Srinagar, July 26 -- A TV serial rarely changes how a society sees itself. But Parizaad did. It told the story of a boy who was dark-skinned, poor, and poetic.

He was mocked by neighbours, dismissed by teachers, ignored by peers. He had a kind heart and an honest mind. But that wasn't enough.

Only when he became rich did the world begin to value him. By then, it was too late.

What struck me most was how familiar his story felt, as Kashmir is full of Parizaads.

They sit in the backs of classrooms, drawing galaxies in the corners of their notebooks. They walk to school on muddy roads, shoes torn, and racing minds. They write poems in worn diaries, help parents in the fields, dream of labs, studios, and libraries.

But no one pays attent...