The room was painted light green; the walls were a bit shabby, suggesting many years had passed since they'd been painted. The walls had pegs with photos of eminent personalities, and on my right, a flex showcased students who'd made the school proud. The antique couch I sat on testified to the school's rich history. A vacant black chair with a 'Director' nameplate stood before me.
On 6th February, 2026, I accompanied my second cousin's wife to school to enquire about her child's performance. This followed a concerning review of her notebooks. The child had previously attended Doon International Pattan, a leading institution in the valley with good infrastructure and faculty.
As we waited for the director, a young woman, barely 25, entered. She wore an off-white sweater and a maroon overcoat with white stripes. A lady in a light red jacket was frowning about her ward's progress, demanding that the Math teacher be replaced. An English teacher flanked me; I listened calmly. The lady defended her ward, claiming her kid was lazy but not irresponsible – I was puzzled by the distinction.
The young woman settling into the director's chair surprised me; I thought she was staff. The lady who'd shouted at the English teacher approached her with the same tone, perhaps thinking her young age meant easy prey. But the director listened patiently before responding fluently. The lady mentioned her child had shifted from DPS Baramulla due to environmental concerns. The director, a DPS alumna, wasn't impressed.
The lady demanded better infrastructure, which the director rejected, saying she should've considered that before enrolling her child. I was taken aback – during my school days, we lacked such facilities, yet excelled. Parents now demand facilities over academics, the opposite of my time. Co-curricular activities are essential, but academics must come first.
This incident made me reflect on the changing dynamics of parent-teacher relationships. Parents are increasingly demanding, often prioritising infrastructure over academics. But isn't academic excellence the foundation of a child's future? We're pampering kids, making them dependent, and blaming them later for underachieving. We must focus on their academic growth, make them self-reliant, and equip them to face life's challenges.
The director's response was a breath of fresh air. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind, emphasising the importance of academic rigour. Her approach was a reminder that schools should prioritise education over amenities. May good sense prevail.
As I left the school, I wondered if parents would ever realise the importance of striking a balance. Facilities are important, but they're secondary to academic excellence. Let's focus on nurturing resilient, self-reliant individuals who can thrive in life. The future depends on it.
(The Author is a columnist and can be reached at: mufti.jameel97@gmail.com)
MUFTI JAMEEL FAROOQ
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