CLOUDS OVER INDO-US DEAL

ARVIND K. PANDEY

The broad and varied landscape of Indo-US nuclear deal should not get trapped in "hidden agenda" of the US. The Indian government should not let US dilute the agreement reahed upon during the President Bush visit to India . There is no need to subject our fast-breeder programmes including future nuclear tests at the wishes of the US government .It's really baffling that 'Iran angle 'is bing used by the US to twist our arm . However , India should make it clear to the US that if it fails to uphold the letter and spirit of the original daft India would abandon the deal . In fact , there is some merit in the BJP's criticism that we might end up paying a high price for something which dosen't serve the cause of nation in a significant way .

US:EXPERT IN CARVING DEVIOUS MEANS

ARVIND K PANDEY

President Bush must heed to the utterings of Churchill that 'The statesman who yields to war fever......is no longer the master of policy but the slave of unforseeable and uncontrollable events .'Surely , the way events have taken shape in Iraq, shattering American hopes one after another , should be enough for US to intercept the dangers in pursuing imperialist designs in the name of restoration of human rights . However , Americans love to ignore the lessons offered by past debacles . Had US remembered setback it received in Vietnam , it would have certainly curtailed its habit of pulling the strings of weaker nations on one pretext or another .

A BUSINESSMAN WITH A DIFFERENCE

ARVIND K. PANDEY

The phenomenal success of Tata group lies in its linkage with humane endeavours . It's really heartening to find a business house so concerned about the development of India . Luckily , Ratan Tata is in the league with Jamshedji's vision --to use the profit in improving the quality of life . It's time for others to share the road with Tatas to lessen the pains of hoi polloi.

MEOW HOUR

Question: What is the difference between a sailor and a baby?

PRIYANKA: A sailor makes a bed in the sea and a baby makes a sea in the bed.

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Joe: My uncle knew a month in advance the exact date he was going to die on.

Mel: How?

Joe: The judge told him!

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Father: Papai, do you know how much money I am spending on your education?

PRIYANKA: I know, father. That is why I have stopped studying.

(FROM TT's KIDS CORNER )
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A SIGNBOARD OUTSIDE A CHURCH : If you are tired of committing sins come in ....A mischievious lady extended it further ....And if not please dial :330678.

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IMPARTING SEXUAL KNOWLEDGE TO CHILDEREN OF PRESENT AGE IS LIKE PURIFICATION ATTEMPTS OF A FISH .

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"Why did you steal the buffalo ? ",asked the Judge.

THIEF:" Lordship,I just stole the rope , not knowing that it was tied to buffalo at its other end ."

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VIVEK:Today I brought my wife to her kneels.

DEEPAK:Sounds Unbelievable !!

VIVEK:As soon as she entered in the room with a broom , I managed to slip under the bed .

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FASHION STATEMENTS OF THE WEEK:

1.PAKISTAN IS LIKE A HORSE WHICH NEEDS TO WHIPPED FROM TIME TO TIME TO KEEP IT IN DESIRABLE DIRECTION .

2. WANT TO INTERCEPT (CAT)ASTROPHES IN LIFE ? START SEEING THE WORLD THROUGH A CAT'S EYES .

CLICHED YET INTEGRAL LINES OF HINDI MOVIE SCRIPTS :

1.MAIN TUNHAREIN BACCHEN KI MAA BANANE WAALI HOON .

2.AAP INSAAN NAHI DEVATA HAI .

3.HANDS UP !POLICE NE TUMHEIN CHARO TARAF SE GHER LIYAN HAI...INCIDENTALLY , THE REAL POLICE LIKE REEL POLICE ARRIVES LATE ON THE SPOT .

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SONGS REMINDING OPF BIRDS (BHAI LOG BIRD KO BIRD HE SMAGHEIN ):

1.AMBUVA KI DAALI SE BOLEN RE KOYALIYA(FROM DAHEJ-1950)
MUSIC :BASANT DESAI :LYRICS :SHAMS LUCKNAWI

2.JHOOT BOLEN KAUVA KAATEIN (FROM BOBBY )

MUSIC:LAXMI KANT-PAYRELAAL ; LYRICISTS :VITTHAL BHAI PATEL

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AND LASTLY , A SONG REMINDING OF GREENERY AROUND IN A SEASON DEVOTEED TO RAINS ,RAIN- SOAKED EARTH'S SMELL, INSECTS AND CHOKED DRAINS .

