But the almost universal outpouring of public sentiment and support, as the Kargil war approaches two months, is reminiscent of 1971, when someone else's problem became a nation's concern. The continuing conflict has prompted us to put Kargil on the cover for an unprecedented fifth time in a row. This week we address another top-of-the-mind question: Will the war spread?

Even as this is a logical progression in our coverage of the war and its possible solutions (previous covers dealt with intelligence failures and how long the war would last), it has led us to ask questions far more human in nature. Last week's cover story was a tribute to fallen warriors and the emotions their funerals evoked. These images and every additional casualty are driving the mood of the nation. It is there in a Bengal taxi union's blood donation camp and their forfeiting almost a day's earnings for Kargil soldiers. It is there in some widows donating a portion of their meagre pension. Nearly every state government is helping raise funds.

This is as it should be. Equally, as the country routinely goes about its governance, business and survival, it is as it should be as well. In 1971 everything was secondary to the war effort. Now it is quite easy to discuss the cutting edge of the digital revolution in India, a major story in this issue. This, even as the country is on the edge of a large-scale conflict. I sincerely hope it doesn't come to that because in war even a victor pays a very heavy price.

(Aroon Purie)