Srinagar, Aug. 8 -- In every age and era, societies have evolved around power centers. Historically, these were kings and landlords; today, they are the elite families- those few who possess the wealth, networks, education, and influence to decide society's direction while the majority merely adapt. The modern world, despite its democratic slogans and egalitarian pretensions, has witnessed an alarming rise in the dominance of elite families. They preside over politics, dominate business landscapes, monopolize education, and even influence cultural standards. In this subtle but ruthless evolution, social equality once considered the backbone of progress has become a fading ideal, a nostalgic phrase rather than a lived reality.

The rise of...