Srinagar Sep 09 (KNS): A one-day Seerah seminar on “The Seerah of Prophet Muhammad ? and the Challenges Facing Today’s Youth” was held today at the Auditorium of Islamia Higher Secondary School, Rajouri Kadal, Srinagar, under the auspices of Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam. Students from various private educational institutions participated in the programme and presented their views on contemporary challenges confronting the younger generation.

Presiding over the seminar, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq congratulated the participating students, teachers and organisers, saying that encouraging young people to think, research and speak on serious issues was essential for building a confident, responsible and socially conscious generation.

Mirwaiz said that today’s youth face unprecedented pressures arising from social media, constant digital distraction, materialism, instant gratification, moral confusion and growing mental and emotional stress.

He cautioned against allowing influencers, trends and algorithms to determine one’s identity, ambitions and understanding of success. Material achievement, he said, cannot be the only measure of a successful life. Young people should recognise their own abilities and purpose rather than blindly imitate lifestyles projected on screens. True success, he said, must also be measured by character, knowledge, meaningful relationships, service and the good one contributes to society.

Mirwaiz placed special emphasis on the disturbing rise in suicides, particularly among young people, saying that every such loss should deeply concern society. He said no examination, failed relationship, rejection, unemployment, financial difficulty or temporary setback should ever lead a young person to believe that life has lost its value.

He stressed that mental and emotional distress must be approached with compassion rather than stigma.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelFamilies, schools, religious institutions and society at large must create spaces where young people can speak openly about anxiety, loneliness and despair, and receive timely counselling, medical support or other professional help where required.

Mirwaiz further said that the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema Jammu & Kashmir (MMU), which is scheduled to meet on September 15, will also take up the growing concern over suicides, particularly among young people.

Mirwaiz said the Seerah of Prophet Muhammad ? provides young people with enduring lessons of patience, resilience, moral clarity, self-discipline, purpose and hope. He urged them to use technology without becoming controlled by it, to think independently, remain rooted in their values and become a source of positivity and service in society.

He also appreciated the students who presented papers at the seminar, saying that their willingness to research, reflect and speak publicly on important issues was itself an encouraging sign for the future.

In the competition, Farhan Khan of Crescent Public School, Naseem Bagh, secured the first position.

The second position was jointly secured by Zainab Hameed of Motherland School, Nowhatta, and Mohammad Kamil of Green Valley Educational Institute, Illahi Bagh.

The third position was jointly secured by Sheikh Mohammad Usman of R.P. School, Alamdar Colony; Aiman of Grand Land School, Hawal; and Tayyiba Jan of Islamia Higher Secondary School, Rajouri Kadal.

On the occasion, a special Seerah edition of the Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam magazine was also released by Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir in the presence of teachers, students and other participants.

The programme concluded with prayers for the protection, guidance and well-being of the younger generation and for their growth into people of knowledge, character, confidence and service to society.(KNS)