Cine Media

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.

Muzamil Arif Batt, a passionate young writer from the scenic region of Doda in Jammu & Kashmir, is steadily emerging as a strong voice for today’s youth. With a deep interest in social issues, environmental awareness, education, youth development, and mental well-being, he uses his words to inspire, inform, and create meaningful impact.

His thoughtful articles and emotionally engaging poems have been featured in several reputed platforms, including The Chenab Times, The States Times, The Headline Today, The Kashmir Pen, Greater Kashmir, The Mirror of Kashmir, and The Kashmir Images. Beyond general writing, Muzamil has also contributed by documenting the journeys and achievements of notable personalities such as Advocate Guftar Ahmed Choudhary and social activist Burhan Dar from Kishtwar.

Through his writing, Muzamil connects deeply with young audiences. He encourages them to overcome challenges, believe in their potential, and actively contribute to society. His work often highlights themes like sustainability, community growth, and positive transformation, sparking awareness and thoughtful discussions among readers.

A significant milestone in his journey came when he secured 1st Prize in the prestigious Competition Success Review (CSR) National Essay Contest on the theme “Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” with his work featured in the November 2025 issue of CSR Magazine. This achievement reflects both his talent and dedication to impactful writing.

Academically, Muzamil holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree from Government Degree College Bhaderwah. Alongside his academic pursuits, he remains committed to the holistic development of youth, believing in the power of supportive communities where every young voice is heard and valued.

Muzamil Arif Batt continues to turn thoughts into impact, motivating and empowering the youth one word at a time.

Her role as the Women’s Wing President of the Save Youth Save Future Foundation places her at the forefront of initiatives focused on youth empowerment and women’s leadership. Through this platform, she actively contributes to programs that aim to strengthen community participation, enhance leadership among young women, and promote inclusive development practices.

Anika’s work is deeply rooted in addressing the realities of Jammu & Kashmir, particularly the needs of communities affected by conflict. She has consistently engaged with issues surrounding victims of terrorism, advocating for awareness, justice, and long-term rehabilitation of affected families. Her approach combines research-driven insights with practical interventions, allowing her to contribute meaningfully to both policy discussions and on-ground initiatives.

In addition to her advocacy work, Anika has played a role in promoting educational reforms. She has contributed to initiatives that introduce skill-based and vocational education within Madrasas, aiming to create more practical and inclusive learning opportunities for youth. This effort reflects her broader vision of education as a tool for empowerment and socio-economic mobility.

Her professional journey also includes collaborations with national and international institutions such as the European Union and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation ONGC . Through these engagements, she has worked on development-oriented and community-based projects, further expanding her impact and exposure to diverse frameworks of social development.

Anika Nazir’s work continues to focus on building community resilience, advancing education, and contributing to research and policy dialogue. Her commitment to creating meaningful and sustainable social impact positions her as a significant contributor to the evolving landscape of community development in the region.

By Arshiyah Baba

At dawn, somewhere in a forest that has never heard a human voice, a tree has just fallen.

No one was there to witness it. There were no cameras to record this instant, and therefore there was no mind to interpret this event as “destruction” or “loss” because the tree had simply collapsed, as its body started dissolving into soil, feeding fungi, insects, and many invisible networks beneath the earth. Life continues, indifferent to observation or any witnesses.

Now remove not just the witness, but the entire possibility of one.

The last human has just died.

The world still does not register the difference. Rivers keep running, light moves across mountains and rivers as it always does, forests continue their slow exchanges of gases, as their roots are threading deeper into the soil, while the leaves turn toward a sun that rises just in time. And somewhere amid this, a new flower is just born.

Nothing in this moment suggests absence. Nothing indicates that something essential has been lost. And yet, it is difficult to resist the question: if no one is left to see it, to name it, to feel it does any of it have any value And does it matter

We have built an entire civilization on the assumption that “value” begins with us.

