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‘Chernobyl’ surpasses “Game of Thrones” as highest rated IMDb show

HBO’s latest show “Chernobyl”, which dramatises one of the world’s worst man-made catastrophes due to an explosion in a nuclear plant, has surpassed shows such as “Game of Thrones” and “Breaking Bad” to become IMDb’s all-time TV rankings just days after airing. “Chernobyl” is a retelling of the massive explosion of the nuclear power plant in the Ukraise on April 26, 1986 and its aftermath. The explosion released radioactive material across Belarus, Russia and Ukraine and as far as Scandinavia and western Europe, according to Variety.

The five-episode show, written by Craig Mazin and directed Johan Renck, had a 9.6-star rating out of 10, based on 152,634 users, as of June 6.

The rating puts “Chernobyl” ahead of cult TV shows such as “Breaking Bad” (9.5), “Planet Earth II” (9.5), “Band of Brothers” (9.5), “Planet Earth” (9.4), “Game of Thrones” and “The Wire”.

India’s forest cover increased by 1% in the last 5 years: Prakash Javadekar

The Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Environment, Forests & Climate Change Prakash Javadekar has said that India’s forest cover increased by 1% in the last 5 years and that similar progress will be possible in the coming five years through people’s participation. He said that when compared with the amount of oxygen we consume in a lifetime, all of us must plant and help grow at least 10 trees; he said it is the way forward for environment protection.

The Minister said this during an interaction with the media, after planting three saplings in the premises of Gulshan Mahal, the historic building in Films Division that houses a part of NMIC, as part of the celebration of World Environment Day. Film personalities Anupam Kher, Jackie Shroff, Shyam Benegal, Kiran Shantaram, Varsha Usgaonkar and others were present on the occasion. The Minister expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all artists for coming together and joining the movement.

The Minister had launched a people’s campaign #SelfiewithSapling on Environment Day eve, urging everyone to plant a sapling and to post the selfie with the sapling on social media. On Environment Day, Shri Javadekar planted saplings in the premises of Environment Ministry in New Delhi along with the Minister of State in the Environment Ministry Shri Babul Supriyo, renowned cricketer Shri Kapil Dev, Bollywood actors Shri Jackie Shroff and Shri Randeep Hooda and noted singer Smt. Malini Awasthi.

On the occasion, the Minister undertook his first visit to the National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC), Films Division, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on January 19, 2019.

NITI Aayog reconstituted by the government

Government has reconstituted NITI Aayog. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is also the Chairperson of Aayog, has approved the re-constitution of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog.

The reconstituted Aayog includes Dr. Rajiv Kumar as Vice-Chairperson and 3  full-time members  viz. Shri V.K. Saraswat, Prof. Ramesh Chand and Dr. V.K. Paul. Ex-officio Members are Shri Raj Nath Singh, Minister of Defence, Shri Amit Shah, Minister of Home Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance and Minister of Corporate Affairs, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; Minister of Rural Development; Minister of Panchayati Raj.

Special Invitees in the Aayog are Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways; Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri. Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri PiyushGoyal, Minister of Railways; and Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Rao Inderjit Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation and Minister of State  (Independent Charge) of Ministry of Planning.

Key Priority Areas that PM Modi must work upon in his second innings

The Indian electorate has delivered a massive mandate to the Narendra Modi-led BJP Government, now securely back in power at the helm of India’s political leadership, with an assured tenure up to 2024, perhaps beyond, if all goes well. The overwhelming majority secured by the BJP on its own in the just concluded Lok Sabha Elections augurs well for a stable period ahead, sans internal squabbling which is a prominent feature of coalition governments.

At the start of Modi’s second innings, some important questions come to mind.

•        How well will the Modi Government take advantage of this enviable position?

•        Will pre-poll promises be fulfilled effectively? 

•        Will his team of Ministers perform the way they are expected to and deliver great results which the people of India are longing to see?

•        Will the various shortcomings and failures of the last five years be truly compensated for?

•        Will the prevailing serious challenges on various fronts be met squarely and successfully?

•        Will the country’s overall socio-economic standards and quality of life improve dramatically over the coming five years?

•        Will societal peace and harmony improve and sustain?

