Research finds that majority of Indian and Pakistani youth desires peace; want a more responsible media

by Jan Sher Khan

An Independent research undertaken by Jan Sher Khan who is an M.Phil Media student at University of Central Punjab, Lahore undertook a research on the opinion of Indians and Pakistanis on cross-border peace, its potential, challenges and on social media as a tool for peace journalism. Following is the report of the research.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 18 : Spectators pose for a photograph during the ICC Champions Trophy final match between India and Pakistan at the Kia Oval cricket ground on June 18, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Philip Brown/Getty Images)

After almost 75 years of independence, Pakistan and India are still at bars when it comes to peace building. The hostile and mistrust relations between the political and military of both countries causes an impact on peace building process between common people. The media works as a spokesperson to the peace or war policy set by the state institutions. There are many independent platforms who are working for peace between the two countries mostly run by youth. The large part of population in both countries comprises of youth. Both countries invests a large share of their GDP on defense due to hostile relations and obviously because of Kashmir issue, the prime reason. Both countries own nuclear weapons which is threatening for the peace of the entire region. We the people of sub-continent cannot afford war because it will push us to back age. Peace is the only option we have now but media in both countries trying their best to manipulate youth minds for the establishment of state agenda. The independent peace building has many restrictions on state level because it will harm their agenda of concern. So, the independent peace builders left with only one source and that is social media. Social media is independent source of interaction and sharing information. Through social media we can have true representation of other side free of any filters and agenda.

In order to understand how the youth in India and Pakistan perceive cross-border peacebuilding, a survey study is conducted in which young population between 14 to 29 age from both India and Pakistan participated. A series of closed ended questions presented to them which they answered. They were being asked about what they think about youth capability of changing hate narrative, the peace process between two countries, the social media importance in this regard and various questions related to this. Following are few results:

Table no 1.0: Youth Capability of changing hate narrative between two countries
Responses	Pakistani				Indian
	Male		Female		Male		Female
	Number	%	Number	%	Number	%	Number	%
Yes	24	92%	14	82%	21	100%	12	75%
No	1	4%	0	0%	0	0%	1	6%
Maybe	1	4%	3	18%	0	0%	3	19%
Total	26	100%	17	100%	21	100%	16	100%

The above table clearly shows that 92% of Pakistani males and 82% Pakistanis females think that youth is capable of changing hate narrative while 100% of Indian males and 75% Indian females think they are capable of doing that.

Table no 2.0: Indo-Pak peace necessity for regional peace
Responses	Pakistani		Indian
	Number	Percentage %	Number	Percentage %
Yes	40	93%	35	95%
No	1	2%	0	0%
Maybe	2	5%	2	5%
Total	43	100%	37	100%

Table 2.0 shows 93% Pakistanis and 95% Indians think Indo-Pak peace is necessary for the integrity of whole South Asian region. This table clearly highlights the youth mentality regarding importance of peace in these two countries.

Table no 3.0: Peace Building Platforms importance in voiding misconceptions
Responses	Pakistani		Indian
	Number	Percentage %	Number	Percentage %
Yes	31	72%	26	70%
No	6	14%	2	5%
Maybe	6	14%	9	24%
Total	43	100%	37	100%

Table 3.0 shows 72% of Pakistanis and 70% of Indians think peace building platforms can help in voiding misconceptions which prevails among the people of both countries. Only 5% Indians and 14% Pakistanis negates the importance peace building platforms.

Table no 4.0: Social media as a source of Peace building
Responses	Pakistani		Indian
	Number	Percentage %	Number	Percentage %
Yes	36	84%	28	76%
No	2	5%	1	3%
Maybe	5	12%	8	22%
Total	43	100%	37	100%

Table 4.0 shows that 84% of Pakistanis and 76% of Indians think social can be used as a source of peace building between two nations. Only 5% Pakistanis and 3% of Indians said no to social media importance regarding peace building while other remains neutral.

Table no 5.0: Negligence of mainstream media interests in peace building
Responses	Male		Female
	Number	Percentage %	Number	Percentage %
Yes	32	68%	20	61%
No	6	13%	0	0%
Maybe	9	19%	13	39%
Total	47	100%	33	100%

Table 5.0 shows that 68% of males of both India and Pakistan think that the mainstream media in both countries have no interests in peace building. On the other hand 61% females came in favor of the statement that mainstream media disinterested in peace building process of India and Pakistan. A large female proportion of 39% remained neutral on this.