We are used to measuring value through human eyes. Things matter because they are seen, used, felt, or in some way understood by human minds. A landscape is called “beautiful” when it moves us; a forest is considered “important” when it stores carbon; a species becomes “worth saving” when its loss threatens our future. If you strip away this human observer, this framework collapses.

Without us, there are no words like beautiful, useful, or even valuable. From this perspective, nature appears almost incomplete without us, giving birth to the anthropocentric worldview: the belief that humans are the central or most significant entities in the universe.

So the question remains: Is nature, in itself, empty of worth

Yet ecology tells a very different story.

Long before humans arrived, life was already engaged in a vast, dynamic interplay of survival and transformation, with ecosystems maintaining delicate balances through intricate relationships of predation, symbiosis, and nutrient cycling. Ecosystems are not passive stage sets; instead, they are active, self-organizing systems.

A tree does not need admiration to photosynthesize. A coral reef does not require appreciation to sustain biodiversity. These processes unfold with a kind of autonomy that seems to suggest significance beyond human interpretation.

This autonomy becomes even harder to dismiss when seen across time. What exists now is not instant, but rather the result of millions of years of gradual change, of small variations preserved and carried forward through survival. However, no organism intends this process, and no system stands apart to reflect on it. Yet over time, it gives rise to forms of life that grow increasingly complex and increasingly entangled with one another.

Each species is not merely alive; it is the present expression of a long, continuous history. Its disappearance, then, is not just a change in what exists now. It is the ending of something that took millions of years to take shape.

This is where environmental ethics introduces the idea of intrinsic value: the claim that nature possesses worth independent of its usefulness to humans.

But the idea is a little unsettling, because if value is not assigned by humans, where does it come from? Can value exist without a valuer?

Many philosophers argue that “value” cannot be assigned unless it comes from the consciousness of a human, implying that value is a human construct. Therefore, terms like “good,” “beautiful,” or “important” dissolve into neutrality. They insist that value is inseparable from conscious judgment. A forest, then, would not be “valuable” without humans; it would simply be a configuration of matter and energy.

This argument is often challenged by the thought that if living systems strive, adapt, and sustain themselves, does that not suggest a kind of inherent worth? Consequently, when a species engages in struggle for survival, does this not constitute a valuation of its own continued existence?

This inquiry leads us to the concept of biodiversity, wherein scientists predict that the loss of species undermines ecosystems, thereby diminishing their capacity to adapt to alterations. From a strictly anthropocentric standpoint, this is significant due to its impact on food systems, climate stability, and human health.

However, from a more expansive ecological viewpoint, each species represents a distinct manifestation of life’s evolutionary trajectory, shaped over millennia. Its extinction is not merely a detriment to humanity, but a loss of intrinsic value.

Is it unreasonable, then, to say that such a loss matters

Perhaps the problem is not consciousness or environmental ethics, but rather linguistics.

The difficulty lies in our language, where words like “value” and “meaning” are deeply human-centric, tied to human emotion and judgment. Nature does not label any event as good or bad; it operates through processes. Fires destroy forests, yet also renew them. Predators kill, yet maintain balance. What we call “harm” or “loss” may, in ecological terms, be part of a larger continuity.

Philosophers like Arne Naess, the founder of deep ecology, argue that humans are not separate from nature but part of it. If this is true, then recognizing nature’s value is not imposing meaning onto it, but instead rediscovering a relationship we humans are embedded in. In this view, nature’s worth does not depend on human presence; rather, our ability to perceive that worth depends on our willingness to look beyond ourselves.

So we return to the fallen tree.

In one sense, it does not “matter” without humans, because there is no one to call it meaningful.

In another sense, it matters profoundly, because it nourishes life, sustains ecosystems, and participates in the ongoing bio-evolution of the Earth. The tree’s significance exists, even if it is unobserved.

The question shifts from whether nature has value without humans to whether humans are capable of recognizing value that does not revolve around them.

And regardless of the answer, either way, the forest at dawn does not wait for our conclusion. It simply continues.

