Cine Media

Wali Iqbal Janwari, known by his coaches as “Manerinh,” has found more than just a sport in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu he has found identity, purpose, and belonging. The nickname given to him by his coaches represents the person he is becoming through dedication, discipline, and constant growth on the mat.

Hailing from Sopore, often referred to as the heart of Kashmir, Wali carries the strength and resilience of his homeland wherever he goes. Growing up in Kashmir shaped his mindset, teaching him perseverance, passion, and the determination to keep moving forward despite challenges. Representing his roots in a sport where few from his region take this path motivates him to push even harder every day.

Wali trains at Checkmat Qatar, one of the world’s most respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teams. Training in such a competitive environment has allowed him to learn from experienced coaches and talented training partners who constantly challenge him to improve. Being part of the Checkmat family is both an honour and a responsibility that inspires him to give his best in every session.

Currently competing as a grey/white belt, Wali understands that success in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is built through patience and consistency. He embraces every challenge, knowing that each training session, every mistake, and every lesson on the mat contributes to his growth as both an athlete and an individual.

Beyond the sport itself, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has had a profound impact on his life. It has taught him patience, humility, self-control, and the importance of remaining calm under pressure values that extend far beyond training and shape his everyday life.

From the heart of Kashmir to the mats of Checkmat Qatar, Wali Iqbal Janwari continues to pursue his journey with pride, discipline, and determination, carrying the spirit of “Manerinh” with him every step of the way.

Mehmeet Syed represents a contemporary voice emerging from Kashmir’s evolving music scene, where tradition and modern expression increasingly intersect. Her work reflects a measured artistic direction, shaped by early exposure to music and sustained by consistency rather than rapid visibility.

Raised in a musically inclined environment, she began engaging with music at a young age under the guidance of her mother, who played a formative role in her development. This foundation contributed to a style that emphasizes clarity, emotional control, and cultural grounding.

Her entry into the professional space brought gradual recognition. Instead of aligning with passing trends, she focused on maintaining vocal identity and expression, allowing her work to connect with a wider audience. The integration of traditional Kashmiri elements within a contemporary framework became a defining aspect of her

Her journey also includes periods of interruption. Structural limitations within the regional music ecosystem, along with personal challenges, affected her continuity. The loss of her mother marked a significant pause in her career. Her return to music, however, indicated a shift toward purpose-driven work rather than opportunity-driven progression.

As her work expanded beyond regional boundaries, she engaged with audiences outside India, where her music functioned as both performance and cultural representation. This transition reflects a broader movement among regional artists seeking visibility on international platforms.

At present, Mehmeet Syed maintains a steady artistic trajectory. Her focus remains on sustaining her musical identity while extending reach in a controlled manner.

Her journey demonstrates a consistent pattern: long-term persistence, alignment with cultural roots, and the ability to continue despite structural and personal disruptions.

The Throwball Women’s Cup 2026 concluded at Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School, Zadibal, with enthusiastic participation from 14 government and private institutions of Kashmir Division.

In the thrilling final match, GHSS Zadibal defeated R. P. School Lawaypora by 2 1 and lifted the championship title.

Before the declaration of the tournament, a pledge under the initiative of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan was taken by all athletes, coaches, and managers.

Jenab Mohammad Shafi Lone, Principal GHSS Zadibal, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Riyaz Wani, President Swim N Survive Society; Manzoor Ahmad (PEM, GHSS Zadibal); and members of the Sports Committee attended as Special Guests. They distributed trophies, medals, mementos, and certificates among the winners and runners-up.

Members of the J&K 7 Side Throwball Association present on the occasion included Sahil Ali Beigh, Mohammad Sufiyan, Muskan, and Rizwana.

The tournament was organized by the J&K 7 Side Throwball Association with august support from Saving the Future (NGO), Legends School, and Shugul Event Organization.

