By: Mahfooz Ahmad Bakshi
We are the students of Arts stream, and we are not untutored, we have the knowledge enough to distinguish between right and wrong. We didn’t opt for this stream because we couldn’t solve the numerical problems, the reason we opted for this is that it was of our interest, and we have always wanted this.
Then why some people are feeling sorry for us that we have not opted for Med or Non-med, why are some people being so mean to us? They scold us and discourage us in every possible way! Most people out there are thinking that only Cowards and arrogant kids can study in the Arts stream, especially in Kashmir, our educated elders will take nothing superior to jobs like Doctor and Engineer.
In my opinion, some Kashmiri people know nothing but the words like Doctor and Engineer. Nowadays, an individual opts for med because the other kid in their society has opted for med as well, (nobody cares about the ability) I mean everything is happening out of jealousy. By this type of jealousy, we are losing the knowledge of subjects that would help us eternally and by this, we are losing the intellectual Citizens. Such people who take Med or Non-med superior to Arts should understand that there are no differences in streams and students choose everything according to their interests. We the students of Arts demand respect, we are also the pillars of the nation. We don’t bunk the school, but few among us do, and I’m sure few among med or non-med bunk schools too just to spend time outside. There are some rotten apples in every bowl, and there are some fresh apples with different colors in every bowl as well. Yes, I accept the fact that the exams for Arts students are easy compared to medical or any other stream but that does not mean that Arts students do not have capabilities. If you take a short survey and visit some of the schools you will find Arts students managing every side of the school, from school assemblies to different debates, from different programs to result in percentages every corner is well managed by the students who belong to Arts in most of the schools out there yet we are not equally treated, respected and encouraged.
How can people be so unfair to students of Arts? I will tell you what, even teachers in the school discriminate, judge, and do not treat well. Our country, our defense, and many more important areas are being run by the most underrated students, the students of the Arts stream. Yes, we need more and more Doctors, Engineers, and scientists but more than that we need good and genius prime ministers, defense ministers, Soldiers, police men, etc, and who provides such officials obviously it’s the Arts stream yet it’s most underrated and its students are most stereotyped. Isn’t it unfair?
The Arts stream has a massive scope, unlike med and non-med or commerce. So parents and teachers stop discouraging us. If you can not encourage then at least you should not discourage us. I mentioned all of this just for those who think opting for Arts is a waste of money as well as a waste of time. I am writing this for those who are somewhere involved in disrespecting us. After I qualified 10th I got many relatives who said now I should take Med but only a few were those who asked me about my interest and I am really thankful to them who didn’t brainwash my parents and I am thankful to my parents because they were and are so understanding.
Yes, I do face some kind of stereotype for sticking to and pursuing my interests yet I didn’t pay heed to judgments. The world is changing so people who still live in their ancient world should not judge us because in their ancient years there might be No respect for Arts students but in today’s modern world I would love to call it the Era of Arts because Art is something that can change the shape of the world.
Now Instead of stereotyping let’s encourage, That’s how we can see the revolution, parents are requested not to force their children to choose subjects, let them choose subjects according to their interests and capabilities.
Parental force in these areas has already forced So many innocent students to commit suicide and we should not let this happen anymore. Everyone has a different talent, the truth and the fun fact is that we do not need only doctors, Engineers, teachers, or authors.
We need Masons, barbers, and drivers as well. Opting for Arts does not mean that we are untutored and we are the students of Arts stream. We have the capabilities of bringing revolutions and we are also tomorrow’s intellectuals of society. We demand respect because we deserve respect. Do not underestimate. Be mature enough to understand the importance of everything.
Author can be reached at bakshimahfooz@gmail.com
