The Illusion of Progress:
In the last few years, there has been an upsurge of lifestyle expectations in Kashmir driven by social media, materialism and a compulsion on the part of the salaried and middle class to live above their means. Much of this burden arises from the need to have the social status of a large house, a luxury car, extravagant wedding parties and branded items. These are usually undertaken not by financial security but by unsustainable loans and debts. The consequence is not only financial pressure but a wider effect on mental well being, family stability and community values.
At the center of the problem is a cultural transformation that identifies success with possessions, compelling even the most humble earners into the debt trap. Unfortunately, the effect hits hardest on those least able to endure it the middle class. The conventional virtues of satisfaction, simplicity and responsibility are quickly being worn away under increasing pressure to seem successful.
The Burden of Marriage and Home Ownership:
In Islam marriage is a straightforward and holy contract named Nikah, in which the groom pledges to offer Roti, Kapda aur Makaan the necessities of life. But nowhere does religion ask for the husband to construct a mansion or purchase a luxury car before getting married. A tin roofed hujra constructed with integrity and within one’s budget is more prestigious in Islam than a palace like home acquired by haram means or unaffordable loans.
Unfortunately, nowadays in Kashmir the middle class pressure to have a fully furnished home and a car, even before getting married has driven many into high loans from banks. This salaried class, composed mainly of government and private sector salaried workers has been a victim of a social truism that car ownership and home ownership are symptoms of success and status. This is not only unrealistic but highly pernicious, particularly when EMI became an integral part of one’s life even prior to settling down. More pernicious is the increasing expense of weddings. What was once a modest ceremony based on religion and kinship has turned into a competition of opulence. Dowries, pricey catering, high cost bridal attire, fancy decorations and lavish wedding halls are soon becoming the trend. A middle class individual now finds it virtually impossible to arrange the wedding of his daughter without plunging into deep debt or social shame. This culture has turned the possibility of marriage into a nightmare for most families, particularly those with daughters and marriage delays often result in a myriad of social and psychological issues.
Breaking the Chain, Our Collective Responsibility:
It is not merely an individual crisis it is a collective one. We all have a part to play in encouraging or dismantling this perilous trend. When we go to a lavish wedding, share pictures of costly holidays or congratulate someone on the purchase of a luxury vehicle we inadvertently perpetuate the very pressures that are strangling our society. These actions create expectations and legitimate a lifestyle that is anything but sustainable for a typical Kashmiri.
As responsible citizens, teachers, religious leaders and members of civil society we need to actively encourage a culture of simplicity and satisfaction. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) lived in a life of the utmost modesty, even though he had access to wealth. He is our best role model, and the instructions of Islam insist again and again that barakah (blessing) exists in simplicity not in extravagance.
We need to challenge and dismiss the myth that possessions and property determine a person’s value. True wealth is good character, emotional health, healthy relationships and peace of mind. The middle class needs to be encouraged not to take loans except when unavoidable and to prioritize long term stability over short term façade.
In addition to this, we have to re awaken the idea of social responsibility. Neighborhood must pool together and dissuade wasteful behavior as well as encourage families that opt for simple weddings or modest lifestyles. Mosques, local politicians and schools need to raise awareness through Friday prayers, seminars and public campaigns.
State policies also can step in by providing incentives for simple marriages, consumer loan regulation and assistance for housing at affordable prices without driving people into debt traps.
Recommendations to Ease Lifestyle Pressure in Kashmir:
1. Encourage Simple Marriages: Religious leaders and community influencers need to promote simple Nikah ceremonies and discourage dowry and lavish weddings.
2. Financial Literacy Programmes: Implement financial planning education in schools, colleges and community centers to educate individuals on how to manage their earnings, deter unnecessary loans and save for the future.
3. Cultural Campaigns: Media outlets and NGOs should organize campaigns advocating a content and debt free lifestyle through local success stories and spiritual messages.
4. Peer Support Groups: Organize community support groups for debt burdened families or families under marriage stress to offer counseling and emotional comfort.
5. Islamic Teachings as Guidance: Periodic sermons and workshops must be held to remind people of the Islamic and moral teachings about money, happiness and simplicity.
6. Avoid Show Off Culture on Social Media: Young people particularly need to be advised on the ill effects of flaunting richness and luxury online, which causes mental pressure on others.
Simplicity is Strength:
The increasing lifestyle stress in Kashmir is not only an economic matter but a social and moral one. We stand at a crossroads where our decisions today will determine the happiness of generations to come. We have to select values over vanity modesty over materialism and peace over pressure.
The home that is full of contentment, however humble and small, is much wealthier than a mansion constructed on debt and anxiety. The union that starts with simplicity and blessings is much richer than one that starts with loans and liabilities. Let us as a people, reject the rat race of consumerism and rediscover the noble values of balance, simplicity and communal well being. Then only can we liberate ourselves and our future from the yokes of unnecessary life pressures.
(Writer is a Teacher, An Author and Columnist hails from Boniyar Baramulla and He Can Be Contacted on [email protected])
