Our Journey so far
Activities 2012-2016
5th Indo-Pak Peace Calendar
Call for Paintings:
Express Tribune (Pakistan) http://tribune.com.pk/story/1183404/building-bridges-peace-calendar-launched-city/
Peace Demonstration in Lahore
Kashmir Times http://www.kashmirtimes.in/newsdet.aspx?q=58286
Indo-Pak Greeting Card Exchange Programs (News Stories)
Asian Age http://www.asianage.com/life-and-style/letters-across-divide-128
The Hindu http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/news/to-lahore-with-love/article8420958.ece
Aaghaz-e-Dosti releases list of Indian and Pakistani Prisoners and Fishermen lodged in each other’s Jails
NDTV Channel (India) http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/over-400-indians-lodged-in-pakistani-jails-reveals-rti-reply-1422693
Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/amritsar/indo-pak-forum-makes-list-of-prisoners-public/articleshow/52921246.cms
Indian Express http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/over-400-indians-lodged-in-pakistani-jails-till-july15-2871693/
India Today http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/over-400-indians-lodged-in-pakistani-jails-till-july15/1/699243.html
The Nation (Pakistan) http://nation.com.pk/international/24-Jun-2016/over-400-indians-lodged-in-pakistani-jails
Pakistan Today http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2016/06/24/national/over-400-indians-stuck-in-pakistani-jails/
Greeting Card exchange between Ecole Mondiale World School (Mumbai) and Unique School Academy (Lahore) on Independence Day of India and Pakistan
Pakistan and India celebrate their independence day on August 14 and August 15 respectively each year. While the political atmosphere gives rise to anti-other feelings on the occasion in both countries, Mumbai-based school Ecole Mondiale World School sent greeting cards on Independence Day to Unique School Academy, Lahore, Pakistan.
This card exchange was facilitated by Raza Mahmood Khan, Lahore Co-ordinator of Aaghaz-e-Dosti
19th Aman Chaupal: Pakistani Peace Activist, South Asian University student share their experience with Karachi students
On 30th May 2016, SMB Fatima Jinnah Girls School’s Summer Camp organised an Indo Pak Peace Program in collaboration with Aaghaz-e-Dosti, an initiative to build bridges between India and Pakistan. This event was conducted for the students of 9th and 10th grade. The management team invited Mr. Bharat Makwana, a Pakistani student at South Asian University in Delhi, India and Ms. Suraya Islam, coordinator/representative of Aaghaz-e-Dosti in Karachi, Pakistan, who recently had the privilege to visit the beautiful heritage of India.
Second and Third Classroom Connect: Classrooms of Bulandshahr (UP, India) and Lahore and Karachi (Pakistan) connected
In its series of classroom to classroom connect, Aaghaz-e-Dosti held two sessions in Pardada Pardadi Inter College of Bulandshehar, U.P. and connected students with a Ghauri Wisdom high school in Lahore and students of SMB Fatima Jinnah School in Karachi on 26 May. Another event of ‘Painting for Peace’ was also organized where more than 30 students made drawings on Indo-Pak Peace and Friendship.
The first session between Bulandshahr and Lahore students was coordinated by Kashif Nawab and the session with Karachi students by Suraya Islam. The bulandshahr sessions were coordinated by Ravi Nitesh and Devika Mittal.
Aaghaz-e-Dosti won the Social Media Empowerment Award 2015 hosted by Digital Empowerment Foundation India (DEFIndia)
Aaghaz-e-Dosti became winner in the 3rd Social Media Empowerment Awards hosted by Digital Empowerment Foundation India (DEFIndia) and supported by Fur Die Freiheit in the category of Advocacy, Communication and Deveploment Activism. The award was received by Aliya Harir (Convener-Pakistan) and Suraya Islam (Karachi Chapter Coordinator).
Livemint Newspaper (India) http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/xBbaroY4MigDqYD9yu8P4J/How-AaghazeDosti-is-using-social-media-to-IndiaPakistan-r.html
Chitral Today (Pakistan) http://www.chitraltoday.net/daughters-of-chitral-win-peace-award-in-india/
Pamir Times (Pakistan) http://pamirtimes.net/2016/03/24/two-girls-from-chitral-win-prestigious-award-in-india/
Ecole Mondiale World School (Mumbai, India) sent solidarity cards to Ghauri Wisdom High School (Youhanabad) on Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park Blast tragedy
On 27 March 2016, there was a bomb blast in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park in Lahore. It was the Easter day and the park which is very popular with kids was crowded with families. The bomb blast claimed the lives of 70 people and injured about 200 people and included many children. The students of Ecole Mondiale World School (Mumbai) sent cards to Ghauri Wisdom High School to express their solidarity with them.
This card exchange was facilitated by Raza Mahmood Khan, Lahore Co-ordinator of Aaghaz-e-Dosti with the support of Starfish Pakistan. Cards were given to the parents of one of the martyrs of the blast.
The Hindu http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/news/to-lahore-with-love/article8420958.ece
4th Indo-Pak Peace Calendar launched in several cities in India and Pakistan
Aaghaz-e-Dosti’s 4th Indo-Pak Peace Calendar has been launched in Delhi, Panipat, Ayodhya-Faizabad in India and Lahore, Islamabad and Toba Tek Singh in Pakistan.
