During the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when uncertainty weighed heavily on every heart, the Government directed schools, colleges, and universities to shift to online teaching mode. Being posted as principal at a College in North Kashmir, I witnessed challenges faced by students living in remote areas, many were beyond the reach of online classes because of poor mobile and internet connectivity.
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Amid these unprecedented circumstances, I was moved by the unwavering dedication of one college faculty who conducted online classes with remarkable commitment. He delivered notes to the students who were digitally inaccessible and ensured high student participation. His determination to reach every student, irrespective of geographical/technological barriers, and securing uninterrupted learning was indeed commendable.
Impressed by his professionalism, I wrote an article for a Kashmir-based English daily. In the article I acknowledged his efforts, mentioning him by name, while also hoping to inspire others to follow his example. It was a big honour and recognition he felt proud of. He framed the article and hung it on the corridor wall near the staircase of his house. Later, he sent me a photograph of it and said that, “The article has been a source of inspiration and moral strength for me. Every morning, as I leave for my duties, I look at the photograph. It reinforces my resolve to meet every challenge of the day with courage, confidence, and resilience.”
His words were deeply touching. It reaffirmed my belief that genuine appreciation has the power to inspire confidence, professional commitment, and foster enduring mutual esteem. I do not recall ever coming across an instance where a College Principal publicly acknowledges subordinate’s work through a newspaper article. I actually felt that faculty’s work had meaning and should be placed on record. As time passed, the bond of our mutual trust and cooperation grew. I guided and supported him during several professional challenges as well as personal issues. I extended every support within my capacity so that he could remain focused, undisturbed, and contribute effectively to the growth and welfare of the institution.
The challenge for academic administrator is to take on board everybody, treat everyone fairly, ensuring that professional relationships are built on merit and trust rather than favouritism. Teachers who contribute meaningfully to teaching, research, and institutional responsibilities naturally earn the trust and confidence of the Principal. Such relationships often evolve into enduring bonds that transcend institutional boundaries.
But as seasons change, so do some people. Just a month after my transfer, I once called him to seek a small piece of information. To my surprise, he did not answer. Eventually, I had to call him through his colleague at the campus. A few months later, I called him again, but there was no response. That was the moment I realised that I should never call him. The bond of trust and warmth forged through years of shared commitment had gradually faded after my transfer. I realised that a former subordinate has no obligation to remain in touch with me or answer my call. Perhaps, it was an association born of convenience.
This is not a one-off incident. I have come across countless examples of similar behaviour by individuals. There are instances of individuals who have held positions of responsibility when their phones would rarely stop ringing. Their opinions were sought, and their presence was valued. But once they retire, they gradually fade into oblivion. Former colleagues almost never bother to make a courtesy call or send a message to enquire about the well being of their former boss who once played a significant role in their professional life.
There is a beautiful Kashmiri proverb “Dams Saith chu-Namaskār” which means, as long as one has power, authority, and influence they receive salutations and admiration from people around. It captures a timeless truth about human nature and their social behaviour. Humans have a natural tendency to be drawn to people who wield power and authority because they believe that proximity to powerful may bring them favours, promotions, protection, and social prestige.
Consequently, powerful people find themselves surrounded by admirers, supporters, and some well-wishers. A large proportion of them are actually sycophants. Once a person’s power and authority come to an end, whether through transfer or retirement, the admirers and followers disappear overnight. Telephone calls that once came unprompted cease almost entirely. Even your own calls and messages receive no response.
The influence of power and authority on human psyche has fascinated philosophers and writers for centuries. The illusion of power, hollow courtesies, and the fragility of relations reveal a chilling truth about human nature. How is it that power and authority attract people more than the intrinsic worth and intellect of a person? How is it that seemingly genuine bonds of trust and warmth forged over years within a system, fade when power ends? Power is a test of character. In the hands of an honest and upright person, it is a tool to serve, uphold justice and bring about positive changes in the lives of others.
History is replete with inspiring examples of individuals who occupied the highest offices, wielded power and influence and left a legacy through meaningful actions, fair decisions, and upright conduct. Mark Rutte, the longest-serving prime minister of the Netherlands, left office in 2024 after 14 years and rode away on a bicycle. This example, offers a valuable lesson for all of us.
As an academic and the former head of the institution, I neither complain nor regret about any members with whom I had seemingly found kindred spirits. Outside my professional responsibilities, I never expected anything from anyone throughout my tenure. Knowing the fact that a teacher has a very limited role in day-to-day affairs of our lives, nonetheless they are to be the role models for others. When I pause and reflect on the patterns of our routine life, it becomes evident how tightly we remain glued to small and ordinary things in life.
Public office is a trust and solemn obligation. The power, authority, and influence are not privileges and entitlements, but responsibilities to be discharged with honesty and humility. You can’t create a circle of admirers and followers and favour a selected group of people. True honour is earned through meaningful contributions, professional competence, integrity, kindness and humility. Death is the ultimate reality of human existence.
Pride in power, position, titles, authority, or wealth rest on an unstable foundation. A person may be a celebrity, or a minister, but time changes circumstances. People come and go, institutions continue, but what remains with us and what follows us is our character and the grace with which we conduct ourselves. We should not lose the sight of this picture of life. Those who understand these realities are not intoxicated by power, position, or authority. Instead, they cherish relationships built on shared values and decency which adds to the grace of our living.
(Mohd Amin Malik is an academician, researcher and institutional leader with 30 years of experience in Higher Education J&K.)
Published - July 13, 2026 09:19 pm IST