•        Will the people of India have good reason to be proud of being Indians?

•        Will India attain a globally premier economic position in the coming years?

The answers to these primordial questions depends largely on how carefully the following deeply inter-related prospective initiatives and actions to be taken by the Government are addressed, and how our leadership chooses to deal with existential issues.

India’s Expectations

•        the preparation of a comprehensive National Reform Agenda

•        the way federal resources are mobilized and allocated

•        the way scientific decision making processes are followed at all levels

•        the system of delegation of apex level Government responsibilities to elected people’s representatives and devolution of operating powers with defined accountability.

•        the governance methodology

•        the way Centre-State relations are synergized

•        the national character, discipline and societal conduct we seek to engender in our people

•        the way we train, skill and encourage our youth to be gainfully employed

•        the way we work to optimise utilization of our fiscal, human and natural resources

•        the policies and programmes we embrace to achieve rapid socio-economic development

•        the encouragement we  give to promote national interests

•        the improved laws and procedures we lay down in all domains and at all levels

•        the oversight and regulatory systems we adopt

•        the new reward-punishment mechanisms we introduce; building more jails, if required

•        the way we involve and motivate people to complement the efforts of the Government by participative actions to usher improvement, and so on.

Seems a long and complex list! Well, unfortunately there is no short cut to achieving enduring success in a country as large and complex as India.

In the Chart given below I have illustrated the cycle of macro-economic activity, starting with the sourcing of mege-scale fiscal resources necessary to achieve socio-economic development and all manner of positive progress as a nation.

The inner cycle shows the plans and procedures necessary to realise the development phases shown in the outer circle.

Cascading Benefit to Country of Prudent Macro-Fiscal Investments

The recommended way forward would broadly be as follows:

A. Statement of National Objectives and Fixation of Targets

           1.        To make a concise 5-year Plan covering all facets of country’s requirements.

           2.        To specify State / Union Territory-wise numerical values of five-year targets, divided in to measurable and verifiable annual targets.

           3.        Fixation of tiered responsibilities and accountability, instituting stringent administrative oversight mechanisms.

          4.       Monthly performance review and financial audit and 3-level appraisal based on daily, weekly, monthly MICS (Management Information and Control Systems). Timely course correction plans.

           5.        Engagement of senior external domain experts to guide, advise and support Government in its attainment of defined goals.

B.       30 Most Important Areas which must be the PRINCIPAL PRIORITY for PM Narendra Modi

These 30 Most Important Areas require attention and action with a sense of great urgency.  These are not listed in any particular order of priority as all are important and urgent.

           1.        National Resource Mobilisation and Conservation.

           2.        Boosting Sustainable Employment in rural, urban and metro areas covering agro, industrial and services sectors.

           3.        Enhancing Programmes for Technical Education, Skill Development and Specialised Training through establishing new hi-tech SDCs (Skill Development Centres) in every viable District; reskilling programmes and Special Programmes to impart skills to differently abled youth.

           4.       Attracting significant FDI on sustained basis. Enhancing Forex Reserves.

           5.        Simplification of convoluted civil laws and introducing new system for abridged and tiered adjudication.

           6.       Introducing Legal Reforms. De-clogging all Courts and Tribunals. Curbing avoidable new litigation through effective conciliation and mediation mechanisms complementing arbitration processes.

           7.        Enhancing ease of doing business measured against international benchmarks.

           8.       Boosting infrastructure development.

           9.       Providing fillip to agro-sector through enhanced thrust on co-operative models and value-added agro products. Special thrust to safeguard livestock from harmful impact of anti-social activities; introducing modern identification and    traceability systems for all valuable species of livestock to benefit (i) actual  owners against stock theft and (ii) veterinary authorities in management of disease and assurance of food quality.

           10.     Enhancing output from industrial and services sectors.

           11.      Thrust on increasing exports from all sectors.

           12.      Announcing all-round Amnesty Schemes to recover fiscal resources expeditiously while providing freedom to concerned people from past entanglements and allowing them a fresh opportunity to progress.

