Education Or Obligation: Journey Of Struggle

Maleeha Majeed

SRINAGAR: Nestled amidst the breathtaking valley of Kashmir, a tale of determination and sacrifice unfolds as students from various parts of India find themselves caught between their dreams of education and the reality of supporting their families back home. Driven by compulsion, these students leave the comfort of their homes in other states, only to face the harsh realities of life in the region where temperature touches extremes. The mercury hits the numbers which is not their natural habitat. 

For many of these young children, the decision to drop their education comes with immense personal and financial sacrifices. Back in their hometowns, their families depend on their support to make ends meet. It is not uncommon for them to be the sole breadwinners, and this responsibility weighs heavily on their shoulders. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 2016 prohibits the employment of children below 14 years in all occupations and processes. 

Azhar, an eight-year-old determined child from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, works as a carpenter alongside his father and uncles. With absolutely no dreams, he left his small village and ventured to Kashmir, where he joined the work without any question. He has no idea about education or schools. He has only seen other children going to school in uniform which he calls 'new and clean clothes.'  The reality of family's financial struggles back home has cast a shadow on his mind. He works with all his attention as the other children study in school. 

"I come from a humble background, and my family relies on the money we send home each month," Azhar said with a hint of sadness in her eyes. “It's heart breaking to see my parents struggle, and I feel obligated to support them. I have three younger sisters and I wish for them to study in school. My mother and sisters struggle to survive without us.”

Azhar's story is just one of many that paint a poignant picture of the sacrifices these children make. They are torn between the pursuit of their own dreams and the pressing needs of their families. The weight of this responsibility often forces them to take a step back from their studies and seek employment in Kashmir to send money back home.

For some, this is a norm as they have seen their elder siblings come to the valley for work. Many of them don’t even dream of a better life. They have accepted life this way. While many of them long for studies, they are also aware of the urgent needs their families face. The financial strain becomes a constant source of stress, making it challenging for them to live their childhood as it should be.

"I did not know where we are heading when one day my father told me to pack my bag," said Hafiz, 14, another boy from the same village. He assists his father in selling fritters. His whole family stays in Saharanpur and only the father-son duo come to Kashmir to earn the bread.  "My uncle and siblings work in our hometown, but they are not able to make as much income as we do here."

Father of Hafiz says that he cannot send his child to school as the work they do is burdensome. In such a situation, only his little son is a ray of hope that can give him respite. He said, “Nobody in our family has gone to school. As soon as Hafiz understood things, I brought him here along with me so that he also learns the skill and doesn’t go astray.” “People like us don’t dream of education. We dream of work in search of better life.” 

Their journey is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Despite the challenges and obstacles that come their way, they continue to strive for a better life for themselves and their loved ones. Their stories are a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless young minds, who navigate a precarious path, balancing dreams and responsibilities, in pursuit of a brighter future.

There are many families to come to the valley in search of opportunities. This journey has been acquired by many generations. Many of them have settled in Kashmir for years and send their children to schools, besides work. Saleem, a ten-year-old boy hails from Ghazipur area of Uttar Pradesh. He works with his father and grandfather in a stall of egg roll. His previous generations have lived in Kashmir and worked here. He lives in Rainawari area of Srinagar along with his parents and grandparents. Due to their generations in Kashmir, Saleem has got the luck to pursue education. “I study in Class 5^th in a nearby school. I am my teacher’s favourite student,” Saleem said with a smile on his face. He works after returning from school. 

As these students strive to run their families their stories serve as inspiration. Their determination is a reminder to us all of the value of education and the sacrifices made in its pursuit. While speaking of the reasons, they are paid meagre amounts for the same work in the native places. They are paid well in Kashmir to survive here and save for rest of their families.

When we talk about the development, these young buds should not be deprived of it. For them, the development is getting a better life by pursuing education. Better employment and wages in their native villages can increase the chances of their staying back so that the children are sent to schools and not to work.