“Decades ago, I used to study by candlelight. Today, my daughter does the same. There’s been no change in all these years – it’s heartbreaking."
Nazira's voice wavers as she speaks to me about the electricity outages in Tangmarg in Kashmir's Baramulla district where she lives with her 16-year-old daughter. A private school teacher, Nazira adds, "I want my daughter to exceed in her board exams, but I don’t see that happening."
In the middle of Chillai Kalan, the harshest stretch of winter from 21 December to 29 January, Kashmir transforms into a snowy wonderland that lures tourists from across the globe.
Yet, for the students, the bitter cold makes everyday life exceedingly difficult, especially because of the frequent power cuts that affect our studies on a daily basis.