Leishen Energy Holding Co., Ltd. Prices $5,500,000 Initial Public OfferingParticipation in hockey in British Columbia was struggling in 2021 — the pandemic had dealt a heavy blow to player registrations, and numbers had already been flagging before COVID-19 arrived. “I think there were a lot of families that were impacted at that time,” said Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association president Melanie Earland, whose group governs minor hockey in B.C.’s Lower Mainland, including Metro Vancouver. “The world changed,” she said. Player participation had peaked in 2016-2017 with more than 62,000 registrations, Hockey Canada statistics for B.C. show, falling under 58,000 just before the pandemic began in 2020, then plummeting to 39,056 that season. Rising costs and growing competition from other sports had also been chipping away at youth hockey participation. But that is now changing, with registration for this season in B.C. surging past the 63,000 mark, a rebound that follows a concerted effort to make the game more accessible, especially to groups not traditionally linked to the sport such as new Canadians and Indigenous communities. Tom Oberti, president of the West Vancouver Minor Hockey Association, said his organization had seen record registrations this year, more than 8 per cent higher than last season. “We’re bursting at the seams,” Oberti said, noting the association has had to look outside West Vancouver to find ice time to fit all the players. “The reason why we’ve grown is because we’ve put a lot of effort into reaching out to new, non-traditional hockey demographics,” he said. “For example, we run ball hockey programs in elementary schools to introduce the sport, and we’ve done a lot to reach out to the Mandarin-speaking community, because it’s a growing segment of our community on the North Shore.” Oberti said the association has leveraged Mandarin- and Persian-speaking families already with kids in youth hockey, establishing links to new players through parent groups on social media platforms targeting specific communities such as WeChat and WhatsApp as well as word of mouth from schoolchildren who already play the game. Families new to Canada want to do things they consider Canadian, Oberti said, and they are embracing hockey. “Hockey has an advantage there,” he said. “There are a lot of families that do want to participate in the sport — or who are interested in the sport — because of the way it’s intertwined in the fabric of social life in Canada.” At the Richmond Jets Minor Hockey Association, vice-president Trent Gustafson said while his group has seen about a 15-to-20 per cent drop-off in participation from a peak in 2018-2019, registration is growing again, and players from non-traditional communities make up a big part of that rebound. “We’re up to around 915 to 920 kids playing hockey at Jets this year,” Gustafson said. “We don’t collect (data) in terms of the ethnicity of our members specifically, but I can safely say more than half are non-Caucasian members.” Just as important as getting children in these communities playing hockey, Gustafson said, is the fact that parents new to the game are also eager to volunteer. He said that is a vital contribution to the minor hockey system largely run by volunteers and parents in their spare time. “Those parents are, frankly, just as crazy hockey parents as you’re getting in some of the other cities and towns in not only British Columbia but across the country,” he said. “It’s interesting, the people it seems these days that are almost more willing to volunteer are some of the newer people to hockey. They’ve just fallen in love with the game.” Earland said other efforts to attract players include a try-hockey-for-free program in Cloverdale, B.C., for Indigenous youth, and they are trying to make the game more affordable through equipment programs and other initiatives. “Nobody in minor hockey wants to hear a family say, ‘We want to play but our kids can’t afford it or we can’t afford it,’” she said. She said she wants every child to have an opportunity to play hockey. “It’s a fabulous sport. It offers friendships and teamwork and camaraderie for all of our youth.” Chilliwack Minor Hockey Association president Lee McCaw said his group does not target any specific community for new players, but the province’s rapid population growth and its diversity means more kids being registered from every background. “I think our inclusion for everybody to be able to participate is huge,” McCaw said. “We have a huge First Nations population in our city, and there’s a lot of learn-to-skate programs that are specifically designed for every ethnicity group and everybody inclusively, together and within Chilliwack.” Nathan Bosa, the president of the Kamloops Minor Hockey Association, said even if there are no specific programs aimed at the diverse newcomer groups, sport could be an opportunity to support them. “We’re talking about this as a board a while ago, about having a program for new people coming into Canada and into Kamloops (to) give them a little bit of an instruction on how things work,” Bosa said. “It’s something that we’re going to be looking at in the new year. I think we’ve started to see that the influx is very noticeable, and it’s good. Getting children into sport, whether it’s hockey or something else, allows children and their parents to make friends and it brings them into the community, Bosa said. Bosa and McCaw also noted the impact of hockey exposure in the South Asian community as another factor in attracting new players, including Hockey Night