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Do you think umich will like this essay on the one about national concern. Could you rate it?

Discuss an issue of local, national, or international concern. Why is this issue important to you? How would you resolve it? What impact would its resolution have on others?

The issue I would like to discuss is the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan for the state of Kashmir. By now most of the world knows about this conflict that has gone on for more than half a century. It has caused tremendous unrest for both countries and also the United Nations. Due to this conflict there has been tremendous loss of life on both sides not only due to war but also ambush attacks by militants in city centers killing hundreds of people. It has also caused the two countries, both of whom have a lot of financial problems, to spend a good bulk of their resources on a piece of land which is hardly inhabitable due to war and hardly a tourist destination anymore. It is reduced to a battleground where wars end only in stalemate. I personally feel that people in India are too patriotic and that they forget reality. Kashmir will never be ours, as we would like for it to be. It is only an issue that is deteriorating the relationship between India and Pakistan.

I would resolve this issue by making sure that Kashmir is given to Pakistan by the Indians after the Pakistanis sign an agreement to make sure that there is no more terrorist activity or insurgency in India. I am an Indian but I believe this is the only way to stop the fighting and make sure that we resolve friendly ties with Pakistan. As far as the income from tourism to Kashmir is concerned, it can be split up between the 2 countries and thus create an economic incentive for the two countries that require it badly. This way we can spend the money that we use only on defense for the overall improvement of our nation in terms of research, education, employment, agriculture and other areas that require more attention to improve India as a whole.

The response to this solution would initially seem absurd to many so-called “patriots” but if we take a look at it closely it makes much more sense than fighting for something that we may never have for ourselves. I believe that though this decision may rock the country initially people will begin to realize that it is the right decision to be taken in order to resolve an eternal conflict and exemplify a true sense political foresight by India. People may call me a traitor for betraying my own country but I will always feel that this is the first step in solving the numerous problematic issues concerning our nation.

By Becks777 (Becks777) on Friday, February 20, 2004 - 05:05 pm: Edit

Well the essay in terms of language, structure is pretty good. Its simple and right to the point

But consider this: everyone over here are very patriotic over their country. So do you think they would like your solution? Where u basically give up? i think they r looking for a more complicated/ or atleast a thought-provoking solutions to National problems and not just the one in which you show a white flag to the opposition. Your solution may make sense but thats not what Michigan is looking from you.

By Knightmare (Knightmare) on Friday, February 20, 2004 - 05:16 pm: Edit

I agree. Also as a fellow Indian, I will say that your solution is more of one side giving up instead of a complex and mutual compromise.

By Koori (Koori) on Friday, February 20, 2004 - 06:24 pm: Edit

As a Kashmiri, it seems that you have left out another option that many people in the Kashmir Valley want...independence--from both Pakistan and India. Just simply handing it over to Pakistan is not going to work--there's going to be a backlash within Kashmir (and ofcourse within India) b/c the people will be angry over just being "handed over." A fair election, with the option of independence, is necessary.
But I do respect your opinion. Many people don't understand the devastating effect this conflict has had on the Indian, Pakistani, and most of all, Kashmiri people.

By Rohit_Sn (Rohit_Sn) on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 12:59 pm: Edit

I think i made this essay a little too impersonal. I just wanted to prove a point. Hey becks what did you write about. Are you from india or illinois? You seem to be on the internationals post too. Grats on the uiuc success. applied to umich on jan31 2004. (day before deadline) Do you think it will affect my chances a lot.

By Becks777 (Becks777) on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 06:06 pm: Edit

Hey rohit: i m from illinois- north suburbs of chicago to be specific and have been living here for a few yrs. any questions about uiuc-ask me. Still havent filled out the housing contract yet

By Rohit_Sn (Rohit_Sn) on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 03:32 am: Edit

applied to umich too right? When di you apply? When do you expect to get a decision? I think both umich and uiuc are excellent schools.

By Anand123 (Anand123) on Wednesday, February 25, 2004 - 02:55 am: Edit

Hey Becks...
was just wondering ...
how bad is the drinking problem in UIUC...herd that it was a major party school and students almost never study..
I got in..dont know which dorm to choose
thanx

By Becks777 (Becks777) on Wednesday, February 25, 2004 - 05:53 pm: Edit

Yeah i applied to umich too. Last week they asked me take the toefl and I sent them an email to exempt me from it. So still waiting for their reply. I appled in the first week of december

And anand i honestly dont know the drinking problem at u of i either. Its probaably no worse than any other college in the midwest. For dorms i think i m gonna go with isr, far and then par