Srinagar, July 14 -- It was supposed to be a routine school visit. Another pre-primary class tucked away in Narabal, Budgam. Another round of observations, notes, and nods. I'd done this a hundred times before.

But that morning, two children under the age of four taught me more than any training session or textbook ever had.

The classroom was quintessential with tiny chairs, colourful charts peeling off the walls, and the unmistakable smell of damp carpets and crayons.

As soon as I entered, the kids stood up and sang out, "Good morning, sir!"

It was a full-throated greeting that was too loud and too perfect not to smile at.

Before I could say anything, two girls rushed toward me, Sobia and Ayasha. They looked almost like sisters, tho...