Srinagar, June 4 -- A young man in Srinagar recently posted photographs from a gleaming co-working space. His social media feed showed business meetings, motivational quotes and snapshots from cafes that signal ambition and upward mobility.

Friends congratulated him on his apparent success, but what they did not see was the reality behind the images: an uncertain income, borrowed money and constant anxiety about keeping up appearances.

That story has become increasingly familiar in Kashmir.

Success has always occupied an important place in society. Families celebrate educational achievements, professional milestones and financial progress. Ambition pushes people to work harder and dream bigger. A troubling shift, however, has entered p...