GROWING THREAT OF DEBT, DISPLAY AND THE DECLINE OF SIMPLICITY, CONFRONTING LIFESTYLE PRESSURES IN KASHMIR

IN THE RACE TO IMPRESS THE WORLD WEARE MORTGAGING OUR PEACE, OUR VALUES AND OUR FUTURE TRUE DIGNITY LIES NOT IN DISPLAY BUT IN LIVING WITHIN MEANS WITH HONOR

- MUKHTAR AHMAD QURESHI

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.