No HARTAL please! There can be another better OPTION too

Aryan is glad. Do you know why? Yeah! He has returned back home no doubt for a very short spell but still he is back in his motherland, the Switzerland of south-Asia. While returning home Aryan had planned many things some important other little more important. He even had designed his daily schedule for the spell at abode. But all his dreams and plans shattered when he came to know that there is a Hartal timetable designed by our pro-freedom leaders. A Hartal for a week, then for two more days and then after a break of a day or two some more days are designated as Hartals. After discovering about this distinctive timetable rather world of Hartals, Aryan got curious about the number of working days in a year? Subsequent to necessary calculations Aryan came up with an explanatory answer, if you deduct spells of vacations, gazetted holidays and Sundays you are left 220 working days but in Aryan’s homeland you can count the number of working days on fingers. Aryan is really annoyed by this all. This analysis on the working days in a year made Aryan totally barmy. He was not able to understand what would be the future of his motherland. He many times tried to solicit his elders about the issue but no one could satisfy Aryan’s hunger for veracity. Persuaded by the articles of the reputed writers published in a leading local dailies Aryan decided to launch a campaign and know himself about the ground situation rather core cause from a common Kashmiri.
In the beginning, Aryan had in mind that he would definitely face antagonism as whatever is going on is from the leaders and leaders are the representatives of a clan but to his surprise everyone from a labor to a bureaucrat all had thoughts against the Hartals rather Aryan can say they all had a long list of demerits of Hartals already ready with them. Aryan was so confused that he could not understand why people follow when they don’t believe in this. This is really bad rather shoddier. “I am neither against any leader nor trust any of them but still…” a voice which made Aryan to think again and again. These words were giving Aryan nightmares. He can’t understand what this proclamation really means? After much struggle, Aryan somehow managed to conclude that actually we Kashmiri’s have no humanity we are insane not insan. We want freedom that too with dignity but actually we have sold ourselves to the worldly happiness. Freedom or Independent Kashmir has no value for us now we only want our own betterment and not of our nation.
Aryan was almost in hysterics when a close buddy of his told him that you don’t know anything about Kashmir and you have got no right to speak also. You are not a true son of soil you left your mother burning and went away to be the intellectual from some well reputed university. I’m not wrong to call you a bluff master because of your deeds and now you are telling us what is right and what is wrong? Aryan neither wants to justify him, nor wants that his friend should understand him as this issue doesn’t matter much but what matters is the loss our nation (Kashmir) is facing everyday rather every second. Our students are not able to study well, our labors and other daily wagers are not able to earn properly moreover, the roads leading to development also gets blocked. Aryan wanted to put blame on a particular person or community but was shocked to find all Kashmiri’s alike; all had played a role in nurturing this blooming colossal tree called Hartals.
Aryan too believes whatever happened in shopian was pathetic but there is a better and more powerful way of remonstration which can cause snag to the traitors rather illegal occupants. Aryan wants we Kashmiri’s should boycott all Indian goods from a needle to an airplane whatever is of Indian make. This will adversely affect the economy of India but on the other side it will encourage our struggle for existence, yeah, our sovereignty.
Aryan knows very well that no one will follow his words as we Kashmiri’s have become scapegoats. Chalo chodo mast raho aur Hartals to enjoy karo tab tak kuch nahi ho sakta jab tak humara zameer ghehri neend say na jaghay… Nothing is gona happen unless and until our conscience awakes from the great slumber…

Shaheed-e-Azam, Shaheed-e-Kashmir- Muhammad Maqbool Bhat

Mr. Muhammad Maqbool Butt was born in village Trehgam of district Kupwara in the year of 1938 and was viciously buried in Tihar jail, Delhi. He was first wrongfully imprisoned by Pakistan and later unlawfully noosed by India exactly one week before his 46th birthday, while awaiting trial for a case registered against him.
Today, Muhammad Maqbool Butt is known as the Shaheed-e-Azam and Shaheed-e-Kashmir. He was the first Kashmiri to be judicially murdered on Indian soil - making him the first authentic martyr of the Kashmiri independence movement. Critics of the Kashmiri freedom movement dubbed him as an 'enemy agent' to undermine his struggle for the liberation of his motherland.
Mr. Maqbool crossed over to other part of Kashmir (PaK) via Sialkot border in the year of 1958. It was the same time when Indian state oppression increased against Sheikh Abdullah's supporters. Later from Muzaffarabad (Azad Kashmir's capital), he moved to Peshawar and settled there. He used to work in a daily newspaper in the day time and attended post-graduate classes in Urdu literature during the evenings at the University.
In the year of 1962, Muhammad Maqbool Butt formed a movement called Kashmir Independence Committee (KIC). This group was later merged into the newly formed Jammu Kashmir ‘Mahaz-Rayee-Shumari’ (Plebiscite Front) in ‘Azad’ Kashmir, which was a crusade for complete independence from india.
The 1965 war and the subsequent ‘Tashkent’ Agreement between India and Pakistan brought many changes in Muhammad Maqbool Butt's political belief. He disapproved role of Pakistanis from the struggle for independence of Kashmir. The leadership of the struggle must be in the hands of the Kashmiris was his view point. He believed that the divisive war between India and Pakistan had debilitated the advancement of the Kashmiri struggle movement. With these things in his mind, he put all his energy and power in organizing all the Kashmiris under one common banner called the National Liberation Front (NLF). National Liberation Front was the first Kashmiri organization to take up the arms against the Indian imperialism.
In the year of 1966, Muhammad Maqbool Butt along with his enthusiastic group of NLF activists barged into Indian Occupied Kashmir and established underground cells. But when the group was returning back from the occupied territory, they were spotted by an Indian intelligence officer and the group was ambushed. Muhammad Maqbool Butt and his three comrades were arrested and taken to Srinagar's Bagh-e-Mehtab interrogation camp. Mr. Maqbool was sentenced to death by a special court on the charges of murder. The unique feature of this hearing was that it was held within prison walls.
Two years later, in December 1968, Muhammad Maqbool Butt along with Mr. Mir Ahmed and Mr. Ghulam Yasin succeeded in breaking the prison by digging a 38-foot underground tunnel. The trio some how managed to reach Azad Kashmir only after playing much hide and seek with Indian forces. But as soon as they stepped on the land of 'liberated' territory, they were arrested, dragged and beaten by the army and sent to the notorious Black Fort of Muzaffarabad by the puppet state authority. They were brutally interrogated in the black fort. However, after three months they were released as agitations for their freedom intensified all over Azad Kashmir. After release Muhammad Maqbool Butt shared his experience with his Kashmiri brothers “Muzaffarabad's Black Fort was not much different to Bagh-e-Mehtab and Red-16 (sonwar) at the hands of the enemies of the Kashmiri freedom movement”. s
While narrating this bitter episode in a letter to dearest friend, he wrote:
"I was happy to be safe in my home but this happiness was short lived... What happened in the Black Fort had shaken me and forced me to rethink on who was a friend and who was a foe."
Muhammad Maqbool Butt was the man with iron will. In the year of 1969, Maqbool Butt was chosen as the president of the Plebiscite Front in Azad Kashmir. As a first step he launched an awareness campaign throughout Azad Kashmir and the Gilgit-Baltistan territories in which Mr. Abdul Khalik Ansari supported him by all his means. He again faced bitter consequences by the state authorities, as they thought that the campaign to be anti-Pakistan. However, he continued to build his underground movement and recruit and train young activists.
In the year 1970, two teenage activists of NLF (Muhammad Hashim Qurashi (16) and Muhammad Ashraf Qurashi (17)) hijacked an Indian aeroplane (friendship-focus) code-named "Ganga" from Srinagar airport to Lahore.
This event added fuel to the ongoing struggle for freedom. It not only highlighted problems of Kashmiri but also gave a new dimension to the struggle. The aftermath left a deep impact and repercussions for all the Kashmiris as well as for Pakistan. NLF and Plebiscite Front were shattered and party workers were imprisoned by Pakistan's military. They were later released with the title "Kashmir's true patriots."
In the year of 1976, Muhammad Maqbool Butt without consulting his seniors and trust-worthy people went to Indian occupied Kashmir where he was charged for murder of a police officer, which he denied as he had not committed. During the trials he was transferred to the top security Tihar jails in 1980 as rumors of a possible 'rescue' attempt were in full swing.
Kashmir's political scene had now turned in favor of India as Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah and Mrs. Indra Gandhi signed a new accord. This was not the end of Kashmir's tragedy. In February 1984, activists of NLF and plebiscite front kidnapped and later killed a member of India's Consulate staff in Birmingham, England. They demanded immediate release of Muhammad Maqbool Butt. As the news of the death of this man (member of India's Consulate staff) reached to the Indian government headed by Indira Gandhi they decided to noose Maqbool Butt in vengeance. Shaheed-e-Kashmir was noosed in the early hours of 11th February. His family members, friends and well-wishers were not allowed to meet him for the last time as they all were arrested at Srinagar airport. On this event Mr. Muhammad Yousuf Gilkar Said, “we had lost the true son of Kashmir with tears in his eyes. He was the man with iron-will. He never thought of himself but for his motherland. His martyrdom will be an example for whole the world”.
Ever since his execution Kashmir has never been the same again. Our so called leaders have forgotten their main objective. They are busy in solving their own feuds. On the fateful day of 11th February every Tom, Dick and Harry speaks about the goal and message of Shaheed-e-Kashmir but no one follows it by true heart.

