Let’s give credit where it’s due
A few days ago, I had the privilege of attending the Board of Studies meeting at Cluster University Srinagar. The meeting was convened to finalize the syllabus for the 7th and 8th semester students enrolled in the four year Honors degree program in Commerce in line with the reforms introduced through the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The meeting was presided over by the Dean of Commerce and Management, Prof. G.M. Lone. With his usual grace and clarity, Prof. Lone welcomed everyone and introduced the board members to the external expert and former head Department of Commerce University of Kashmir Prof. Mohammad Shafi who is currently serving at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) Awantipora.
Before shifting focus to the main agenda, Prof. Mohammad Shafi acknowledged the contributions of individuals who played a key role in the implementation of the Choice Based Credit System and the NEP-2020 at undergraduate level. He made a special mention of Prof. M. Ashraf Shah, a retired college principal lauding his selflessness and remarkable dedication towards the design and development of the curriculum.
He shared how Prof. M Ashraf Shah was appointed as the consultant in the year 2018 for underground programs run by colleges affiliated to the University of Kashmir and how he helped student community to understand Choice Based Credit System framework (CBCS) and in resolving widespread confusion surrounding its implementation. He also mentioned how Prof. Ashraf played a crucial role in the successful implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and actively worked to raise awareness about the new policy among higher education institutions.
What inspired me the most was when he said that in recognition of his contributions, the University of Kashmir was planning to increase his remuneration. However, Prof. Ashraf showed no interest in this. He was only willing to accept compensation for the fuel expenses of his car. He even mentioned that he had often observed Prof. Ashraf speaking very little, but whenever he did speak, his words were always sensible. It is very rare to see one professor acknowledge the work of another so openly and sincerely.
From Prof. Shafi Sahab’s message, I understood that behind every success story lies a web of unseen efforts, efforts that often go unrecognized. Unfortunately in our institutions we have built a culture that hesitates to celebrate others. People don’t give credit where it is due not because they don’t see the good work being done but because their ego gets in the way.
Even when we know a colleague has done something remarkable we stay silent. When individuals feel that their contributions are recognized they develop a sense of belonging. This sense of belonging makes them more likely to engage with their work and remain committed to the institutional objectives. It reminded me of Abraham Maslow's need hierarchy theory. He explained that after our basic needs like food and safety are met, we start looking for respect and value from others. We want to feel like we matter. That is where recognition comes in. It makes us feel seen, appreciated and respected.
Some years back, I had the opportunity to work at State Street Syntel Private Limited in Pune. It was my first proper experience in the private sector and honestly, I didn’t know what I was walking into. The workload was heavy with one deadline after another. But what surprised me most was the corporate culture. The manager would notice even the smallest efforts. A good idea shared in a meeting would get recognized. A hard day’s work would never go unnoticed. Sometimes it was a thank-you email, other times just a word of encouragement but it always made a difference
I remember once staying late to help finish an assignment that was not mine. The next morning, my manager sent me an email ‘Dear Aasif, I was informed about the support you offered to a fellow colleague. I appreciate your willingness to help. Thank you.’ That one sentence stayed with me. I felt seen. I felt that I mattered.
In the public sector, no matter how hard you work, appreciation is often lacking. Instead of encouragement, there are always some people ready to pull you down and demoralize you. They will smile and show admiration to your face but behind your back, they do everything possible to destroy your reputation when you are not around. This kind of behavior affects your mental health deeply. Your confidence falters, dreams feel fragile and the joy of trying something new begins to fade. From a moral point of view, we must choose words that heal rather than harm.
A few days ago, I was really inspired by the speech given by the Financial Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary at our college during the valedictory function of the Science Conference which was organized by the college in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DST). He spoke about the importance of mental health for everyone involved in the institution, the need to uphold our moral values and the responsibility to keep the spirit of our institutions and country alive in everything we do.
It is time to do self evaluation and ask our selves. Do we celebrate other peoples success or feel jealous? Being honest with ourselves will help us grow. Ironically we wait until the person is dead to recognize his contributions.
Let us pledge to give our best to our institutions to appreciate even the smallest contributions from others and foster a culture of appreciation where both individuals and institutions can grow. In the end, it is not the titles or positions we hold. It is how we made others feel and whether we helped them believe that their contribution was worth something. We all rise when we lift each other up.
Aasif Shah is a College Professor.