Emerging Kashmiri author Arizoo Riyaz has made her literary debut with the release of her Urdu short story collection titled “Nafas-e-Qalam.” The book introduces a fresh voice in contemporary Urdu fiction and reflects the author’s distinctive storytelling style.

Written in a bold and thought-provoking tone, Nafas-e-Qalam draws inspiration from the fearless literary tradition associated with writers such as Saadat Hasan Manto and Ismat Chughtai. Through its stories, the collection explores complex social realities, encouraging readers to reflect on issues related to society, power, and human relationships.

Blending satire with introspection, the stories attempt to mirror society by highlighting its contradictions, hypocrisies, and unspoken tensions. The narrative style aims to provoke thought while presenting the emotional and moral dilemmas individuals often face within social structures.

Speaking about the book, Arizoo Riyaz said the collection is meant to amplify voices that are often judged or ignored. She described Nafas-e-Qalam as “a mirror of society written in society’s own language.”

Originally from Anantnag, Kashmir, Arizoo Riyaz is an alumna of Aligarh Muslim University. Her writing frequently engages with themes of identity, morality, gender expectations, and the subtle emotional struggles that exist beneath social conventions.

Nafas-e-Qalam marks Riyaz’s first published work and adds a new perspective to the evolving landscape of contemporary Urdu literature.

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.

Muzamil Arif Batt, a passionate young writer from the scenic region of Doda in Jammu & Kashmir, is steadily emerging as a strong voice for today’s youth. With a deep interest in social issues, environmental awareness, education, youth development, and mental well-being, he uses his words to inspire, inform, and create meaningful impact.

His thoughtful articles and emotionally engaging poems have been featured in several reputed platforms, including The Chenab Times, The States Times, The Headline Today, The Kashmir Pen, Greater Kashmir, The Mirror of Kashmir, and The Kashmir Images. Beyond general writing, Muzamil has also contributed by documenting the journeys and achievements of notable personalities such as Advocate Guftar Ahmed Choudhary and social activist Burhan Dar from Kishtwar.

Through his writing, Muzamil connects deeply with young audiences. He encourages them to overcome challenges, believe in their potential, and actively contribute to society. His work often highlights themes like sustainability, community growth, and positive transformation, sparking awareness and thoughtful discussions among readers.

A significant milestone in his journey came when he secured 1st Prize in the prestigious Competition Success Review (CSR) National Essay Contest on the theme “Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” with his work featured in the November 2025 issue of CSR Magazine. This achievement reflects both his talent and dedication to impactful writing.

Academically, Muzamil holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree from Government Degree College Bhaderwah. Alongside his academic pursuits, he remains committed to the holistic development of youth, believing in the power of supportive communities where every young voice is heard and valued.

Muzamil Arif Batt continues to turn thoughts into impact, motivating and empowering the youth one word at a time.

Her role as the Women’s Wing President of the Save Youth Save Future Foundation places her at the forefront of initiatives focused on youth empowerment and women’s leadership. Through this platform, she actively contributes to programs that aim to strengthen community participation, enhance leadership among young women, and promote inclusive development practices.

Anika’s work is deeply rooted in addressing the realities of Jammu & Kashmir, particularly the needs of communities affected by conflict. She has consistently engaged with issues surrounding victims of terrorism, advocating for awareness, justice, and long-term rehabilitation of affected families. Her approach combines research-driven insights with practical interventions, allowing her to contribute meaningfully to both policy discussions and on-ground initiatives.

In addition to her advocacy work, Anika has played a role in promoting educational reforms. She has contributed to initiatives that introduce skill-based and vocational education within Madrasas, aiming to create more practical and inclusive learning opportunities for youth. This effort reflects her broader vision of education as a tool for empowerment and socio-economic mobility.

Her professional journey also includes collaborations with national and international institutions such as the European Union and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation ONGC . Through these engagements, she has worked on development-oriented and community-based projects, further expanding her impact and exposure to diverse frameworks of social development.