The Hindu http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/a-date-with-indiapakistan-peace/article8117772.ece
India Today http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/calendar-based-on-artwork-by-india-pak-schoolchildren/1/565580.html
Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Peaceniks-launch-calendar/articleshow/50562252.cms
Times of India (Amritsar) http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/amritsar/Efforts-should-continue-for-long-lasting-peace/articleshow/50550329.cms
Business Standard (India) http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/an-indo-pak-peace-calendar-116011700469_1.html
The Hans India http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/National/2016-01-11/Indo-Pak-school-children-paint-peace-message/199619
India Tomorrow (India) http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/aaghaz-e-dosti-launches-indo-pak-peace-calendar-in-pakistan
Chitral Today (Pakistan) http://www.chitraltoday.net/fourth-indo-pak-peace-calendar-launched/
Aman ki Asha http://amankiasha.com/?p=5690
News watch Pakistan http://newswatch.pk/2016/01/a-peace-message-from-delhi/
South Asia Monitor http://southasiamonitor.org/detail.php?type=n&nid=15475
Global Voices https://globalvoices.org/2016/01/13/indians-and-pakistanis-hope-to-take-their-countries-from-rivals-to-friends/
Muslim Mirror (India) http://muslimmirror.com/eng/seminar-in-faizabad-activists-flay-politics-of-polarization/
90CAPS http://www.90caps.com/society/bringing-alive-the-memory-of-toba-tek-singh/
Aaghaz-e-Dosti organized discussion on “Role of People in Peace Building” at World Book Fair 2016
A discussion titled ‘Role of People in Peace Building’ was organized by Aaghaz-e-Dosti. This discussion was organized in context of South Asia where eminent guests participated to discuss that how and what role people can play in peace building.
This discussion included eminent guests like Prof Dilip Simeon (Noted historian and author of ‘Revolution Highway’), Ram Mohan Rai (Advocate of Supreme Court of India and Peace activist), Mr. Pushpendra Pathak, Mirwais Parsa (Postgraduate student in South Asian university from Afghanistan) and Shucheesmita Simonti (Postgraduate student in South Asian University from Bangladesh.
Aaghaz-e-Dosti facilitated exchange of Diwali greeting cards between students of Ecole Mondiale World School (Mumbai) and Air Foundation School System (Umerkot, Sindh)
Ecole Mondiale World School sent greeting cards on Diwali to Air Foundation School System, a school in umerkot in Sindh, Pakistan. This card exchange was facilitated by Aaghaz-e-Dosti, a joint Indo-Pak Friendship initiative.
Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/amritsar/Indo-Pak-students-to-extend-a-hand-of-freindship/articleshow/50157332.cms
Two Circles http://twocircles.net/2015dec13/1450010857.html#.Vm_esr_1p40
Aaghaz-e-Dosti wrote letter Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on her visit to Pakistan
Letter published in Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/amritsar/Aaghaz-e-Dosti-writes-to-Swaraj-ahead-of-Pak-visit/articleshow/50081239.cms
Aaghaz-e-Dosti connected classrooms of a Mumbai and Karachi school
Aaghaz-e-Dosti has also been using ICT for peace-building. They have used ICT to conduct aman chaupal sessions but this time, they connected classrooms across the border.
In Aaghaz-e-Dosti’s first “Indo-Pak Classroom Connect”, they connected the grade 7 classroom of Ecole Mondiale World School (Mumbai) and Government Girls’ Secondary School (Gizri, Karachi) through video conference to facilitate interaction between students.
Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/First-Indo-Pak-classroom-connect-between-Mumbai-Karachi/articleshow/50058636.cms
Daily Times http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/06-Dec-2015/indo-pak-classrooms-connected-via-videoconference
Aman ki Asha Website http://amankiasha.com/?p=5579
Indian Muslim Observer Website http://indianmuslimobserver.com/2015/12/06/aaghaz-e-dosti-initiative-connects-classrooms-in-india-and-pakistan-through-video-conferencing/
Aaghaz-e-Dosti conducted the 18th Aman Chaupal in Resource Academia School, Lahore (Pakistan)
Aaghaz-e-Dosti team members Devika Mittal (Convener of Aaghaz-e-Dosti India) and Madhavi Bansal (Bangalore Co-ordinator) interacted with students of Resource Academia School, Lahore.
Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Cross-border-peace-gets-a-chance-in-these-chaupals/articleshow/49840467.cms
Aaghaz-e-Dosti conducted 17th Aman Chaupal in Punjab University, Lahore (Pakistan)
Aaghaz-e-Dosti team members Devika Mittal (Convener of Aaghaz-e-Dosti India) and Madhavi Bansal (Bangalore Co-ordinator), interacted with students of Punjab University.
Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Cross-border-peace-gets-a-chance-in-these-chaupals/articleshow/49840467.cms
Aaghaz-e-Dosti conducted 16th Aman Chaupal in Excellent Education Centre, Lahore (Pakistan)
In Aaghaz-e-Dosti’s 16th Aman Chaupal, youth activist and Indian convener of Aaghaz-e-Dosti, Devika Mittal (Convener from India) had interacted with the students of Excellent Education Centre.
Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Cross-border-peace-gets-a-chance-in-these-chaupals/articleshow/49840467.cms
Aman ki Asha Website http://amankiasha.com/?p=5523
Aaghaz-e-Dosti facilitates exchange of greeting cards between Indian and Pakistani students wishing Independence Day to each other
Ecole Mondiale World School (Mumbai) initiated a beautiful step towards friendship with having their 7th grade students to make cards for Pakistanis wishing them on their independence day. The cards were sent to Aaghaz-e-Dosti to be sent to a school in Pakistan. The cards were sent to Namra Nasyr, the Lahore Coordinator of Aaghaz-e-Dosti, who shared the cards with students of Excellent Education Centre. The students in Pakistan warmly received the cards and have also made cards for their Indian friends which were sent back to the Mumbai school.
