The Village Healer Who Never Left

While his classmates left for better jobs and big cities, Munazir Bashir stayed behind in Wahibugh. His daily acts of care have made him a lifeline for those around him.

- Gowher Bhat

Wahibugh is the kind of village where everyone knows each other. It sits in South Kashmir's Pulwama district, surrounded by orchards and green fields. Life moves slowly here, but for Munazir Bashir, most days begin before sunrise.

He runs a small medical lab tucked between homes and shops, easy to miss unless you're looking for it. Inside, a wooden bench holds a few test kits. His tools are neatly placed on a metal tray. There's no sign outside, no receptionist, no rush, Just Munazir, 28, wearing a sweater and calm expression, ready to work.

While many of his friends from college moved to cities or even overseas for higher-paying jobs, Munazir stayed. He has a master's degree in medical laboratory technology. He could've gone anywhere. Instead, he chose to remain in Wahibugh, the village where he grew up.

“I felt it was my duty to stay and do whatever little | could for my community,” he said. “My friends may be earning big incomes elsewhere, but I find a deeper joy in knowing I'm making a difference right here, where I belong.”