Shabeer Ahmad Parry
There were days when the state of Jammu and Kashmir was well known as the centre of learning for many languages. People from different parts of the country used to visit the state for learning Persian and Sanskrit. Gone are the days now. The political disturbance that started in late 80’s acted as a barrier in the path of growth of education in the state. This disturbance  pushed the state back to the Stone Age and left the state amid stark darkness. Not to talk of students, even teachers were not ready to serve the far flung areas among thundering gun shots. Schools were burnt, some occupied by forces, bridges cut off.  Students were in despair, parents were held between hell and the sea, teaching and learning environment was at the verge of its culmination. The so called upper class sent their wards outside state to secure their future, poor were left on the mercy of Allah. There was no silver lining for them.
Not only this, but the highly qualified youth of the state found their future in dark. There were no regular appointments taking place in the Government sector due to the ban imposed by the Central Government.
It was in the light of the above facts that StateGovernment came up with a scheme called Rehbar-e-Taleem, aimed to rationalize the teacher taught ratio on one hand and to provide employment to highly qualified youth on the other hand. Both the ends were met, literacy increased at an appreciable rate and at the same time, thousands of educated youth were absorbed, although on a meager amount of 1500 rupees. The criteria adopted for Rehbar-e-Taleem teacher was that a panel of qualified candidates would be prepared and the highest qualified in the panel would be engaged as a Rehbar-e-taleem Teacher. This scheme came with a new hope for both parents as well as for the qualified unemployed youth. It was this scheme that kindled the hope among hopeless masses of the society. So far as the quality of education vis-a-vis Rehbar-E-Taleem scheme is concerned, it is open to all. Especially since 2005, more and more students of our state especially from rural areas are making it to prestigious state and national level examinations. Here one thing needs to be kept in mind that merely having higher qualification  doesn’t make one a quality teacher rather it is the dedication and love for the profession which is needed. Our teachers in 80’s and 90’s were not having doctorates still they were the best because they were having respect, love and dedication for the profession.
Our society owes a lot to Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers. There were no school buildings, Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers availed their homes, there was desperation in the society we gave our hearts, there were no teachers to guide, we gave our  youth and carreer, there was no land for construction of schools, and we provided even land. Amid gun thundering we shielded innocent students with our lives. With Orphans we played the role of parents. Schools were unhealthy for the process of teaching and learning, we worked as scavengers. We brought out poor students from inferiority complex as we also maintained their personality in suit and boot not less than students of private institutions. Government Schools were deserted, we provided life and quality to them. Increase in enrollment shows the trust society put over us. We ensured 95 percent literacy in Jammu and Kashmir upto the age group of 14 years. We succeeded in getting back those lost values. We torched our nests for illumination of innocent and poor students. We watered the garden of education with our blood and sweat. Irrespective of all this, we were subjected to great injustice, our toughest five years were not being included in our service records. The recent cabinet decision to reckon our five years, although a welcome step, is not a reward for our sacrifices towards the society, rather it was our right.  We didn’t resist even from sacrificing our precious lives for the greater cause of democracy.
Our hands are still wet with the blood of Rehbar-e-Taleem teacher Zai-ul-Huq of Hurpora Shopian, who lost his life while on election duty.
Despite all these sacrifices, in this materialistic society, a Rehbar-e-Taleem teacher faces very bitter treatments, worse than untouchables of Blandshor. I fail to understand why some say  we have been rewarded at their expanse.. Have not we worked for all these five years? Were not we doing the same work as those like ssrb appointees? People are mature enough to decide and can’t be mislead. Despite exploitation for five years, we still feel happy that we have donated five precious years of our lives for the greater cause of the poor students.
We live in a culture that relishes tearing others down. It is ultimately more fulfilling though, to help people reach their goals instead of feeling jealous.