Tengpora Tragedy

The tragic accident on Friday, November 14, at Tengpora bypass in Srinagar has left an indelible scar on the valley’s conscience. While immediate blame has been cast on the boys’ underage driving, some have directed their anger at the parents, questioning their vigilance. This blame, however, oversimplifies the intricate dynamics of modern parenting in a society increasingly shaped by consumerist values. Rather than mocking parents for perceived lapses for all the unfortunate traffic violations involving minors, it is crucial to understand the systemic factors influencing youth behaviour, including peer pressure, societal norms, and the lure of material success.

Consumerism—the ideology that equates personal happiness and social status with material possessions—has quietly but profoundly infiltrated Kashmiri society. Traditional values of simplicity and communal living are being eroded under the weight of a growing culture of material aspiration, often fostered by globalization, social media, and even educational institutions. Children and teenagers in Kashmir are not immune to these influences, often equating their self-worth with their ability to display wealth or status.

Events like Children’s Day, Teacher’s Day, and Bal Melas, intended to foster learning and community spirit, sometimes inadvertently exacerbate this problem. These occasions, while celebratory, often turn into competitions of material display, where students feel pressured to participate in lavish gifting or extravagant purchases. For some teenagers, these social expectations extend beyond the classroom, manifesting in risky behaviours like flaunting family or borrowed vehicles to gain peer approval, that in almost all the cases don’t have parental approval.

The notion of consumerism also influences broader behaviours. The encouragement of students to sell goods in school fairs or bring expensive gifts for teachers on Teachers’ Day, while aimed at developing practical skills or gratitude, risks prioritising material demonstration over the intrinsic values of learning and appreciation. This creates an environment where young people are subtly taught to measure success through possessions, a mindset that can have dangerous consequences.

Parenting in this era is fraught with challenges, especially in Kashmir, where traditional norms are colliding with modern expectations. Parents, often stretched thin by financial and emotional demands, cannot monitor their teenagers around the clock. Yet, they are expected to balance providing for their children’s needs and ensuring that they do not succumb to negative societal influences.

The tendency to mock or blame parents for their children’s missteps, as seen in the aftermath of the Tengpora tragedy, is an unproductive response that overlooks the complexity of the issue. Instead, societal introspection is needed. Parents cannot act alone; they require support from schools, policymakers, and community leaders to address the root causes of such incidents.

To the teenagers of Kashmir, the tragedy at Tengpora is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the responsibilities that come with freedom. Recklessness, whether it is driving without a license or yielding to peer pressure, can have irreversible consequences—not just for individuals but for their families and communities. True courage lies not in risky actions but in making wise, responsible decisions that reflect an awareness of the value of life and safety.

Teenagers, if they care to listen should use this moment to reflect on what matters most. Material possessions or peer validation will never replace the fulfilment of achieving your dreams, nurturing relationships, or contributing to your community. Learn from this tragedy, and let it inspire a commitment to responsibility, empathy, and adherence to rules that are designed to protect you and those around you.

The Tengpora accident is not an isolated case; it joins a series of similar tragedies in the region, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to address these issues. Stricter traffic enforcement, including harsher penalties for underage driving, must be complemented by widespread awareness campaigns. Schools can play a pivotal role by restructuring their events and curriculums to focus on values like teamwork, kindness, and creativity rather than material competition.

Workshops, seminars, and theatrical performances in schools can vividly illustrate the consequences of reckless behaviour and consumerism, emphasising the importance of ethical and responsible living. Programmes that engage parents, offering guidance on modern parenting challenges and tools to foster open communication with teenagers, can also make a significant difference.

Kashmir, with its rich heritage of simplicity, community, and resilience, can set an example for combating the pressures of consumerism and recklessness. By fostering an environment that prioritises values over possessions, collective responsibility over blame, and empathy over judgment, the valley can honour the memories of those lost to such preventable tragedies.

Let the tragedy at Tengpora serve as a wake-up call, urging us to look beyond immediate blame and instead work together to create a safer, more thoughtful society. Only through collective action and a shared commitment to change can we ensure that no more young lives are lost to preventable mistakes.

By: Akmal Hanan