Anika Nazir’s work continues to focus on building community resilience, advancing education, and contributing to research and policy dialogue. Her commitment to creating meaningful and sustainable social impact positions her as a significant contributor to the evolving landscape of community development in the region.

By Arshiyah Baba

At dawn, somewhere in a forest that has never heard a human voice, a tree has just fallen.

No one was there to witness it. There were no cameras to record this instant, and therefore there was no mind to interpret this event as “destruction” or “loss” because the tree had simply collapsed, as its body started dissolving into soil, feeding fungi, insects, and many invisible networks beneath the earth. Life continues, indifferent to observation or any witnesses.

Now remove not just the witness, but the entire possibility of one.

The last human has just died.

The world still does not register the difference. Rivers keep running, light moves across mountains and rivers as it always does, forests continue their slow exchanges of gases, as their roots are threading deeper into the soil, while the leaves turn toward a sun that rises just in time. And somewhere amid this, a new flower is just born.

Nothing in this moment suggests absence. Nothing indicates that something essential has been lost. And yet, it is difficult to resist the question: if no one is left to see it, to name it, to feel it does any of it have any value And does it matter

We have built an entire civilization on the assumption that “value” begins with us.

We are used to measuring value through human eyes. Things matter because they are seen, used, felt, or in some way understood by human minds. A landscape is called “beautiful” when it moves us; a forest is considered “important” when it stores carbon; a species becomes “worth saving” when its loss threatens our future. If you strip away this human observer, this framework collapses.

Without us, there are no words like beautiful, useful, or even valuable. From this perspective, nature appears almost incomplete without us, giving birth to the anthropocentric worldview: the belief that humans are the central or most significant entities in the universe.

So the question remains: Is nature, in itself, empty of worth

Yet ecology tells a very different story.

Long before humans arrived, life was already engaged in a vast, dynamic interplay of survival and transformation, with ecosystems maintaining delicate balances through intricate relationships of predation, symbiosis, and nutrient cycling. Ecosystems are not passive stage sets; instead, they are active, self-organizing systems.

A tree does not need admiration to photosynthesize. A coral reef does not require appreciation to sustain biodiversity. These processes unfold with a kind of autonomy that seems to suggest significance beyond human interpretation.

This autonomy becomes even harder to dismiss when seen across time. What exists now is not instant, but rather the result of millions of years of gradual change, of small variations preserved and carried forward through survival. However, no organism intends this process, and no system stands apart to reflect on it. Yet over time, it gives rise to forms of life that grow increasingly complex and increasingly entangled with one another.

Each species is not merely alive; it is the present expression of a long, continuous history. Its disappearance, then, is not just a change in what exists now. It is the ending of something that took millions of years to take shape.

This is where environmental ethics introduces the idea of intrinsic value: the claim that nature possesses worth independent of its usefulness to humans.

But the idea is a little unsettling, because if value is not assigned by humans, where does it come from? Can value exist without a valuer?

Many philosophers argue that “value” cannot be assigned unless it comes from the consciousness of a human, implying that value is a human construct. Therefore, terms like “good,” “beautiful,” or “important” dissolve into neutrality. They insist that value is inseparable from conscious judgment. A forest, then, would not be “valuable” without humans; it would simply be a configuration of matter and energy.

This argument is often challenged by the thought that if living systems strive, adapt, and sustain themselves, does that not suggest a kind of inherent worth? Consequently, when a species engages in struggle for survival, does this not constitute a valuation of its own continued existence?

This inquiry leads us to the concept of biodiversity, wherein scientists predict that the loss of species undermines ecosystems, thereby diminishing their capacity to adapt to alterations. From a strictly anthropocentric standpoint, this is significant due to its impact on food systems, climate stability, and human health.

However, from a more expansive ecological viewpoint, each species represents a distinct manifestation of life’s evolutionary trajectory, shaped over millennia. Its extinction is not merely a detriment to humanity, but a loss of intrinsic value.

