By: Mukhtar Ahmad Qureshi
Kashmir the land of Sufi saints, serene landscapes and centuries old traditions of hospitality and harmony is undergoing a silent transformation. Once admired for its compassionate people and noble professional ethics, it is now witnessing a concerning rise in what can be termed as a jealousy culture in professional spaces.
While headlines may celebrate progress and slogans shout about praiseworthy values and professionalism the lived experiences of many honest workers tell a different tale one of growing insecurity, backbiting, and the fading fragrance of mutual respect.
From Hospitality to Hostility.
Traditionally Kashmiris have been known for their warmth. Guests were treated like family and professionals be they teachers, doctors, engineers or civil servants held one another in high regard. Their purpose was service, not self promotion. But over the years that cultural core seems to be eroding.
Now, when a colleague progresses through merit, instead of being congratulated he is quietly envied. A teacher innovating in the classroom is often mocked behind his back. A dedicated officer is questioned for being “too active.” It is as if doing your job well is an offense and being average is the safest route.
Jealousy Dressed as Professional Concern .
In the modern workplace jealousy rarely shows up as open hostility. It wears the mask of concern, professionalism or institutional protocol. When a colleague gets a promotion, the whispers begin. “He must have connections.” When someone is appreciated publicly, someone else mutters, “He is doing it just for show.” This culture of indirect character assassination stifles growth and destroys morale.
Jealousy does not just demotivate individuals it infects teams. Professionals start working to outshine each other rather than collaborate. Projects become battlegrounds of ego. Those who choose the path of truth and integrity are often left alone misunderstood, ridiculed, or sidelined.
Honesty Becomes a Threat.
There is a strange irony in today’s professional world. An honest person is no longer admired he is feared. His transparency threatens others’ manipulations. His punctuality becomes a benchmark that others feel uncomfortable matching. His refusal to gossip makes him an outsider. Thus, honesty, once a virtue has become a liability.
This is not a vague generalization. Across institutions educational, governmental or private you will find talented individuals who are deliberately discouraged by those who feel threatened by their capabilities. Rather than inspire each other many professionals today engage in a subtle race of pulling others down.
A Society That Does not Celebrate Its Best.
One of the most tragic consequences of jealousy culture is that it kills excellence. When talent is not acknowledged, when dedication is not rewarded and when achievement is mocked what message are we sending to our younger generation? Why would a young professional strive for brilliance when mediocrity gets you comfort and brilliance gets you envy?
A society that does not celebrate its best minds will soon be led by its most manipulative ones. This is not just a professional concern but a moral crisis.
Praiseworthy Culture? Or Just Good Optics?
Some may argue that decency and professional values are indeed growing workshops are being held, social media is filled with motivational messages and institutions are adopting codes of conduct. But is this real change or merely cosmetic?
We must distinguish between performative decency and genuine culture. Genuine professionalism is not about polite emails or well dressed meetings. It is about creating a safe environment where colleagues uplift one another, where competition does not become cruelty and where teamwork is not just a word on a wall but a lived experience.
If a place seems decent on the surface but suffocating underneath that is not progress. That is pretense.
The Silent Sufferers.
In every office, there are quiet warriors those who come early, work sincerely, help others and leave without seeking applause. These are the people who uphold the soul of professionalism. But sadly, they are often ignored. Their names do not appear in headlines, they are not invited to speak on stages and their voices are often drowned in the noise of flashy self promoters.
It is time we start noticing these silent contributors and start building a culture that appreciates ethics over exhibition.
Reclaiming the Lost Grace.
If Kashmir is to reclaim its identity as a land of values, it must begin by cleansing its professional spaces. Schools must teach not only academic excellence but emotional intelligence. Workplaces must reward teamwork over individualism. Leaders must lead with humility not arrogance. And most importantly professionals must learn to celebrate each other’s success.
Jealousy is not just a personal flaw it is a cultural cancer. Left unchecked, it can eat away the very fabric of a community. But fortunately, the cure exists it lies in empathy self awareness and sincere appreciation for others.
Let us return to the roots of our civilization, where brotherhood was real, decency was not performative and professionalism meant serving with integrity. Let us create workplaces where admiration replaces envy and respect replaces rivalry.
Only then can we truly say that decency has appeared and a praiseworthy culture prevails everywhere.
We should learn to appreciate the real talent and dedication of others with sincerity and respect. Recognizing the efforts of our peers not only uplifts them but also creates a healthy and motivating environment. Talent should never be overshadowed by jealousy or ego. When we value others, we build a culture of encouragement and unity. Alongside appreciation, adopting a culture of forgiveness is equally important. Forgiveness frees us from grudges and promotes emotional healing. It allows people to move forward without bitterness. Such a mindset fosters brotherhood and strengthens mutual respect. In a world full of differences, empathy and acceptance can bind us together. Let us celebrate each other’s strengths and forgive each other’s flaws for a more peaceful and respectful society.
(Writer is a Teacher, An Author and Columnist. mukhtar.qur@gmail.com)
