Unique Experience - 16-05-2008 

I was a part of Indo-Pak Youth Peace Forum meet today here in Ahmedabad.

When I registered for the program I was slightly apprehensive. But after attending it and meeting all the friends from Pakistan, all my tensions and so called pre-conceived negative notions have been totally unlearned.

This meet was organised with the help of a local NGO called Drishti (which makes documentaries on human rights) There were around 19-20 friends from Pakistan consisting of some college students, a lecturer, senior people, NGO employees, and entreprenuers. I was given the privilege of welcoming them. We had a discussion about "Impression" of Pakistan in the minds of Indian people and vice-versa. So many things like Women rights in Pakistan, Political issues, Kashmir issue, Role of media etc. were discussed. Well Pakistan is no different from us. Girls have as much liberty as much one would have in our country. Compulsorily moving in a Burkha or not talking to boys is history. We were informed very excitedly by them that they have around 15-20 Indian Satellite channels aired in Pakistan which gives them a great picture about our lifestyle, culture. food, etc. (I wonder why we have only PTV and QTV here, they told me PTV is a Government channel which they also don't see and QTV is a religious channel). The final outcome was that they all love India, we all began to look at Pakistan from a positive view and vice versa, at both ends people found each other cool and dynamic, everyone in the meet from both the countries wish to work towards developing positive mindset and break the myth of "hatred" between the two countries.

Its not that I m going GAGA about them, but a tleast I am happy to get a platform where I could meet people who came all the way here to meet us and spread the message of peace.

I am glad to make some new friends, start respecting Pakistan in many ways and not think about the 60s and move ahead happily and peacefully.

Acknowledgementss : http://www.associatedcontent.com 

Comments (2)

	1. 18-08-2008 17:25
	It is such a joy to read about your experience and thanks for sharing this with the rest of us. Yes Indeed a lot of misconceptions, myths of hatred, lot of anger built in the hearts .. mostly passed on as a religious ritual from generation to generation. We have a lot in common both countries have a lot of potential if only we stop hating and abusing each other, and take small steps towards peace nothing can stop the two nations from becoming great! Registered

ShamiimK

	2. 18-06-2008 18:31
	Enjoy I am exiten on reading this. This kind of forums would change the way we treat each other (as our enemy). There are many common things in our culture. Poverty is probably the most common economic thing we need to take care to address many other related issues. I would love to join such efforts any time next. Registered

sunil jogdeo

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