Scholar or Influencer? Redefining Success in Kashmir’s Changing Society
Celebrity Culture Vs Academic Achievement: Is Kashmir at a Crossroads?
By: Javid Amin
In the heart of Kashmir, a profound shift is taking place, one that’s redefining cultural values, shaping youth aspirations, and raising questions about the balance between academic achievement and celebrity allure. As doctoral scholars are finding themselves selling juice on street corners to make a living, social media influencers and entertainment celebrities are being celebrated in schools and colleges. Is Kashmir, a region long esteemed for its scholarly achievements and intellectual heritage, moving toward a culture that prioritizes celebrity over academia?
Kashmir’s Intellectual Legacy vs. the New Celebrity Culture
For centuries, Kashmir has been a region synonymous with wisdom, scholarship, and rich cultural heritage. From renowned poets, philosophers, and scientists to modern-day scholars, intellectual achievement has historically been a central element of Kashmiri identity. But today, the increasing prominence of social media and entertainment icons over traditional scholars and educators signals a societal shift that warrants careful examination.
This evolution isn’t unique to Kashmir—it’s a global trend. But within a region known for resilience, intellect, and a rich tapestry of academic pursuit, the contrast is starker. The trend raises key questions: Are traditional values of education and achievement being replaced by a pursuit of fleeting social fame? Are young Kashmiris losing sight of the importance of deep knowledge and lasting contribution?
The Rise of Social Media Fame and Celebrity Idols
The digital age has opened up unprecedented opportunities, and it’s here that celebrity culture thrives. Social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok have become stages where anyone with a smartphone and internet connection can gain visibility, admiration, and followers. In Kashmir, influencers and vloggers have grown in popularity, particularly among the youth, who see their lives as aspirational.
There’s no doubt that these platforms can be powerful tools for expression and can provide an alternative career path in a region with limited job opportunities. But the issue arises when these individuals, who may lack formal training or qualifications, are idolized more than scholars or professionals whose work contributes to society on a more profound level.
In universities and colleges, social media influencers are often invited to speak, celebrated as stars at events, while academic achievers go largely unrecognized. High-profile actors from mainstream media are becoming the faces of “inspiration” for young people. But what message does it send to students when entertainers are placed on a pedestal while PhD scholars struggle to make ends meet?
PhD Scholars on Street Corners: A Symptom of a Larger Problem
Kashmir’s educational infrastructure has produced many PhD scholars, researchers, and experts in diverse fields. Yet, it’s not uncommon to find highly educated individuals engaging in odd jobs or menial work to earn a livelihood. The unemployment rate among educated youth is high, with limited avenues for research funding, professional roles, or career advancement.
As these scholars face an uphill battle, their stories contrast starkly with the lives of influencers who gain fame—and often a steady income—by sharing daily moments, fashion trends, and entertainment content online. PhD scholars selling juice on street corners highlights the tragic irony that in today’s society, a degree or even deep expertise doesn’t necessarily translate to financial stability or social admiration.
The Shift in Educational Institutions: Celebrating Fame over Achievement
Kashmir’s educational institutions are at the heart of this cultural transition. At school and college functions, it is becoming common to see YouTubers or other social media figures being celebrated with an enthusiasm usually reserved for high-achieving scholars or professionals. This shift is symbolic of a broader social transformation, one that equates fame with success and popularity with worth.
When educational institutions—places that should uphold values of knowledge, intellectual rigor, and social contribution—celebrate influencers, they inadvertently send a message to students that entertainment and social popularity are more valuable than academic achievements. This cultural shift risks devaluing the significance of education, diminishing the importance of critical thinking, and undermining the pursuit of knowledge.
Understanding the Impact: How Fame vs. Achievement Affects Youth Aspirations
The rise of social media has created an illusion that fame equates to success, often overshadowing the value of perseverance, skill development, and genuine contribution. For the youth in Kashmir, the implications of this trend are profound:
- Shift in Aspirations: Instead of aspiring to become scholars, researchers, or skilled professionals, many young people are now more interested in becoming social media personalities. This shift in focus can detract from pursuing careers that could have a long-term impact on society.
- Diminished Value of Hard Work: Fame achieved on social media can seem easier and faster than the rigorous work required for academic or professional achievements. This may lead young people to question the value of long years spent in study or training.
- Unrealistic Expectations: Social media glamorizes life, often ignoring the challenges, insecurities, and behind-the-scenes struggles of influencers. This portrayal can set unrealistic expectations for young people about what success and happiness look like.
- Erosion of Local Culture and Identity: The emphasis on social media trends may contribute to a gradual erosion of Kashmir’s cultural heritage and intellectual identity, as young people move away from traditional values in pursuit of digital fame.
What Needs to Change: Encouraging a Balance Between Academic and Creative Pursuits
While there’s no denying that social media and entertainment have legitimate places in society, Kashmir must find a way to celebrate both academic and creative achievements equally. Here’s how:
- Highlight Academic Achievements in Media and Social Platforms: Encouraging stories of Kashmiris excelling in academia, science, and technology on social media can inspire others. Institutions can also showcase the contributions of scholars and intellectuals in their fields.
- Revive the Role of Educational Institutions: Schools and universities should prioritize the celebration of academic and intellectual accomplishments, inviting speakers from academia, science, and industry to interact with students.
- Promote Local Talent Across Disciplines: Young Kashmiris should see diverse role models—artists, engineers, scientists, and educators—so that they can make informed choices about their aspirations. Recognizing local talent across different domains would offer balanced inspiration.
- Offer Support for Scholars: Providing financial support, career opportunities, and research funding for PhD scholars and professionals can prevent the situation of highly educated individuals struggling for basic livelihood.
- Encourage Critical Media Literacy: Schools can play a crucial role in helping students understand and critically evaluate the content they consume on social media. Awareness about the curated nature of social media fame can provide students with a balanced perspective.
- Foster Cultural and Intellectual Pride: Celebrating Kashmir’s rich academic heritage and achievements can foster a sense of pride in local culture and intellectual identity, encouraging young people to value traditional paths of achievement.
Bottom-Line: Defining Success for Future Generations
At a time when the world is increasingly interconnected, Kashmir’s youth are witnessing more diverse influences than ever before. Balancing traditional values with modern-day aspirations is a challenge every society faces, but Kashmir, with its unique cultural heritage, has the potential to find a path that honors both intellectual achievement and creative expression.
Kashmir stands at a crossroads, facing a choice between nurturing a culture of deep, meaningful contributions or allowing the allure of fame to shape its future. By redefining what success looks like and ensuring that young people have role models across all domains, Kashmir can create a society that values intellect, creativity, and integrity equally.
The path forward is clear: recognize the power of both scholarship and creativity, and create a society where PhD scholars and social media influencers can coexist, each valued for their unique contributions to the cultural fabric of Kashmir.