WHY CHILD LABOR?

‘Child labor’ is any sort of work done by a child who is under the age specified by law. The word, “work” means full time commercial work to sustain self or add to the family income. Child labor is a hazard to a Child’s mental, physical, social, educational, emotional and spiritual development. Broadly any child who is employed in activities to feed self and family is being subjected to “child labor’.

It is obligatory for all countries to set a minimum age for employment according to the rules of ILO. The stipulated age of employment should not be below the age of finishing school that is not below the age of 15. Developing countries are allowed to set the minimum age of 14 years in accordance with their socio-economic circumstances.

Children employed in part time work like craft or other skills of hereditary nature are not called child labors. The same work translates in to child labor if a child is thrown into weaving carpets, working in to factories or some other employment to earn money to sustain self, or augment his family income- without being given school education and allowed opportunities for normal social interactions. A child working part time (3-4 hours) to learn and earn for self and parents after school, is not considered ‘child labor’.

The Industrial revolution had ushered in the horrendous practice of employing children of 4 and 5 years in factories in environmental conditions, which were risky for their health and well being, often proving fatal. Developed countries have reacted sharply to this historical fact by equating “child labor” with human right violation. However poor countries are more accepting about child labor as a living necessity.
Employment with others and self employment both come under the aegis of ‘child labor’. It has been seen that children who are street sellers, street entertainers, rag pickers, child prostitutes or pornography models, beggars etc - are mostly without natural guardians and exploited by underground gangsters and racketeers. These children are mostly children of illegal migrants. They are the victim of abandonment, riots, wars or just sheer poverty and homelessness. In poor countries some children are helping hands for their parents or are employed in factories, commercial organizations or households with the consent of the parents. The most appalling form of child labor is prostitution and modeling for child pornography. Some children are even sold to fiefs by their parents for money. Child labor is a very complicated development issue, effecting human society all over the world. It is a matter of grave concern that children are not receiving the education and leisure which is important for their growing years, because they are sucked into commercial and laborious activities which is meant for people beyond their years. According to the statistics given by ILO and other official agencies 73 million children between 10 to 14 years of age are employed in economic activities all over the world. The figure translates into 13.2 of all children between age group of 10 to 14 are being subjected to child labor.
Child labor is most rampant in Asia with 44.6 million or 13% of its children doing commercial work followed by Africa at 23.6 million or 26.3% which is the highest rate and Latin America at 5.1million that is 9.8%.

In India 14.4% children between 10 to 14 years of age are employed as child labor; In Bangladesh 30.1%, in china 11.6%, in Pakistan 17.7%, in Turkey 24%. When we talk of our own motherland ‘Kashmir’; story is no different. In a recent survey conducted by a youth organization (AIM-Y) 77% of the children working fall under the age group of 8-14 years while the rest 23% are below 18 years of age.

Child labor is also prevalent in rich and industrialized countries, although less compared to poor nations. For example there are a large of children working for pay at home, in seasonal cycles, for street trade and small workshops in Southern Europe. India is a glaring example of a nation hounded by the evil of child labor. It is estimated that there are 60 to 115 million working children in India- which was the highest in 1996 according to human rights watch.
The problems coming from a centrally planned to market economy has led to the creation of many child workers in central and eastern Europe. Same is the case in America. The growth of the service sector, increasing provision of part time jobs and the need for flexible work force has given birth to a big market for child workers here.