Aaghaz-e-Dosti organises peace building workshop in Gujarat Schools
Aaghaz-e-Dosti, a joint Indo-Pak Initiative of Mission Bhartiyam (India) and The Catalyst – Tc (Pakistan), conducted peace-building workshops in Gujarat Public School and Navrachana Sama School in Baroda/Vadodara (Gujarat, India). The workshops were conducted by team members of Aaghaz-e-Dosti – Devika Mittal and Shruti Arora. It was facilitated by Nidhi Shendurnikar Tere, the Baroda Coordinator of Aaghaz-e-Dosti and Helly Bhatt. Read https://aaghazedosti.wordpress.com/2015/08/13/aaghaz-e-dosti-conducted-peace-building-workshop-in-gujarat-schools/
Friends Beyond Borders Launched
Aaghaz-e-Dosti has launched an eight-week virtual peace building course called Friends Beyond Borders. To read more, see https://aaghazedosti.wordpress.com/our-initiatives/friends-beyond-borders/
Read the first session’s report https://aaghazedosti.wordpress.com/2015/05/22/friends-beyond-borders-i-aaghaz-e-dosti-facilitates-28-people-to-make-friends-beyond-the-border/
Aaghaz-e-Dosti conducted Indo-Pak Peace-Building Workshop
Read Two Circles http://twocircles.net/2015may31/1433090364.html#.WDvyj33rR40
Pakistan Tribe https://www.pakistantribe.com/39923/aaghaz-e-dosti-conducts-first-indo-pak-peace-workshop-in-delhi
Aaghaz-e-Dosti organised discussion on “Shared History – Shared Hopes” in World Book Fair 2015 (New Delhi)
Aaghaz-e-Dosti, a cross-border initiative for Indo-Pak Friendship organised a discussion on ‘Shared History-Shared Hopes’ in the Indo-Pak context on 14th February, the inaugural day of World Book Fair 2015 at New Delhi. The session was organised at ‘Sahitya Manch’ and theme was The guest speakers included Prof. Chaman Lal, Ms. Sadia Dehlvi, Ram Mohan Rai and Dr. Dhananjay Tripathi. The session was moderated by Ravi Nitesh.
Two Circles http://twocircles.net/2015feb14/1423927676.html
Aaghaz-e-Dosti launched its third Indo-Pak Calendar in Delhi, Nashik, Panipat and Chandigarh in India and Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi in in Pakistan
The third Indo-Pak calendar was launched alongwith a discussion or “Sharing of Hopes for a Peaceful Co-existence” in Delhi, Nashik, Panipat and Chandigarh in India and Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi in Pakistan. Read about the launch in different cities.
Delhi Launch:
Zee News (India) http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/calendar-launched-to-endorse-peace-between-india-pakistan_1521714.html
Chandigarh Launch
Times of India (India) http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/India-Pakistan-Peace-Calendar-released-on-Valentines-Day/articleshow/46248913.cms
Panipat Launch
The News (Pakistan) http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-14-299990-BriefS
Islamabad Launch
The News (Pakistan) http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-14-297515-Indo-Pak-calendar-Islamabad-launch
Lahore Launch
Dawn (Pakistan) http://epaper.dawn.com/DetailImage.php?StoryImage=01_02_2015_177_004
Aaghaz-e-Dosti organised Peshawar Solidarity Blood Donation Camp in New Delhi
Ministry of External Affairs, India website http://www.mea.gov.in/articles-in-indian-media.htm?dtl/24609/IndoPak+peace+groups+organise+Peshawar+solidarity+blood+donation+in+Delhi
Dunya News (Pakistan) http://dunyanews.tv/index.php/en/Pakistan/251172-Indian-Red-Cross-Society-launches-blood-donation-d
13th Aman Chaupal: Pakistani Youth Activists interact with students from Bangalore
In Aaghaz-e-Dosti’s 13th Aman Chaupal, video conferencing was used to conduct an interaction between youth activists from Pakistan and Indian students with the aim to counter stereotypes and misconceptions.
In this session, youth activists and Pakistan team of Aaghaz-e-Dosti, Aliya Harir (Convener of Aaghaz-e-Dosti from Pakistan) and Syed Zeeshan Ali Shah, had interacted with about 50 students and faculty members from Prakriya Green Wisdom School of Bangalore who were on an educational trip in Delhi.
Read the report https://aaghazedosti.wordpress.com/2014/12/24/13th-aman-chaupal-pakistani-youth-activists-interact-with-students-from-bangalore/
News Published at
Two Circles (India) http://twocircles.net/2014dec25/1419520467.html#.VJxC6F4AA
Muslim Mirror (India) http://muslimmirror.com/eng/pakistani-youth-activists-interact-with-students-from-bangalore-through-video-conferencing/
Aaghaz-e-Dosti, Aman ki Asha and Gandhi Global Family organised Peshawar Solidarity Blood Donation Drive
In solidarity with victims of Peshawar school attack, a blood donation drive was organized by Aman ki Asha, Aaghaz-e-Dosti and Gandhi Global Family at Indian Red Cross Society head quarters at New Delhi.
Read the report https://aaghazedosti.wordpress.com/2014/12/21/aaghaz-e-dosti-aman-ki-asha-and-gandhi-global-family-organised-peshawar-solidarity-blood-donation-drive/
News published at
Ministry of External Affairs (Govt. of India) website http://mea.gov.in/articles-in-foreign-media.htm?dtl/24609/IndoPak+peace+groups+organise+Peshawar+solidarity+blood+donation+in+Delhi
Dunya Tv (Pakistan) http://dunyanews.tv/index.php/en/Pakistan/251172-Indian-Red-Cross-Society-launches-blood-donation-d
Aman ki Asha page, The News (Pakistan) http://www.amankiasha.com/detail_news.asp?id=1495
Two Circles (India) http://twocircles.net/2014dec22/1419223038.html#.VJeyasAEc
Greater Kashmir (India) http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2014/Dec/22/indo-pak-peace-groups-organize-blood-donation-54.asp
Beyond Headlines (India) http://beyondheadlines.in/2014/12/ngos-plan-blood-donation-drive-in-memory-of-victims-of-peshawar-killings/
India Tomorrow (India) http://www.indiatomorrow.net/eng/in-solidarity-with-peshawar-victims-a-blood-donation-camp-held-in-delhi
Aaghaz-e-Dosti condemns Punjabi University’s decision to cancel Pakistani Qawaals’ Program
Read the statement https://aaghazedosti.wordpress.com/2014/12/09/aaghaz-e-dosti-condemn-punjabi-university-decision-to-cancel-pakistani-qawaals-program/
Twelfth Aman Chaupal: Youth Activists of Pakistan interacts with students in India through video conferencing
In first of its kind, video conferencing was used to conduct an interaction between youth activists from Pakistan and Indian students with the aim to counter stereotypes and misconceptions. This was Aaghaz-e-Dosti’s twelfth Aman Chaupal. In this session, youth activists and Pakistan team of Aaghaz-e-Dosti, Aliya Harir (Convener of Aaghaz-e-Dosti from Pakistan) and Syed Zeeshan Ali Shah, had interacted with about 100 students and faculty members from Headstart School of Bangalore who were on an educational trip in Delhi.
