Tream), is a profound ritual rooted in the principles of community, equality, and hospitality in Kashmiri culture. Eating together from a single plate fosters a sense of camaraderie and social bonding among the diners. Some sources suggest the practice was intended to break down social barriers, promoting a sense of equality by having people of different social standing share food from the same platter. The dining ritual, beginning with a ceremonial hand-washing (Tash-t-Nari), symbolizes purity and respect before starting the feast.

The number of dishes served in a traditional Wazwan has grown significantly over time, from perhaps seven dishes originally to a multi-course meal today that can feature anywhere from 12 to 36 dishes (or even more in grand celebrations). This expansion, coupled with rising ingredient costs and the elaborate, time-consuming preparation, has indeed increased the financial burden on hosts, especially for weddings, disproportionate to general income growth.

The Tramee is first filled with steamed rice, and then four pieces of each of the following initial dishes are placed on top for the four diners: Seekh Kabab: Spiced, minced mutton grilled on skewers over hot coals. Tabak Maaz: Ribs of lamb that are slow-cooked until tender, then fried until crispy. Waza Kokur (Safed Kokur): Chicken (often half a chicken per person) cooked in a white, light gravy. Accompaniments served alongside include yogurt, vegetable or walnut chutney, and salad.

This is followed by the sequential mutton dishes: these are the curries and gravies served sequentially by the Waza (cook) and his assistants throughout the meal: Rogan josh, an iconic aromatic lamb curry. Rista: mutton meatballs pounded to a fine texture and cooked in a vibrant red, rich gravy. Aab gosht, tender lamb pieces cooked in a white, delicate gravy. Yakhni: a lighter, yogurt-based mutton curry. Marchwangan Korma: a very spicy lamb korma.

In between the servings of Ruwangan Chaaman: Paneer (Indian cheese) cooked in a tomato gravy. Waza Heddar: a mushroom dish prepared by the Waza and Palak (spinach) cooked with spices and dripping mustard oil gives the mutton-based preparations a break. The grand finale however is the penultimate or final signature dish of the Wazwan the Gushtaba: it consists of large, soft meatballs made from finely pounded mutton and cooked in a thick, white yogurt gravy. It is often referred to as the “dish that signals the end of the meal,” or the “king of the Wazwan.” The typical Wazwan served on a trami packs roughly 20,000 Kcal for the whole tray which comes to around 5000 kcal per person. Interestingly Haakh (Collard green), the everyday food item of Kashmir is missing from the Wazwan dishes.

The traditional Wazwan however is becoming a debatable issue and increasing pressure to moderate portion sizes (as suggested by health concerns due to its high caloric content) or reduce the total number of dishes to manage costs and waste being the reason. Modern trends already show the rise of restaurant-style Wazwan or buffet services, which deviate from the traditional four-person shared Tramee. This suggests a potential future where the experience of Wazwan becomes more commercialized and accessible outside of major functions, potentially at the expense of the full, traditional ritual. There is however a strong, sustained effort by the community and Wazas to preserve the original form, suggesting it will remain a cornerstone of Kashmiri identity, even if it has to adapt to economic and health-related realities.

Prof Upendra Kaul, Founder Director Gauri Kaul Foundation

The post From Royal Feasts to Modern Tables appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

From the horrific charred remains of a Goa club, where 25 lives were extinguished in moments, to the skies where the Indigo fiasco exposed a blatant disregard for safety norms, the narrative is chillingly consistent. These are not isolated tragedies; they are symptoms of a deeper rot.

The tragedy in Goa is a stark reminder of how cheap human life has become in the face of profit. A fire in a recreational club shouldn’t turn into a death trap unless exits are blocked, alarms are silent, and regulations are treated as mere suggestions. Similarly, the aviation sector, once the pinnacle of disciplined safety, is showing cracks. When an airline flouts safety norms, it isn’t just a “fiasco”—it is a gamble with hundreds of lives at a height of 35,000 feet. Is it not an illusion of safety?