Historically the working force of child workers is more in rural areas compared to urban settings. Nine out of ten village children are employed in agriculture or household industries and craftwork. In towns and cities children are more absorbed in service and trading sectors rather that marketing. This is due to the rapid urbanization of the modern world. Survey did by experimental statisticians of ILO in India, Indonesia and Senegal have revealed that child labor under the age of fourteen takes place in family enterprises mostly, with the exception of Latin America. Child labor is also found to be gender specific, with more boys than girls employed in laborious activities. But this is also because it is difficult to take a count of girls working in households. Some common causes of child labor are poverty, parental illiteracy, social apathy, ignorance, lack of education and exposure, exploitation of cheap and unorganized labor. The family practice to inculcate traditional skills in children also pulls little ones inexorably in the trap of child labor, as they never get the opportunity to learn anything else. Absence of compulsory education at primary level, parental ignorance regarding the bad effects of child labor, the ineffective child labor laws in terms of implementation, non availability and non accessibility of schools, boring and un practical school curriculum and cheap child labor are some other factors which encourages the phenomena of child labor. It is also very difficult for immature minds and undeveloped bodies to understand and organize them selves against exploitation in the absence of adult guidance. Poverty and over population have been identified as the two main causes of child labor. Parents are forced to send little children into hazardous jobs for reason of survival, even when they know it is wrong.
The industrial revolution has also had a negative effect by giving rise to circumstances which encourages child labor. Sometimes multinationals prefer to employ child workers in the developing countries. This is so because they can be recruited for less pay, more work can be extracted from them and there is no union problem with them. This attitude also makes it difficult for adults to find jobs in factories, forcing them to drive their little ones to work to keep the fire burning their homes.
The incidence of child labor would diminish considerably even in the face of poverty, if there are no parties willing to exploits them. Strict implementation of child labor laws and practical and healthy alternatives to replace this evil can go a long way to solve the problem of child labor. Children who are born out of wedlock, orphaned or abandoned are especially vulnerable to exploitation. They are forced to work for survival when there are no adults and relatives to support them. Livelihood considerations can also drive a child into the dirtiest forms of child labor like child prostitution and organized begging.

The term ‘child labor’ means ‘working child’ or ‘employed child’. ‘Child labor’ is any work done by child for profit. ‘Child labor’ is a derogatory term which translates into child exploitation and inhumanity according to sociologists, development workers, medical professionals and educationists. They have identified child labor as harmful and hazardous to the child’s development needs, both mental and physical.
It has been observed in India and other countries, that the practice of ‘child labor’ is a socio- economic problem. Many appalling realities like poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, low wages, ignorance, social prejudices, regressive traditions, poor standard of living, backwardness, superstition, low status of women have combined to give birth to the terrible practice of child labor.

It has been observed and repeatedly stated in recent times that ‘child labor’ does not remain a mere means of economic exploitation but has become a necessity due to the economic needs of the parents and the child himself. Prof. Aslam has iterated that child labor is also caused by different factors like social traditions, family attitude, customs, and dearth of schools or parental reluctance to send children to school, industrialization, urbanization, migration etc. To counter the real situation called child labor and save little humans rather innocent souls from the abuse at a tender age, the government should be compelled to provide compulsory and free education to all children up to the age of fourteen years. The recommendations of the UN convention No.138 should be kept in mind by those who formulate child labor laws. The working age limit for an individual should also be raised to allow consistent and full physical and mental growth for every individual.

Blog- Boon or Pest

Blog, a simple word, from web and log: log – a journal, record of events, thoughts, inspirations, opinions, and since they happen to be on the internet, so a blog. Yes, an easy, simple word that reminds one of other simple words like fire, water, air; all simple yes, and all representative of immense power, primal force, the stuff of creation itself. Like a fire that begins slowly then blazes out of control, blogging began in 1983 with message boards that were used to convey simple information that changed from time to time – calendars, lists, agendas.

Blogging has diligently progressed to the forefront of digital communication in a historically expeditious rate of speed. As early as 1983, threads of message boards dotted the internet with newsworthy postings, including the infamous World Wide Web. By 1994, some were using the web as their daily diary or sounding board. People began to pay attention. By 1997, these personal homepages became sources of news. Who are we listening to out in cyberspace? It is true that most believe what they read or see on television. After all, these people have our best interest at heart! Don’t they? Or is there an agenda they serve of their own? The dangers of a world of information and socializing through blogging can leave a questionable impact that’s left to be decided. The daily diaries of 1997 soon spread from journals of self-satisfying thoughts to a belief that people were actually interested in things they said. And many were. The web world grew from personal blogging to videos, thus the webcam. Soon the legal and corporate world began to hire bloggers. The question remained in some of our eyes, what kind of person would post their life for all to see? Or was it their life they were posting?
In the 90’s blogging exploded, and in the words of one writer, “There is no end in sight.” Simple information turned into highly impact banks of information with the potential to create change. Truckloads of data, to borrow a term from the recently defunct Industrial Age, were loaded on the web followed by storefronts from every type of business everywhere. Desktop publishing, graphics, music, media all went through explosive growth and change. So imagine a web surfer back in the 90’s moving from one static storefront to another when suddenly confronted with many and cheap opportunities to express feelings, thoughts, and opinions with others who have similar interests. Many have followed that opportunity to connect with others of similar tastes, and that, in and of it, are magnetic; the ability to find someone that shares interests no matter how outlandish, how rare, and even how evil those interests may be. Presidential candidates, Hollywood celebrities, neighbors, friends, co-workers, corporate America, dog lovers, pool players, heroes, leaders, charlatans and thieves have spoken, conned, shared, lied, maneuvered politically, exposed, gossiped, made bunches of money, lost bunches of money, triumphed, and fallen via blogs. The marketing and political potentials are limitless and those limits are being pushed. Dichotomies and ideological clashes occur in every area. For instance, one is horrified by the blogs the child predators use and daunted by the efforts at some of the crime blogs that are working to keep the children safe. In short the blog and its effects are a type of re-living of human history. The relationships between humans, the sacred and the profane, the good and the evil have always been there, only now things are going quite a bit faster. What would take months to cross the country in the late 1800’s and went only to people of privilege is now there instantly for anybody who can access a computer. In a way the blog is even faster than nature. We usually know when a hurricane is coming or when a tornado is nearby. Since the blog is operating at mental speeds, you know a hurricane hits when you’re in it. Consider that all the tools are present – creative, marketing, technological - at a very affordable price for anyone to say whatever they want about literally anything and anyone. Add to that the ability to find people that have an affinity with you no matter what you’re saying or why, and you have a mighty tool with which you can further a cause, make a name, make lots of money, destroy a reputation, build a reputation, and any number of options limited only by the human menu of possibilities. That’s powerful.
EFFECTS: The immediate fears of children and teens in the blogging world are an ongoing debate. In the eyes of the teen, cyberspace has become a text heaven, taking the place of baby boomers talking on the phone. In the eyes of the parent, the teen is foreboding prey of the parasites feeding on the innocent lying in wait on the end of a text from a “friend” accepted. The law seems to stay one step behind the predator in these cases and children stay one step in front of the parent in finding the scum. This social impact that has taken the younger generation into places their parents never thought of falling is all brought to us by the wonderful world of blogging. In the latest American Presidential race, blogging has given the voting public a progressive, new look at candidates they never considered in the past. Overnight, Ron Paul became a viable candidate, when most didn’t recognize his name the day before. Isn’t this a questionable way to choose a person we are to trust with our country? If enough people get on the web and blog an interest, I could become Prime minister. People are too busy to research candidates themselves, so they take the word of bloggers, who may also be the predators that are on your children’s bedroom computers.
In defense of the world we have created on the web, we have the opportunity to learn, prosper, and discover the world at our fingertips. Students have a wealth of knowledge, while we can stay at home and do everything from graduate from college to shop at our favorite stores. The positives are abundant and obvious, while the negatives hide and pop out at us while we enjoy the good.
We’ve grown full circle from allowing idiot box the right to tell us what to believe, where to shop, and what to buy. We now have any Tom, Dick, or Harry into our lives by means of the web, as we shop and educate ourselves and think we are minding our own business. Blogging is a distinct and valid social impact on the world and decidedly so. The positive aspect is there are signs of boredom in the blogging world; soon there will be another source for the intruder. Maybe one day we will have a mind of our own and use it.
When the primal force known as humanity makes use of a potential like this, as is happening now, even as we wonder about it, we certainly have the ingredients for a butterfly effect – a moth flapping its wings in Japan sets off a series of events that fuels a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico. Can we and our children use that power for the good? We hope so. And while we must use our technology wisely, is it our technology we need to sorry about, or is it how we plan to use it?


