Srinagar, Oct. 24 -- Isn't it strange how much of our identity is tied to what we do, the profession we belong to, or the position we hold? These things often determine how much respect we receive, which spaces we are welcomed into, how seriously people take us, and sometimes even how much dignity they think we deserve. Yet, very little of this seems to depend on our integrity, our compassion, or the kind of human beings we are.

Perhaps it is because a designation is easy to display, while character is not. We can introduce ourselves through our professions, put our titles on visiting cards, and let our positions speak for us before we even utter a word. But there is no badge for kindness, no designation for integrity, and no official ti...