in Canada’s Punjabi broadcast, and homegrown talent such as Arshdeep Bains from Surrey playing for the Vancouver Canucks in February. The Winnipeg Jets, meanwhile, signed forward Kevin He to a three-year entry-level deal this month, making him the first player born in China to ink an NHL deal. Scott Furman, Hockey Canada’s vice-president of growth and retention, said progress has also been made on other fronts, with the visibility of women’s hockey skyrocketing as the Professional Women’s Hockey League drives female player registration to a new high beyond 100,000 countrywide this season. Furman said the upheaval and change in management at Hockey Canada in recent years meant a new approach, bringing inclusion and more programs to help with the costs of the game. He said the rebound in B.C. is symbolic of this change. “Last season, for the first time, we hit 50,000 players that identified as black, Indigenous or people of colour, and that was an 8-per-cent increase on the previous season,” Furman said. “In B.C., I think about 19 per cent of players identify as black, Indigenous or people of colour, which is well above the national average. And the South Asian community represents 4.5 per cent of all players — a 46 per cent increase since the 2021 season. “It certainly is a positive trend, but nothing’s taken for granted. And we’ve got to continue to do the work to make sure that it continues in that fashion.”
Black plastic kitchen utensil risks were overstated. But you should still toss them, group saysWalmart is still rolling out plenty of big TV deals for the holidays, including a major discount on this 75-inch VIZIO 4K Limited-Edition UHD Smart TV model. The 75-inch VIZIO 4K Limited-Edition UHD LED HDR TV is now on sale for $478, instead of $598, for a savings of $120. This $120 markdown drops this massive 75-inch VIZIO TV under $480, which is a super-low sale price for this large of a screen size. Walmart is also offering this TV deal with free next-day delivery, so you’ll have this gift under the tree ASAP. With the 75-inch VIZIO 4K UHD Smart TV , you’ll be able to take advantage of Dolby Vision Bright+ technology for a brighter picture color and more image detail. Plus, the Dolby Audio sound quality with spatial audio complements the 4K UHD resolution for a theater-like viewing experience. The TV also has VIZIO Home integrated so you can manage your favorite streaming apps, watch tons of free TV channels and take advantage of more viewing options. It’s also Wi-Fi 6 compatible for faster streaming and gaming with voice control offered through the VIZIO app. Shop for this 75-inch VIZIO 4K UHD LED HDR TV deal at Walmart here. Walmart TV Deals You can also check out more TVs on sale from Walmart for the holidays, including these top offers: TCL 55” Class S4 4K UHD HDR LED Roku TV for $228, instead of $348 Hisense 75′′ Class 4K UHD LED LCD Roku TV for $478, instead of $698 SAMSUNG 65” Class DU6900 Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV for $378, instead of $470 LG 55′′ Class 4K UHD OLED Web OS Smart TV for $798, instead of $1,199 Find even more smart TV markdowns at Walmart here. The Best Deals in December Kate Spade Outlet has handbags up to 79% off with an extra discount on top styles — and you can still get them by Christmas Canada Goose jackets are up to 20% off at Gilt, but this luxury outerwear sale will be gone in a flash UGG has its famous boots and slippers on sale for 30% off with delivery still available by Christmas Amazon has this enormous 98-inch QLED 4K UHD TV on sale for an unbelievable 50% off just before Christmas Amazon has the latest GoPro HERO13 camera on sale for 25% off — and its even cheaper than Black Friday Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com . Dawn Magyar can be reached at dmagyar@njadvancemedia.com . Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/ .Education is a well-established means of intellectual growth, social understanding, and empowerment. As vibrant as Indian culture is, with tradition and religion being an integral part of society, there has been considerable debate on the influence of religion in educational institutions. Moral and ethical regulations can well be achieved through the teaching of religions, but when religion becomes too close to formal education, then at times, it hampers the inclusivity, scientific focus, and critical thinking that students face in order to cope with today’s scenario. It is a distinct example of diversity in culture, languages, and traditions that distinguish India in the modern world. Apart from this cultural prosperity, India has also built a skilled workforce and many innovative minds. However, progress in both these areas has been somewhat retarded because of the religious indoctrination introduced in schools. While religious teachings can indeed teach us about moral values and right conduct in our lives, the education sector, above all, should focus on science, wisdom, and knowledge that will inspire technology and innovation better than what is usually practiced in Europe, the West, and the Far East. Religious teachings are a foundation for the development of compassion and dedication to humankind, not hatred, discrimination, or extremism. A specific time for religious teaching in schools is appropriate if balanced with science, laboratories, and innovation towards educating students about healthy competition and growth. Unfortunately, religion is now an instrument for the miscegenation of people and antagonism that threatens the sovereignty of our country. All children should be protected from religious intolerance