           13.      Strengthening criminal justice system, while simplifying and expediting trial process.

           14.      Introduction of serious Banking Sector Reforms including the financial sector, aimed at (i) curbing NPAs, bank frauds and revenue leakages; and (ii) consolidation of PSU banks.

           15.      Increasing the role of Information Technology in supporting achievement of all objectives stated herein.

           16.     Reducing fiscal deficit, public debt and interest burden of government. Attaining accelerated growth rate in GDP based on robust, achievable Plans and Programmes to grow core sector industries by at least 10% per annum to realize such GDP growth targets.

          17.      Providing all deserving Indian citizens with the following basic amenities, which should be based on proof of unique Citizenship ID. The non-Indians (illegal refugees and unauthorized squatters) must be specifically excluded in these welfare schemes.
•        affordable housing
•        education and training
•        vocational support
•        medicare including specialised care
•        life insurance
•        electricity
•        drinking water
•        safety in society
•        freedom to lead an honourable life of their choice.

           18.     Eradication of poverty, uplifting people presently in the BPL (Below Poverty Line) categories.

           19.     Dramatically improve conservation and utilisation of all natural resources and earth resources, prioritisation of renewable energy and water resources. Reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

           20.     Special care of senior citizens in all economic strata of society via establishment of modern Old Age Welfare Homes in every District, appropriate pension schemes. Care of differently abled citizens, orphans, destitute women and abandoned populace.

           21.      Enhancing (i) external value of Indian Rupee; improving forex rate and (ii) intrinsic purchasing power. Streamlining currency and coin system with qualitative enhancements and improvements in nomenclature. Re-defining the role of currency in monetary transactions.

           21.      Simplifying direct tax laws, introducing world pioneering methods of facile resource mobilization,  completely devoid of both grift as well as revenue leakage.

           22.     Creating new framework to safeguard large and mega industrial and commercial undertakings in both public and private sectors to prevent distressed enterprises from imminent collapse, including developing new, sophisticated systems of apex level corporate oversight to pre-empt sickness, mismanagement, fraud or impact of external factors causing distress or disruption to business, via robust higher management procedures and adroit mechanisms. Dealing with unviable Public Sector Enterprises.

           23.     Improving living standards and quality of life, country-wide. Reducing income and societal inequity.

           24.     Curbing illicit financial outflows from the country.

           25.     Improving service conditions and benefits to defence, para- military and police personnel including retirees.

           26.     Introducing serious reforms in land and labour laws to prepare India for exponential growth.

           27.     Segregating Productive versus Unproductive Expenditure from Central Exchequer and tagging Revenue Resources appropriately matched via novel Ways & Means Accounts.

           28.     Regulating population growth and migration including deterring illegal immigration; strengthening borders to prevent infiltration. Decongesting urban areas. Improving demographic spread and balance.

           29.     Preventing national wastage in various forms, including reclamation and redevelopment of wasteland. Control air, water and noise pollution and the industrial effluents.

           30.     Disincentivising and pre-empting corruption and crime in any form at all levels through deep systemic correction.

C. Detailed Know-How and Working Plans for Action

I have already prepared specific, nonpareil, ready–to–deploy solutions for the above mentioned priority areas in slim workbooks. These workbooks, for each of the 30 Areas referred above, can be provided to Government within twenty four hours, upon receiving their official request.

© CSS Rao 2019 All rights reserved.

Indian-origin woman gets 22-years prison sentence in New York for murder

An Indian-origin woman in the US has been sentenced to 22 years to life in prison for strangling her nine-year-old stepdaughter to death in a bathtub, a crime described as “unimaginable” by the court.

Shamdai Arjun, 55, of Queens, New York was convicted last month of second-degree murder of her step daughter Ashdeep Kaur by the Jury. She was sentenced Monday to an indeterminate term of 22 years to life in prison.  “The defendant in this case goes beyond the tales of evil stepmothers. This defendant committed the unimaginable – she wrapped her hands around her stepdaughter’s little neck and squeezed the life out of her,” Acting Queens District Attorney John Ryan said in a harsh statement after the verdict.

“The victim was an innocent child and just nine years old. The Court has imposed a sentence that will likely guarantee this woman never sees freedom again. The sentence of the Court is more than warranted in this tragic case, Ryan said.