3.YE KAUN CHITRAKAR HAI ...(FROM BOOND JO BAN GAYEEN MOTI)

FIFA WORLD CUP :A SHOW OF CARDS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

The blunders of referees acted as spoilsport in this World Cup . The Russian referee Valentin Svanov fascination for cards turned Portugal Vs Netherlands match into a historic clash - 4 Red cards and 16 Yellow cards came to don this match. It's time for FIFA to dive deep into well of imagination , if it's all interested in saving matches from victim of a referee's whims and fancies . Needless to say, even
a no -nonsense approach of referee gets eclipsed by errors falling beyond ambit of human detection , leading to elimination of worthy teams . Remember Italy Vs Australia clash ? Apart from quashing
the rule to give preference to balanced representation from all the zones during selection of referees and , thus ,enabling the right one's to conduct the show , the FIFA should make room for technological interevention .It's another thing that it may come to affect the flow of game .Also , there is need to sensitze the players regarding their approach towards the matches . After all, the matches should not become fiefdom of players interested in stalling the matches via engineered fouls .

INDIA :STILL MILES TO GO

ARVIND K. PANDEY

The growth-oriented manufacturing domain , IT sector's phenomenal success story and rush of MNCs to make most of the potential available here unambiguously signal that India has placed itself firmly on the road to success . However , let's not forget that a coin has two sides .You cannot ignore the fact that onslaught of consumerism has taken its toll on the cultural fabric of the nation , giving a huge blow to the ancient beliefs and value based lifestyle . Even the small cities are fast-losing their rustic touch and becoming more like life-less metros -the hub of neurotic people trapped in deathly dull activities. Such a dialoge with globalisation , which comes at cost of nation's cultural attributes would only ensure our downward spiral into doom . Let's not ignore the fact that a huge section of people are stll living below line of poverty ,who have no access to basic facilities at all . The ever-increasing crime graph , escalating prices and insecurities governing sea of unemployed people suggest that all is not well here . Unless there is qualitative change in lives of people belonging to lower strata of life , one would think twice in having a tryst with "feel good " !

PUNISHING PROFESSOR

ARVIND K PANDEY

The cruel treatment meted out to Dr.Vilas Athavale of Wilson College Mumbai has unmistakeable ring of conspiracy aimed at stripping his dignity . A Professor who has served the college for over 25 years didn't deserve such a nasty gesture in fag end of his career. Proably, this is why University campus should not be allowed to become fiefdom of worn-out students disguised as representatives of student's cause . Not only they create ruckus over insignificant issues but also mar the academic standards . It's surprising that NSUI activists decided to intervene after a year -long wait . Considering the fact that the girl -in- issue was involved in dubious activities on the campus , the matter should have been referred to an enquiry committee to ascertain the validity of her allegations. On the contrary , NSUI activists found it safe to engage in white-collar goondaism .It was nothing but a calculated move to punish the Professor for not gving way to their unwanted demands .

SRI ADI SHANKARA:TACKLING ILLS OF MODERNISM IN 8th CENTURY AD

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Let me state that modern economics has been successful in spreading the virus of dissatisfaction , allowing consumerism to spread its tentacles. India , rooted in wisdom of saints ,has fallen prey to illusory goals . No doubt in our age " moral concerns have become archaic" but let's not forget that tragedies and failures compel the human beings to strike a bond with the Ultimate . Well, it's for us to decide whether the journey towards inner self (read contentment) is triggered by utterings of the Rishis or harsh ways of Nature . What makes for contentment? Like to shed light on it,in brief, via perceptions of Adi Shankara in his masterly creation "Bhaja Govindam " .Interestingly , he intercepted the ills of consumerism (read modernism )way back in 8th century AD .Stating the perennial nature of desires he says :"Angam Galitam Palitam Mundam
Dasanaviheenam Jatam Tundam
Vriddho Yati Griheetvaa Dandam
Tadapi Na Munchatyaasaapindam ." (VERSE 15)

(The body has become worn out .The head has turned grey.The mouth has beome toothless.The old man moves about leaning on his staff . Even then he leves not the bundle of desires.)

