In recent times, social media has been flooded with posts glorifying individuals for doing commendable work in their respective professions. Teachers, doctors, engineers, artisans, and labourers are frequently projected as symbols of “selfless service.” While dedication and sincerity certainly deserve appreciation, equating all professional work with selflessness is neither accurate nor honest.

Good work and selfless service are not the same.

I have been serving as a teacher in the education department for the past 27 years. During this long journey, I have worked at Middle School Bonakote (housed in a rented building), Girls High School Kaloosa, High School Mantrigam, High School Bagh, Middle School Khibar (Drass, Kargil), NM Higher Secondary School, GMS Onagam, and High School Laharwalpora. In Kargil, I walked nearly 1.5 kilometres uphill every day to reach the school. Currently, I am posted at IHS Laharwalpora, on the banks of Wullar in Bandipora.

At High School Mantrigam, with nearly 1,100 enrolled students, teachers remained occupied........

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