SRINAGAR: Continuing its series of Common Interest Conversations on digital addiction, the Managing Committee of Amar Singh Club, Srinagar, held its fifth session on February 27, 2025.
The session was presided over by Mohammed Ashraf Mir and attended by several prominent figures, including Mohammad Amin Kathwari, M Afzal Abdullah, Akib Chaya, Sheikh Manzoor, Manzoor Pakhtoon, Babur Chowdhary, Ashfaq Siddique Dug, Dr Tariq Trumboo, Manveet Singh Oberoi, Kaiser Kawoosa, Sheikh Basharat, Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat, Tahir Peerzada, Kamil Fayaz, Ishfaq Siraj, Fayaz Azad, Sheikh Imran, and Farhat Koul. Managing Committee members Rauf A Punjabi, Er M S Sethi, and Parvez Fazili were also present.
Nasir Hamid Khan, Secretary of Amar Singh Club, welcomed the participants and highlighted that the previous four sessions were dedicated to understanding the problem of digital overconsumption and its negative consequences. He noted that experts such as Dr Sushil Razdan, Dr Kaiser Ahmad, Dr Mustaq Margoob, Prof Shakil A Romshoo, and Mr Zaffar Shah had previously contributed their insights on managing what he termed an “invisible pandemic.”
Khan emphasised that while digital devices have affected all age groups, their impact on children in their formative years is particularly alarming. He pointed out that excessive screen exposure has led to issues such as anxiety, depression, anger management problems, and a loss of clarity regarding future aspirations among children. He warned that beyond cognitive and structural brain changes, digital overconsumption was eroding moral values and social beliefs, creating an isolated and frustrated generation.
“It is imperative to instil in children the belief that they have the power to make choices and face challenges with confidence and brilliance,” Khan said. He stressed that Kashmir’s youth should be prepared not just to react to life’s challenges but to seek them out with resilience and determination. He noted that personal growth often comes from discomfort and that true transformation requires questioning existing norms and practices.
Highlighting the need for collective responsibility, Khan stated that children are a reflection of society, and meaningful change must start with parents and communities. He urged individuals to reassess their thought processes, lifestyles, and social structures to ensure a supportive environment for children.
As part of moving from discussion to action, Khan announced the launch of ‘The Cashmere Recuperation,’ a science-based positive community intervention aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of digital overconsumption and promoting the healthy use of technology. He described recuperation as a recovery process and expressed confidence that this initiative would help shield children from digital addiction while encouraging constructive engagement.
‘The Cashmere Recuperation’ includes a variety of activities and competitions such as public speaking, painting, chess, physical challenges, and performing arts, with participants divided into five age groups ranging from three to 25 years. The public speaking segment is open to all children in Kashmir, regardless of educational background, and allows them to express themselves in any language, including Kashmiri. A separate category has been created for neurodivergent children, encompassing autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other developmental conditions.
The initiative features substantial cash prizes, trophies, certificates, shopping vouchers, and gifts. The winner of the public speaking challenge will be crowned the Techno-Sentient Prince or Princess of Cashmere, and if a girl wins, the cash prize will be doubled. Other rewards include an all-expenses-paid stay in a star hotel in Kashmir for the winner and their immediate family.
The competition topics vary by age group, focusing on themes such as Kashmir’s historical icons, the environmental impact of online shopping, and the psychological manipulation associated with social media apps.
Participants at the session lauded the efforts of the Managing Committee in launching ‘The Cashmere Recuperation’ and expressed their full support for the initiative, recognising it as a crucial step in addressing the growing challenge of digital addiction.
