Rural Development Society Celebrates 49th Parents' Day in Srinagar

Leh, India Jul 30, 2026 ALN: The Rural Development Society (RDS), a prominent non-governmental organization in Jammu and Kashmir, celebrated its 49th Parents' Day at Tagore Hall, Srinagar. The event was led by its founder, Haji Mubarak Gul, who has been a significant figure in the region's social development efforts. The celebration underscored the importance of family values, social responsibility, and the preservation of moral principles within the community.

Parents' Day is an annual event that recognizes the vital role of parents in shaping the lives of their children and, by extension, the society at large. This year's gathering was attended by notable figures, including Dr. Farooq Abdullah, the president of the National Conference, who served as the chief guest. The event concluded with the presentation of the Mader-e-Meharban Awards, which honor distinguished personalities for their significant contributions across various fields, including education, social work, and community service.

In his address to the attendees, Dr. Farooq Abdullah praised the Rural Development Society and its founder, Haji Mubarak Gul, for their unwavering commitment to public service. He highlighted the society's initiatives that focus on fostering respect for parents, promoting environmental stewardship, advocating for water conservation, conducting plantation drives, and raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. These initiatives are seen as essential to building a resilient society that values compassion, responsibility, and civic duty, particularly among the younger generation.

Dr. Abdullah emphasized the importance of cultural heritage, urging parents and educators to ensure that children remain connected to their mother tongues, especially Kashmiri. He pointed out that language and culture serve as the cornerstones of identity, warning that societies that neglect their linguistic and cultural heritage risk losing their unique identities over time. This sentiment resonates deeply in a region like Jammu and Kashmir, where cultural diversity and linguistic richness are integral to its social fabric.

Family values were a central theme of Dr. Abdullah's speech. He stated that Islam places a significant emphasis on serving and respecting parents, describing their blessings as the greatest source of success in both this world and the hereafter. He called upon the younger generation to uphold these values with sincerity and devotion, reinforcing the idea that strong family bonds are essential for societal stability.

Addressing the pressing issue of drug abuse, Dr. Abdullah expressed his deep concern over the growing menace facing the youth in the Valley. He identified narcotics as one of the most serious threats to the younger population, noting that the challenge of drug abuse cannot be tackled by the government alone. He called for a collective effort that involves parents, educators, religious leaders, civil society, and community leaders. His remarks highlight the need for a multi-faceted approach to combat drug abuse, which is recognized as a critical issue affecting families and communities.

Dr. Abdullah articulated the devastating impact of drug addiction, stating, "Drugs do not merely destroy individuals; they dismantle families, weaken society, and rob generations of their future." This stark warning serves to galvanize community action against drug abuse, encouraging stakeholders to work collaboratively to create a supportive environment for youth.

Reflecting on his tenure as Chief Minister from 1996 to 2002, Dr. Abdullah recalled one of his early decisions to introduce the Kashmiri language and moral education in schools. This initiative aimed to reconnect the younger generations with their cultural and ethical roots, reinforcing the importance of education in preserving identity and values. He reiterated that every religion teaches principles of compassion, humanity, and mutual respect, with Islam advocating for harmony among followers of all faiths. This inclusive perspective emphasizes the potential for unity in diversity, a crucial aspect of Kashmir's social landscape.

During the event, Dr. Abdullah also referenced a recent protest at Jantar Mantar, which he described as a significant democratic expression. He noted that the protest reflected the people's commitment to unity and their constitutional rights. The participation of individuals from diverse regions, religions, and generations underscored Jammu and Kashmir's pluralistic ethos, demonstrating that attempts to divide society along communal lines would ultimately fail.

Dr. Abdullah's assertion that "the politics of division has limits, but the politics of unity has limitless strength" encapsulates a broader message about the importance of solidarity in addressing societal challenges. This message is particularly relevant in a region where communal tensions have historically posed challenges to social cohesion.

The Parents' Day program also featured the presence of office-bearers from the Rural Development Society representing all three regions of Jammu and Kashmir, alongside members of civil society, religious scholars, intellectuals, and prominent citizens. Their attendance reflects a collective commitment to the values espoused by the Rural Development Society and the broader goals of community development.

As the Rural Development Society looks forward to its 50th Parents' Day, the call for preserving moral values, strengthening family bonds, and promoting social responsibility remains more relevant than ever. The organization's ongoing efforts to engage with the community and address pressing social issues will be crucial in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in fostering a generation that values cultural heritage, social responsibility, and community engagement.

In conclusion, the 49th Parents' Day celebration serves as a reminder of the vital role that parents play in the upbringing of future generations, as well as the responsibility of society as a whole to support families in nurturing values that contribute to a harmonious and resilient community. The commitment to these principles, as articulated by Dr. Abdullah and other leaders at the event, will be essential in navigating the challenges facing the region and fostering a brighter future for all its inhabitants.