Is it unreasonable, then, to say that such a loss matters

Perhaps the problem is not consciousness or environmental ethics, but rather linguistics.

The difficulty lies in our language, where words like “value” and “meaning” are deeply human-centric, tied to human emotion and judgment. Nature does not label any event as good or bad; it operates through processes. Fires destroy forests, yet also renew them. Predators kill, yet maintain balance. What we call “harm” or “loss” may, in ecological terms, be part of a larger continuity.

Philosophers like Arne Naess, the founder of deep ecology, argue that humans are not separate from nature but part of it. If this is true, then recognizing nature’s value is not imposing meaning onto it, but instead rediscovering a relationship we humans are embedded in. In this view, nature’s worth does not depend on human presence; rather, our ability to perceive that worth depends on our willingness to look beyond ourselves.

So we return to the fallen tree.

In one sense, it does not “matter” without humans, because there is no one to call it meaningful.

In another sense, it matters profoundly, because it nourishes life, sustains ecosystems, and participates in the ongoing bio-evolution of the Earth. The tree’s significance exists, even if it is unobserved.

The question shifts from whether nature has value without humans to whether humans are capable of recognizing value that does not revolve around them.

And regardless of the answer, either way, the forest at dawn does not wait for our conclusion. It simply continues.

Emerging Kashmiri author Arizoo Riyaz has made her literary debut with the release of her Urdu short story collection titled “Nafas-e-Qalam.” The book introduces a fresh voice in contemporary Urdu fiction and reflects the author’s distinctive storytelling style.

Written in a bold and thought-provoking tone, Nafas-e-Qalam draws inspiration from the fearless literary tradition associated with writers such as Saadat Hasan Manto and Ismat Chughtai. Through its stories, the collection explores complex social realities, encouraging readers to reflect on issues related to society, power, and human relationships.

Blending satire with introspection, the stories attempt to mirror society by highlighting its contradictions, hypocrisies, and unspoken tensions. The narrative style aims to provoke thought while presenting the emotional and moral dilemmas individuals often face within social structures.

Speaking about the book, Arizoo Riyaz said the collection is meant to amplify voices that are often judged or ignored. She described Nafas-e-Qalam as “a mirror of society written in society’s own language.”

Originally from Anantnag, Kashmir, Arizoo Riyaz is an alumna of Aligarh Muslim University. Her writing frequently engages with themes of identity, morality, gender expectations, and the subtle emotional struggles that exist beneath social conventions.

Nafas-e-Qalam marks Riyaz’s first published work and adds a new perspective to the evolving landscape of contemporary Urdu literature.

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.

Muzamil Arif Batt, a passionate young writer from the scenic region of Doda in Jammu & Kashmir, is steadily emerging as a strong voice for today’s youth. With a deep interest in social issues, environmental awareness, education, youth development, and mental well-being, he uses his words to inspire, inform, and create meaningful impact.

His thoughtful articles and emotionally engaging poems have been featured in several reputed platforms, including The Chenab Times, The States Times, The Headline Today, The Kashmir Pen, Greater Kashmir, The Mirror of Kashmir, and The Kashmir Images. Beyond general writing, Muzamil has also contributed by documenting the journeys and achievements of notable personalities such as Advocate Guftar Ahmed Choudhary and social activist Burhan Dar from Kishtwar.

Through his writing, Muzamil connects deeply with young audiences. He encourages them to overcome challenges, believe in their potential, and actively contribute to society. His work often highlights themes like sustainability, community growth, and positive transformation, sparking awareness and thoughtful discussions among readers.

A significant milestone in his journey came when he secured 1st Prize in the prestigious Competition Success Review (CSR) National Essay Contest on the theme “Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” with his work featured in the November 2025 issue of CSR Magazine. This achievement reflects both his talent and dedication to impactful writing.