and instead taught tolerance, sensitivity, and respect for one another. Each soul in this land must be able to feel equally treated and be equal so that our motherland becomes invincible-the country united by value and strength. Many educational institutes of India are closely associated with religious considerations in which biases creep in the case of methodologies and curricula delivered. That being said, when institutions focus more on certain religions more than others, it predisposes children to a divided society, thus truncating the freedom of learning and becoming prejudiced. Some religiously affiliated institutions compel students to participate in activities that range from forced prayers, special dress codes, and conducting ceremonies based on faith. These activities may have significant applications within particular faith communities but make education not appealing to heterogenic students. Instead of spreading warmth and inclusivity, these forced activities tend to create divisions and isolate other students outside the same belief. A morning assembly or religious practices belonging to one religion, such as Hindu prayers or Muslim recitations, alienates students belonging to religious minority communities because a Hindu prayer in a majority of Muslim students’ school or a Muslim prayer in a Hindu-majority school may make students belonging to other religions feel excluded or discomforted. This might create divisions rather than giving an impression of unity and equity, which may further impact the emotional well-being and sense of belonging of the students. It resonates with the vision of Dr. D.S. Kothari, who presided over the Kothari Commission (1964-66). He realized that social, cultural, and religious factors bore a greater weight on the education system in India and, in numerous instances, confined the opportunities for just distribution. Overall, the differences in terms of the quality and inclusivity had been immense. In such cases, the Kothari Commission brought out recommendations from a secular education system, aiming to integrate this vast country and prevent religion-based influences that otherwise hamper educational development. It was also on the strength of science temperament and the machinery of thinking critically that it wanted rational thinking to dominate against dogmatic religious or cultural thinking; at school-going levels, Kothari’s secularism, therefore, fostered shared national identity since it transcends the religious differences, which would result in intellectual and social growth. This vision of education looked at balancing respect for culture and the focus on universal knowledge and skills, so that every child in India could be educated to prepare them for modern roles in society. Similarly, the Romantic poet John Keats, known for his deep feeling for nature and skepticism towards organised religious dogma, did not clearly state that religion militated against education. Yet, however, his writings indicate that he followed a conservative attitude toward conventional religious dogma. Keats, in his letters, is an advocate of “negative capability,” that is, the ability to embrace doubt and uncertainty without seeking absolute religious answers. He thought that strict religious dogmas could limit intellectual as well as poetic exploration. For Keats, true education and development of the soul must embrace that complex rather than a determinate or transcendent religious view. A British-American author and critic of religion, Hitchens proclaimed that religious indoctrination, together with education, should not be mixed together. In his book God Is Not Great, he declared that religious teachings often clash with science and ethics, which led to an education of scientific thought and view. Quite vocally regarding postulates about the relationships of religion and education did the German philosopher and economist, Karl Marx. His most influential essay, A Contribution to the Critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right (1843), includes the statement that religion is “the opium of people.” This simply means that, although very popular, religion often acts as a source of pacification, controlling the masses and not letting them ask questions about the realities around them in society and political life. Marx would believe in the propagation of inequalities through religious teachings. He would see the dangers of such teachings away from the social change the people needed. Marx advocated for a secular system of materialist education, one that would satisfy man’s desire to understand the world in line with scientific analysis and critical thinking. It was through education of people for Marx that a person was to be liberated from religious illusions and was to become aware of the material conditions of life, which could in this manner transform into social and political activities. It is an undeniable fact that religion is the greatest inspirer of values and also the highest moral guide. When religion comes into formal education in a slightly excessive manner, it would asphyxiate students’ development. Education for India must go forward as a secular, inclusive, and intellectually powerful society only if this serves to strengthen the secular element that combines scientific inquiry and critical thinking with religion and religious teachings kept strictly in the personal or cultural context. Education that values and supports diversity but gives objective, evidence-based facts can actually give students the sensibilities to be well-grounded open-minded citizens in today’s world.