What binds these two disparate events? The answer, as you rightly pointed out, is the “hand-in-glove” relationship between the administration and the owners. In both scenarios, the safeguards meant to protect the public failed—not because they didn’t exist, but because they were likely bypassed with a handshake and a blind eye. It to me is an unholy nexus.

When authorities—whose sole mandate is to enforce the law—become facilitators for the powerful, the safety net of society dissolves. The owners cut corners to maximize revenue, and the administration provides the cover, leaving the innocent patron and the trusting passenger exposed to mortal danger.

Perhaps the most infuriating aspect of this week’s events is the aftermath. Instead of swift justice, we often see a deflection of blame. The public, already grieving or traumatized, is subjected to harassment. Questions are met with silence, and demands for accountability are buried under bureaucratic red tape. It highlights a painful truth: in a system rigged by high connections, the common man is not just a victim of the tragedy, but a victim of the subsequent cover-up. It is what is truly harassment of the common man.

Isn’t it a wake-up call? How many more “coincidences” can we afford? The loss of 25 lives in Goa and the safety violations in our skies must serve as more than just headlines. They must be the catalyst for dismantling the nexus of corruption that prioritizes influence over safety. Until the administration is held as accountable as the owners, we remain citizens of a society where safety is a luxury, and justice is an exception.

Prof Upendra Kaul, Founder Director Gauri Kaul Foundation

The post The Cost of Collusion appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

The warm benefits of a cold walk

You might think that staying tucked in a warm bed is the best thing for you on a cold morning, but your heart often has a different idea. Here’s why a morning walk in the winter can be so good for you:

(a)     A stronger heart: When you walk in the cold, your heart works a little harder to pump warm blood throughout your body. Think of it as a gentle workout for your heart muscle, making it stronger and more efficient over time.

(b)     Improved blood circulation: Physical activity like walking helps to improve your circulation. This is especially important in winter when our blood vessels can constrict due to the cold.

(c)     Boost your mood: Winter can sometimes bring feelings of sadness or lethargy, often called the “winter blues.” An early morning walk, especially when the sun is out, can boost your mood by releasing endorphins, your body’s natural feel-good chemicals.

(d)     Better calorie burn: Your body uses extra energy to stay warm in the cold. This means you can burn a few more calories during a winter walk compared to a walk in milder weather.

Precautions to take

To enjoy these benefits safely, you need to be smart about your winter walks. Here are some precautions I recommend to all my patients:

1. 
   Layer up: Dress in layers. You can remove a layer if you get too warm. The layer closest to your skin should be a material that wicks sweat away. The outer layer should be wind and waterproof.
2. 
   Protect your extremities: A significant amount of body heat is lost through your head, hands, and feet. Always wear a warm cap, gloves, and warm, comfortable socks.
3. 
   Warm-up inside: Before you step out, do a few minutes of light stretching or walk around your house to get your muscles ready.
4. 
   Proper footwear: Wear boots or shoes with good traction to prevent slips and falls on icy patches.
5. 
   Stay hydrated: You can still get dehydrated in the cold, even if you don’t feel as thirsty. Drink a glass of water before and after your walk.
6. 
   Listen to your body: If you feel any chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or unusual discomfort, stop immediately and go inside.

Who should be cautious or avoid winter walks?

While beneficial for most, an early morning walk in severe cold is not for everyone. I advise caution or avoidance for individuals with:

• Certain heart conditions: If you have been diagnosed with a heart condition like angina, have recently had a heart attack, or have heart failure, you must speak with your doctor before exercising in the cold. The cold can put extra strain on your heart.
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure: Cold weather can cause a temporary spike in blood pressure. If your blood pressure is not well-managed, it’s best to exercise indoors.
• Severe asthma: Cold, dry air can be a trigger for asthma attacks.
• If you’re feeling unwell: If you have a fever, flu, or any other illness, it’s best to rest and recover before resuming your walking routine.