Read the report https://aaghazedosti.wordpress.com/2014/11/16/twelfth-aman-chaupal-video-conferencing-connects-india-pakistan/
News published at
The News – Aman ki Asha page (Pakistan) http://amankiasha.com/detail_news.asp?id=1477
Only Kashmir (India) http://onlykashmir.in/indo-pak-youths-connect-through-video-conference/
Beyond Headlines (India) http://beyondheadlines.in/2014/11/aman-chaupal-india-pak-connect-with-video-conferencing/
Two Circles (India) http://beyondheadlines.in/2014/11/aman-chaupal-india-pak-connect-with-video-conferencing/
Eleventh Aman Chaupal: Indian Delegates interact with college students in Islamabad
Aaghaz-e-Dosti organised its eleventh Aman Chaupal at the Indus Group of Colleges in Islamabad on 7th November. The guests of the sessions were Dr. Manju Dagar and Mr. Mukesh Kataria. Dr. Manju Dagar is an award winning journalist and news anchor with rich experience of anchoring with organizations like All India Radio, Doordarshan, Aakashvani and various other news channels. Mr. Mukesh Kataria, basically from New Delhi, is the CEO and Chairman at IPCC Ireland.
Read the report https://aaghazedosti.wordpress.com/2014/11/08/eleventh-aman-chaupal-with-indian-delegates-in-a-pakistani-college/
News Published at
The News – Aman ki Asha page (Pakistan) http://amankiasha.com/detail_news.asp?id=1473
Beyond Headlines (India) http://beyondheadlines.in/2014/11/aman-chaupal-in-pakistans-indus-group-of-colleges/
Aaghaz-e-Dosti was a finalist at the 3rd eNGO South Asia Challenge 2014
Tenth Aman Chaupal: Former Indian Journalist in Pakistan, Ms. Meena Menon, interacts with students in Andhra School
Aaghaz-e-Dosti organized its tenth Aman Chaupal at Andhra Education Society on 10th October. The guest for the session was Ms. Meena Menon who was the former Indian Journalist in Pakistan. She is currently the deputy editor of The Hindu.
News published at
Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Despite-border-tension-Indo-Pak-friendship-initiative-continues/articleshow/44796316.cms
The News – Aman ki Asha page (Pakistan) http://amankiasha.com/detail_news.asp?id=1461
South Asia Mail http://www.southasiamail.com/news.php?id=116584
Two Circles(India) http://twocircles.net/2014oct12/1413093362.html
Beyond the headlines (India) http://beyondheadlines.in/2014/10/meena-menon-interacts-with-delhi-students-in-aman-chaupal-program/
Hastakshep (India) http://www.hastakshep.com/english/news-1/nation-news-1/2014/10/11/meena-menon-interact-with-students-in-a-delhi-school
Aaghaz-e-Dosti issued a statement condemning the ceasefire violations on both sides; appealed for peace and humanity
Read the statement https://aaghazedosti.wordpress.com/2014/10/09/aaghaz-e-dosti-condemns-ceasefire-violations-from-both-sides-appeals-to-restore-peace-humanity/
Published at
The News – Aman ki Asha page (Pakistan) http://amankiasha.com/detail_news.asp?id=1459
Nasheman (India) http://nasheman.in/india-and-pakistan-must-immediately-stop-ceasefire-violations-pipfpd-aaghaz-e-dosti/
Muslim Mirror (India) http://muslimmirror.com/eng/aaghaz-e-dosti-condemns-ceasefire-violations-from-both-sides-appeals-to-restore-peace-humanity/
Muslim Awaz (India) http://www.muslimawaz.com/aaghaz-e-dosti-condemns-ceasefire-violations-appeals-to-restore-peace-humanity/
Two Circles (India) http://twocircles.net/2014oct09/1412824163.html#.VDZ8k7CUeQw
Eighth & Ninth Aman Chaupal: Pakistani students interact with youths in an educational centre in Delhi
Aaghaz-e-Dosti organized its eighth and ninth Aman Chaupal on 4th October at two centres – Hastal Village and Jeevan Park, of AAM Foundation, an NGO that provides free English classes. This was our eighth and ninth Aman Chaupal. The guests for the two sessions were two Pakistani students studying in India, Ms. Fatima Parveen and Mr. Poonamchand Chauhan. Both are pursuing their post-graduation in Sociology from South Asian University.
News published at
South Asia Mail http://www.southasiamail.com/news.php?id=116540
Indian Muslim Observer http://indianmuslimobserver.com/2014/10/05/8th-9th-aman-chaupal-pakistani-students-interact-with-youths-in-an-educational-centre-in-delhi/
Muslim Mirror (India) http://muslimmirror.com/eng/pakistani-students-interact-with-youths-in-an-educational-centre-in-delhi/
Unique Pakistan http://news.uniquepakistan.com.pk/creating-harmony-pakistani-students-dialogue-youth-india/
Aaghaz-e-Dost’s Independence Day Initiative: Indians and Pakistanis wish people of both countries
Independence Day is not just a celebration of independence from British rule but it also reminds people about the decision to part ways, thereby invoking both aggressive nationalism and jingoism. With the aim to counter this and encourage people on both sides to accept and respect each other as independent sovereigns, Aaghaz-e-Dosti invited messages from Indians and Pakistanis to wish Independence Day to both countries.