Iran's Navy unveils plans for new submarines, expanded global presenceIn a significant political development, early trends from the assembly elections in Jharkhand and Maharashtra, along with by-elections in 48 assembly constituencies across 15 states, have begun to surface. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Bharath Bommai is currently leading from the Shiggaon assembly constituency in Karnataka, as per the preliminary results from the Election Commission of India (ECI). Bommai, son of the former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, faces competition from Pathan Yasir Ahmed Khan of the Indian National Congress (INC) and Ravi Krishna Reddy of the Karnataka Rashtra Samithi. In a similar electoral face-off, Communist Party of India (Marxist) candidate U R Pradeep has taken the lead in the Chelakkara assembly constituency in Kerala, surpassing rivals K Balakrishnan from BJP and Ramya Haridas from INC. Across the country, in Bihar, Raushan Kumar holds a lead in the Imamganj assembly constituency against Jitendra Paswan of the Jan Suraaj Party and Deepa Kumari of Hindustani Awan Morcha (Secular). The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance appears positioned to cross the halfway mark, while opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi lags behind. The counting of votes started at 8:00 AM, and the evolving trends highlight a possible shift in political power today. (With inputs from agencies.)
No. 2 Ohio State takes control in the 2nd half and runs over No. 5 Indiana 38-15 COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Will Howard passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another, TreVeyon Henderson ran for a score and No. 2 Ohio State beat previously undefeated No. 5 Indiana 38-15. All Ohio State has to do now is beat Michigan at home next Saturday and it will earn a return to the Big Ten championship game for the first time since 2020 and get a rematch with No. 1 Oregon. The Ducks beat Ohio State 32-31 in a wild one back on Oct. 12. Man City routed 4-0 by Tottenham in fifth-straight defeat as crisis deepens for Pep Guardiola What started as an evening of celebration for Manchester City ended with the four-time defending Premier League champion falling to a fifth-straight loss in all competitions and facing a deepening crisis in a season that is threatening to unravel. A 4-0 defeat to Tottenham left City five points behind league leader Liverpool, having played a game more. Two goals from James Maddison inside 20 minutes at the Etihad Stadium stunned the home crowd. Pedro Porro scored a third for Tottenham after halftime. Brennan Johnson added a fourth in the third minute of stoppage time. City manager Pep Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension this week. Chelsea, Arsenal and Brighton all won and closed the gap on Liverpool to six points. Florida knocks No. 9 Ole Miss out of College Football Playoff contention, 24-17 in the Swamp GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — DJ Lagway threw two touchdown passes, Montrell Johnson ran for 127 yards and a score, and Florida upset No. 9 Mississippi 24-17 on Saturday to knock the Rebels out of College Football Playoff contention. The Gators beat ranked teams in consecutive weeks for the first time since 2008 and became bowl eligible. The late-season spurt provided another vote of confidence for coach Billy Napier, who is expected back for a fourth season. Ole Miss lost for the first time in four games and surely will drop out of the 12-team playoff picture. Jennings has 3 TDs as No. 13 SMU routs Virginia 33-7 to clinch a spot in the ACC title game CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Kevin Jennings threw for a career-high 323 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another, and No. 13 SMU clinched a spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game by routing Virginia 33-7. Isaiah Smith and Jared Harrison-Hunte each had two sacks to help the Mustangs extend their winning streak to eight. They would earn an automatic bid into the expanded College Football Playoff by beating 11th-ranked Miami or 17th-ranked Clemson in the ACC title game on Dec. 7 in Charlotte, North Carolina. UVa must beat rival Virginia