CONFUSSION: With the confusion between the functions of a blog and web site persisting, it has proved more difficult for many online marketers and entrepreneurs to use the two very different online tools properly in their marketing plans. Yet it is extremely important for everybody to understand the key differences between a blog site and a web site so as to understand best the key strengths and weaknesses of the two and what marketing functions each will tend to accomplish best.

The key differences between a blog and a web site are that a blog’s main function is being a web log or online diary. As the term "online diary" suggests, this is where a blogger can generate a lot of interesting personal comment and intimate details and information about a particular niche subject or topic that they have chosen to cover. Blogs are quick and easy to set up. Blogs are a less expensive way of advertising your business to the online community. A web site on the other hand is the official address and location of a web-based business. Just the place you would expect to find ecommerce tools and landing pages where customers can make a purchase online. Blogs and websites can work hand in hand with one another.
The truth is that a blog is hardly the place where you would want to reach for your credit card. Yet a blog is not less important. Blogs are classified as being increasingly important to any web based entrepreneur because it is where all the action is. In actual fact traffic is generated in large quantities at blogs and then re-directed to web sites for the actual sales transaction to be consummated.
In conclusion none can really totally replace the other and both blogs and web sites have their individual very important key roles to play in the marketing success of any online enterprise.

Bharat Ratna – Far Away From Reality…

Mr. Lal Krishan Advani, the clever politician from Bhartiya Janta Party was first to spark the controversy by writing a letter to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh suggesting him the government should confer Bharat Ratna on BJP robust and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee because of his (Atal ji’s) sincerity, dedication and matchless service to the nation. He had no idea that his letter to government would prove to be the guiding light for other political parties to come forward and seeking recognitions for their own party icons. If we look back, every time, Bharat Ratna - the highest civilian award of the nation has been conferred on recipients mostly by reason of sheer politics rather dirty politics. Mr. Jai Prakash Narayan was conferred on the award in the year of 1999 when AB Vajpayee was Prime Minister and VP Singh government offered Bharat Ratna to Dr.BR Ambedkar in the year of 1990. It was coincidentally also the year of Dr. Ambedkar’s birth centenary as such portrait of Dr. Ambedkar was also installed in Parliament. Not only this, a movie was also shot on Ambedkar’s life. In reality, both the leaders had their evil eye on vote bank of other castes in the subsequent elections.

Every political party has its icon and demand of highest honor for him is their right. No one can stop them if they ask for the award for their deserving leader. But writing a letter to Prime Minister by any political leader of high stature and demanding an award for their boss is a new trend. About the letter, Prime Minister Dr. Man Mohan Singh had also said, “It’s not our tradition and there is still a time to take decision (on Vajpayee)”. I am personally of the view point that unlike LK Advani, Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee has always been a wonderful secular leader who has fully believed and respected democratic values of the country. Moreover, he has been an orator of par-excellence credited with a spotless political career. But, is this the actual reason Mr. Advani has proposed the name of Vajpayee for decoration?

It is believed that he deliberately has raised the issue at the time when Lok Sabha elections seem to be around the corner and nearly 10 states are going to poll this year too. Mr. Vajpayee has projected Advani as the prime ministerial candidate for the next general elections, as such, Mr. Advani proposed Vajpayee’s name to show his respect (sycophancy?) towards him. In other words, it is the best example of the ‘give and take’ policy of BJP. I must say that it’s proving to be another instance of the highest civilian award falling prey to ugly politics- may not be an exaggeration.

Earlier, at the time of VP Singh, when country was going through a new wave of communal politics, Dr. BR Ambedkar was selected for the Bharat Ratna, although; he had been fighting for the empowerment of Dalits of India for several years backs. Why he was not given the award earlier, is a question which verifies political parties’ narrowness and prejudice towards the right person. On 2nd January 1954, the government of India had initiated four civilian awards- Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and highest of all- Bharat Ratna. According to its original statutes, there was no provision of conferring the award posthumously that year. So, Mahatma Gandhi who was then the most deserving candidate due to his contribution to the nation was not offered the award. In its inaugural year, Bharat Ratna was given to three recipients- Dr. Sarvapalli Radha Krishan, Great Scientist CV Raman and C Rajagopalachari. In the year of 1977, at the time of Morar ji Desai government; it was stopped because Morar ji Desai began to feel its irrelevancy due to politicization of the honor. After three years, when Mrs. Indira Gandhi became Prime Minister of India for her second term, Bharat Ratna was restored. And then it was conferred on Mother Teresa (Mary Taresa Bojaxhiu) for her unmatched social service towards leprosy-ridden victims.

To date, forty persons (see chart) have been honored with the prestigious award including five Prime Ministers -J.L Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shashtri, Indira Gandhi, Morarji Desai and Rajeev Gandhi. Among them, four belonged to Congress, and one Morarji Desai hailed from non-congress party. Mrs. Gandhi was the first woman recipient of the award. Apart from politics, there are several other fields such as social sciences, environmental Studies, art, literature, Journalism in which Bharat Ratna is conferred on right candidate.

Last, in the year of 2001, it was jointly given to singing Queen Lata Mangeshkar and shennai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan. Vajpayee government was not able to announce a fit candidate as they believed would be a political clamor over it. So, government each year decided to defer the award avoiding any kind of embarrassment on its part. In truth, the top honor has invited bitter political controversies over the last few decades. Bharat Ratan is generally announced on the eve of Republic Day. Although, it is not mandatory yet Mr. LK Advani had calculated UPA government’s mood of announcing the award this year. He took no time scripting a letter to Prime Minister Dr. Man Mohan to pay his obligation towards Vajpayee. After his letter, there was a flood of nominations. Kanshi Ram, Simranjeet Singh Maan, Jyoti Basu (later CPM rejected the proposal), Biju Patnaik, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Chowdhary Charan Singh, Mahatma Phule, Babu Jagjivan Ram, M. Karunanidhi, former Prime Minister Chander Shekhar, Kapoori Thakur, Social reformer Jyotibha Phule, Playback singer Mohammad Rafi, Rattan Tata, Mata Amritanandamayi and even Delhi’s Assembly’s Deputy Speaker Shoaib Iqbal whimsically opened a new debate proposing the name of last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar who was ousted by British Empire after the revolt of 1857 and died in exile in Myanmar.