Academically, Muzamil holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree from Government Degree College Bhaderwah. Alongside his academic pursuits, he remains committed to the holistic development of youth, believing in the power of supportive communities where every young voice is heard and valued.

Muzamil Arif Batt continues to turn thoughts into impact, motivating and empowering the youth one word at a time.

Her role as the Women’s Wing President of the Save Youth Save Future Foundation places her at the forefront of initiatives focused on youth empowerment and women’s leadership. Through this platform, she actively contributes to programs that aim to strengthen community participation, enhance leadership among young women, and promote inclusive development practices.

Anika’s work is deeply rooted in addressing the realities of Jammu & Kashmir, particularly the needs of communities affected by conflict. She has consistently engaged with issues surrounding victims of terrorism, advocating for awareness, justice, and long-term rehabilitation of affected families. Her approach combines research-driven insights with practical interventions, allowing her to contribute meaningfully to both policy discussions and on-ground initiatives.

In addition to her advocacy work, Anika has played a role in promoting educational reforms. She has contributed to initiatives that introduce skill-based and vocational education within Madrasas, aiming to create more practical and inclusive learning opportunities for youth. This effort reflects her broader vision of education as a tool for empowerment and socio-economic mobility.

Her professional journey also includes collaborations with national and international institutions such as the European Union and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation ONGC . Through these engagements, she has worked on development-oriented and community-based projects, further expanding her impact and exposure to diverse frameworks of social development.

Anika Nazir’s work continues to focus on building community resilience, advancing education, and contributing to research and policy dialogue. Her commitment to creating meaningful and sustainable social impact positions her as a significant contributor to the evolving landscape of community development in the region.

By Arshiyah Baba

At dawn, somewhere in a forest that has never heard a human voice, a tree has just fallen.

No one was there to witness it. There were no cameras to record this instant, and therefore there was no mind to interpret this event as “destruction” or “loss” because the tree had simply collapsed, as its body started dissolving into soil, feeding fungi, insects, and many invisible networks beneath the earth. Life continues, indifferent to observation or any witnesses.

Now remove not just the witness, but the entire possibility of one.

The last human has just died.

The world still does not register the difference. Rivers keep running, light moves across mountains and rivers as it always does, forests continue their slow exchanges of gases, as their roots are threading deeper into the soil, while the leaves turn toward a sun that rises just in time. And somewhere amid this, a new flower is just born.

Nothing in this moment suggests absence. Nothing indicates that something essential has been lost. And yet, it is difficult to resist the question: if no one is left to see it, to name it, to feel it does any of it have any value And does it matter

We have built an entire civilization on the assumption that “value” begins with us.

We are used to measuring value through human eyes. Things matter because they are seen, used, felt, or in some way understood by human minds. A landscape is called “beautiful” when it moves us; a forest is considered “important” when it stores carbon; a species becomes “worth saving” when its loss threatens our future. If you strip away this human observer, this framework collapses.

Without us, there are no words like beautiful, useful, or even valuable. From this perspective, nature appears almost incomplete without us, giving birth to the anthropocentric worldview: the belief that humans are the central or most significant entities in the universe.

So the question remains: Is nature, in itself, empty of worth

Yet ecology tells a very different story.

Long before humans arrived, life was already engaged in a vast, dynamic interplay of survival and transformation, with ecosystems maintaining delicate balances through intricate relationships of predation, symbiosis, and nutrient cycling. Ecosystems are not passive stage sets; instead, they are active, self-organizing systems.

A tree does not need admiration to photosynthesize. A coral reef does not require appreciation to sustain biodiversity. These processes unfold with a kind of autonomy that seems to suggest significance beyond human interpretation.

This autonomy becomes even harder to dismiss when seen across time. What exists now is not instant, but rather the result of millions of years of gradual change, of small variations preserved and carried forward through survival. However, no organism intends this process, and no system stands apart to reflect on it. Yet over time, it gives rise to forms of life that grow increasingly complex and increasingly entangled with one another.