Kaur had arrived in the US from India just three months before she was killed in August 2016 and was living with her father and Arjun in an apartment in Queens that was shared with another couple.

Hollywood star Charlize Theron to receive 2019 American Cinematheque award

South African and American actress Charlize Theron will receive the 2019 American Cinematheque Award. She will be presented with the award in a ceremony set to take place on November 8 at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.

“The American Cinematheque is extremely pleased to honour Charlize Theron as the 33rd recipient of the American Cinematheque Award at our celebration this year.  Charlize Theron is making a significant contribution to the art of motion pictures while breaking through outmoded limitations on what an actress and producer can do,” said American Cinematheque chairman Rick Nicita.

The award is bestowed annually by the nonprofit arts organisation to honour an “extraordinary filmmaker in the entertainment industry who is fully engaged in his or her work and is committed to making a significant contribution to the art of the motion picture.”

Previous American Cinematheque Award honourees include Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Sean Connery, Michael Douglas, Mel Gibson, Tom Cruise, Eddie Murphy, Bette Midler, Robin Williams, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Denzel Washington, Nicole Kidman, Al Pacino, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Samuel L. Jackson, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr, Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon among others.

Congress man Ghulam Nabi Azad was first CM from Jammu region

Ghulam Nabi Azad at one time represented Bhaderwah Legislative Assembly constituency in Doda district of in the Jammu region when he held the post of Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir from November 2005 to July 7 2008. He was the first CM of the state who hailed from Jammu region. The Congress at that time had to go for a CM from Jammu as it had maximum number of seats from Jammu only.

In October 2002, Congress had won 20 of the 87 seats in J & K assembly. It had representation in Jammu as also the Kashmir region. In contrast, the PDP had only 16 MLAs, all from the Kashmir valley, and was a far less representative party of the entire state than the Congress.

From 1947 to November 2005, all PMs and CMs of the state had been from Kashmir region. Earlier than that, it was a CM of the Congress from Kashmir who had to abdicate in favour of Sheikh Abdullah. It goes to the credit of the Congress that it made someone from outside Kashmir as the CM for the first time. It can sure be debatable as to how much Kashmiri, or a non-Kashmiri Azad was. Or is. Is he a Bhaderwahi, and hence from the Jammu region? Is Ghulam Nabi Azad a Kashmiri since he is married to a Kashmiri?

It helps him that he speaks fluent Kashmiri and has a very cosmopolitan image. His credentials are such that they transcend regions of the state. He is accepted at once as a Jammuite, a Kashmiri and as an Indian. None of the three descriptions are in conflict with one another.

Well, there is a clamour for a CM from Jammu yet again at this juncture. Mostly from those supporting the BJP. The party had 25 MLAs, all from the Jammu region in the last assembly. Of them, 24 were Hindus and only one, Abdul Gani Kohli, was a Muslim who had won from Kalakote constituency of the Rajouri district.

If the BJP forms a government in the state in future, its CM will most likely be a Hindu from the Jammu region. Constitutionally, and legally, there is no bar on a Hindu becoming a CM of the state.

For all the years when a democratic government has ruled the state, it has been someone from the Kashmir Valley who have led it, except for a period of less than three years when it was ruled by Azad, who is from the Jammu region. In fact, from 1947 to 2019, it was only from November 2005 to July 2008 did the state have anyone from Jammu leading it.

The excitement about a CM from Jammu in the coming days is slightly misplaced or an overheated sentiment. It glosses over the fact that the honour of giving first CM from Jammu already belongs to the Congress.
If the BJP is able to lead a government in J&K some time in future, after the next assembly elections, whether alone or whether in a coalition arrangement, it will most likely be someone from Jammu and a Hindu. The chances of some Kashmiri Pandit becoming the CM in such an arrangement seem bleak at this juncture.

Those who represent the community in the Legislature are MLCs, and not directly elected MLAs. There are two MLCs from the KP (Kashmiri Pandit) community in the BJP and they became legislators because of support from the 25 MLAs of the Jammu region. Of course, legally there is nothing that bars a member of the Legislative Council from becoming CM. That way, there is no legal impediment.