Aaghaz-e-Dosti had recieved 97 messages from India and Pakistan. This initiative was supported by two progressive medias of India and Pakistan – The News Minute (India) and Unique Pakistan.
News published at
The News Minute (India) http://www.thenewsminute.com/side_headlines/37
Unique Pakistan http://news.uniquepakistan.com.pk/indians-pakistan-wish-independence-day/
South Asia Mail http://www.southasiamail.com/news.php?id=115980
Aaghaz-e-Dosti submitted suggestions to increase people-to-people communication to both Governments
Aaghaz-e-Dosti had compiled several measures to increase people-to-people communication for improving Indo-Pak relations. These suggestions have been submitted to the Pakistan High Commission and Ministry of External Affairs in India and Indian High Commission and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Pakistan with the hope that the two governments will consider and implement the best among these things to ensure stronger bonds of Peace and Friendship.
News published at Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Telecom-partnership-money-exchange-counters-would-boost-India-Pak-ties/articleshow/38889238.cms
Aaghaz-e-Dosti released city manuals to facilitate Indo-Pak people-to-people communication
Aaghaz-e-Dosti aims to counter mutual hatred and suspicion. One important way to do that is to establish people-to-people communication. Let them meet, let them talk, let them explore the other side to challenge the misconceptions.
To facilitiate it, Aaghaz-e-Dosti has released city manuals for the cities that see most of the visitors from India/Pakistan. This is our way to welcome you, assist you in taking the step for friendship.
Download the manuals from https://aaghazedosti.wordpress.com/city-manuals/
Aaghaz-e-Dosti delegation met a senior diplomat at Pakistan High Commission over the issue of Prisoners
On the issue of prisoners, Aaghaz-e-Dosti was invited for a discussion on 10 June 2014 by a senior diplomat at the Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi. The 4-member delegation comprised of Ravi Nitesh, Devika Mittal, Ajay Pandey and Pankaj Pathak.
Aaghaz-e-Dosti delegation interacted with politicians and social activists from Pakistan
A delegation of Aaghaz-e-Dosti met with a delegation of politicians and social activists from Pakistan. The delegation comprising of Mr. Afzal Shah Khamosh (President of Pakistan Mazdoor Kisan Party), Mr. Shakeel Wahidullah Khan, (social activist and General Secretary of Cultural Heritage Council), Mr. Ibrahim Zia (Cultural and Social Activist) and some youths were here to meet Bollywood actors who were natives of Peshawar or have used cinema for portraying the spirit of the people of Peshawar. Their objective was to emphasise on the aspect of similarities and develop a culture of mutual understanding and peace.
The Aaghaz-e-Dosti delegation comprised of Ravi Nitesh, Devika Mittal, Arvind Lodi, Kunal Malhotra and Mukesh Raghuvanshi
Aaghaz-e-Dosti released a list of Indo-Pak prisoners
In view of building trust, Aaghaz-e-Dosti released the details of the Indian and Pakistani prisoners lodged in each other’s jail. This was probably the first time when any such detailed list will be made public. By this, Aaghaz-e-Dosti hope to facilitate transparency as well as to sensitize people on both sides about each other’s pain and towards the larger goal of peace and humanity.
Read the report https://aaghazedosti.wordpress.com/2014/06/06/aaghaz-e-dosti-released-indo-pak-prisoners-list/
News published at:
The New Indian Express http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/List-of-Pakistan-Prisoners-in-Indian-Jails-Now-in-Public-Domain/2014/06/07/article2266961.ece
The News (Pakistan) http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-14-255371-Raising-a-voice-for-cross-border-prisoners
Daily Times (Pakistan) http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/06-Jun-2014/list-of-pakistani-prisoners-in-indian-jails-released
Aaghaz-e-Dosti organised seventh Aman Chaupal in Delhi School
Aaghaz-e-Dosti organized its seventh Aman Chaupal in Delhi University Social Centre Co-ed School. In this seventh Aman Chaupal session, Aaghaz-e-Dosti team members comprising of Devika Mittal, the convenor(India) of Aaghaz-e-Dosti, Masakazu Kobayashi and Amrita Middey addressed the students, initiated a discussion on Indo-Pak issues, talked to them about Pakistan and corroborated it with photographic evidence.
News published at
Two Circles(India) http://twocircles.net/2014apr25/seventh_aman_chaupal_delhi_school.html#.U5hlV3KSxF8
South Asian Daily http://southasiandaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/part_14.pdf
South Asian Mail http://www.southasiamail.com/news.php?id=114689
Aaghaz-e-Dosti Pakistan wrote a letter to all Political Parties of India
Read the letter https://aaghazedosti.wordpress.com/2014/04/04/aaghaz-e-dosti-pakistan-wrote-an-open-letter-to-all-political-parties-of-india/
Letter published at
Countercurrents http://www.countercurrents.org/harir030414.htm
South Asia Mail http://www.southasiamail.com/news.php?id=114406
Aaghaz-e-Dosti organised fifth and sixth Aman Chaupal with Theatre personality, Mr. Aamir Nawaz at JNU and South Asian University
Aaghaz-e-Dosti, an initiative for Indo-Pak friendship, organized its Fifth & Sixth Aman Chaupal on 24 February 2014 at Jawaharlal Nehru University and South Asian University, New Delhi. In this Aman Chaupal, Mr. Aamir Nawaz, president of a leading Pakistani Theatre group, Maas Foundation, was the guest.