As the days passed more and more names surfaced, getting the nation mocked with. Mr. Ghulam Nabi, a shopkeeper says- it’s an unfortunate trend in politics. It seems that our all political parties have completely lost the essence of this one of the greatest award. So, politician should be excluded from the list. Is political sycophancy the criterion of this award, he questions, if so; then it is better to be discontinued forthwith. TV Anchor and actor Mr. Tabraiz Madani asks - Do these politicians really stand up to the highest level of national service with a selfless attitude? No, none deserve the award. Moreover, government awards including Bharat Ratna these days had become a political auction. He adds. Giving awards to the likes of APJ Abdul Kalam, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Indira Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru and Amartya Sen is justified but now politicians do not command public respect, he concludes. Mr. NA Khan, a lecturer at an Engineering College, is of the opinion that people like CV Raman should be given the greatest honor. He further says that former president APJ Abdul Kalam had once said at Punjab University Chandigarh on the eve of annual convocation that the scientist preferred to be by the side of his research student who was about to complete his thesis than attend a ceremony to receive Bharat Ratna in the year of 1954. Such great men are rare. On being asked now who deserve most for this year, he jubilantly votes for Ratan Tata, because, he says- today time is for Nano technology and for all right reasons; Ratan Tata is most deserving candidate for Bharat Ratna. Clamor for government awards is a not a new phenomenon but surprisingly this year it has become louder than ever before. Every time, it is mired in controversy over the choice of candidates. Mr. Suhail Khan, a Journalist by profession puts, in the year of 1988, it had erupted a big debate when AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran was bestowed on Bharat Ratna two years before Ambedkar, three years before Sardar Vallabbhai Patel and four years before Subhash Chandra Bose. Ambedkar, Vallabbhai Patel and Subhash Chandra Bose were seniors and deserve first but they were offered later. Mr. Sheikh Noor-ul-Hassan, a businessman surprises that it is shocking, India is a country of one billion people but has not produced even a single Bharat Ratna in the past six years. Perhaps, this year too is going to be a drought year due to clamor regarding the decoration. He further says that Bharat Ratna is awarded for exceptional service in the field of art, literature, social service, science and public service. Are celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar, Amitabh Bachhan, Vishwanathan Anand not eligible for this award?

Prominent singer of the kashmir valley Mr. Ajaz Rah questions in furiously, “Both Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammad Rafi were extraordinary playback singers. Lata ji has been awarded years ago but Md. Rafi Sahib is so far deprived of the citation. Where does it go to deserving candidate? I think Muslims have no right in India”. Mrs Rifat Khalida, a government teacher says, “We should never forget astronaut Kalpana Chawla’s contribution to the nation? She may be also a suitable candidate for this year if it is decided to off to anyone”.

Benazir: A legend like Indira Gandhi hereafter

More than the sadist, fascist and terrorist motives behind the political assassination of Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi on December 27, 2007 at 6.00 pm (IST). There have been eventualities in Pakistan during recent past that ‘ensured’ political killing of the most honoured leader in Pakistan. The declaration of emergency for a short time, preparations for democratising the under/over estimated nation in turmoil all the time in 2008, January, Musharaff''''s flat yes to US by giving up his Military uniform and come at 'par' with civilian dress, the unwarranted welcome to Nawab Sharif

Pakistani peoples’ global cry for regulating democracy in the nation, frightened military set up confused both by people on one side and terrorist attacks from the other, Musharaf's last attempt to be in power etc are some of them. For such a nation, silly problems like poverty, unemployment, high costs, scarcity of food etc have been out of reference at any moment of time.
It's time to realize that both the future and safety of Indian secular democracy are more dependent on the democratic norms to work effectively, in Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. It also need to be reckoned that in India, we also do have a section within that abhors secular democracy and upholds strongest psyche to restore 'those great old times' when India used to enjoy 'golden days for centuries together...(?).
So, such minds must be happy over Bhutto's killing who by and large set out for democratising Pakistan by getting it rid of Military controlled (and US guided) democracy in her mother land ruined under the able and most unstable rule of Musharaff. It should worry us more in reality!
Both the killed and killers have been killed in the recent unfortunate event leaving NO proof and the one that NEVER will be sought or asked for. They might all join hands in the paradise now and look down towards the earth to 'enjoy' how the next moves will take place in a new Pakistan-in-the making.

Bhutto paid her life. She will be a legend like Indira Gandhi hereafter.
And for us, she will be one more page full of history book to remember for next generation. Till all these surround nations realize to live peace rather than kill and get killed for mythical political ends.Our homage to the killed soul of a much fascinating lady who fell prey to the attacks from Political Islamic terrorist moves.
May her soul rest in peace and for the rest lot of pieces have yet to be assembled for the rest of life? As long as it stays here. So let us be prepared to pay homage to ourselves well in advance!Hate kills harmony works. We just know this much.

