Everyone agrees that education in Kashmir was taking its last breath at the time when the government started the recruitment of Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teachers. The teachers who destroyed their bright future on 1500 rupees per month and 50 rupees per day did not work on the promise of money at that time, but “Mein Ki Meri Ghazal Me Hai Aatash-e-Rafta Ka Suraagh”. They presented themselves to convey this realization.
It must be known that these teachers were appointed after qualifying for merit. There is a long list of teachers who, at that time, could hold high portfolios in any field based on their ability in return for this job, but by giving the promise of an educational revolution, he/she tolerated even a joke like fifty rupees for the sake of the nation.
Among these teachers, there is also a long list of those who have passed the Masters, MPhil, PhD, NET, SET, JRF, Gold Medal, GATE, or other national or state qualifications and received honours or degrees. It is the ‘Shaheen’ of Iqbal who gave the slogan of education in those hilly areas and villages where education has no value and was still inhabited by the Stone Age. These are the same people whom the government used in every election, and without them, most of the people in other departments did not have the understanding to manage the election papers.
Schools in every village exist because of them. Yes, it is agreed that there are weaknesses in the education sector, but where is the justice in holding a teacher responsible for these things? When did we feel the pain of administrative weaknesses, the issue of the syllabus, and the carelessness of parents? The attack on the honour of the ReT teachers is only an expression of jealousy because many people have the same feeling that they are saddened by the prosperity and happiness of others. The ReT teachers managed the educational issues up to the higher secondary level in an efficient manner. The fact is that the weaknesses of a few people are felt everywhere, from primary school to university. They are considered individual weaknesses, but collectively, the ReT teachers dedicated their bright future to education. These teachers have very capable and fertile minds and have received certificates and awards at the national level.
Weak employees exist in every field, and it is a failure of intellect to associate every weakness with ReT. These people work there where parents still misbehave inside the school for minor issues and ignorance exists, like the age of ignorance. They tolerate every environment and political and social criticism, thinking that “Apna To Kaam Hai Ki Jalata Raha Charaagh”. Social and educationally hostile elements spread the wrong message every time through social media to extinguish the fire of their minds without research and knowledge. Without education, the government hired them for every job, and many teachers lost their lives in the elections. They served in every way, but we supported those people who had some personal issues with somebody.
ReT teachers taught in the villages and mountains with the message that “Elim Ki Shama Se Ho Mujhko Mohabbat Ya Rabb”. The nation salutes the greatness of these Shaheens, because of which the children of the poor became familiar with education. In the current education system, everyone is responsible for educational weaknesses; the management and parents should also look through a critical lens, and by doing so, they can get answers to all questions.
The writer can be reached at [email protected]

Muntazir Momin Wani