Further commenting about the futilty of accumulatio of wealth he states :"Arthamanartham Bhaavaya Nityam
Naasti Tatah Sukhalesah Stayam."(VERSE 29)

(Wealth is calamitous and , therefore, spend time in reflection over higher truths. The truth is that there is no happiness at all to be got from it.)
Finally , revealing the mantra for attainment of real contentment he says ," Satsangatve Nisangatvam
Nissangatve Nirmohatvam
Nirmohatve Nishalatattvam
Nishachaltattve Jeevanmukthi."(VERSE 9)

(Through the company of good , there arises non-attachment ;through non-attachmnt there arises freedom from delusion ;when there is freedom from delusion , there is the Immutable reality; on experiencing the immmutable realty there comes the state of "liberated- in- life " or in other words supreme contentment .)

A DREAM WIN

ARVIND K.PANDEY

At last the jinx gets shattered after 35 years . The India's win over West Indies is heart-warming and inspiring . Dravid's brilliant improvisations besides Kumble's magnificent bowling spells helped India clinch the Test series- a dream which refused to became reality in the bygone years. However , the matches played in West Indies have exposed the vulnerabilities of the Indian team . It's time for players like Kaif to quit the game and spend some time in introspection rather than hammering the expectations of cricket lovers with his repetitive failures . It's time for Chappell to make it clear to Yuvraj and Sehwag that team expects consistency in their performance instead of long period of complacency followed by so-called terrific inning. Also , the team management needs to strenghten the bowling squad by roping in 'wicket -friendly ' bowlers. It's crytal clear that bowlers in the present team lack teeth. Or else , it won't be easy to eye the World Cup.

ARMY :IN THE NET OF SCAMS

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published In THE TELEGAPH, JULY 23,06)

The cereal scam in the Army goes on to prove why India has been ranked so high (88) by Transperency International . It appears that Army is fast- becoming last refuge of the scoundrels . The reason , quite simply, is that there are so many escape routes for the corrupt . In an irony of sorts , the involvement of high -ranked officials in 'poultry scam ', 'dal scam ' and etc. is a colossal embarrassment for Army which believes in pursuing high ethical standards . A crash course in accountabilty and fair-play besides an efficient and swift disciplinary proceedings would enable the Army to retain its lustre and pride . However , an institution like Army , enjoying high degree of reverence , shouldn't have given way to such malpractices .

WOES OF GANGA MAI

ARVIND K. PANDEY

(Published In INDIA TODAY , JULY 31,06)

The onslaught of commercialisation have ensured slow death for flora and fauna . Almost all the spiritual centres have become hub of materialistic pursuits since travel woes have been reduced with birth of better roads . The government seems to be more interested in ensuring profit instead of sensitizing traveller how to take care of ecological concerns . It's really pathetic that sanctity of Gomukh has been held hostage to " empty plastic bottles and left -overs " . Interestingly, the furious protest of saints forced the UP government to retract its decision to lure foreign tourists by building hotels for them at Kumbh site . In fact , it's time to make such centres beyond the reach of wayward tourists . What's the point in subjecting them to wild mannerisms of travellers ,who are devoid of respect towards the spiritual essence of these places ?

THE RIGHT VERDICT

ARVIND K PANDEY

The verdict of Ahmedabad anti-terrorism court in Akshardham temple attack would surely act as a balm for the relatives of victims . In wake of growth in terrorist attacks on temples , the death sentence would at as a deterrent .Often the legal loopholes come to the rescue of such dreaded terrorists , which not only frustrate the security men but also embolden the wrong elements to increase the ambit of their influence .

