Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon
Mirza Qurban Ali Beig, a well-known Urdu poet of the 19th century, used the pen names Qurban and later Saalik. He aptly conveyed the importance of good health in the famous couplet:
Tangdasti agar na ho Saliq,
Tandrusti hazaar ne‘mat hai.
Even if poverty were not a problem, good health would still be one of the greatest blessings of life.
Since childhood, we have heard these valuable words emphasising the immense importance of good health. Our parents, grandparents and elderly relatives have always repeated the traditional saying that health is wealth. However, in our younger years, we generally failed to grasp its true meaning. Childhood is a time of innocence, and we often do not realise the value of things until we gain experience. As we grow up and face the realities of life, we begin to appreciate the wisdom contained in these simple words.
The true significance of good health becomes even more apparent when we see our elderly family members coping with the physical difficulties that often accompany old age. Their experiences teach us that wealth, property and material advantages lose much of their appeal when the body can no longer make use of them. A sound body allows us to work, think, learn, serve our families and fulfil our duties. Without it, even the most basic tasks can become difficult. A healthy body also provides a strong foundation for a sound mind. Physical well-being is therefore one of the greatest blessings for which we should be grateful to Almighty Allah.
Our body is an amanah, a trust given to us by the Creator. Looking after it is not merely a matter of personal preference but a serious responsibility. Unfortunately, our modern lifestyles, excessive screen time, unhealthy eating habits and growing reluctance to engage in physical activity are gradually taking us away from the habits that keep us healthy. We often realise the importance of maintaining our health only when we fall ill and are forced to reconsider our priorities. By then, we may have already neglected the simple daily routines that could have helped us remain fitter and more active.
Exercise: A Small Habit with Lasting Benefits
You do not have to lift heavy weights, run long distances or spend hours in a gym to stay physically active. Exercise can begin with simple, regular activities such as brisk walking, cycling, playing a sport, stretching or doing exercises suited to your age. Even choosing to walk instead of sitting for long periods can make a difference. The key is not extraordinary effort but consistency.
Daily physical activity helps strengthen muscles and bones, improves cardiovascular fitness, supports healthy weight management and helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It can also improve sleep, reduce stress and promote emotional well-being. Exercise offers an opportunity to step away from the pressures of everyday life, clear the mind and regain a sense of balance. Starting small is worthwhile, provided the activity develops into a sustainable habit.
Let Childhood Be a Time of Play, Not Just Pressure
Parents play a vital role in shaping the physical and emotional development of their children. Habits formed during childhood often influence their lifestyles for many years. When parents encourage outdoor play, walking, cycling and sports from an early age, children are more likely to develop a positive attitude towards physical activity.
It is unfortunate that many children now spend a large part of their free time in front of mobile phones, tablets, computers and television screens. In many homes, academic performance has become the sole measure of a child’s progress. Driven by genuine concerns about their children’s futures, parents often fill their schedules with schoolwork, tuition and coaching, leaving little room for play, exercise or recreation.
Education is essential, but it should not come at the expense of a child’s overall development. Children need opportunities to run, play, explore, interact with their peers and learn through experiences beyond textbooks. Unstructured play and team sports help children build confidence, improve communication skills, develop patience and discipline, encourage cooperation and strengthen resilience. They also teach children to cope with disappointment, respect rules and work together towards common goals.
Children need a balanced environment in which academic learning, recreation, family interaction and emotional support complement one another.
Parents must therefore avoid treating every free hour as wasted time. A child playing football in an open field is not necessarily wasting time. The child may be building physical endurance, learning strategic thinking, developing teamwork and discovering how to face challenges. The aim should be to raise healthy, confident individuals rather than students who remain academically occupied but physically inactive.
Fitness Is Also a Step Towards a Drug-Free Society
Awareness campaigns against drug abuse are important, but slogans alone cannot address a problem that requires sustained involvement from families, educational institutions and the wider community. Children need to understand the harmful effects of substance abuse through honest conversations, age-appropriate education and positive examples. They should also have access to counselling and professional support whenever necessary.
A sports ground alone cannot eliminate drug addiction, and physical activity does not automatically protect a person from every social or psychological problem. However, accessible sports facilities, supportive relationships and meaningful recreational opportunities can contribute to a broader prevention strategy.
Parents, teachers, educational institutions, community organisations and government departments share this responsibility. Instead of simply telling young people what to avoid, we should help them discover worthwhile activities, build healthy friendships and pursue constructive ambitions that enrich their lives.
Kashmir Marathon: Celebrating Fitness and the Beauty of Our Valley
The importance of the third edition of the Kashmir Marathon, scheduled to take place on October 25, 2026, should be understood in this context. Organised by the Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir, the event brings together fitness, endurance, tourism and the promotion of Kashmir’s natural and cultural heritage. Its inclusion in the calendar of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) adds to its significance. Registrations by foreign nationals from different countries indicate its growing international appeal.
The event features full and half-marathon races, giving runners an opportunity to test their endurance against the beautiful backdrop of the Valley. The route showcases famous landscapes and landmarks of Srinagar, including Dal Lake, the Zabarwan Range and the historic Mughal gardens. The event is more than a sporting contest. It offers an opportunity to present Kashmir as a destination known for its scenic beauty, hospitality, cultural heritage and growing enthusiasm for sports.
The Kashmir Marathon also sends an important message to local residents. When runners from other countries travel long distances to participate in a sporting event in our Valley, we should appreciate the fitness culture they represent. Running requires preparation, patience, consistency and respect for one’s physical limits. These qualities can benefit people far beyond the racecourse.
Not everyone needs to become a marathon runner. The real aim is to encourage ordinary people to take the first step towards a healthier life. Whether it is an individual who begins walking every day, a student who replaces unnecessary screen time with outdoor activities or a family that makes exercise part of its daily routine, each contributes to the same goal.
As the third edition of the Kashmir Marathon takes place on October 25, we should appreciate and support this beneficial initiative. Those who have registered and prepared adequately can participate, while others can cheer on the runners and adopt a more active lifestyle themselves. It is also important to remember that strenuous exercise requires proper preparation. Anyone with relevant health concerns should seek medical advice before undertaking demanding physical activity.
A healthy Kashmir cannot be achieved through the efforts of runners alone. It also requires parents who value play, teachers who encourage participation, institutions that provide opportunities and citizens who understand the importance of daily exercise.
Let us return to the wisdom expressed by Qurban Ali Saalik Beig and remember that the value of good health cannot be measured in monetary terms. Even if we do not possess great wealth, we can develop healthier habits, make better choices and encourage those around us to do the same.
A healthier individual contributes to a healthier family. A healthier family helps build a healthier society, and a healthier society lays the foundation for a stronger nation.
Kashmir Zindabad!
About the Author
Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon is an educator, columnist, motivational speaker and Associate Editor of Education Quill. He also provides modern home security solutions, including video door phone (VDP) and CCTV systems, across Kashmir.