Table no 6.0: Government restrictions in people to people interaction
Responses	Pakistani		Indian
	Number	Percentage %	Number	Percentage %
Yes	34	79%	25	68%
No	3	7%	3	8%
Maybe	6	14%	9	24%
Total	43	100%	37	100%

Table 6.0 shows that 79% of Pakistanis and 68% of Indians think that Government in their respective countries impose restrictions in people to people interaction. Only 7% Pakistanis and 8% Indians negates it while 14% Pakistanis and 37% Indians remained neutral.

Table no 7.0: Peace Building is difficult in both countries
Responses	Pakistani		Indian
	Number	Percentage %	Number	Percentage %
Yes	21	49%	14	38%
No	16	37%	17	46%
Maybe	6	14%	6	16%
Total	43	100%	37	100%

Table no 7.0 shows interesting results as 49% of Pakistanis and 38% of Indians think that peace building is a difficult process in both countries. A majority of Indians which is 46% negates this statement and think peace building is not difficult while 37% Pakistanis also second this.

Table no 8.0: Social media is the only source left for peace builders
Responses	Number	Percentage %
Yes	24	30%
No	44	55%
Maybe	12	15%
Total	80	100%

Table no 8.0 shows that 55% of Indians and Pakistanis think that social media is not the only source left for the peace builders while 30% think that the social media is the only source left for the peace building. The other 15% remained neutral.

Table no 9.0: Justification of labelling Peace builders as traitors
Responses	Number	Percentage %
Yes	16	20%
No	47	59%
Maybe	17	21%
Total	80	100%

Table 9.0 shows that 59% of Indians and Pakistanis think it is not justified to label peace makers or builders of both countries as traitors. Only 20% said that it is justified while only 21% respondents remained neutral on this.

Table no 10: Peace Building between the two countries is a long process
Responses	Number	Percentage %
Yes	59	74%
No	14	18%
Maybe	7	9%
Total	80	100%

Table no 10 shows that the 74% of Indians and Pakistanis think that the peace building is a long process in India and Pakistan whereas 18% denied this statement. Only 9% remained neutral on this stance.

Table no 11: Issues of Common man are same in both countries
Responses	Number	%
Yes	68	85%
No	4	5%
Maybe	8	10%
Total	80	100%

Table no 11 shows that the 85% of respondents from both countries think that the issues of common man are same in India and Pakistan.  5% denied this while only 10% remained neutral to this point.

From the above findings we can say that the youth in both countries knows the importance of peace in their respective nations. They knows how government becomes barrier among people to people interaction and how this peace process become complex. The youth of both countries have clear thoughts when it comes to integrity of whole region which relies on Indo-Pak peace. Peace building is difficult in these countries but the issues of public are of same interests which can help them to coordinate with each other for better understanding and opportunities. Social media can emerge as source of peace building with its uninterrupted dimensions and independent interaction policies. Peace builders can play an important role in this regard because they know how to face criticism due to their peaceful nature which may cause problem to trouble makers in the both countries. There are high hopes that youth of both countries have capability of voiding these misconceptions through peace building and interaction with each other.

Jan Sher Khan is a Pakistan-based M.Phil student, peace activist and a researcher on social issues.

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Indo-Pak Peace Calendar 2022: List of Participants, Winners and Runner up Students

On 23 February, Aaghaz-e-Dosti will launch the 10th Indo-Pak Peace Calendar. To join the virtual launch, fill the form here

During the launch, besides a panel discussion with eminent speakers, students whose paintings were selected will be felicitated. Here is the list of the winners, runner-up students and participants.

Selected Paintings

India

• Aadhyaa Ayodhikaa, DAV Public School, Cuttack, Odisha (India)
• Aarya Prasad Sahu – Gyan Mandir Public School, Delhi (India)
• Dhunn – Police DAV Public School, Ludhiana, Punjab (India)
• Gauri Vijay Ghanwat – Kamala Nimbkar Balbhavan, Sitara, Maharashtra (India)
• Mehakjot Kaur – BCM Arya Model Sr Sec School, Shastri Nagar, Ludhiana, Punjab (India)
• Zeba Yusuf Patel – Matoshri English Medium School, Pune, Maharashtra (India)