Tech next week to become bowl eligible. No. 11 Miami pulls away late to beat Wake Forest 42-14 and move one win from the ACC title game MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Cam Ward passed for 280 yards and threw two touchdowns to Jacolby George on another record-breaking day, Mishael Powell ran an interception back 76 yards for a touchdown and No. 11 Miami pulled away late to beat Wake Forest 42-14. The 10-1 Hurricanes can clinch a berth in the ACC title game with a win at Syracuse next weekend. Ward completed 27 of 38 passes, plus ran for a score. Demond Claiborne had a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown for 4-7 Wake Forest. No. 24 Illinois stuns Rutgers on Bryant's 40-yard TD reception with 4 seconds left PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — Luke Altmyer found Pat Bryant for a catch-and-run, 40-yard touchdown pass with 4 seconds left, sending No. 24 Illinois to a wild 38-31 victory over Rutgers. Illinois was down 31-30 when it sent long kicker Ethan Moczulski out for a desperation 58-yard field goal with 14 seconds to go. Rutgers coach Greg Schiano then called for a timeout right before Moczulski’s attempt was wide left and about 15 yards short. After the missed field goal was waved off by the timeout, Illinois coach Bret Bielema sent his offense back on the field. Altmyer hit Bryant on an in cut on the left side at the 22, and he continued across the field and scored untouched. Hidalgo leads No. 6 Notre Dame over JuJu Watkins and third-ranked USC 74-61 in big matchup out West LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hannah Hidalgo scored 24 points and No. 6 Notre Dame defeated JuJu Watkins and third-ranked Southern California 74-61 in a marquee matchup on the West Coast. Hidalgo had six rebounds and eight assists in front of several WNBA scouts. Olivia Miles added 20 points for the Fighting Irish, who improved to 5-0. Watkins finished with 24 points, six rebounds and five assists for the Trojans, who fell to 4-1. The Irish came out strong, taking a 20-10 lead in the first quarter, when Hidalgo had 11 points. They never looked back and stayed poised when USC came within three points three different times. Andy Murray will coach Novak Djokovic through the Australian Open Recently retired Andy Murray will team up with Novak Djokovic, working with him as a coach through the Australian Open in January. Murray’s representatives put out statements from both players on Saturday. Djokovic is a 24-time Grand Slam champion who has spent more weeks at No. 1 than any other player in tennis history. Murray won three major trophies and two Olympic singles gold medals who finished 2016 atop the ATP rankings. He retired as a player after the Paris Summer Games in August. Jannik Sinner and Matteo Berrettini lift Italy past Australia and back to the Davis Cup final MALAGA, Spain (AP) — Top-ranked Jannik Sinner and Matteo Berrettini won their singles matches to lift defending champion Italy past Australia 2-0 and back into the Davis Cup final. Sinner extended his tour-level winning streak to 24 sets in a row by beating No. 9 Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-4 on Saturday on an indoor hard court in Malaga, Spain. That came after Berrettini came back to defeat Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-7 (6), 6-3, 7-5. Italy will meet first-time finalist Netherlands on Sunday for the title. The Dutch followed up their victory over Rafael Nadal and Spain in the quarterfinals by eliminating Germany on Friday. Argentina's Racing wins its first Copa Sudamericana championship by beating Brazil's Cruzeiro 3-1 ASUNCION, Paraguay (AP) — Gaston Martirena and Adrian Martinez scored first-half goals as Argentina’s Racing won its first Copa Sudamericana championship by beating Brazil’s Cruzeiro 3-1 in the final on Saturday. Martirena opened the scoring in the 15th minute and Martinez added a goal five minutes later to help give “La Academia” its first international title since 1988 when it won the Supercopa Sudamericana. Roger Martinez sealed the victory with a goal in the 90th. “Maravilla” Martinez scored 10 goals in 13 matches and finished as the top scorer in the competition. Kaio Jorge scored in the 52nd for Cruzeiro.
