Dear Kashmir, What Are We Teaching Our Children?

“My son works in a private company,” she says, almost as if she is admitting a mistake.

Such words hit like a jolt in this government-job-obsessed region, erasing degrees, effort, and earnings in an instant.

It is a bright afternoon in Srinagar's Fateh Kadal. Fareeda Begum is standing with her neighbours when one woman announces that her daughter has secured a government teaching post.

Smiles spread, congratulations flow easily, and pride fills the lane.

Fareeda listens, then looks down.“My son works in a private company,” she says, lowering her voice.

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