In this Aman Chaupal, a video of Maas Foundation’s play “Permasher Singh” which is based on a story of partition was shown followed by a discussion on it and on other Indo-Pak issues.
News published at
Two Circles http://twocircles.net/2014feb25/memory_partition_needs_become_invalid_now_pakistani_theatre_artist.html
South Asia Mail http://www.southasiamail.com/news.php?id=113967
Aaghaz-e-Dosti condemns and appeal for inquiry into the death of Pakistani Prisoner in Jammu Jail
Aaghaz-e-Dosti expressed concern over the death of Pakistani prisoner, Shaukat Ali, in an India jail. He was found hanging from the iron window of a barrack toilet in Amphalla jail. The Indian officials report it to be a suicide case. However, Pakistan’s foreign spokesperson has claimed it to be a reaction of the torture at the hands of Indian authorities.
Aaghaz-e-Dosti had demanded for an inquiry. It had also demanded from both Governments to look into the plight of the prisoners in their respective jails and release prisoners whose sentence has been completed.
Read the statement https://aaghazedosti.wordpress.com/2014/02/28/aaghaz-e-dosti-condemns-and-appeal-for-inquiry-into-the-death-of-pakistani-prisoner-in-jammu-jail/
Statement published at https://www.hastakshep.com/english/release/2014/02/27/aaghaz-e-dosti-condemns-the-death-of-pakistani-prisoner-in-indian-jail?print=pdf
South Asia Mail http://www.southasiamail.com/news.php?id=113965
Aaghaz-e-Dosti organised a discussion on “Books Connects Us” during the World Book Fair 2014, New Delhi
Aaghaz-e-Dosti organized a discussion on the topic “Books Connect Us” (in the context of South Asia) during the World Book Fair on 15 Feb. In this discussion, the speakers were Dr. Dhananjay Tripathi (Asst Professor of International Relations at South Asian University), Sh. Pankaj Chaturvedi (Asst Editor-NBT, Eminent Hindi columnist) and Sh. Shivendra Singh (Associated with India TV and Writer, Author of Ye Jo hai Pakistan and Vijay Chowk Live) and four student speakers from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.
The speakers talked about the role of the books in connecting South Asia. They talked about how books can play a major role in building people to people bond, by providing a chance to know about each other, to know about each other’s society, culture, language, customs etc.
Read the report https://aaghazedosti.wordpress.com/2014/02/16/aaghaz-e-dosti-organised-discussion-books-connect-us-during-the-world-book-fair/
News published at:
Two Circles http://twocircles.net/2014feb16/aaghazedosti_organises_discussion_book_fair.html
Hastakshep http://www.hastakshep.com/english/news-1/nation-news-1/2014/02/16/books-connect-us
Aaghaz-e-Dosti condemned the protest against the Pakistani Band by Shiv Sena in Mumbai
Hindu Fascist group, Shiv Sena, had protested against the Pakistani Sufi Band, Mekaal Hasan, at the Press Club in Mumbai. Aaghaz-e-Dosti condemned this protest as an action against peace.
Read the statement here https://aaghazedosti.wordpress.com/2014/02/04/we-want-peace-condemnation-of-the-protest-against-pakistani-band-in-mumbai/
News published at:
Countercurrents http://www.countercurrents.org/aed050214.htm
Chitral Today (Pakistan) http://www.chitraltoday.net/2014/02/04/we-want-peace-condemnation-of-the-protest-against-pakistani-band-in-mumbai/
Lahore Times (Pakistan) http://www.lhrtimes.com/2014/02/05/we-want-peace-aaghaz-e-dosti-condemns-protest-against-pakistani-band-in-mumbai-226637/
Hastakshep (India) http://www.hastakshep.com/english/release/2014/02/04/we-want-peace-condemnation-of-the-protest-against-pakistani-band-in-mumbai?print=pdf
Two Circles http://twocircles.net/2014feb05/condemnation_protest_against_pakistani_band_mumbai.html
Aaghaz-e-Dosti launched the Indo-Pak Calendar, “Calendar for Peace & Love 2014” in India (New Delhi) and Pakistan (Islamabad)
The second annual Indo-Pak calendar titled as “Calendar for Peace & Love 2014” was launched in India on 21st December at India International Centre, New Delhi and in Pakistan on 23rd December at Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad.
Read about the launch and the discussion at https://aaghazedosti.wordpress.com/2013/12/24/indo-pak-calendar-launched-in-islamabad-and-new-delhi/
News published at:
The Hindu, Print edition 24th December 2013 http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/india-pakistan-ngos-create-peace-calendar/article5496615.ece
Navbharat Times, Print edition 24th December 2013 http://epaper.navbharattimes.com/details/11683-49452-1.html
The News International, Print edition 2nd January 2014 http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-14-223801-Cross-border-calendar-launch
The Express Tribune, Pakistan: Print Edition 24th December 2013 http://tribune.com.pk/story/649680/kiss-and-make-up-lets-be-good-neighbours-urge-speakers/
South Asia Mail, an independent internet weeklyhttp://www.southasiamail.com/news.php?id=112924
Counter Currents, web-based journalism, dated 20th December 2013 http://www.countercurrents.org/mb201213.htm
South Asia Monitor http://southasiamonitor.org/detail.php?type=emerging&nid=6943
Beyond Headlines, a web-based alternative news portal, 21st December 2013 http://beyondheadlines.in/2013/12/indo-pak-calendar-launched/
Demotix, an international network for photojournalists http://www.demotix.com/news/3546653/calender-launch-peace-and-love-between-india-and-pakistan-delhi#media-3546608
Hastakshep http://www.hastakshep.com/tag/indo-pak-calendar-launched-in-new-delhi
Delegation of Politicians and Activists from Pakistan interacts with Aaghaz-e-Dosti delegation
On 27th September, a delegation of Aaghaz-e-Dosti, an initiative of indo-pak friendship, met a six-member delegation of politicians and activists from Pakistan. The delegation from Pakistan included Mr. Chaudhary Amjad, Member of Provincial Assembly (Punjab) from Pakistan Muslim League (N), Md. Mian Rafiq, Member of Provincial Assembly (Punjab) from Pakistan Peoples’ Party and Tri-national Committee member of BBPPF, Mr. Fanous Gojar, Chairperson of Awami Workers Party (Pakistan), Mr. Shakeel Ahmad, President, Awami Workers Party (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa) and President of BBPPF Pakistan Chapter, Mr. Umar Zada, Social Activist and affiliated with Government Postgraduate College and a young student from Peshawar, Mr. Saifullah.
