Srinagar, July 10 -- Irony, in the simplest poetic sense, is a smile concealing sorrow-a subtle device that allows truth to appear in disguise. It is the laughter that emerges in the face of pain and the praise that hides disappointment. In an age dominated by materialism and digital facades, irony has assumed a new significance. We now live in a world where appearances dominate, where real emotion is filtered and curated, and where technology often masks emptiness. As a teacher, I have had the privilege of working with colleagues who possess a deep and sharp command of irony. They use it to reveal uncomfortable truths without confrontation. Yet, I often find myself puzzled by its power-wondering whether irony is a defensive mechanism or ...