As winter grips the Kashmir Valley, the arrival of freezing temperatures signals a season of hardship for us. Among the most vulnerable are young children attending lower primary classes in schools. While education remains a cornerstone of societal progress, the question arises: Should these tiny learners brave the bone-chilling cold to sit in inadequately heated classrooms? The answer is a resolute no. Authorities must prioritize the health and well-being of these children by closing lower primary departments with the harshest months starting in December. Kashmir’s winters are severe, with temperatures frequently plunging below freezing. Many schools, particularly in rural areas, lack proper infrastructure to combat the biting cold. Basic amenities like centralized heating or insulated classrooms are often absent, leaving children to endure the icy chill in ill-equipped rooms. This puts their physical and mental well-being at risk. Young children, whose immune systems are still developing, are especially prone to illnesses such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections that thrive in such conditions. While older students may be better equipped to endure these challenges, expecting the youngest learners—some as young as four or five—to sit through hours of lessons in such an environment is both unreasonable and dangerous. The lack of adequate infrastructure creates a setting where education becomes secondary to the child’s struggle to stay warm. This not only hampers learning outcomes but also raises serious ethical questions about the trade-off between education and health. Some may argue that closing lower primary schools disrupts academic continuity. However, in today’s digital era, innovative solutions like home-based assignments or activity-based learning packets can ensure that young children continue their educational journey without risking their health. Furthermore, flexible schedules and delayed reopening can allow students to resume learning once conditions improve. The importance of addressing this issue extends beyond the classroom. It is a question of equity and care for the most vulnerable members of our society. Wealthier families often have the resources to provide for their children’s comfort and safety, while children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately affected by the lack of proper school infrastructure. Closing lower primary classes for the rest of winter is a step toward bridging this gap, demonstrating that the government values every child equally. Our winters are a stark reminder of our unique challenges. Ensuring the safety and health of young children should take precedence over rigid adherence to school calendars. By closing lower primary departments for winter vacations, authorities can send a strong message: that the well-being of the valley’s youngest is not just a priority but a moral obligation.