Srinagar, June 24 -- By Mohammad Ilyas Bhat

Many years ago, a friend named Zahoor stood outside a CAT examination centre waiting for the gates to open.

Students came in expensive cars, many dressed in jackets and badges displaying the names of prominent coaching institutes.

Zahoor stood among them with a few folded notes in his pocket, his admit card in hand, and confidence in his preparation.

A parent accompanying a student noticed him and asked a simple question: "Which coaching centre are you from?"

"None," Zahoor replied.

The response drew visible surprise. "Then it is going to be very difficult for you," the man said.

Months later, when the results came, Zahoor had qualified.

His experience captures a growing belief that has ...