For now, talks about possible fresh delimitation of assembly constituencies excites people in Jammu. It is slightly premature to discuss the final arrangements as most of them presume that the number of seats in Jammu can only go up.

This reasoning is based on a host of factors, and many of them are logical. The perception being sought to be created is that the Kashmir region has an undue advantage in terms of numbers. Also a hope is inherent in this talk that this imbalance will be corrected, by increasing the number of seats in the Jammu region.

Is it possible that someone who defeated Azad in 2014 emerges as a dark horse for the CM’s post tomorrow? Some day in the future.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visits Siachen Glacier

In an epic event in the glorious history of Siachen Glacier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made his maiden visit to the world’s highest battle field today. He was accompanied by General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff arrived at the Thoise air field and was received by Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, GOC-in-C, Northern Command. After exchange of greetings and a quick orientation of the general area, he made an aerial reconnaissance of the Siachen Glacier to get acquainted with the expanse of this formidable frozen frontier and landed at one of the forward posts of the Siachen Glacier. He interacted with troops at the world’s highest battle field and during his address to the troops at Siachen Base Camp he said “I am proud of all Army personnel serving in Siachen who are leaving no stone unturned to defend our motherland. I am also proud of their parents who have sent their children to serve the Nation by joining the Armed Forces. I will personally send a Thank You note to them.”

 The Minister further eulogized the tenacious resolve and unstinting commitment of the ‘Siachen Warriors’ to prevail with aplomb in extreme harsh weather and highly treacherous terrain for maintaining the sanctity of our borders and ensuring utmost safety of fellow countrymen. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the nation for placing the call of duty above everything while serving in one of the world’s most inhospitable location.

The Raksha Mantri assured the troops that the government is fully aware of all operational and administrative requirements for optimal functioning at Siachen Glacier and assured Government’s full support tofulfil the requirements on priority for our brave ‘Siachen Warriors’.

As a mark of solemn tribute to the gallant martyrs, he laid a wreath at the ‘Siachen War Memorial’ in the memory of the brave soldiers who have made supreme sacrifice in service of the Motherland.

AAP govt. to make transport women-friendly with free rides in Metro and DTC buses

In a significant decision, that may help more women step out and use public spaces, Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal at a press conference on Monday, announced free rides in DTC, cluster buses and the Delhi Metro for women. The proposal will be implemented in two-three months.

Aimed towards creating a women-friendly transport system, the free travel may help more women use public transport in the city. The AAP government says only 33 percent of metro commuters in Delhi are women i.e 7 lakh women for every 16 lakh male commuters, daily. If the policy of free rides is implemented, more and more women will use public spaces, creating new opportunities for education and employment for women in the city and providing them a better future.

On the question of revenue loss for the debt-ridden Delhi metro, government said that the DMRC will not suffer at all because of this as the ticket revenue lost by Delhi Metro will be reimbursed fully by the Delhi government. Kejriwal, in his press conference, had said that it would cost the Delhi government Rs 700 crore.  “Women will be given free rides in DTC, cluster buses and the Delhi Metro. The government will bear their travel expenses,” Kejriwal said. He added that the decision has been taken keeping the safety of women in mind. It would take about three months for the rollout of the scheme

The scheme which is expected to cost Rs 700-800 crore for the remainder of the financial year before the assembly election is held in 2020, is also seen by many as a political move to woo female voters. Delhi has about 64.42 lakh women out of 1.41 crore voters. In the Lok Sabha election, they had outnumbered men voters in three of the seven parliamentary constituencies – East Delhi, New Delhi and South Delhi, wherein AAP candidates had lost badly.

Nonetheless, it’s a welcome move which will make sure more and more women can make use of public transport in the national capital.  

Kashmir: Lure of Terrorism is self-destructive and tragic for the youth

Official records suggest that 101 terrorists have been eliminated in Kashmir in this current year. Last few days, since the declaration of election results, have seen conduct of incisive counter-terrorist operations in quick succession with very good results. On 31st May, two terrorists were killed in Pulwama and three in Shopian. A day earlier on 30th May, two terrorists were eliminated in Baramulla. All operations were carried out jointly by Indian Army troops, J&K Police personnel and the paramilitary forces. They were based on receipt of specific information about the presence of terrorists in the target areas and were conducted with incisive precision.

