“I believe education empowers you to think in 360 degrees. And in today’s world, that empowerment is incomplete without the internet.”
In the far-flung village of Turtuk, perched on the India-Pakistan border, Dr. Abdul Hameed has become a pillar of education and a source of hope. He is not just the only PhD holder from this small village; he is a symbol of resilience and commitment to the betterment of his people.
Dr. Hameed teaches at the local higher secondary school in Turtuk, despite his many academic qualifications. His story is not one of self-promotion but of selflessness—choosing to return to his roots and give back to the place that raised him. “I was in the first batch of students to complete higher secondary here,” he recalls, noting the severe challenges they faced with a lack of resources, especially teachers. “My 11th grade year was wasted because no teacher was available to teach. I had to take re-admission, and later, I had to leave Turtuk for Jammu to continue my education.”
Yet, the difficulties didn’t end with his determination. The financial strain was overwhelming. “My father made only ₹3000 a month, and the expenses of staying in Jammu for studies were too high. I couldn’t make it work.” But Hameed persisted. He traveled across the country, eventually earning his PhD from Banaras Hindu University (BHU). His journey wasn’t just about personal achievement—it was about paving the way for the future generation of Turtuk.
The Internet: A Missing Lifeline in Turtuk
For Dr. Hameed, the struggle to access education in his youth is eerily mirrored in the experiences of his students today. The pandemic revealed a harsh truth—without internet access, children in Turtuk were falling behind. While most students across India adapted to online learning, Turtuk’s students were left stranded.
Dr. Hameed took matters into his own hands. He traveled to Delhi and pleaded for educational technology to be provided to his school’s 11th and 12th-grade students. “You can never predict unforeseen circumstances like the pandemic, but children shouldn’t suffer because of them,” he explains. His voice carries the weight of someone who has seen too much wasted potential due to circumstances beyond control.
Yet, it’s not just about overcoming the obstacles of a global health crisis. Dr. Hameed emphasizes that internet access is critical for students to stay competitive—not just regionally or nationally, but globally. “To learn any skill today, it’s important to have the internet. The world is moving forward, and if our children don’t have access, they’ll be left behind.”
The Bigger Battle: Cultural Challenges for Female Students
In Turtuk, the battle for education isn’t just about technology. Cultural norms present an additional layer of difficulty, especially for female students. “In Asian culture, girls are expected to help with household chores—carrying water, cooking, cleaning. By the time they’re done, they’re too tired to focus on their studies,” Dr. Hameed explains, his voice heavy with concern. These young women, who should be inspired to pursue their dreams, often lack role models and the encouragement they need to persevere in their education.
The internet, Dr. Hameed believes, could be a powerful tool for these girls, offering them exposure to ideas, stories, and opportunities beyond the limitations of their village. “They need to see that there’s a world out there where they can compete, where they can excel.”
The Internet: Tool or Distraction?
However, Dr. Hameed is not blind to the darker side of internet use. He frequently warns his students about the dangers of wasting time on social media, drawing a powerful analogy: “The internet is like a knife. You can use it as a tool, or it can become a weapon against you.”
It is his dream to spread awareness about using the internet wisely. He advocates for counseling sessions not just for students but for parents, urging them to understand their children’s unique needs and potentials. “Every child is different,” he often tells parents. “You can’t apply the same parenting style to each one.”
A Teacher’s Pride and a Vision for the Future
Like any dedicated educator, Dr. Hameed feels a deep sense of pride when his students succeed. But he is quick to point out that his role is as much about learning as it is about teaching. “I am constantly learning from my students,” he says with a smile.
His vision for Turtuk is clear—he wants to see the students compete on a global stage. And for that to happen, the village must have access to the internet. “Education isn’t just about acquiring knowledge. It’s about empowerment, about thinking critically and creatively. And in today’s world, the internet is a key part of that process.”
Change is inevitable, Dr. Hameed says, but Turtuk, like many other remote villages in Ladakh, lacks exposure. It’s not that people resist change; they simply haven’t seen what’s possible. For him, the internet represents that exposure—the window to a world of possibilities that his students have yet to fully grasp.
As the village’s only PhD holder, Dr. Abdul Hameed’s mission is far from over. He’s not just fighting for internet access; he’s fighting for the future of Turtuk, where every child can dream of competing not just with their neighbors, but with the world.