Pakistan

• Ayesha Iftikhar, Lahore Grammar School I – Shah Jamal, Lahore (Pakistan)
• Haniya Waseem – Ismail Academy, Karachi (Pakistan)
• Mauhib Ghulam Murtaza – The AMI School, Karachi (Pakistan)
• Rida Siddique – Jamshed Memorial School, Karachi (Pakistan)
• Subbuh Shafiq – DMC East Govt Girls Secondary School, Karachi (Pakistan)
• Umm-e-Maryam Ameen – Ismail Academy, Karachi (Pakistan)

Shortlisted Paintings

India

• Julie Hemram – PYDS Learning Academy, Dehradun, Uttarakhand (India)
• Manharleen Kaur – DAV Public School, Amritsar, Punjab (India)
• Priyani Makasare – Late Anantrao Pawar Memorial English Medium School, Pune, Maharashtra (India)
• Siddhi Prasad – Laxmi Nagar Mumbai Public School, Mumbai, Maharashtra (India)
• Simran – Police DAV Public School, Ludhiana, Punjab (India)
• Ujefa Kivande – Matoshri English Medium School, Pune, Maharashtra (India)

Pakistan

• Akhshara – Jamshed Memorial School, Karachi (Pakistan)
• Amna – DMC East Girls & Boys Elementary School No. JT-33, Karachi (Pakistan)
• Bisma Farooq – DMC East Government Quaid e Azam English Medium School Campus-I, Karachi (Pakistan)
• Fazal Ullah – Sanjan Nagar Public Education Trust School, Lahore (Pakistan)
• Maliha Gul – Happy Home Secondary School, Karachi (Pakistan)
• Mysha – Happy Home Secondary School, Karachi (Pakistan)