Some New York lawmakers are making the move to social media platform Bluesky
Chennai: VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan has said he won't be able to share the stage with actor and TVK leader Vijay at an Ambedkar book release event in Chennai on Dec 6, citing the current political situation. The DMK camp had conveyed its unhappiness about a senior ally planning to share dais with Vijay, especially after the actor took on DMK (without mentioning it by name) at TVK's Vikravandi conference last month. A representative of the media house which is organising the event said, "Thirumavalavan has conveyed his inability to attend the event." Ellorukkumana Thalaivar Ambedkar' a compilation of articles featuring dalit icon B R Ambedkar's work, including an interview with Thirumavalavan himself, will be released on the occasion. Maharashtra Jharkhand Maharashtra Alliance View i Party View Seats: 288 Results Majority: 145 BJP+ 229 MVA 47 OTH 12 Results : 288 / 288 BJP+ WON Jharkhand Alliance View i Party View Seats: 81 Results Majority: 41 INDIA 56 NDA 24 OTH 1 Results : 81 / 81 INDIA WON Source: PValue VCK sources said Thirumavalavan communicated his inability to participate, pointing to the political ramifications, particularly after Vijay's statements and strident criticism of DMK's "Dravida model govt" at the TVK conference. "The VCK leader even proposed alternative arrangements, suggesting separate events in Chennai and Madurai for himself and the actor," a source said. Sources told TOI that DMK "well-wishers", concerned about the optics of VCK sharing a platform with a political opponent, advised Thirumavalavan against attending it. This advice also follows Thirumavalavan appearing with chief minister M K Stalin at a govt event in his constituency. Stalin even praised the VCK leader in an epistle to the partymen, saying, "I know the mind of my dear brother Thirumavalavan. He also shows true affection to me as an elder brother. He is aware of my resolute actions." A section of VCK is unhappy with the media house's decision to prioritize Vijay over Thirumavalavan for the Ambedkar book release. "Thirumavalavan is a staunch advocate of Ambedkar ideology, while secular credentials of Vijay are yet to be proven," VCK MP D Ravikumar said. Thirumavalavan, along with INDIA bloc partners, is expected to take part in DMK's third national conference of All India Federation for Social Justice in Delhi on Dec 3.
New Canadians, non-traditional demographics boost minor hockey uptake in B.C.
