Delhi-based NGO launches programme to foster Indo-Pak ties
Delhi-based NGO launches programme to foster Indo-Pak ties
While political leaders of the two neighbouring countries are trying to lessen the mistrust between India and Pakistan, experts believe a long-term solution can only be achieved through people to people contact and cultural exchanges.u00a0u00a0 Routes 2 Roots, a Delhi-based NGO that works for cultural promotion across the borders recently launched a programme called 'Exchange for Change'.
The initiative has been launched in partnership with Citizens Archive of Pakistan (CAP).u00a0 The programme was meant to strengthen the literary and intellectual bonds between the two nations. In this exchange, selected schools from both countries participated to share ideas and know more of the situation and existing traditions.u00a0
u00a0"For two almost rival countries to come together for cultural exchanges is a rare possibility. Though we have always tried to take the first step, Pakistan has also contributed its efforts towards it. There is a great cultural legacy in both countries.
We have fantastic singers, musicians and artists from Pakistan coming here and Indian artists performing there. There is great talent and cooperation from each of the places would help bridge the gap between them," said Rakesh Gupta, founder of Routes 2 Roots.
The schools that participated in the event included St Paul's School, Sanskriti School and BR Mehta Vidya Bhavan from Delhi, while Shishuvan School and Gandhi Memorial School joined in from Mumbai. From Pakistan City School, Links ILM School, SMB Fatimah Jinnah, and Saving Group Schools were there.u00a0u00a0u00a0
The main objective of the occasion was to nurture the spirit of friendship between India and Pakistan. "Friendship doesn't see boundaries and walls; it grows deeper with love and affection. We are here to foster peace and harmony between the two nations.
It is to multiply companionship among future stars of both India and Pakistan. It has become more important than ever to eradicate the hatred and enmity between the tow sets of people, starting it with children could be the best positive step forward," said a representative from CAP.
The gathering had principals from the participating schools, students both the NGOs and the likes of Manish Tewari, official spokesperson All India Congress Committee and Irfan Ahmed, Counsellor of Pakistan High Commission to pass on good wishes for the noble project. Students seemed excited and enthusiastic about the whole concept of writing letters and postcards and making friends with Pakistan school children.
"We see today children playing with little cars, fire trucks, hide-and-seek, little can they understand of the lethal conflicts that India and Pakistan have been drowned in since ages. The question is, however; should Children be concerned? Yes.
This problem needs to be addressed," added Gupta.u00a0 Representative from St Paul's school said: "Children need to know and make their political choices based on their own reasoning and understanding. They will not be able to make a difference in our world if their mindset is not developed more openly. Peace does not happen overnight. It needs to be nurtured, the correct values to be instilled right from formative years and this is the vision behind Exchange for Change program between India and Pakistan."
Exchange for Change is a project to bridge the long distances and fulfilling the merriment of life, will run a 16-month Information-Exchange Program between Karachi- Bombay and Lahore-Delhi involving the participation of 1200 secondary school children. They will share their histories, traditions; make scrapbooks, stories of their childhood aspirations and future dreams.u00a0
Apart from the educational and cultural idea exchange, the two NGOs endeavour to make peace between the SAARC countries, focusing on India and Pakistan in particular.
They have been organising a number of programmes and activities which help the nations develop a better understanding of each other. Besides, Routes 2 Roots is also working with ICCR to keep the cultural spirit alive among the states as well.
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