List of Participants

India

Aafiya Naaz

Aalfiya Irfan Maniyar

Aalima Zaib Suhrawardy

Aamna Shaikh

Aarav Kaushik

Adiba Jahangir Tamboli

Aditi Divkar

Aditi Kamble

Advita Mali

Afra Shaikh

Aiza Arshid

Aksa Shaikh

Akshat

Akshit Arora

Akshita Jain

Alisha Shaikh

Amandeep Singh

Amreen Irfan Maniyar

Aniket vadmane

Anirudh

Anjali

Anjali Chavan

Ankita Chechi

Anmol Preet Singh

Ansh Madaan

Anushka Vinod Dhamal

Apeksha Yadav

Arbeena Shaikh

Aribabi Faruk Shaikh

Arman

Arshia Sharma

Arshiya Shaikh

Arya Shirke

Asmi

Atiya ustad

Ayesha Anjum

Ayush Mall

Ayushi Arora

Ayushi Sharma

Baani

Bhavie Verma

Bhavika Sood

Bhumi Chavan

Bhumi Jha

Brahamleen Kaur

Chahat

Chahat Verma

Chaitralee DSarharankar

Chetan Malik

Chetna Sahni

Chhaya Varalu

Chuninda

Dakshita

Deepa Jha

Dhara Bhandari

Dhiraj Bagga

Dhvani Syal

Dilpreet Kaur

Eshwari Ganesh Mahamulkar

Faraziya

Ganesh Kachi

Ganesh Vijay Ghanwat

Garima Seth

Gayatri Sudhir Shinde

Girija Kamble

Gurshaan Basra

Himani Tuli

Himanshi Bhasin

Himanshu Sharma

Hinal Kumawat

Hitesh Rattan

Hunar Jain

Ibrahim Shaikh

Ilma Asif Shaikh

Isha Singh

Jai Sharma

Janhavi Yadav

Jasleen Bal

Jasmeet Singh

Jaspreet Singh

Jivan

Jumman

Jyoti Rana

Kalia

Kanishka Joshi

Karan bhandari

Khalid Bashir

Khizra. T. Shaikh

Khushdeep Bawa

Khushi Bansal

Khushi Bansal

Khushi Sharma

Krish

Kritika

Kritika Gupta

Kritika Kori

Laxmi Chavan

Manisha Sandhu

Matin Rashid Maner

Medha Naveen

Meenal Kumawat

Mehakpreet Kaur

Meher Khan

Milan

Misba Javed

Misbah Mashkoor Natnoo

MOHAMMAD RAFAN BHAT

Mohd Ali Patel

Mohd Modki

Mrudula J

Mukul Kumar

Muqadas Ali

Muskan

Muskan

Mustafa Shaikh

Nandini Barki

Nandini Chauhan

Nandni kumari

Navneet Kaur

Navya Arora

Navya Maurya

Neha Devkule

Neha Retawade

Nipun Tanwar

Nirmiti Ratnakar Kshirsagar

P Dishita

Pari Tanwar

Parth Rendalkar

Pearlpreet Kaur

Prabhkirat Kaur

Prabhsimran Kaur

Prachi Rewale

Prapti

Pratiksha Jha

Pratiksha Mishra

Prince gupta

Priyansh Jain

Priyanshu Yadav

Rachna Goud

Raj Chauhan

Rajpreet

Raksha

Ramzan shaikh

Reema rawani

Riddhi Chauhan

Rifat Shaikh

Rita Chauhan

Riya Raut

Rosen Sunder

Roshan Shah

Ruchita Hemant Ghanwat

Sachneet Kaur

Saddam

Sairam Pore

Sajal Vijay Kachare

Sakshi Chavan

Sakshi Negi

Saloni Guge

Samaira Paul

Samreet Saini

Sanjeev Choudhary

Sanskruti Pacharkar

Sanskruti Pacharkar

Sarbjeet

Sarthki Waghmare

Satyam Tripathi

Saya Sanjay Salve

Shambhavi Tripathi

Sharavani tonge

Shehnaz Shaikh

Shifa Amit Tamboli

Shifali Sharma

Shikha Pandey

Shivangi Thapa

Shlok Hotthige

Shraddha Amol Pawar

Shreya Suresh Yadav

Shubham Hanumanprasad Yadav

Shubhi Shah

Shweta khade

Siddhi Satish Jagdale

Sidharth Nagesh

Sidiksha Makheeja

Sidra

Sikhman Kaur

Simranjeet Kaur

Sirjan Kaur

Sonali Jadwan

Srushti

Suhana Parveen

Sumaiya

Sunidhi Rathore

Tahura Maniyar

Tahura Shaikh

Tamanna

Tanisha Tikhe

Tanmay Prakash Anbhule

Tanmay Prakash Anbhule

Tanuja Pawar

Tanvi Kamal

Tanya

Tanya Arora

Tejal

Tuba Khan

Tvisha

Utkarsh Thite

Vaishnavi Pacharkar

Vanshika

Vanshika Chauhan

Vanshika Dhiman

Varindesh Rajpal

Vatsala Sharma

Vibha M Iyengar

Vivana Bharucha

Yasir

Zaafira Muneer

Zainab Shah

Zameer Quadri

Zara Shaikh

Zeel Anil Karne

Zikra Shaikh

Pakistan

Abdul Rashid

Ahmed Raza

Akash

Alishba Ashiq Masih

Anshara Naeem

Anshara Younus

Areeku

Awais Ahmed

Bernica

Bisma Tariq

Fabeha Khan

Javeria Waqas

Kiran

Laiba Khan

M Akbar

Madiha Gul

Maham Wazeer

Meerab

Mehak Sadiq

Muzamil

Pakeeza Fatima

Sameer Tanveer

Shiza Muhammad Ali

Syed Ali

Zuneera Sagheer

Selected and Shortlisted Paintings for 10th Indo-Pak Peace Calendar

The Indo-Pak Peace calendar is an annual initiative of Aaghaz-e-Dosti. It brings together beautiful artistic
expressions of the youth – the leaders of tomorrow – and inspiring words of those who
have been actively engaged in nurturing a more prosperous subcontinent. The calendar
aims to work as an everyday reminder of the similarities among people across the
barbed wires– in habit, struggle, and the desire for peace.

This is our tenth calendar. Like every year, we received thought-provoking expressions
from students of several cities in India and Pakistan. And like every year, it was a
challenge to select only twelve paintings, as we firmly believe that each and every
expression is precious. However, in addition to these 12 paintings, we also shortlist 12 more paintings.