Walmart is still rolling out plenty of big TV deals for the holidays, including a major discount on this 75-inch VIZIO 4K Limited-Edition UHD Smart TV model. The 75-inch VIZIO 4K Limited-Edition UHD LED HDR TV is now on sale for $478, instead of $598, for a savings of $120. This $120 markdown drops this massive 75-inch VIZIO TV under $480, which is a super-low sale price for this large of a screen size. Walmart is also offering this TV deal with free next-day delivery, so you’ll have this gift under the tree ASAP. With the 75-inch VIZIO 4K UHD Smart TV , you’ll be able to take advantage of Dolby Vision Bright+ technology for a brighter picture color and more image detail. Plus, the Dolby Audio sound quality with spatial audio complements the 4K UHD resolution for a theater-like viewing experience. The TV also has VIZIO Home integrated so you can manage your favorite streaming apps, watch tons of free TV channels and take advantage of more viewing options. It’s also Wi-Fi 6 compatible for faster streaming and gaming with voice control offered through the VIZIO app. Shop for this 75-inch VIZIO 4K UHD LED HDR TV deal at Walmart here. Walmart TV Deals You can also check out more TVs on sale from Walmart for the holidays, including these top offers: TCL 55” Class S4 4K UHD HDR LED Roku TV for $228, instead of $348 Hisense 75′′ Class 4K UHD LED LCD Roku TV for $478, instead of $698 SAMSUNG 65” Class DU6900 Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV for $378, instead of $470 LG 55′′ Class 4K UHD OLED Web OS Smart TV for $798, instead of $1,199 Find even more smart TV markdowns at Walmart here. The Best Deals in December Kate Spade Outlet has handbags up to 79% off with an extra discount on top styles — and you can still get them by Christmas Canada Goose jackets are up to 20% off at Gilt, but this luxury outerwear sale will be gone in a flash UGG has its famous boots and slippers on sale for 30% off with delivery still available by Christmas Amazon has this enormous 98-inch QLED 4K UHD TV on sale for an unbelievable 50% off just before Christmas Amazon has the latest GoPro HERO13 camera on sale for 25% off — and its even cheaper than Black Friday Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com . Dawn Magyar can be reached at dmagyar@njadvancemedia.com . Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/ .Srinagar, Nov 23: As part of 8th Hamidi Kashmiri Memorial Annual Urdu lecture, Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), University of Kashmir, organised an extension lecture on the theme ‘Mustand Hai Mera Farmaya Hua: Distinctive Features of Mir Taqi Mir’s Poetry.’ The event featured Dr. Taqi Abedi, an internationally recognised scholar from Canada, as the keynote speaker. Dr. Abedi, known for his extensive contributions to Urdu and Persian literature, has authored over 80 books and numerous research papers. Dr. Abedi highlighted the important features of Mir’s Urdu ghazals vis-à-vis his contemporary poets and successors in his interactive lecture. He also discussed the Mir’s lasting impact on the poets of 19th and 20th centuries. “Mir’s Urdu ghazals stand out for their emotional depth and style,” he noted. In his remarks, Prof. Hameed Naseem Rafiabadi highlighted the significance of Mir’s poetry. “Mir’s poetry captures deep human emotions and provides timeless wisdom that still speaks to us today,” he said. This literary session was presided over by Dean, School of Open Learning, KU Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad while as the welcome address was delivered by Director CDOE, KU Prof. Showkat Ahmed Shah. The proceedings of the event were conducted by Dr. Asma Bader, faculty at the department of Urdu, CDOE whileas Dr. Altaf Anjum also a faculty member at CDOE, KU introduced the guest speaker. The lecture was attended by various faculty members, scholars and students from CDOE. Meanwhile Dr. Abedi also delivered another lecture titled ‘Bedil Ki Shayri Mein Insaan Dosti’ (Humanism in Bedil’s Poetry) organized by the Department of Urdu, University of Kashmir. In his engaging lecture, Dr. Abedi provided in-depth insights into the relevance of Bedil’s poetry and delved into the humanistic aspects of Bedil’s poetry. “Bedil’s poetry transcends time and offers universal lessons on human connection and understanding,” Dr. Abedi stated, highlighting how Bedil’s works resonate with contemporary issues like social and political discord. Dr. Abedi also stressed on the importance of reinterpreting Bedil’s writings in today’s context, asserting that his works hold the potential to develop compassion and unity in a divided world. Dean, Faculty of Arts, Languages, and Literature, KU Prof. Salah-ud-din Tak, in his remarks said, “Dr. Abedi’s work has enriched our understanding of Bedil’s philosophy, and I invite him to offer special lectures for the upcoming courses as well.” Head, Department of Urdu, KU Prof. Aejaz Mohammad Sheikh, in his welcome address lauded Bedil’s role in shaping both Persian and Urdu poetry. “Bedil’s exploration of mysticism and humanism remains a cornerstone of literary thought,” he noted. Dr. Mushtaq Haider, faculty at the Department of Urdu,KU conducted the proceedings of the event whileas Dr. Kausar Rasool, another faculty at the Department of Urdu KU proposed a formal vote of thanks. The lecture was attended by various faculty members, scholars and students from the university.