By: Arshid Qalmi

In the quiet corners of the picturesque valley of Kashmir, where snow-clad mountains whisper stories of resilience and beauty, a silent epidemic is unfolding—an epidemic of expectations, anxiety, and despair. At the heart of it lies a deeply entrenched societal obsession: grades.

For decades, academic performance has been considered the ultimate measure of a student’s worth in Kashmir. A “good student” is often one who scores above 90%, secures a top rank, or clears competitive exams like NEET or JEE. This tunnel-visioned definition, rooted in rigid cultural ideals and economic insecurities, has turned the pursuit of education from a joyful process of growth into a ruthless race for perfection. Tragically, it has come at a cost that society can no longer afford to ignore—the mental well-being, identity, and in many cases, the lives of our children.

The Roots of the Pressure: Culture, Comparison, and Conformity

In many Kashmiri households, the mention of a child’s report card determines the tone of dinner conversations, family gatherings, and even their future matrimonial prospects. Parents, often driven by love but misguided by fear, equate academic........

© Kashmir Images