The interaction had revolved around many issues ranging from the current situation and the need for peace to the situation of left politics in Pakistan.
News published at:
The News, Print Edition 2 October 20 http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-14-205487-Pakistani-activists-visit-India
Lahore Times http://www.lhrtimes.com/2013/09/29/our-journey-is-incomplete-without-interaction-with-youths-199583/
Two Circles http://twocircles.net/2013sep30/our_journey_incomplete_without_interaction_youths_pak_politicians.html
Celebration of World Peace Day – “Paintings for Peace (India-Pakistan-Afghanistan)
Dawn, Print Edition 21 September 2013 http://dawn.com/news/1044287/international-day-of-peace
Two Circles http://twocircles.net/2013sep21/world_peace_day_observed_painting_peace_south_asia.html
Indian Muslim Mirror http://www.indianmuslimobserver.com/2013/09/world-peace-day-observed-with-painting.html
Fourth Aman Chaupal: Journalist-Activist from Pakistan, Ms. Kiran Nazish interacted with students at Rainbow English Sr. Sec. School, New Delhi
Aaghaz-e-Dosti organized its Fourth Aman Chaupal on 11 September 2013 at Rainbow English Sr. Sec. School in Delhi (India). In this Aman Chaupal, Kiran Nazish was the guest. She is a journalist-activist. Her works appear in reputed newspapers like Dawn, Express Tribune, Friday times, Tehelka, Forbes, Huffington Post and several others.
There were questions on the issue of Kashmir, the recent clash, killing of Indian soldiers by the Pakistani army the case of Sarabjit Singh and the “un-cooperative” attitude of Pakistan Government.
News published at:
The News, Print Edition 18 September 2013 http://www.amankiasha.com/detail_news.asp?id=1186
Lahore Times http://www.lhrtimes.com/2013/09/11/aman-chaupal-with-kiran-nazish-organises-we-need-to-stop-somewhere-193873/
Two Circles http://twocircles.net/2013sep13/aman_chaupal_organised_rainbow_school_kiran_nazish.html
South Asia Mail http://www.southasiamail.com/mainnews.php?id=14079
Articles about Aman Chaupal
South Asia Monitor http://southasiamonitor.org/detail.php?type=emerging&nid=5571
Countercurrents http://www.countercurrents.org/mujtaba270713.htm
The Alternative http://thealternative.in/arts-culture/pakistan-is-not-what-media-portrays-it-to-be-says-peace-activist/
Third Aman Chaupal: Senior Journalist from Pakistan, Mr. Raza Rumi interacted with students at Indraprastha Hindu Girls’ Sr. Sec. School, New Delhi
Aaghaz-e-Dosti organized its Third Aman Chaupal today on 8 August 2013 at Indraprastha Hindu Girls’ Sr. Sec. School in Delhi (India). In this Aman Chaupal, Raza Rumi was the guest. Raza Rumi is the director of Jinnah Institute, a writer associated with reputed newspapers like The News, Express Tribune and Friday times and has also worked in the United Nations. He has recently authored a book “Delhi by heart: Impressions of a Pakistani Traveller” and was in India for its launch.
There were questions on the recent ceasefire violations, on the fate of fishermen on both sides of the border, the poor state of jails, on the terror groups in Pakistan, on Malala, on the role of China and the status of women and minorities.
Read https://aaghazedosti.wordpress.com/2013/08/08/third-aman-chaupal-with-raza-rumi/
News published at:
The Friday Times http://www.thefridaytimes.com/beta3/tft/article.php?issue=20130906&page=20
South Asia Mail http://www.southasiamail.com/news.php?id=111492
Two Circles http://twocircles.net/2013aug08/senior_pak_journalist_interacts_delhi_students.html
RINA http://www.rina.in/news/third-aman-chaupal-organised-at-indraprastha-school/
Aaghaz-e-Dosti condemned the recent ceasefire violation and the killing of 5 soldiers on LOC
Read the statement here https://aaghazedosti.wordpress.com/2013/08/06/statement-by-aaghaz-e-dosti-over-the-recent-ceasefire-violation-and-killing-of-5-soldiers-on-loc/
First and Second Aman Chaupal: Peace Activist from Pakistan, Ms. Saeeda Diep interacts with students at Columbia Foundation School and South Asian University, New Delhi
On 10th July, Aaghaz-e-Dosti organised the first Aman Chaupal at Columbia Foundation Sr. Sec. school in Delhi. Peace Activist from Pakistan, Ms. Saeeda Diep had interacted with students from classes 6th-12th. On the same day, she had interacted with some students at South Asian University.
Watch the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzwoh2OfinI&feature=share
News published at:
The News, Print Edition 17th July 2013 http://amankiasha.com/detail_news.asp?id=1137
Lahore Times http://www.lhrtimes.com/2013/07/14/pakistani-peace-activist-interacts-with-indian-students-in-aman-chaupal-179803/
Two Circles http://twocircles.net/2013jul13/peace_activist_pakistan_interacts_students_aman_chaupal.html
RINA http://www.rina.in/news/peace-activist-from-pakistan-interacts-with-students-in-aman-chaupal/
South Asia Mail http://www.southasiamail.com/news.php?id=111197
Aaghaz-e-Dosti issued a statement on the death of Sarabjit Singh
Aaghaz-e-Dosti issued a statement on the death of Sarabjit Singh condemning the revival of jingoistic sentiments. It also stated that the Pakistan Government should have taken steps for his security.
