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| Dr (Professor) Netar Parkash Sharma: A Beacon of Perseverance, Simplicity and Strength of Character | | |  Pt Chaman Lal Sharma
In our lives we come across so many persons who not only inspire us but instil in us a life-long impression that remains with us for ever even after they leave this materialistic world to be with the one who sent them between us to show how a life should be lead. They remain with us through their ideals as guiding spirits who are adored and idealized by the society. Here mentioning about one such personality who lived his life with such simplicity, sanctity and morality that he became a guiding force for many during his lifetime and has become immortal in our thoughts.
Born on 1st January, 1955 in middle-class family of Sh Prem Chand Sharma and Smt Vidya Devi who rose to become an educationist par excellence is our beloved Dr Netar Parkash Sharma (Retd Professor) truly idolizing the name of his parents Vidya-Prem. The life of Prof Netar Parkash Sharma stands as a living testament to the fact that with firm determination, no obstacle- be it poverty or physical hardship- can stop a person from achieving the desired goals. Born into a modest lower-middle-class family in the village Badyal Brahmana, he faced life’s difficulties from a very early age. But never once did he bow down before circumstances.
One of the greatest challenges of his life was sudden deterioration of health when he was in class 5th which led to low vision in both of his eyes. One more obstacle, which, for him, was never an obstacle as he proved the same as menial when it came to proving his grit and determination towards his goals. It can be said that low vision was never an excuse for him as he never used the same for any sympathy or even for getting any benefits from government. He began his academic journey at the Government Boys High School, Badyal Brahmana, where he studied up to the 8th standard. He then continued his schooling at Government Higher Secondary School, R.S. Pura, travelling daily 08 kms on foot and eventually earned his graduation from M.A.M. Degree College, Jammu with a one rupee coin in his pocket. And of course, the daily 08 kms journey continued from his native village to R. S. Pura to fetch the bus.
His dedication to education was so deep that he completed his M.A. in Education from University of Jammu in 1981 with first division despite having low vision and the following year, in 1982, he also completed his B.Ed. That very year, he was selected as a teacher and began his teaching career at Government High School, Dablehar, where he taught for two years. Poverty, poor eyesight and lack of resources all stood like walls in his path—but he broke down each of those walls with the hammer of hard work, discipline and unwavering resolve.
His relentless efforts bore fruit when, in 1984, he was appointed as a Professor of Education, with his first posting at Government Degree College, Kathua. It was from here that he embarked on a long and distinguished academic journey, eventually earning a Ph.D. in Education in 1995.
His life was not just a tale of personal achievement—it was the inspiring story of a value-driven educator who remained dedicated to students and society at large. He not only rose to great heights himself, but also helped numerous students reach their academic goals through M Phil and Ph D guidance. He was recognized as an approved research guide by several esteemed institutions, including:
• Madurai Kamaraj University, Tamil Nadu
• Periyar University, Tamil Nadu
• Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu
• Vinayaka Mission University, Tamil Nadu
• Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Haryana
He was also an approved Counsellor and guide for M.A. Education and M.Ed. programs at IGNOU.
Throughout his life, Professor Sharma remained a man of simplicity and strong ideals. He lived far removed from the pretentious modern lifestyle and always upheld honesty, discipline and truthfulness. His students and colleagues remember him as a model teacher and mentor-a man whose actions reflected his words. His forever dialogues like “No, I am not a professor but a teacher, call me teacher, professor is a rank” and “My students are my APRs” and ‘Let god be part of your journey, you will achieve everything’ truly describe the kind of person he was.
Not just a great professional or academician but a loving and caring husband and a doting father and father-like figure for younger siblings. In his personal life, he was a devoted husband. His wife, Mrs. Savitri Sharma, stood by his side through every hardship and became his pillar of strength. In 2012, he retired as the Head of the Department (HOD) of Education, but even after retirement, he remained actively involved in guiding students and contributing to the academic community. After retirement Dr. Sharma actively participated in the social activities organised by Aadarsh Bhartiya Samaj, Jammu-Kashmir, remained Vice Chairman and Officiating Chairman of the organisation for a long time. He was totally against the social evils such as dowry, drug abuse, women/children exploitation and domestic violence. He inspired and motivated the youths to work for the unity-integrity of the society and nation as well.
In 2024, he bid farewell to this world, but his thoughts, values and simple way of living continue to inspire. His life teaches us that a lack of resources can never be an excuse if one’s will is strong. He transformed challenges like poverty and low vision into fuel for his determination. Even today, his journey serves as a source of inspiration for countless youth.
Dr (Prof) Netar Parkash Sharma lived like a lamp—burning himself to light the way for others. He never compromised in life—not with his principles, not with his honesty. Such individuals are rare. He is not just a man of struggle, but man of conquering struggle. Though he is no longer among us, his ideals, his philosophy of life, and his contributions will forever serve as a guiding light for society. |
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