The most important advice I can give is this: If you have any chronic health condition, please talk to your doctor before starting or continuing an exercise routine in the winter.

How much is just right?

For most healthy adults, a brisk walk for 30 minutes a day, five days a week is a great goal. However, on very cold days, you might want to shorten your walk to 15-20 minutes. The key is consistency. It’s better to take a shorter walk every day than to take a very long walk once a week.

Don’t worry about speed. Walk at a pace where you can still hold a conversation. The goal is to get your heart rate up a bit, not to run a race.

I practice what I preach and even in the coldest weather anywhere in the world where I am, I feel incomplete if I do not go for an outdoor walk. Barring a day when it is snowing or raining.

In conclusion, don’t let the winter season freeze your fitness goals. With the right precautions, an early morning walk can be a safe, invigorating, and heart-healthy way to start your day.

Stay warm and keep walking

Prof Upendra Kaul, Founder Director Gauri Kaul Foundation

The post Heartfelt guide to winter morning walks appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

For decades, the standard treatment relied on generic cardiac medications like beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, which offered symptomatic relief but did not address the fundamental, underlying cause of the disease. In refractory cases, physicians had to resort to invasive procedures such as Septal Reduction Therapy (SRT), either through surgical myectomy or alcohol septal ablation, to physically reduce the muscle obstruction.

 Mavacamten: Targeting the Root of the Problem

The landscape of HOCM treatment has been fundamentally reshaped by the emergence of Mavacamten, a first-in-class, targeted therapeutic drug that represents a genuine pharmacological breakthrough. Mavacamten is not just another heart medication; it is a selective, allosteric inhibitor of cardiac myosin. To understand its profound impact, one must appreciate the molecular pathology of HOCM. The condition is often caused by mutations in the genes that code for the sarcomere, the fundamental contractile unit of the heart muscle. These mutations lead to a state of hyper-contractility—the heart muscle is overly active, forming excessive and energy-wasting actin-myosin cross-bridges, which causes the thickened muscle and the resulting obstruction.

Mavacamten works by selectively binding to the cardiac myosin head. This action effectively reduces the number of myosin heads that can actively bind to actin, normalizing the excessive force production. It nudges the myosin population toward an energy-sparing, “super-relaxed” state. This reduction in hyper-contractility directly translates to decreased Left Ventricular Outflow Tract (LVOT) obstruction, improved diastolic function (the heart’s ability to fill with blood), and a subsequent improvement in overall cardiac energetics.

Clinical Validation and Real-World Impact

The efficacy of Mavacamten has been robustly demonstrated in landmark Phase 3 trials, most notably the EXPLORER-HCM study. The results were nothing short of transformative: patients treated with Mavacamten experienced significant reductions in the LVOT gradient, a key measure of obstruction, along with dramatic improvements in functional capacity, as measured by peak oxygen consumption and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class. Moreover, in the VALOR-HCM trial, the drug substantially reduced the number of patients who remained eligible for or needed to proceed with invasive septal reduction therapies—a major paradigm shift.

This drug moves the needle from mere symptom management to disease-specific modification, giving patients a viable, non-invasive alternative to surgery. It offers the promise of a return to a more normal quality of life, where walking up a flight of stairs or performing daily tasks is no longer a debilitating struggle.

A Beacon of Hope in the Kashmir Valley

The promise of this therapy is now being realized in the real world, touching the lives of patients in regions where access to cutting-edge medicine can be a challenge. In the Kashmir valley, the author has taken the lead in introducing this breakthrough. He has already initiated treatment for four patients suffering from severe Obstructive HCM with Mavacamten. The early results from follow up studies indicate excellent results, mirroring the dramatic improvements seen in global clinical trials. These initial successes in the Valley represent more than just positive medical outcomes; they signify a crucial milestone in bringing world-class, targeted therapy to a population that has long battled this often-undiagnosed and undertreated condition.