HOT TOMATOES

ARVIND KPANDEY

Not long time back the shortage of onions brought tears in the eyes of buyers . Now it's the turn of tomatoes . The whole tamasha makes it clear that change in guard at Centre makes little difference in the lives of people , who continue to reel under pressures triggered by price rise , law and order problems and etc . Ironically , Communists who claim to be champions of poors have decided to give tacit approval to faulty policies of the UPA. Anyway , the coailition politics has brought in open opportunistic tendencies of the Left parties . The government which is reluctant to increase the Mininmum Support Price (MSP) of wheat is engaged in importing it at a much higher rate . Had these people been in Opposition , they would have crying hoarse over pursuance of anti-people schemes . Toady , they aren't bothered about increase in price of essential commodities -only because wrong become right when one finds a place in the corridors of power

DOMINATING ENGLISH LITERARY WORLD

ARVIND K PANDEY

The Indian writers writing in English have grown in stature in recent times, thanks to creative outbursts of Rushdie which have cooked up quite a storm in International arena . True , Sahitya Akademi has not been nable to catapult more Indian writers to the same height . However , the grim reality is that Indian writers are yet to grasp the essence of Indianness, being carried away by likes and dislikes of Western publishers .The publishers in India have given way to promotional gimmicks , which give undue importance to big names and saleability prospects of ther works instead of going by the quality of the work .They simply lack the guts and desire to provide ideal platform to real writers . Probably , this is why their output lacks the charm of Tagore , R.K.Narayanan and Mulkraj Anand . One way to leave indelible stamp in truly global way would be to present true account of lives of ordinary Indians . Unless writers come to identify themselves with real India , they would not be able to stir the hearts and minds of global readers .Also the translations of regional works into English would surely provide new leash of life to writers cut-off rom the fame encircling writers in English besides bringing real India into limelight .

TRUEMAN:A LETHAL PACER

ARVIND K PANDEY

The impeccable achievements of Freddie Trueman make him one of the greatest fast bowlers to grace the game . Let's not forget that it's difficult for the fast bowlers to add years in their career since injuries often come in their way .His terdific "side-on action " with a fiery pace allowed him to deliver wicket taking bowls at regular intervals. Above all, he was an owner of lively character which went well with his "sharp-tongue " .Guha stats him to be 'grossly biased 'in heaping praise upon the visitors . It dosen't sound strange to me since Englishmen have always been reserved , opionionated and narrow-mided in dissecting contributions of players belonging to a different country , especiially if they hail from an Asian country .

WOOING YOUTH

ARVIND K PANDEY

(Published In INDIA TODAY , JULY 24,06)

Let us not be fooled to believe that Mulayam Singh is really interested in shaping the destiny of youths . This economic realpolitik is simply clever way of ensuring another term as CM . It's really unfortunate that these so-called educated youths found it safer to receive it whole-heartedly instead of persudaing the government to make room for them in government jobs whch does justice to their potential .These wily politicians have learnt the art of trapping people through reservations ,calculated use of minority card and ,above all, by labellling one group after another as OBC ! Let us recall that industrial zones in UP are fast turning into death zones as the government lacks the fund to reahabilitate workers devoid of livlihood . How come it has generated funds to pay cheques to youths when it has sealed the fate of workers citintg empty coffers as one of the prime reasons ?

ZIDANE'S BRUSH WITH TEMPORARY MADNESS

ARVIND K PANDEY

(Published In THE TELEGRAPH, JUlY 17,06)

It is true that Zinedine Zidane’s momentary spurt of madness prevented France from taking the coveted World Cup trophy home. However, the referee, Horacio Elizondo, should take some of the blame as well for a taking the decision to send off a great player for an act which did not warrant such a harsh penalty.

MUMBAI BLASTS

OVER 200 DEAD , MANY INJURED IN MUMBAI.A
GHASTLY ATTACK WHICH BROUGHT BACK THE IMAGES OF PREVIOUS ATTACK IN 90s.ONE CAN'T STOP SUCH INCIDENTS SO LONG AS THERE ARE POLITICIANS WHO TAKE PRIDE IN HAVING LINK WITH ORGANISATIONS EVEN AS THEIR LINK WITH THE ANTI NATIONAL ACTIVITIES GET COFIRMED .

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ONE OF THE RECENT POSTS,AMONG MANY, WHICH WARNED ABOUT THE GROWING INFLUENCE OF ISLAMIC TERRORISM IN INDIA .

