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The Efficacy of Shamanism: Accessing The Invisible Realms

By Syed Shams Uddin Recently, while browsing Facebook, I came across insights on Sandra Ingerman, a renowned shamanic practitioner, which led me to explore the subject further. Shamanism, an ancient spiritual practice that has endured for thousands of years, remains profoundly relevant today, offering guidance, healing, and a deeper connection to both the natural and spiritual realms. In an era where many seek meaning and solutions to life’s challenges, shamanism provides a unique pathway for personal and spiritual growth. As Sandra Ingerman explains, the true power of shamanic journeying lies in its ability to connect individuals with compassionate spirits that offer wisdom, healing, and direction. Though rooted in ancient traditions, this practice is more relevant than ever, enabling people to access an unseen realm of support that transcends the ordinary, fostering a holistic approach to both physical and spiritual well-being. At the heart of shamanism is the belief that the world i...
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The Forgotten Healing Power of Gilgit-Baltistan’s Medicinal Plants

Author: Syed Shams Uddin In the preface of his book The Medicinal Plants of Northern Areas , a 92-page compendium, the late Ghulam Rasul, a renowned agro-forester, underscores how Nature has generously endowed Gilgit-Baltistan with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Against innumerable such plants, he identifies some 62 varieties in terms of their efficacy. However, he laments that this natural wealth remains largely unknown to the common man. With deep insight, he sheds light on the immense benefits of these botanical treasures, vividly illustrating the potential rewards of scientifically harvesting the region’s abundant medicinal herbs. Emphasizing the crucial need for sustainability, he stresses the responsible utilization of this plant wealth to ensure its preservation for future generations. His work serves as a clarion call for greater awareness, research, and conservation efforts to harness this valuable resource while maintaining ecological balance. In recent days, a rather s...

The Voices of Conscience and Unity

By Syed Shams Uddin On the intellectual horizon, poets, writers, and journalists who truly espouse and champion the cause of humanity have, throughout human history, played a significant role. It is the intelligentsia that envisions noble sentiments, fostering a pluralistic society that cohesively strives for peace and progress—two ideals that are inextricably and inexorably linked. This class, in any society, is expected to work tirelessly to promote peaceful dialogue worldwide. In a land like Gilgit-Baltistan, once a haven of serenity and peace, the longing for a return to harmony remains a persistent hope. The echoes of the past, where tranquility prevailed, still linger in the hearts of those who have witnessed the gradual erosion of unity. The region, historically known for its cultural richness and communal ties, now finds itself grappling with divisions and strife. Yet, amidst this turmoil, the voices of poets and thinkers continue to serve as beacons of wisdom, reminding people...

Salajeet (Shilajit): A Natural Wonder from the Mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan

Author: Syed Shamsuddin Introduction Shilajit, known as Salajeet in Urdu, is a blackish-brown, tar-like resin that oozes from the cracks of rocks in high-altitude mountain ranges, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan, the Himalayas, the Karakorams, and the Hindu Kush. Formed over centuries by the decomposition of plant material and minerals, this rare substance has been treasured in traditional medicine for its remarkable health benefits and rejuvenating properties. During this scribe’s visits to various parts outside his native area of Gilgit-Baltistan, a great many people encountering him asked whether he could make a pint of Shilajit available to them. However, such a demand was always overlooked as he did not believe in the efficacy of this substance found in the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan. Therefore, he often politely offered an evasive reply. When he was in Rawalpindi in the line of duty about eighteen years ago, a retired official of PIAC (Pakistan International Airlines Corporat...

The Alarming State of Government School Education in Gilgit-Baltistan

By Syed Shams Uddin Dr. Rizwan Karim, in a recent Facebook post, expressed deep concern over the dismal state of government schools in Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly at the primary and middle levels. He lamented that while this poor performance is regrettable, it is also a stark reflection of the region’s true educational landscape. Despite the widely held perception—frequently echoed across Pakistan and on international platforms—that Gilgit-Baltistan is an educated region, this assumption remains largely unchallenged. The illusion persists because it reinforces GB’s positive image, but the reality is far bleaker, especially for those deprived of private education due to financial hardships or lack of access. During a recent discussion with an educationist in Islamabad, the subject of academic standards came up. He remarked, "Everyone I have met from Gilgit-Baltistan is highly educated." He also praised the region’s education system and inquired about the reason behind its p...

Dr. Fazil Hussain – A Savior of the Ailing Humanity

By Syed Shams Uddin I recently came across a compelling appeal on social media from the civil society of Gilgit-Baltistan, advocating for the due recognition of Dr. Fazil Hussain , a distinguished medical specialist, compassionate humanitarian, and selfless doctor who has dedicated his life to serving the people of the region. His unwavering commitment during the COVID-19 pandemic and his exemplary service to humanity have earned him immense respect and admiration. A Call for Recognition The civil society has strongly urged the government to bestow upon Dr. Fazil Hussain the prestigious civilian award in acknowledgment of his invaluable contributions. It is pertinent to mention that Dr. Fazil was recommended by the Gilgit-Baltistan Government for the national award under Sl. No.07 of No.SO(G)-1(68)/2019 (Awards) dated 04.08.2020 , addressed to the Joint Secretary (Awards), Cabinet Division, Islamabad . However, despite this recommendation, the matter remains unresolved, depriving him ...

Elegy For Beloved Mother

By Syed Shams Uddin The passing of one’s mother is an unfathomable sorrow, an agony that transcends the limits of expression. It is a wound that never heals, an emptiness that no earthly presence can ever fill. The departure of a beloved mother not only marks the severance of an unbreakable bond but also leaves behind a void so profound that the heart, no matter how resilient, struggles to bear its weight. It is the kind of grief that lingers indefinitely, an ever-present ache that time, despite its unrelenting march, fails to diminish. The loss of a mother is unlike any other bereavement. While all deaths are heartbreaking, the transition of one’s mother from this ephemeral world to eternity is a loss beyond measure. It is the end of a sanctuary, the disappearance of a source of boundless love, care, and warmth that once enveloped one’s existence. The moment she departs, the shelter crumbles, leaving her children orphaned in a world that, without her presence, feels bleak and unwelcom...