Her idea went viral after actor R. Madhavan shared a reel on Instagram, highlighting the journey of a twelve-year-old. It caught my attention because Vinisha Umashankar’s story had already circled the globe in 2021, receiving accolades at COP26 and praise from leaders like Narendra Modi.

This time, the narrative exploded with thirty million views. The headlines were predictably sweeping: “A 12-year-old girl just changed the future of 10 million workers in India.” It is a powerful story for many, one that tugs at the heartstrings precisely because it also features a child and it is about saving the planet. Just like the Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg who made waves at the UN when she was 15 years old.

However, this story remains an incomplete narrative for those who understand the grit and complexity of real-world innovation.

At 15, This Young Climate Activist Won $11,000

From Sweden To Advance Her Innovation

Vinisha designed the “Iron-Max” at age 12 back then, a solar-powered ironing cart intended to replace the charcoal irons used by millions of vendors across India. For a twelve-year-old, it is an impressive school project demonstrating initiative and social awareness. But that is where it should have stayed: as a school project.

Media outlets reported the story with typical shallowness, preferring the “feel-good” click to a rigorous analysis of the socio-economic context.

The Linear Trap and the “Bling-Bling” Platform

The seduction of a simple problem is hard to resist. The logic is compellingly linear: charcoal is harmful; therefore, replace it with solar power. On paper, it is a neat solution to a problem affecting ten million workers.

What the layperson fails to grasp is that innovation cannot happen in isolation. Every innovation has a context. We cannot expect a child to possess deep industrial-socio-economic context, but we should expect more from the “experts” cheering her on. On a “bling-bling” platform like COP26, the idea aligns perfectly with Western climate narratives. It makes us feel that the solution to climate change is just one clever gadget away.

Had the problem been that simple, the dhobis would have solved it decades ago. The question rarely asked by the media or world leaders is: Does this solve a real problem for the people it is meant to serve?

The Reality of Indian Urban Streets

I ask every entrepreneur I work with: Who did you speak to before you designed this?

So, did this young designer speak to even five dhobis before designing a solution for them? The assumption by teachers, parents, and leaders is a patronising fallacy that the West often repeats: the idea that these workers use charcoal simply because they lack access to technology or the imagination to change.

In reality, the Indian informal economy is one of the most creative demographics in the world; they survive on the edge of a relentless hustle.

We need to understand that access is not the same as suitability. A dhobi at a street corner handles over a hundred garments a day. This is a highly productive, industrial-scale operation performed within a fragile economic margin. For them, efficiency and reliability matter infinitely more than modern convenience.

They use heavy, coal-powered irons because they are functional:

The Weight: These irons weigh 5–10 kg. The weight of the tool does the work of pressing the clothes, requiring significantly less repetitive physical effort from the user.
Thermal Mass: The heat from charcoal stays consistent for hours and reaches high temperatures. It doesn’t need to “warm up” between garments, allowing the dhobi to sustain momentum throughout the day.
Versatility: It handles thick cotton sarees, starched uniforms, and bed linens that a standard household iron would struggle to crisp.

A solar-powered iron interrupts this rhythm. It lacks the necessary weight and requires constant reheating. If the technology fails, work stops—and the source of income becomes erratic or disappears.

Economics, Not a Lack of Imagination

Charcoal is cheap, locally available, and purchased in small quantities that align with daily cash flow. There are no electricity bills, no wiring dependencies, and no exposure to voltage fluctuations.

A solar alternative introduces upfront costs, maintenance challenges, and a dependence on infrastructure that is often absent in informal workspaces.

Furthermore, customers are not loyal to the technology; they are loyal to their needs (the outcome). They want:

Crisp, professionally pressed clothes
A low, affordable, and predictable price
A fast turnaround

Charcoal irons deliver all three. There is no incentive to change unless the customer demands it or it significantly improves take-home income. The heavy iron is part of the profession’s identity and expertise.

Learning from Past Failures

We have seen this before.