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Arvind K. Pandey
The Telegraph | Saturday, June 10, 2006 |

The increase in attacks on Hindu organizations and their places of worship makes it obvious that apart from fanning communal strife, the terrorists groups operating in India also want to weaken the forces of Hinduism in the country. Instead of mouthing rhetoric about maintaining peace, the government should take concrete steps to combat Islamic terrorism.

The Manmohan Singh government has allowed militancy to assume menacing proportions by failing to take adequate measures to root out terror. The soft policies adopted by the United Progressive Alliance have ensured that ordinary Indians remain at the receiving end of terror.

ENEGIZED CRSIS

ARVIND K PANDEY

True , it's 'high -cosuming lifestyle' which has made humanity highly vulnerable to the energy weapon . Even as the energy crisis come to hit the globe , a vast section of humanity is madly in the race to own a dream car ! Our Sarkari Babus(Government officials ) have literally used oil as water , given the way it's consumption has increased by the mindless use of vehicles in personal tasks . Apart from telling the vehicle owners to have a road sense , the Prime Minister should also tell them to curb their fascination for car with beacon atop ! Touching the Iran issue , let me state that Ahmadinejad's fatal rheotric has made the matter worse . It's doubtful that Iran would be granted cocessions like other big nations to go ahead with its nuclear programmes . KR Narayanan , the former President Of India , once remarked that not every nation can be granted the right to engage in nuclear activities sice very few can equip themselves with a right mindset-the power which prevents lethal usage of nuclear material . But then even big nations are not immune to misuse .The US attack on Japan's Nagasaki is still fresh in the memoriers of people. Back to square one , isn't it ?

PRIYANKA'S MEOW

ARVIND K PANDEY

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Sheru: Hi, Billo Rani. You seem to have changed your hairstyle.

Priyanka: My name is not Billo Rani.

Sheru: Oh! So you have changed your name too.

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Rabri:Ka karat ho(what are you up to ?)

Lalu:Ek dost ko chitti likhat hun (writing to a friend )

Rabri:Par tuhar likhna to aawe nahiee(but you don't know how to write.)

Lalu: Voh sasura ko kaun padhna aawe hain (That son ofa gun does not know how to read )

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When everything is coming your you are on the wrong lane .

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Q. Why are cats always hooked to net ?

A.They come to smell a rat .

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One of the bad omens in India:When Priyanka crosses your way .

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Fruits of labour are sweet.Every weekend Priyanka steals a lemon from Tommy's garden in hope to grant it legitimacy .

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Bad News:Western cats and Doggies are planning to have honeymoon on

Moon . After corrupting earth , it's time for Moon to moan.

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Indian cats have a better temperament than Indian doggies .Ask doggies who are "Bahar Sher , Ghar Mein Dher " (Lion in the external world, Mouse at home )

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Fashion Statement of the Week:

1. WHERE THERE IS WILL THERE IS A CAT .

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Song of the Week:Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana (Andaaz)
Movie Of The Week:Haathi MereSaathi.

FROM TELEGRAPH'S KIDS CORNE &K.S COLUMN

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Thief (pointing a gun at a man): Quick, give me your wallet.

Man: Here, take it.

Thief: Ha, ha! There are no bullets in my gun.

Man: Ha, ha! No money in my wallet either!

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Shiladitya: You are too noisy to bear. This is the last straw.

Arnab: Oh really? Where are the others?

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One day Sunil saw a man sitting beside a dead elephant and crying inconsolably.

Sunil: Why are you crying, uncle?

Man: See this elephant. It has died.

Sunil: How sad. I am so sorry to hear that. Was the elephant your favourite pet?

Man: No. I have to dig its grave. I am the undertaker.

