by Showkat Ahmad
Rather than limiting coverage to competitive exam results, news outlets could profile young scientists, writers, artists, and social workers whose achievements exemplify excellence in diverse forms. In doing so, they would help shift public perception and expand aspirations.
In Kashmir, success is often equated with clearing competitive examinations such as the Kashmir Administrative Services or the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test. Those who qualify are hailed as heroes. While civil servants and medical professionals undoubtedly perform vital functions, this narrow conception of success marginalises other essential professions that underpin a functioning society. The strength of any community lies in the breadth of its expertise. In Kashmir, this breadth is often overlooked.
The Problem with a One-Track Mindset
The prevailing preference for government jobs is rooted in the financial security and social status they offer. Success is widely associated with securing such positions, reinforcing the belief that prestige lies solely in these roles. This perception, however, diminishes the value of other professions whose contributions are no less significant.
Science graduates and postgraduates work in laboratories, schools, and industries, advancing knowledge and developing technologies that serve the public good. Humanities scholars shape our collective understanding of history, culture, and society. Researchers and doctoral students devote years to advancing specialised fields, often in relative obscurity. Their work drives progress, yet their achievements are rarely acknowledged within a society fixated on a narrow definition of accomplishment.
Why Every Profession Matters
A well-functioning society requires the recognition of every form of expertise. Doctors and civil servants are indispensable, but so too are educators, scientists, writers, and artists. While medical professionals save lives, it is the work of researchers that propels medical innovation. While civil servants enact policy, it is the insight of economists, sociologists, and environmental scientists that shapes those policies.
Contemporary challenges demand interdisciplinary solutions. Specialists in biotechnology and environmental science develop responses to climate change, disease, and food insecurity. Social scientists interpret complex human behaviours, enabling social cohesion. Artists and writers preserve memory, culture, and a shared sense of identity.
The Unseen Effort Behind the Work
The glorification of select careers often erases the immense effort required in others. Doctoral students, for instance, may spend years pursuing answers to a single question, contributing to knowledge that benefits many. Yet they are rarely recognised for their commitment. Graduates in the humanities or natural sciences frequently find themselves pushed into unrelated work, their expertise undervalued.
Pursuing such fields demands discipline, resilience, and a devotion to inquiry that is not driven by promises of prestige or wealth. Their motivation lies in curiosity and a desire to contribute. These paths require sacrifice, and they deserve respect, not marginalisation.
Redefining Success
There is a need to reassess what constitutes success. It should not be defined by the ability to clear a particular examination but by the impact one makes within a field. Educators, parents, and community leaders must challenge the prevailing narrative. Children should be encouraged to pursue their interests, whether in the sciences, humanities, arts, or vocational disciplines. Teachers should reinforce the message that all fields have value and that individual passion and commitment are key to making a difference.
The media has a critical role to play in this transition. Rather than limiting coverage to competitive exam results, news outlets could profile young scientists, writers, artists, and social workers whose achievements exemplify excellence in diverse forms. In doing so, they would help shift public perception and expand aspirations.
Towards a Balanced Society
A balanced society acknowledges the necessity of all professions. This includes teachers who guide the young, engineers who design infrastructure, researchers who deepen understanding, and artists who reflect the culture and complexity of Kashmiri life. Each profession contributes to a functioning society. By valuing them all, we nurture a culture of respect and possibility.
To move forward, the community must dismantle the notion that success is confined to a select few paths. A society that embraces diversity in its workforce fosters creativity, resilience, and innovation. The youth of Kashmir must be empowered to follow their convictions, confident that their efforts will be recognised and respected.
(The author is a student of economics at Amar Singh College, Srinagar. Ideas are personal.)