The One Laptop per Child project, developed out of MIT Media Lab, faltered because it overlooked the realities on the ground—the lack of teacher training to integrate computers into learning, unreliable or absent access to electricity in rural schools, and the absence of local repair ecosystems when devices fail.

The LifeStraw, widely celebrated for its technical ingenuity, struggled in many contexts because it ignored the social reality of how water is actually collected, stored, and shared across households in rural communities in the Global South.

These failures were not technological; they were relational. They solved for visibility, not necessity or context.

Many startups fail because they design for a problem they think is interesting rather than designing for the user and the actual market need. Approximately 42% of startups fail because of a lack of market need.

The question is not whether solar-powered carts are a “good idea” morally. The real question is:

How might we create a solution that preserves a dhobi’s autonomy, reduces physical strain, improves their income, and matches current performance without creating new dependencies?

Until we answer that, we are not innovating; we are merely applauding a performance.

Our history of innovation has shown that innovation fails when it treats users as passive recipients. People are making rational choices within their constraints, and unless an innovation fits into that logic, it doesn’t matter how good the idea looks on stage.

— By: Radhika Mia, PhD

Shekinah Mukhiya, a 19-year-old music prodigy from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, has emerged as one of the most promising young talents in India’s music scene. Known for her soulful voice and remarkable versatility, she effortlessly blends genres such as jazz, blues, Bollywood, and English music. Beyond her vocal abilities, Shekinah is also skilled in playing the guitar and ukulele, often performing alongside her father, Vikas Mukhiya. Their father-daughter duo has captivated audiences across the country, earning widespread admiration.

Her musical journey gained national attention in 2017 when she made her debut on The Voice India Kids, where her unique voice quickly stood out. She went on to become one of the Top 6 finalists, establishing herself as a rising star. In 2019, she further solidified her reputation by winning a Gold Medal Superstar Singer on Sony TV finishing among the Top 7 contestants.

Shekinah’s talent has extended beyond reality television. In 2022, she appeared on India’s Got Talentalongside her father, receiving immense appreciation from judges and audiences alike. She has also lent her voice to television promos, including DID Little Masters 2018, and made her film debut in Sumeru, where she had the opportunity to sing alongside Bollywood legend Shaan.

Her collaborations with renowned music directors such as Himesh Reshammiya, Anand-Milind, Sameer Tandon, and Ram Sampath highlight her growing influence in the industry. However, her journey is not limited to music alone.

Shekinah has consistently used her voice as a tool for social change. As the Brand Ambassador of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative in Uttarakhand, she actively promotes education and awareness for girls. Her commitment to making a difference also led her to become a TEDx speaker at IIT Roorkee, where she shared her journey as a young changemaker.

Her efforts in social service are particularly noteworthy. Through music and fundraising initiatives, she has made a tangible impact on many lives. She raised ₹2 lakh for the treatment of a child suffering from a rare disease, contributed over ₹6 lakh during the COVID-19 lockdown to support more than 500 families with essential supplies, and collected ₹2.5 lakh for cancer treatment for a patient in West Bengal. In 2023, through her “Gift A Future” campaign, she raised ₹3.5 lakh via live performances to support the renovation and expansion of a primary school in Kalimpong.

Her contributions have not gone unnoticed. She received the Young Turk Award in 2020, becoming its youngest recipient, and was featured in Lockdown Diaries and Unlocked Stories by Loyola Degree College, Bangalore, for her service during the pandemic.

Shekinah Mukhiya represents a new generation of artists who view music as more than just entertainment. For her, it is a medium to inspire, uplift, and bring about meaningful change. Whether on stage, in the studio, or within communities, her journey reflects dedication, compassion, and purpose. As she continues to evolve, she remains an inspiring example of how talent, when combined with intent, can leave a lasting impact.