The introduction of this agent can turn the tide for patients whose lives were previously constrained by the daily threat of HOCM symptoms. For the many families in the Valley whose loved ones live with the silent threat of a cardiac event, this drug provides a profound sense of relief and a renewed hope for a healthier, longer, and more active life. The success stories of these first four patients will undoubtedly pave the way for wider adoption, ensuring that fewer hearts in the region remain crippled by this insidious disease.

Mavacamten is poised to become the cornerstone of medical therapy for symptomatic obstructive HOCM. It is a testament to translational science—moving from a molecular understanding of disease to a drug that offers genuine, life-altering benefits. While long-term data continues to be gathered, its arrival has irrevocably changed the management of this common, often-missed, and life-threatening heart condition, bringing much-needed relief to patients worldwide and right here in the heart of Kashmir.

Author is Founder Director,

Gauri Kaul Foundation

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. Mavacamten can be dangerous if taken without a cardiologist’s prescription and supervision.

The post New Dawn for Aching Hearts appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

This contentious issue is a stark reminder that the fundamental principles governing professional education—especially medicine—must be upheld above all parochial considerations. The row is not merely about a seat allocation list; it is a battle for the soul of the country’s secular and meritocratic educational framework.

The cornerstone of modern medical education in India is the NEET. This was introduced in 2013 to bring uniformity, transparency, and fairness to the admission process. NEET aims to ensure that only the most academically capable students are entrusted with the immense responsibility of becoming a doctor. The National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines mandate that admissions to all medical colleges, including private institutions like SMVDIME that do not possess official minority status, must be based on the NEET merit list and subsequent counselling.

The selection of students at SMVDIME strictly adhered to this national mandate, allocating seats based on the candidates’ NEET rankings within the J&K domicile quota. The resulting demographic composition—where high-scoring students from a particular region and community secured the majority of seats—is a direct, non-discriminatory outcome of a rigorous, merit-driven system.

Upholding the NEET selection process is paramount. Deviating from merit-based admissions to accommodate regional or religious demands undermines the very purpose of a national entrance exam and introduces subjective bias into a system designed for objectivity. As the institution does not have official ‘Minority Institution’ status under the law, any attempt to implement religion-based reservations would be unconstitutional and discriminatory under Articles 15 and 29 of the Constitution of India.

Philanthropy Cannot Dictate Policy

A central argument put forth by the protesting groups is that since the medical college is financed by the donations made by Hindu devotees to the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, it should prioritize candidates of that faith. This argument dangerously confuses philanthropy with public policy.

When a charitable or religious trust establishes an educational institution—even with funds garnered from a specific community—the institution often loses the right to apply religion-based criteria for admissions unless it formally secures a ‘Minority Institution’ status under the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI) Act. In the absence of such status, the institution is bound by the national education and medical council rules, which necessitate a secular admission policy based on merit.

Allowing donors or their ideological representatives to dictate the admission process based on the source of funding is a direct threat to the independent functioning of educational bodies and an attempt to circumvent the law. It sets a precarious precedent where every institution founded by a specific community could be pressurised to exclude others, thus leading to the fragmentation of the education system along religious lines.

 Good doctors, not religious enclaves

The ultimate objective of any medical college is to train competent, compassionate, and highly skilled doctors. A doctor’s proficiency is measured by their scientific knowledge, clinical acumen, and ethical conduct, not their religious affiliation. In a diverse country like India, the demand for high-quality medical professionals far outweighs the existing supply. Compromising the merit principle to satisfy sectarian demands is a disservice to the entire nation.

The concern raised that this controversy might inadvertently push qualified Muslim students towards “dubious colleges” in India or abroad due to a perception of bias in their home state is a serious one. A merit-based, non-discriminatory system is the best defence against such alienation and is crucial for keeping India’s brightest talent within the country.