Each species is not merely alive; it is the present expression of a long, continuous history. Its disappearance, then, is not just a change in what exists now. It is the ending of something that took millions of years to take shape.

This is where environmental ethics introduces the idea of intrinsic value: the claim that nature possesses worth independent of its usefulness to humans.

But the idea is a little unsettling, because if value is not assigned by humans, where does it come from? Can value exist without a valuer?

Many philosophers argue that “value” cannot be assigned unless it comes from the consciousness of a human, implying that value is a human construct. Therefore, terms like “good,” “beautiful,” or “important” dissolve into neutrality. They insist that value is inseparable from conscious judgment. A forest, then, would not be “valuable” without humans; it would simply be a configuration of matter and energy.

This argument is often challenged by the thought that if living systems strive, adapt, and sustain themselves, does that not suggest a kind of inherent worth? Consequently, when a species engages in struggle for survival, does this not constitute a valuation of its own continued existence?

This inquiry leads us to the concept of biodiversity, wherein scientists predict that the loss of species undermines ecosystems, thereby diminishing their capacity to adapt to alterations. From a strictly anthropocentric standpoint, this is significant due to its impact on food systems, climate stability, and human health.

However, from a more expansive ecological viewpoint, each species represents a distinct manifestation of life’s evolutionary trajectory, shaped over millennia. Its extinction is not merely a detriment to humanity, but a loss of intrinsic value.

Is it unreasonable, then, to say that such a loss matters

Perhaps the problem is not consciousness or environmental ethics, but rather linguistics.

The difficulty lies in our language, where words like “value” and “meaning” are deeply human-centric, tied to human emotion and judgment. Nature does not label any event as good or bad; it operates through processes. Fires destroy forests, yet also renew them. Predators kill, yet maintain balance. What we call “harm” or “loss” may, in ecological terms, be part of a larger continuity.

Philosophers like Arne Naess, the founder of deep ecology, argue that humans are not separate from nature but part of it. If this is true, then recognizing nature’s value is not imposing meaning onto it, but instead rediscovering a relationship we humans are embedded in. In this view, nature’s worth does not depend on human presence; rather, our ability to perceive that worth depends on our willingness to look beyond ourselves.

So we return to the fallen tree.

In one sense, it does not “matter” without humans, because there is no one to call it meaningful.

In another sense, it matters profoundly, because it nourishes life, sustains ecosystems, and participates in the ongoing bio-evolution of the Earth. The tree’s significance exists, even if it is unobserved.

The question shifts from whether nature has value without humans to whether humans are capable of recognizing value that does not revolve around them.

And regardless of the answer, either way, the forest at dawn does not wait for our conclusion. It simply continues.

Emerging Kashmiri author Arizoo Riyaz has made her literary debut with the release of her Urdu short story collection titled “Nafas-e-Qalam.” The book introduces a fresh voice in contemporary Urdu fiction and reflects the author’s distinctive storytelling style.

Written in a bold and thought-provoking tone, Nafas-e-Qalam draws inspiration from the fearless literary tradition associated with writers such as Saadat Hasan Manto and Ismat Chughtai. Through its stories, the collection explores complex social realities, encouraging readers to reflect on issues related to society, power, and human relationships.

Blending satire with introspection, the stories attempt to mirror society by highlighting its contradictions, hypocrisies, and unspoken tensions. The narrative style aims to provoke thought while presenting the emotional and moral dilemmas individuals often face within social structures.

Speaking about the book, Arizoo Riyaz said the collection is meant to amplify voices that are often judged or ignored. She described Nafas-e-Qalam as “a mirror of society written in society’s own language.”

Originally from Anantnag, Kashmir, Arizoo Riyaz is an alumna of Aligarh Muslim University. Her writing frequently engages with themes of identity, morality, gender expectations, and the subtle emotional struggles that exist beneath social conventions.

Nafas-e-Qalam marks Riyaz’s first published work and adds a new perspective to the evolving landscape of contemporary Urdu literature.