Economic growth is traditionally viewed as a fundamental indicator of progress and prosperity within societies. Rising GDP, expanding cities, increasing production are taken as signs that a society is moving forward. The logic is simple: more activity means more improvement.

But growth measures activity, and not outcomes.

Growth is commonly measured through metrics such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), production, consumption, infrastructure development, and employment rates. These indicators collectively suggest an expanding economy and are often equated with improvements in living standards and societal advancement. But when looked at more closely, economic growth and progress don’t always mean the same thing.

An economy can produce more, consume more, and expand continuously without necessarily improving the conditions of the people within it. The assumption that growth leads to progress rests on an obvious framework that “more” is always better.

Drawing an analogy from biology, uncontrolled growth in living organisms can be pathological, as seen in diseases like cancer. A tumor grows rapidly, drawing resources, expanding its presence in the organism but this growth does not contribute to the well-being of the organism. In fact it destabilizes it.

We recognize this pattern easily in living systems. Growth, when detached from balance and purpose, becomes harmful.

So why do we fail to recognize it in economies?

It is because the relationship between economic growth and societal well-being is complex and nuanced. In some instances, growth has led to some tangible improvements in quality of life, including better healthcare, education, and access to resources.

However, there are also numerous cases where economic expansion has failed to translate into broad societal benefits. Growth doesn’t always spread evenly. Growth may coincide with rising inequalities, where wealth accumulates disproportionately among only certain groups, leaving others marginalized. This unequal distribution undermines social cohesion and questions the framework we’re operating on that growth benefits all members of society equally.

This means that an economy can grow while large sections of its population continue to struggle. This is not a failure of measurement alone, but a reflection of what the system is designed to prioritize. If“growth” is the primary goal, then other considerations such equity, sustainability, long-term stability become secondary.

At that point, growth begins to detach from its original purpose.

This raises a more fundamental question: what is growth for?

Because if the purpose of an economy is to improve human well-being, then growth is only meaningful in-so-far as it serves that purpose. But when growth is pursued for its own sake, it becomes a self-sustaining idea choosing to expand because it can, rather than because it should.

The consequence of this is not always immediate, but they are cumulative. Environmental systems degrade slowly. Unchecked economic growth often entails increased resource extraction, pollution, and ecological degradation. Such impacts threaten the sustainability of growth itself and the health of the planet. The concept of sustainable growth emerges as a vital counterpoint, emphasizing the need to balance economic development with environmental protection and long-term viability. Without this balance, growth may lead to outcomes that ultimately detract from human welfare.

Along with this, inequality deepens over time. Social structures adapt to imbalance by normalizing it.

This is where the idea of progress becomes unstable. Progress implies improvement and not only in scale, but also in quality. It suggests movement toward better conditions, greater stability, and more equitable outcomes. Growth does not guarantee any of these. It answers the question of “how much”. Progress should answer the question of “how well”. And the two do not always move together.

This does not mean that growth is inherently negative. It can enable development, expand opportunities, and improve access to resources. But it is not sufficient as a measure of progress. Without attention to how its benefits are distributed and what its long-term impacts are, growth remains an incomplete bubble of society .

Therefore the problem is not growth itself, but the way we define, normalize and interpret it. We have learned to equate increase with improvement, and scales with success. But these are not the same. A system can expand while becoming more fragile. It can produce more while sustaining less.

So it’s not about whether economies should grow. It’s also not about whether we should pursue growth. But we’ve come to call it“progress”, without considering the cost beneath it. And when that cost remains unexamined, growth stops being a measure of progress, it only sustains the illusion of it.

Celebrating economic growth without considering its broader impacts may be misguided. It underscores the importance of shifting focus from growth for growth’s sake to progress defined by well-being, equity, and sustainability.

— By: Arshiyah Baba

Fiza Nazir is a professional mixed martial artist from Srinagar, Kashmir, steadily building her presence in the competitive world of MMA. With a record of 12 wins and 5 losses, she has already gained significant experience inside the cage, reflecting both her skill level and her commitment to continuous improvement.