Being a Journalist

‘I never wanted to be a journalist but God has chosen me’ these words of Mrs. Nona Wallia, a senior reporter of Times of India always strikes me. In today’s world, journalists are no longer confined to just reporting the news; they are making it as well. Since the advent of television, news reporters have become more courageous about reporting the news than ever before. Having gone from the Viet Nam war, when television coverage was scarce, to now, when we have on going reporting from many war zones and dangerous areas.
It is only because of the efforts of these brave journalists’ questions like when how and where is answered. What’s wrong when the reporters, coming through to us by television or by newspaper became personalities and celebrities on their own? The world appreciates the people who risk lives to report the truth of world and regional news, and welcome them in to their homes each day and such becoming their role model. A generation that has left us became the voices of truth for many of us. Huntley and Brinkley, Walter Cronkite and Roger Mudd are just some of the noted journalistic broadcasters of their time. They were there when the reporting was difficult, like after President Kennedy was shot to the explosion of the Challenger. We came to respect them.
The life of a journalist is always busy like bee and also hard as walnut. No one but a journalist can know the scenes behind the curtain. The day starts before the dawn and ends after midnight. 24x7 ready to serve but still receive wrath whether it be a recent harassment of a reporter of ETV or kidnap of GK’s senior correspondent Majid Hyderi by some unknown men in uniform. Journalists are treated badly not only in Kashmir but also in the worlds most developed nations like US. Mr. Daniel Pearl, an American reporter was kidnapped and killed in the Middle East last year, Jill Carroll, another reporter currently being held in the Middle East and newly recognized CNN reporter Anderson Cooper have made the news themselves. As far as I am concerned I too had faced stalking by unknown people many a times. But that’s usual and it hardly matters.
“Why do journalists risk their lives to report the news? No one is making them go. They are going in search of stories, and they are becoming war casualties themselves. Is it really necessary to go to such an extreme just to get the news?” a common thought of a common man.
For the guys like me; who had opted journalism as career, the answer is yes. We (journalists) are drawn to it as reporting is our only love. We understand the importance of clear communication and accurate information. Putting our lives on the line is a personal and philosophical commitment for us. We endure the risks so that all of us can understand and see things that we could not do otherwise.
Journalists have stepped to the forefront of our world. They influence what we know about on many different levels. For some, they have become heroes themselves. They are courageous and committed enough to bring the world news each day. They stand for freedom of the press and freedom of speech. They shape opinions of masses of people. Those are people who deserve respect and regard as the outstanding patriots that they are. I remember when I was young my Sunday was not Sunday without ‘Sunday Salad’ (a column from an English daily) and its writer my inspiration.
When Ashwin Ahuja, a columnist for the Denaik Jagran, asked how many people read a newspaper every day, a third of the audience present raised their hands. But when the question was, “How many people watch THE NEWS?” almost every hand reached for the sky.
It’s clear that the way news is prioritized, packaged, selected, and digested has changed. Budgets are shrinking, traditional coverage thinning, and the crowd of online voices growing ever louder. This media evolution has become especially pronounced during the current presidential campaign — which, with a viable African-American contender and a strong female candidate, is poised to make history, drawing even greater interest from journalists and the public alike.
To my question, whether the changes in the Press were akin to Darwinism. Ashwin agreed, suggesting that bloggers, with their dynamic, off-the-leash approach, had already infected mainstream media. He wondered whether in years past The Times of India or the Tehelka would have published an article such as last week’s front-page story suggesting an improper relationship between Republican presidential candidate John McCain and a female lobbyist, a piece that media-watchers criticized as weakly sourced. “We’re coming into designer media. You can choose only to get the news that you want to hear. You never have to be bothered by the other side. Reporting is expensive. It costs a tremendous amount of money to have a bureau in gulf. But it doesn’t cost any money to sit at home in your pajamas whaling on somebody. It’s easy to criticize then to do practically” However that the media is in the midst of a revolution.
“We’re running as fast as we can to catch up, to understand [new media], to harness it in a way that takes advantage of the excitement and immediacy,”, “but that also brings the responsible editorial professionalism that all of us represent and despair of a little bit not being in this new media.”

Assembly or Nuisance

Aryan was going towards SP College via Jehangir chowk; suddenly someone called from behind. Stop! Where are you going? Aryan stopped and looked behind there was no one but so called awam kay muhafiz (JK POLICE).Go from There! Don’t you know assembly is going on? Aryan got confused. “Assembly and roads strange combination” Thought Aryan and decided to take the route via Tagore hall. Aryan was surprised to see a long queue of vehicles crawling on the said road like turtle. Aryan felt dejected on his decision for the first time and it was too late for him to change the track. Some how Aryan too managed to crawl like other snails on the road; “It is really a very long distance”. It took Aryan nearly 2 hours to reach Lal Chowk. After completing the work Aryan headed back to his home through the only way left (via Amira Kadal). Same ramp walk irritated Aryan so much that he decided to set his Ram-Payaari on fire and move on foot; but feared he might have to land in khuj yarbal (central Jail) than. All praises Allah nothing such happened and Aryan was back home safe-n-sound. Interesting news was for waiting for Aryan. Aryan’s next door neighbor was suspended. When curious Aryan enquired; ‘Traffic jams ki wajah say mein late hua tha aur badkismati say C.O. sahib nay bhi surprise visit kiya’ So Sad! Whose fault? What is to be done now? Determined Aryan decided to ask common people on this aspect of assembly as he himself was a victim. Aryan went on his mission next day. Some said during Assembly period Kashmir is Hell; some regarded it as a nuisance while some suggested it should be shifted to SKICC or any other place so that daily routine of common and innocent people may not b affected. One angry gentle man shouted why was this fly-over built? Our government is just wasting money in useless construction they have made our paradise a hell. “A hospital with all the facilities including X-ray and costly test has been introduced in assembly compound. Unnecessary X-ray of members is done; the film is taken in (Pointing towards a medical van) ambulance to Rainawari hospital for developing” a young youth from health department said. Aryan is now to some extent annoyed, to some extent worried, to some extent surprising. Meanwhile, a tourist from California enquired about the reason of road closure. On hearing reply from the guide; “Assembly But why is road closed? So confusing”. Aryan went to hysteria on hearing this. Are we Kashmiris so untrustworthy that our own brothers have no faith in us? Why it happens only in Kashmir? Who is behind it all? We are barred from roaming in our own enclave? These questions troubled Aryan when he came back to senses.

Are You Retired! No Problem; Its Beginning of Your New Life

‘Old age’ is now ‘no problem’. If you are retired from your job, you are happily liberated to enjoy leisure days. Post retirement relaxation is a new phenomenon in Indian society these days. Gone are the days when a person felt dismal and bored to tears after retirement. Now, he is not ready to sit back and rest letting the remaining life drift on slowly in its own way.

A recent Technopak study shows that more than eleven millions people between ages 60 to 70 are indulging in more and more leisure activities and gleefully splurging on themselves. They have explored a new idiom of lifestyle for themselves after retirement of their jobs.

Doesn’t it surprise you? Today, our young generation is haunted with the workload of hectic targets, career dreams, stress and anxiety and find themselves busy everytime. On the other hand, the oldies are free to do as their whims command.

They excitedly fly to abroad, buy latest chic outfits; learn salsa, tango etc., enjoy boating with spouse and friends, tour to mountainous places; go on trekking, practice Yoga both morning and evening and take part in several types of adventurous sports. They have free time for every enjoyment, recreation and pleasure. They see their dreams coming true after superannuation and don’t feel a bit guilty spending lavishly on hobbies they are fond of. As per study report, the monthly spending of a senior citizen has reached to more than eight thousand.

After retirement, when the stress and anxiety of work slims down, senior citizens are free of their all-professional burdens. They complain that youngsters need not their advice. Hence, they are absolutely free to live their own lives with their own lifestyles.

Ali Muhammad Bhat, a retired employee from education department says that the society has changed a larger extent now. Earlier, in joint families, there were roles for elders. Now, with the changed families’ set-ups and values, most of senior citizens live alone; so they have more time to do so what they want to. Apart from it, better health, disposable income and more opportunities by the leisure/ recreations/ tourists companies are the reasons behind the change of this concept, he adds.