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ENCIRCLING TENDULKAR'S JOURNEY

ARVIND K PANDEY

Regardless of the painful injuries, the 'composure and perspective ' of Tendulkar have allowed him to be the cause of cheer for Indian Team .As a result of equanimity of his mind , he remains firmly struck to his ground , which puts him above his contemporaries , who got swayed away by lesser considerations .His long career , which has had tryst with both glorious moments and cruel ups and downs has instilled in him the ability to get above the complexities of game without resorting to unhealthy compromises . The reason why he has been able to set new standards lies in the fact that he isn't governed by cheap gimmicks and preverse orientations , which compel the players to remain in limelight using unfair means .It's really heartening that Tendulkar has evolved into a good human being with a mindset capable enough to add new dimensions in his career if accompained by supportive changes outside . It's unfortunate that series of injuries have come in the way of dream of million of his supporters ,who wish to see him score 50 Test centuries.Anyway , the iconic status of Tendulkar has in no way diluted his spirit to script new tales of success. Having said that , it's time for the media to avoid being at loggerheads with Tendulkar on minor issues.I am saying so because media is guilty of potraying him in wrong frames.Instead of playing the role of facilitator , it has been in the past making his attempt to rise above the challeges bit difficult by raising doubts over his batting abilities .One hopers his die-hard critics would let him breath easy , enabling him to bid adieu to the game in honourable way when his time comes.

HADITHA:THE FATAL BLUNDER OF US

ARVIND K PANDEY

The strategic blunders of U.S. are proving fatal for both Iraqi residents and its soldiers . It appears that Americans were more interested in wiping out the influence of Saddam Hussain than gifting Iraq a better future with a government, which provided them freedom to carve their destiny in their own way . However , whatever happened in Haditha makes it clear that morticians like Sheik Jamal ul-Sudani would dominate over other class of people in days to come. One wonders how can U.S. claim to be the superpower when it fails to perceive the larger picture of its manoeuvres. It's vision guided by greed and superiority complex comes in way of it " global watchdog" role to assess the situation in impartial and realistic way .At present , however , the only priority should be to pull Iraqis out of the mayhem in which they have found themselves trapped because of "fake liberators " .At least U.S. should ensure that peace and stability returns back in Iraq in real way .

CURBING CIVIL LIBERTY IN BRITAIN
ARVIND K PANDEY

Tony Blair should not forget that paranoic approach would not curb the menace of terrorism . It would futher breed suspicion and resentment in the hearts of immigrants, who have made significant contribution in the success story of Britain . The "racist agenda " of Blair is bound to lead to fragmentation of British society with a fear that it might give rise to assertion of one's identity in a volatile manner . Well, the only way to take the war on terror to its logical culmination is to rope in policy which does not smack of Western imperialism . The Blair government needs to get at the core of the problems pertaining to minority groups in Britain instead of displaying 'servitude' to hegemonic ambitions of the US. No doubt , there is need to wipe out dangerous elements to restore peace and order but this should not be used as a pretext to subject outsiders to racial discrimination. A balanced approach ,which is supported by umambiguous measures aimed at elimination of terrorist outfits would ensure better days not only for Blair government but also for the immigrants .

FAIR SEX :NO ENTRY IN ARMY

ARVIND K PANDEY

(Published In The Week , July 16,06)

Given the way women have made their mark in
various fields , the anxiousness of fair sex to join combat duties would not sound too odd . However , having said that ,let's not forget that there are unpalatable truths .An undue haste without going in for the pros and cons of their involvement would in the long run could prove lethal for their interests.One does take pride in their various achievements in the army but these are not enough to make way for entry in combat operations .Touching other issue , the suicide of Lieutenant Susmita Chakraborthy brings into open that burden of tough demands besides prjudices and attitudes of top brass in the army are proving fatal for the well-being of young officers and sodiers attached with lower ranks .Ironically , such tragic incidents make a dent into the image of of army , which is dseperate to increase its strength .The developments make it clear that the army needs to move in step with "changing times " , which provide its officers greater interaction with lighter side of life . Or else, brain-hammering scheduldes would make them prone to personality disorders.

PLIGHT OF FARMERS

ARVIND K PANDEY

(Published In HARDNEWS , JULY, 06)

The Indian farmers have always been at the receiving end since Independence.Their hard toil fetched them nothing except fake assurances from the rulers of this nation.It's sad and unfortunate that people who are indispensible for the growth of nation have been left to their fate.This is quite evident from the suicide cases in Andhra and