Srinagar, Oct. 18 -- The past week witnessed an uproar that began in South Kashmir and soon echoed across the Valley. The cause was neither a political statement nor a social protest, but the grand opening of a national coaching brand - unveiled in full Bollywood splendour, far removed from the quiet grace that once defined Kashmir's social, cultural, and spiritual temperament.

An event meant to celebrate learning saw spectacle take centre stage. The promise of nurturing intellect was dimmed by the dazzle of performance. What should have been an invocation of knowledge - a sacred pursuit in every tradition - turned into a carnival of glamour and applause. The words "bright future" echoed often, but the light seemed to come from spotlight...