Sheikh Imran
Srinagar: In a deeply disheartening turn of events, Maqsood Ahmad, a PhD scholar from South Kashmir’s Anantnag district has been compelled to abandon his academic career and resort to selling juice on the roadside to support his family.
Maqsood, an accomplished academician with over 12 years of teaching experience, has struggled to secure stable employment in his field.
In an interview with our correspondent, Maqsood shared the struggles of his career as a lecturer.
“I devoted 12 years of my life to teaching in colleges across Kashmir,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. “I taught at Degree College Kargil, Women’s College Srinagar, Degree College Anantnag, Bijbehara, and several other institutions.”
His revelation has sent shockwaves through Kashmir’s academic circles, sparking widespread condemnation of the systemic failures that have forced such a qualified individual into such dire circumstances.
“This reflects the failure of our system to support and uplift talented individuals like Maqsood Ahmad,” said Dr. Kashmir Singh, a prominent academician and social activist. “It’s time we recognize the struggles of our youth and take concrete measures to address them.”
Maqsood’s story has also ignited a heated debate on social media, with many demanding urgent reforms to prevent further waste of talent.
“We must come together to support individuals like Maqsood,” he said, urging collective action. “Systemic failures should not be the end of one’s aspirations.”
As public outrage grows, Maqsood continues selling juice on the roadside, watching his academic dreams slip further out of reach.
“Despite everything, I still cling to the hope that one day, I’ll return to academia,” he said, tears welling in his eyes. “Until then, I will keep selling juice to support my family.”