The operation exemplified the seamless synergy that exists between our security forces, as also the deep rooted intelligence apparatus that is in place to flush out terrorists. Most terrorist Tanzeems (groups) have been infiltrated by security forces and intelligence agencies, leading to credible information about the whereabouts of the terrorists. Moles are taking money to set up terrorists for encounters. In such a situation the terrorists do not stand a chance.

The new age terrorist in Kashmir can safely be profiled as an indoctrinated local youth who is both ill-trained and ill-equipped. With the Line of Control (LOC) virtually sealed, a well laid out pattern is being followed for recruitment of local terrorists. Those vested with the responsibility of recruiting local terrorists look for boys from middle class to poor families who are ready to sell their souls for a small amount of money or promises of a bright future beyond this world (jihad). Some are drug addicts and others, in the flush of youth, get impressed by the likes of Burhan Wani. Some, most unfortunately, join with the intention of impressing their girlfriends. The new local recruits cannot be sent across the border into Pakistan for training as was the case earlier. They are, therefore, indoctrinated, recruited, given some rudimentary instructions, handed over a rifle and some ammunition and let loose. Such ill-trained terrorists are no match for the highly professional and experienced security forces. On top of it, they lack local support.

The terrorists move around in small groups and are not comfortable operating away from their own locality. Sadly for them, they are most vulnerable in their home base. There are some among their own people who sell them out.

The poor recruited boys, therefore, stand no chance once caught in the security dragnet except to surrender, as they are invariable and consistently called upon to do. Sadly, not many take this option and end up losing their lives. Most of these terrorists have a shelf life of only a few months, some die within days of joining a Terrorist Tanzeem (group) which, these days, is mostly the Hizbul Mujahedeen. 

The killing leads to a eulogy in some local newspapers along with a well-attended Namaz-e-Janaza (funeral procession). Here too people are being paid by Pakistani stooges to join in so as to show a big crowd. The slain terrorists are mostly projected as devout Muslims, motivated by the idea of “sacrifice.”  For their recruiters, however, they are nothing more than cannon fodder to meet the objectives of some very evil forces. Death awaits all such youngsters who commit the fatal error of being swayed into the path of terrorism. It is a needless loss of life which leaves behind devastated parents, brothers, sisters and families.

There is no element of religiosity and sacrifice visible in the murderous and perfidious acts of the terrorists.  The sheen given by the media is absolutely ridiculous. It amounts to blatant spreading of disinformation. These boys do not realise that what they are seeing is a fatal illusion. In actuality, terrorist are like hunted animals, always fearful of the time when they will be shot dead and knowing full well that the time is not too far.

It is quite heartening to see the resolve with which security forces are targeting terrorists in the Kashmir Valley. The intention to rid the region from the scourge of terrorism is quite obvious. Such a pressure could not have come by without complete support of the government and the people. Anti-national forces at the behest of their foreign masters will try everything possible to reduce the pressure, now that the general elections are over and state elections slated for some time soon. Counter terrorist operations will witness interference in the form of stone pelting, slogan shouting etc., massive crowds will be garnered for funeral processions of slain terrorists; rumours of innocents being killed will be floated; attempts will be made to frame security forces in cases of human rights violations. Herein will be the acid test of the government, it has to absorb the pressure and ensure that the momentum is maintained under all circumstances.

The people of Jammu and Kashmir do not want terrorism to gain ascendency all over again and the authorities need to ensure that it does not happen. It is important to take all desired steps to nip this problem in the bud. Some good steps have been taken but more needs to be done. No space should be given to terrorist and divisive forces to resurrect the draconian times when terrorism was at its peak.

Undoubtedly, the needless loss of life and the grief of the families leave a tinge in the heart and a prayer that this tragic circumstance may be controlled. It is the responsibility of the civil society and the parents in Kashmir to ensure that their boys do not get lured by the illusion that is being created. The government and the nation have spread out their hands to assist able and qualified Kashmiri youth in chalking out a career. It is this opportunity that needs to be leveraged and not the despicable, evil and violent path of terrorism that assures nothing other than ignominious death.