Kya Dilli Kya Karachi: 6th IndoPak Classroom Connect

“The 6th Indo-Pak Classroom Connect” of Aaghaz-e-Dosti connected school students of Gyan Mandir Public School (Delhi, India) and Evergreen Schooling Systems Fatima Jinnah Campus (Lyari, Karachi in Pakistan).

The students were a mixed group from Grades 3 to 7. On both sides, the students were very enthusiastic to interact with their peers across the border. This session was co-ordinated by Usama Palla of Evergreen Schooling System in Pakistan and Devika Mittal and Madhulika Narasimhan in India. Ms. Anju Anand was the teacher co-ordinator from Gyan Mandir Public School.

Even before the commencement of the formal session, in the test call, when the Indian and Pakistan co-ordinators chatted, an Indian student expressed his surprise to the Indian Co-ordinator. He asked, “How was the Pakistani co-ordinator able to converse in Hindi? How did he learn Hindi?” He was informed that the spoken Hindi of India and spoken Urdu of Pakistan is very similar. Due to the popularity of Indian Movies in Pakistan also ensures that Pakistanis well understand Hindi. 

The entire session was conducted in Hindi/Urdu. In the session, students began by exploring each other’s school – languages taught, about teachers and then moved on to explore each other’s country, culture and everyday life.

A Pakistani student told Indian students about Karachi, it’s culture. An Indian student had recited a beautiful poem about India, it’s rich culture and reasons for India being a source of great Pride for Indians.  

When an Indian student asked what Pakistanis like most about India, among the most prompt response was “Indian Drame”. On further inquiry about their favorite serials, the Pakistani students listed to their Indian counterparts’ surprise, Tarak Mehta Ka Ulta Chasma and Bal Veer among other serials. 

When a Pakistani student asked the Indian students about their favorite Pakistani cricketer, many Indian students immediately replied “Shahid Afridi”. Similarly, when Pakistani students were asked about their favorite Indian cricketer, they replied “Virat Kohli”.

Indian Students expressed their love for Atif Aslam with one student singing “Tajdar e Haram” and Pakistani students expressed their love for Arijit Singh.

An Indian student played on casio while others sang Saare Jahan Se Acha written by Allama Iqbal, the National Poet of Pakistan. This was followed by Pakistani students singing Dil Dil Pakistan.

In conclusion, the students of both India and Pakistan had sung their respective national anthems and both sides stood and paid respect for each other’s anthem.

The Teacher Co-ordinator of Indian School, Ms. Anju Anand expressed their desire to be connected to the Pakistani school and explore and conduct more of such peace activities.

After the session, a Pakistani student expressed surprise to learn the extent to which Indians and Pakistanis are similar. Mr. Usama Palla regarded this expression to be a source of hope and inspiration to continue to do such activities to nurture a peace generation.

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