Mr. Bhat next says that if you utilize your time in educational or social service activities, it’s indeed a good job after retirement. He says he himself spends most of his time in awakening the youth for social cause and participates in educational activities. Moreover, he motivates common people around the area for blood donation. It’s really a good job after retirement and it gives him contentment and extreme delight.

Mr. Ghulam Nabi Sheikh, after retirement from the post of an English lecturer, school cadre; had joined in an English weekly. He says that writing news is a good pastime. Moreover, this profession gives him no end of opportunities to meet the people from different spheres. Through journalism, you can earn both fame and fortune, he briefs. In fact, I don’t feel a bit burden, rather enjoy writing stories for English weekly, he furthers delightedly. After some trips, you would have to stay back for some social cause. And I take journalism as a social activity more than a profession after superannuation, he concludes.

Gulzar Ahmed, manager of a travel agency says that several travel companies have planned new strategies to attract more and more new customers. For this, they are offering special packages for senior citizens. And oldies too are taking much interest in their programmes. After all, it’s not quite bad if they dream of planning trips to abroad or hilly areas. No doubt, international travel has become a major charm for senior citizens, he reveals.

Manmeet Kour Brar, dreamt of flying to Canada during her government service but she could not have sought the opportunity but after retirement, she took no time in choosing a travelling agency’s package heading for USA with her hubby.

On being asked about her experience on a foreign land, she thrilled by uttering “wonderful”. After that, M K Brar got married two of his daughters to NRIs doctors residing in California (America). Now, she visits the foreign soil frequently. Mr. Inderjeet Singh (her husband) delights that such trips make them more charged and enthusiastic”

In reality, it’s not a lone case. Now, more and more people between the ages from 60 to 70 are exploring chances of touring to foreign land. Most of them are from affluent families and fond of adventurous sports. Dr. Farooq Tonga, a physiotherapist, Govt. Medical College & Hospital, Srinagar opines that today most of the educated people are health conscious.

It is the good health and happiness of their life that gives them a chance of enjoying life. Rather, they could not have stopped themselves participating in the adventurous sports such as river rafting, mountain biking and trekking etc. And we should be proud of our parents, Dr. Farooq jumps proudly.
Dr. Bhupinder Singh, a retired professor from IIT, Roorkie who had discovered the idea of solar cooker in India also enjoys his life organising seminars on different aspects of modern lifestyles including culture and heritage of glorious Punjab. He has only one mission in life how the maximum fuel be saved, so, he not only himself paddles the bicycle but inspire the citizens of Fazilka (Punjab)- where he lives now- to ride on bicycle. By doing so, not only you can save the fuel but your health will also improve, he advises. About the use of internet, he says that those who don’t use internet to seek knowledge are actually live in primitive era.

In truth, computer and Internet has opened a lot of new avenues for our oldies also. There are a lot of senior citizens who are seen chatting on Internet with the people of their age group. Making friends through social networking sites is a new trend and our senior citizens are not far behind in this region also just to explore the funs of life. They are resorting to blogs and websites. Renowned writer Mr. Gurcharan Dass, M. S. Verma, a retired lecturer from Kabul University, Afghanistan, Bhupinder Singh; principal Govt. College, Chandigarh too recently have resorted to blogging.

Mr. M. S Verma says that you can get instant feedback after the publication of your writings if you have a connection of internet at your home. Don’t surprise, he created his account on Orkut after retirement and now gives suggestions to English literature students regarding grammar.

Mr. K. C. Khan, a retired headmaster is of the opinion that it’s not bad if the heart of a senior citizen throbs for fun-loving activities. Everybody should have the right to enjoy life. Mr. Khan further says that even some TV artists too have chosen the social networking sites to find their fans.

Jumping into the world of blogging is a good thing rather, Mr. Ajaz Javed, a retired lecturer of Political Science stresses. One can get an instant response within seconds of publishing the blog. None should be hesitant about the new medium of show off. If a senior citizen resorts blogs, he should be rather complimented.

Mr. Hanief Muhammad after retirement chose social service as his pastime. Every year during the months from June to September, he serves cold water to travellers at a bus stand even spending from his own pocket. On being asked about this incomparable social service, he says that he has been doing this service for the last ten years just after the retirement.

Moreover, Mr. Javed is busy learning the piano and computer side by side. These activities give him much delight. When he was in government job, he many a time tries to learn piano but could not find enough time. Now I am free and can practice a lot, he says jubilantly. To learn piano was my dream and it has fulfilled now, he smiles miraculously. About the learning of computer, he says, it is the need of the time.

True test of one’s ability

Education in our country is fast expanding rather by leaps and bounds but the quality and standard of education is deteriorated. The main purpose of education is to help seekers to develop to the best of their ability and to find a suitable and satisfying vocation. And examinations are the only means of judging how far that purpose has served. They thus occupy a very important place in the system of education. In a country like India where degree is valued more as a passport to a job than as evidence of academic attainments, they require added importance and the word ‘qualification’ inserted in advertisements of job vacancies is generally taken to mean degrees or diplomas gained through examination.

‘Practice makes a man perfect but no one perfect so why practice ’

There is hardly any system devised by man which can be called perfect. Our examination system is no exception. In fact, it has more than its share of defects. The whole idea of judging a student’s worth during three hours of performance is psychologically wrong sometimes even a brilliant student fail to make their mark in the examination hall, where as the dull students fare better often with the help of foreign aid (unfair means). The present process of examination lays too much emphasis on cramming work. Students learn something by role and disgorge it on the paper in the examination hall. After the examination is over they forget everything, they had so diligently learnt. Cram work saps the source of original thinking. One of the greatest defects of the present system of examination is that students stop thinking for themselves. They do not develop the creative faculties. Their mental growth is stunted.

Examinations at present are best test of memory only and there is a technique of making the grade in them. Those who have mastered, that technique secure good marks even without any preparation which should enable one to stand in the queue for a job. If it is to be real test of an individual’s qualities of head and heart an examination must test his ability to think creatively, comprehend quickly, judge accurately and express clearly. But our examinations have an entirely different orientation. They are mostly crude essay type. There is a premium on parrot like memorization at the cost of reason and intelligence. Even in the highest degree of examinations, subject centered and role-learning counts while original thinking is at a discount. Instead of encouraging thinking for himself, the student is often punished for it.