Read the statement here https://aaghazedosti.wordpress.com/2013/05/02/statement-by-aaghaz-e-dosti-over-death-of-sarabjit-singh/
News published at:
South Asia Mail http://www.southasiamail.com/news.php?id=110201
Aaghaz-e-Dosti India wrote an open letter to all the political parties of Pakistan
Read the letter https://aaghazedosti.wordpress.com/2013/04/17/an-open-letter-to-the-representatives-of-the-political-parties-of-pakistan/
Letter published at
Pakistan Tribune http://paktribune.com/news/Open-letter-to-our-representatives-By-Aaghaz-e-dosti-259226.html
Daily Times http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2013%5C04%5C17%5Cstory_17-4-2013_pg3_7
Friday Times http://www.thefridaytimes.com/beta3/tft/article.php?issue=20130426&page=10
Muslim Mirror http://muslimmirror.com/eng/an-open-letter-to-political-parties-of-pakistan/
South Asia Mail http://www.southasiamail.com/news.php?id=110003
Aaghaz-e-Dosti launched the Calendar for Peace and Love – 2013
Aaghaz-e-Dosti launched the first calendar of Peace and Friendship which had paintings from students from India and Pakistan and messages from renowned personalities involved in Indo-Pak friendship mission. It was launched on 27th January 2013. Alongwith the launch, a discussion or sharing of hopes was also organised.
The panel included Pankaj Singh (poet, part of foundation of SAARC writers and literature forum), Pankaj Chaturvedi (popular columnist with hindi newspapers), Sirish Agrawal (Founder, IPFSA), Prof Dhananjay (Prof of IR at South Asian University) & Shivendra Singh (Journalist, author of ‘Ye jo hai pakistan’). Students from Pakistan studying in India were also invited to share their views and experiences. The Global vigil for Indo Pak Peace (initiated by Aman ki Asha) that was observed in many countries across the globe was also observed in this program at New Delhi.
Read about it here http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/call-to-empower-peoples-voices-to-foster-indopakistan-peace/article4352842.ece
News published at:
The Hindu http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/call-to-empower-peoples-voices-to-foster-indopakistan-peace/article4352842.ece Print Edition, 28th January2013
Announcement of Launch of Calendar and discussion
The News http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-14-155910-Aaghaz-e-dosti-calendar
Yahoo News http://in.news.yahoo.com/calendar-peace-love-between-india-pakistan-162602359.html
Hastshep http://hastakshep.com/?p=28885
Two Circles http://twocircles.net/2013jan26/%E2%80%98calendar_peace_and_love%E2%80%99_indopak_peace_and_harmony.html
Aaj ki Khabar http://www.aajkikhabar.com/en/News/Top-News/Calendar-for-peace-and-love-between-India-Pakistan/715813.html
Aaghaz-e-Dosti condemned the clash on border and ceasefire violation
On the recent border clash, Aaghaz-e-dosti has issued a press statement condemning the attacks. It had also sought the views of some peace activists.
News published at:
Ravi Nitesh, founder of Mission Bhartiyam and Aaghaz-e-dosti discusses the issue on NDTV’s “The Social Network”. Here’s the link for the video:
Aaghaz-e-dosti had issued a statement to the press condemning the attacks. It has also sought the views of peace activists on this matter.
Muslim Mirror http://www.muslimmirror.com/top-news/1306-aaghaz-e-dosti-condemns-any-violation-of-ceasefire-between-india-and-pakistan
Hastakshep http://hastakshep.com/?p=28374
Aaghaz-e-Dosti sent out message of Peace & Friendship during Indo-Pak Cricket match at Delhi: 6th Jan 2013
Volunteers of Aaghaz-e-dosti had painted their face in colors of peace, displayed posters and distributed pamphlets with messages of peace and friendship outside the Kotla Stadium, during the Indo-Pak match on 6th January 2012.
Read https://aaghazedosti.wordpress.com/2013/01/06/2/
News published at:
The News http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-14-153328-Aaghaz-e-Dosti-for-cricket-fans
The Lahore Times http://www.lhrtimes.com/2013/01/07/indo-pak-match-aaghaz-e-dosti-volunteers-sent-out-messages-for-peace-friendship/
Jagran http://post.jagran.com/indopak-relations-aaghazedosti-spreads-message-of-peace-friendship-1357481769
Two Circles http://twocircles.net/2013jan06/message_peace_indopak_cricket_match.html
Muslim Mirror http://muslimmirror.com/india/1194-cricketers-play-ball-inside-stadium-activists-play-peace-song-outside
Ground Report http://www.groundreport.com/Politics/Indo-Pak-Match-at-Kotla-converted-in-Friendship-Pl/2950496
Hastakshep http://hastakshep.com/?p=28248
Asian Age, print edition 8th January 2012
Dainik Hindustan, print edition 7th January 2012
Aaghaz- e-Dosti announced and invited paintings for ‘Calendar for Peace & Love-2013’ (10-25 NOV 2012)
Aaghaz-e-dosti had planned a calendar with paintings from youth of both India and Pakistan and a message from someone who has been actively working for friendship between the two countries. For this event, we had collaborated with Imov Humans and CYDA, Pakistan. The Calendar will be launched in a few days and will be out for sale.
Read http://www.okhlatimes.com/blogs/promoting-indopak-friendship-through-calendar-painting101112.htm
Joint Independence Day of India and Pakistan – 2012
We had recorded videos wherein people had wished India and Pakistan on their independence day and hoped for peace and friendship. The event was done in collaboration with romancing the border. The videos are available at youtube.
Aaghaz-e-Dosti 
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