Growing up in Srinagar, Fiza comes from a region where combat sports are still developing and access to advanced training facilities is limited. Choosing MMA as a career path in such an environment requires not only passion but also strong determination. Despite these challenges, she remained focused on her goal and pursued the sport with consistency and discipline.

Her record of 12-5 represents more than just numbers. It reflects years of training, preparation, and real fight experience. Each fight has contributed to her growth as an athlete, helping her understand strategy, timing, and mental strength. Her wins demonstrate her technical ability and preparation, while her losses have played an important role in shaping her resilience and ability to adapt.

To further elevate her skills, Fiza moved to Thailand, where she trains at Bangtao MMA, a well-known training facility recognized for producing high-level fighters. Training in Thailand has provided her with exposure to a more competitive and structured environment. She trains alongside athletes from different countries, which allows her to learn diverse fighting styles and improve her overall performance.

At Bangtao MMA, her training routine is intense and disciplined. It includes striking, grappling, conditioning, and recovery, all designed to enhance her performance inside the cage. Being in such an environment pushes her to constantly improve and stay prepared for upcoming challenges. This level of training plays a crucial role in shaping her as a professional fighter.

Fiza’s journey from Srinagar to Thailand highlights her willingness to step beyond her comfort zone in order to grow. It reflects her dedication to the sport and her long-term vision of establishing herself in MMA. Representing her roots while training on an international platform, she continues to move forward with focus and determination.

As she progresses in her career, Fiza Nazir remains committed to improving her record, gaining more experience, and competing at higher levels. Her journey is defined by discipline, consistency, and a clear goal to continue evolving as a fighter and make her mark in the world of mixed martial arts.

Sufeenah Khan is a student, speaker, reader, and dreamer whose journey reflects a rare blend of sensitivity and strength. Over the past five years, she has consistently used her voice and words as instruments of awareness, expression, and change. What began as a personal exploration of thoughts and emotions gradually evolved into a purposeful mission to influence society through literature, dialogue, and action.

As a young writer and speaker, Sufeenah Khan has actively participated in discussions and platforms that encourage critical thinking and emotional awareness. Her ability to articulate complex feelings and societal concerns allows her to connect deeply with diverse audiences, particularly young individuals navigating uncertainty, identity, and inner conflict.

At the age of 18, she published her debut book Zoom In: Poems for Someone Still Finding Their Way (2025). The collection stands as a reflection of her personal journey as well as the collective experiences of a generation searching for meaning and belonging. Through carefully crafted poetry, Sufeenah Khan explores themes such as self-discovery, societal pressure, emotional vulnerability, identity struggles, and the silent battles many endure.

A distinctive element of the book is its unconventional ending. Rather than concluding with a final poem, Sufeenah Khan leaves readers with blank, journal-like pages accompanied by thoughtful prompts. This design transforms the book from a passive reading experience into an interactive, introspective space encouraging readers to write, reflect, and confront their own emotions. It positions the reader not just as an observer, but as a participant in the narrative.

Beyond her literary work, Sufeenah Khan is deeply engaged in volunteer initiatives aimed at creating social impact. She actively advocates for mental health awareness, focusing on breaking the stigma that prevents open conversations in many communities. Her work highlights the importance of acknowledging emotional struggles rather than suppressing them, and she consistently encourages safe, honest dialogue around mental well-being.

Her writing is marked by authenticity and emotional depth, avoiding superficial optimism and instead embracing the complexity of human experience. Sufeenah Khan does not present herself as someone who has all the answers; rather, she writes as someone still searching making her voice relatable, grounded, and credible.

Through her combined efforts in writing, speaking, and volunteering, Sufeenah Khan represents a generation that values awareness, empathy, and change. Her work continues to resonate with those who are still finding their way, offering them not solutions, but understanding and the courage to keep going.