A candidate taking an examination in English literature is safe as he confines himself to quoting famous critics. But as soon as he ventures to express his own opinion, he is on dangerous ground. Chances are that the examiner who is himself incapable of original thinking and has all his life taken pride in being able to quote a hundred critics from memory well treat the candidate’s attempt as a piece of sheer arrogance and penalize him for it. The miseries do not end here. After the candidate has answered the question paper, he is at the mercy of the examiner. The examiner’s predilections can also cause distortions and play havoc with student’s career. After all examiner too is a human being and as fallible as any one else. But the mistakes he makes are costly. They can cause acute mental agony to candidates on whom he delivers wrong judgment. And yet he presumes to stamp a student a failure or give him a third, second or first class just in about seven or Eight minutes. How reliable this method of testing candidate’s ability can be what is the student doing under present system of Examination? They just burn mid-night oil one month before the examination with the attitude of a gambler. They prepare some guess papers and just cram few topics in order to pass the examination. Examination is often a terror for the students especially for Kashmiri ones. As they have seen turmoil during their elementary stage. Going to the examination hall is for majority of students is like a poor goat’s going to a slaughter house. At mere mention of the word examination student begin to tremble and show signs of dejection and unsatisfaction.
A degree achieved by such type of faulty examination system is not necessary to be a great writer or genius. Great men; world has ever produced never went to colleges and universities. Genius sometime flourishes outside the camping influence of educational institutions. Kalidas, Leo Tolstoy, William Shakespeare. Michael Faraday, Charles Robert Darwin and the list goes on. These people were mighty brains which shook the world. Thomas Alva Edison the greatest of all scientist failed in class 4th four times. Bill Gates owner of Microsoft international is only high school drop out. The fact is university education is not absolutely necessary for fashioning the future of a person and making him a literary giant. There can be not two opinions about urgent need for reform in our examination system. Universities have to adopt other measure also to improve their education standards and techniques of testing the candidates. First of all they must take step to reduce the number of failures. There is no virtue in a candidate being able to get through all subjects in a single comprehensive test of a brief duration universities must not make light of throwing young people’s out of the game of life. Simply because they are not able to pass the examination. The student must also be allowed to choose a vocation and provided facilities to acquire the necessary skill follow it so that when he leaves, portals of his alma-mater he is well equipped to face life and does not feel like bade in the wood. So at last we can say that examinations are not true test of one’s ability.

An Enigma for History

A six-member team of England’s elite anti-terrorism force of Scotland Yard arrived in Pakistan to assist Pakistani investigators in the investigation of Benazir Bhutto’s assassination, as President Pervez Musharraf was not satisfied with their working.
On the face of it, the inviting of the world famous investigators must be acknowledged as a very astute step by the Pakistan President but it leaves room to doubt his sincerity. The general feeling of the people everywhere must be that it is just not possible that Musharraf doesn’t have a fair idea who assassinated Bhutto. Al-Qaeda washed its hands of the assassination the next day after it was accused of having assassinated Bhutto. The implication of this denial of Al-Qaeda clearly hints at some serious insinuation and the needlepoints to the Pak govt.

Attacks on the two prominent opposition leaders in Pakistan on the same day can’t be taken to have been a mere coincidence. Whatever political differences Nawaz Sharif may have had with Bhutto, it is clear that while speaking on the TV just a little after Bhutto’s assassination he appeared quite shaken. He fumbled for right words to give expression to his anguish and helplessness on the happening and though he didn’t put it in so many words, he tried to somehow convey the fear of his being the second target. He was very conscious of the fact that it is Musharraf who had sent him on exile to Arabia and he was very much in power leaving very few options to Nawaz Sharif either to make political statements or ensure safety of his own life.

After all Musharraf had some stake in Bhutto’s safety but almost none in Nawaz Sharif’s. Fighting elections in such circumstances is going to test his mettle. On the other hand Musharraf by inviting Scotland Yard team has played a very clever move to dilute the vehemence of public outcry that the government didn’t take the issue of Bhutto’s security seriously and to clear the Pak govt. of the suspicion of its involvement in the assassination as Zardari and PPP members aver.
Musharraf is also trying to divert attention from the very serious issue of how it could have happened just in less than two months of Bhutto’s arrival especially after the October attack on her in which she escaped just by a fluke of fate. Musharraf will also gain time to set his house in order as the Scotland Yard team warms up to the investigation. But there is still doubt of the result being conclusive. Bhutto’s assassination is likely to go down as an enigma forever in the Pak History.

Big 92.7 FM- Radio or Music System

Now a day you might have observed people with radio in the hand or earphone in the ear. Is there any cricket match going on? No it is the magic of Big 92.7 FM. Big has made people of Jammu and Kashmir radio freaks. Aryan is as one among them. Aryan is regular rather continuous listener of 92.7 Big FM ‘Suno Sunao Life bano’. Aryan enjoys it very much especially the style of Sara ‘Sab Ki Aankh Ka Tara’ now ‘Sab Say Alag Andaaz Humara’ and elegance of Haya ‘Aapki Subha Ki Saathi’. Aryan likes the programs like ‘Gaash’, ‘Big Noon Chai’, ‘Salam Maim Sahib’, ‘Route 4 Say 7’ etc. But still Aryan is uncomfortable. ‘Something is missing, but what?’ Aryan is confused and decides to clear his confusion from his friend Chulbuli who happens to be in media. “92.7 big FM is not a radio station but a music system; it plays any song you want” was the reply. Aryan gets upset. Chulbuli tunes 102.6 “listen to it Aryan and feel the difference”. ‘Wonderful’, ‘Amazing’ also ‘Amusing’ and ‘Cool’; Aryan got excited as he had listened to 102.6 for the first time, ‘big difference between Big FM and Radio’. “This is what I meant; Actually, radio stations like Big, Radio Mirchi, Rainbow etc were introduced to convey messages to drivers about road diversion, weather etc along with entertainment; magar yahan sab kuch ulta hai; drivers ki jagha students, officers etc listen to it”. 92.7 Big FM is full of mysteries. Where is our Smile bhai? Only one male Radio Jockey (Rahul)! Aren’t males as capable as females? Nothing is clear to Aryan. Aryan decides to apply his old technique of clearing doubts. Yes of course going to public. ‘We miss Smile Bhai Very Much’ said a young lady from Ishber (Nishat), ‘Sara and Haya are doing well But Smile Was Better moreover, it has disturbed the study schedule of students as big is always rocking’ told a youth from JK Bank, ‘Wahan Bhi corruption hoga’ shouted a eager guy in the crowd. ‘92.7; kya! Achha achha doon trunamath, yi chu bakwas, bozan ti kus chu raide vale nat bus driver, yeman pazi informative program chalavein’ (you mean 92.7; its useless. Who listens to it? They should start informative programs) said an old but gentleman. In the mean time Aryan’s friend called Aryan and told him that he (Aryan’s friend) is today’s winner of salaam maim sahib. Aryan surprisingly asks, “How?” “Class bunk kar kay sara ko phone kiya tha aur jeet gaya” was the answer. Really astonishing! Any ways Aryan got happy as all his doubts were cleared but some question made there way into his mind. Is 92.7 FM serving any purpose? Should I listen to it any more? Is it wastage of both time and money? What will be the future of students and youth if…?