The current row forces us to reflect on our constitutional values. An education system that begins to divide its aspiring doctors based on faith is an education system that promotes radicalization and communal thinking, contrary to the secular fabric of the nation. It’s time to affirm that in the sphere of life-saving medical science, merit, and merit alone, must be the sole passport to entry. The SMVDIME administration and the government must stand firm on the principle of NEET merit to protect the integrity of medical education and reinforce the message that public and quasi-public institutions are for all citizens, irrespective of their belief.

Prof Upendra Kaul, Founder director Gauri Kaul Foundation

The post Merit over Mandate appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

It remained the primary sweetener in the Western world until the realization of the alternatives when sugarcane and beet root began to arrive, gradually challenging honey’s dominance. Despite the later rise of refined sugar, honey has retained its esteemed position, often viewed today as a superior, natural alternative. The quantities of honey produced, however, cannot match the sources like cane sugar and beet sugar.

The modern perception of honey often elevates it far above table sugar, suggesting it is a nutritional powerhouse. However, from a caloric and macronutrient perspective, honey is primarily just sugar. Table sugar (sucrose) is composed of 50% glucose and 50% fructose, chemically bound together. Honey, by contrast, is mostly 80% sugar (fructose and glucose in separate, simpler forms), about 17% water, and 2% trace elements. A tablespoon of honey contains approximately 64 calories, which is slightly higher than the 45-50 calories in a tablespoon of granulated sugar, though honey’s greater sweetness often means less is used.

The key difference lies in the trace elements. Honey contains small amounts of amino acids, enzymes, vitamins (like trace B-vitamins), and minerals (calcium, zinc). Crucially, it also contains antioxidants (flavonoids and phenolic acids) and possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds, particularly in raw, darker honey, give it a slight, measurable edge over refined sugar. Its glycaemic index (GI), which measures how quickly food raises blood sugar, is also typically lower (around 55±5) than table sugar (around 68±5).

In short, while honey is not “empty calories” like white sugar, the minute amounts of nutrients do not qualify it as a significant source of vitamins or minerals in a standard diet. It is best understood as a sugar with additional, measurable therapeutic benefits, which are primarily achieved through medicinal, high-dose applications or topical use, such as wound healing, rather than casual consumption.

Association of Honey with Kashmir:

The roots go back to centuries – the valley’s lush meadows and wild flowers have made it a natural honey hub since at least 1470 AD, when the first records of beekeeping appear in Ramban area. The traditional bee keeping from a village level activity with Apis cerena (Indian bee) and later Apis mellifera (European level) grew steadily to around 22,000 quintals of honey a year. The “Sweet Revolution” was launched by the Government in the form of “One District- One Product”. Subsidies and training programs lead to further improvements and expansion and by 2023 Ramban Sula honey earned a geographical indication tag highlighting its unique monofloral source-the wild sulai flower that blooms from August to October. In 2025 over 35,000 colonies were reported with a potential to reach 120,000 if the horticultural land is fully utilised. One of the hallmarks of Kashmir’s beekeeping is that beekeepers move them to warmer states like Rajasthan, Gujrat and Maharashtra to ensure a steady honey flow throughout. Kashmir honey stands out because of its wild miofloral origins giving it a distinct flavour, light amber colour and high anti-oxidant content. The region’s pristine environment, free from pesticide use, makes the honey prized both for domestic and international markets. India ranks eighth among the world’s top honey exporters with key markets including the USA, Saudi Arabia, Canada, and Qatar.

According to the marketing research and consulting IMARC Group, India’s honey market, valued at Rs 27 billion in 2024, is expected to reach Rs 50 billion by 2033.

Honey’s journey is one of ancient prestige and enduring relevance. From its origins as a highly valued staple in ancient civilizations, used for sustenance, ritual, and medicine, it retained its esteemed position even after the introduction of refined sugar. While chemically, honey remains primarily a sugar with a slightly higher caloric count than table sugar, it possesses an advantage due to its trace elements which includes antioxidants antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and a lower Glycaemic Index) compared to table sugar.

Prof Upendra Kaul, Founder Director Gauri Kaul foundation

The post The Story of Honey appeared first on Greater Kashmir.