|
|
the-south-asian.com March 2004 |
||||
|
March
2004 Wildlife Music Dance Environment Art Books
Books Between
Heaven and Hell
|
|
||||
|
A Journey named Desire by Anum Hasan
In December of 2003, we - an overwhelming number of ‘A’ level students of Lahore Grammar School (LGS) - were all set for a milestone journey to India – the first one for all of us! Our excitement knew no bounds at the opportunity to interact with our neighbours and experience their way of life. No one knew what to expect. Crossing of borders at the crack of dawn, a hearty welcome and whole-hearted acceptance from all ends, the charm of the Jama Masjid, the mind-blowing sight of Taj Mahal, tour of the historic "Pink-City" of Jaipur, the spell-binding variety of shopping at Janpath (btw, which left us broke), our pals at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya High School (with whom we clicked from the moment we met), mouth-watering snacks at Haldiram’s, the magic of Kal Ho Na Ho on big screen, the swarming of paparazzi and celebrity interviews to NDTV, Jain and Star News – all would review our totally unexpected, power-packed entertaining experience. We returned home overwhelmed with a few heart-felt realisations. Students our age, as well as older, we met in India were no different than those here. We instantly bonded with whom we can now call our friends at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya School and Lady Irwin College in New Delhi, and got along really well. It was fascinating to realise that there was a lot to share, a lot to talk about and a lot of information to exchange. We were all desperate and eager to know about one another. It seemed as if everyone wished that the unnecessary barriers erected between the people of both countries had never existed, so that we could’ve met and sowed the seeds of long-lasting friendships much, much before. We also realised that differences in opinions between us, exaggerated on world stage, did not even exist and were only limited to the political stage. Diners at restaurants would offer their seats to us, when they discovered that we were Pakistani students touring India- a touching gesture! Shopkeepers would offer huge discounts; older people would nostalgically start reminiscing the good old times they had spent in old-city locations like Anarkali and the Mall in Lahore, where they once lived and emotionally accepted how much they missed them. Do these gestures reflect an atmosphere of animosity or dispute? The fact is that there exists none, among the people on either side of the border. The fact is also that we are just mere scapegoats, used and victimized by political agenda, extremists’ self-interests and bloody power games. Our visit also gave us the opportunity to change the media projected image of Pakistani women. Contrary to previously held perceptions of women being hesitant and socially backward in Pakistan, the Indians now know for a fact that we have a mind of our own and are given the liberty to articulate our thoughts which are based on logical reasoning. The youth of Pakistan is educated and highly progressive with the potential to compete well in any international field. And as an acceptance and recognition of this fact, they welcomed us with wide-open arms! But really – the reason why the entire information exchange programme and interactive activity carried such a positive feel is because the youth of both states do not even recognise that there exists an issue that prevents friendly ties. We understand that resentment; offence and cold vibes are not going to offer us the opportunity to take a step forward in terms of progress and development, even while we do understand that together we can change the direction of events and change it for the good. So why adopt negativity as a means of existence? The authorities will have to get over their past bitter experiences, because the youth does not want to take further chances. Co-operation, friendly-ties and interaction are the steps that reflect our choices in the network of bi-lateral operations. Those on the other side are, we believe, our partners with whom we want to create a promising future for all of us. Though there is a difference between us, yet there is no difference. We’re one – and we want to work as a united force! Our trip radiated an acceptance of the fact that we’ve forgotten our previous petty squabbles, a portrayal of tolerance and respect towards each others’ beliefs and a promise to take positive steps toward friendship. If we were able to inspire peace and love for one another in the hearts of even one citizen on either side, we’d think we’ve done our bit in the effort towards making possible a prosperous future. Anum Hasan, 18, Lahore Grammar School.
|
|||||
| Copyright © 2000 - 2004 [the-south-asian.com]. Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. | |||||
| Home | |||||