Selected Paintings:

India

• Aadhyaa Ayodhikaa, DAV Public School, Cuttack, Odisha (India)
• Aarya Prasad Sahu – Gyan Mandir Public School, Delhi (India)
• Dhunn – Police DAV Public School, Ludhiana, Punjab (India)
• Gauri Vijay Ghanwat – Kamala Nimbkar Balbhavan, Sitara, Maharashtra (India)
• Mehakjot Kaur – BCM Arya Model Sr Sec School, Shastri Nagar, Ludhiana, Punjab (India)
• Zeba Yusuf Patel – Matoshri English Medium School, Pune, Maharashtra (India)

Pakistan

• Ayesha Iftikhar, Lahore Grammar School I – Shah Jamal, Lahore (Pakistan)
• Haniya Waseem – Ismail Academy, Karachi (Pakistan)
• Mauhib Ghulam Murtaza – The AMI School, Karachi (Pakistan)
• Rida Siddique – Jamshed Memorial School, Karachi (Pakistan)
• Subbuh Shafiq – DMC East Govt Girls Secondary School, Karachi (Pakistan)
• Umm-e-Maryam Ameen – Ismail Academy, Karachi (Pakistan)

Shortlisted Paintings:

India

• Julie Hemram – PYDS Learning Academy, Dehradun, Uttarakhand (India)
• Manharleen Kaur – DAV Public School, Amritsar, Punjab (India)
• Priyani Makasare – Late Anantrao Pawar Memorial English Medium School, Pune, Maharashtra (India)
• Siddhi Prasad – Laxmi Nagar Mumbai Public School, Mumbai, Maharashtra (India)
• Simran – Police DAV Public School, Ludhiana, Punjab (India)
• Ujefa Kivande – Matoshri English Medium School, Pune, Maharashtra (India)

Pakistan

• Akhshara – Jamshed Memorial School, Karachi (Pakistan)
• Amna – DMC East Girls & Boys Elementary School No. JT-33, Karachi (Pakistan)
• Bisma Farooq – DMC East Government Quaid e Azam English Medium School Campus-I, Karachi (Pakistan)
• Fazal Ullah – Sanjan Nagar Public Education Trust School, Lahore (Pakistan)
• Maliha Gul – Happy Home Secondary School, Karachi (Pakistan)
• Mysha – Happy Home Secondary School, Karachi (Pakistan)

We thank all the participating schools/institutions and students for contributing to this
initiative.

Indo- Pak teacher-student duo collaborate on dance for peace

DUBAI: A dubai-based teacher-student duo have collaborated over a dance to promote peace among Indians and Pakistani’s across the globe. The artists, along with their team, urge nationals to celebrate the unity in diversity between both nations and call for netizens to be kind in their choice of words when dealing with members of the neighbouring country.

The “Dance for Peace 2020” is being released ahead of the 74th Independence Day of both countries. The idea was conceptualized by Desiree’ Francis, a former Pakistani radio presenter and marketer In Dubai. She has been closely related to Indo-Pak peace projects since 2008, with dance for peace being the second-of-its-type initiative in Dubai.

“Due to the Covid-19 scenario, I was a little apprehensive about the idea, however, when I approached my dance teacher Akshay for this, he was all up for the idea and took it up whole heartedly and suggested ways to do it limiting the number of people and keeping safe distancing and protocols in mind,” she said.

Akshay Dhoke is the co-founder and Head Choreographer of The Buzz Dance Studio (TBDS) in Dubai. He along with his partner Preeti Gadkary  took up the cause of Dance for Peace the moment it was discussed with them.

“We welcome children and adults of all nationalities at our dance school. Music and dance for us is about an emotional connection that we aim to build in our students with the art. We don’t support any form of discrimination and inculcate values of kindness and tolerance, which I believe, is a must for any artist,” Preeti said.

The initiative The team also comprised editors Rocky Panesar and Sohail Khan of Super Dancer and The Kapil Sharma Show fame from Mumbai, India along with Majo Joy (performer) , Abul Basar (vlogger), Jasmine Saroia (makeup) , Ishan Modi  and Sarfaraz Ahmed (support team) and Lenu Thomas (digital artist).

Sohail says, “I joined hands with Desiree aka Dj Dez on this because as an Indian, I am very loyal to my country but that in no way means that I should be unpleasant in my dealing with people of any other country. Respect for other human beings is important.”

It is also supported by Aman Ki Asha and Aaghaz-e- Dosti.

Aman Ki Asha is a campaign jointly started by two leading media houses, The Jang Group of Pakistan, and The Times of India in India. The campaign aims for mutual peace and development of diplomatic and cultural relations between the two nations in South Asia. It was established on 1 January 2010.

Aaghaz-e-Dosti was started in 2012 and it encourages volunteers to work for peace, particularly through peace education in both countries.

No entities charged any money in collaborating for this video.

Watch Video HERE

Aaghaz-e-Dosti appeals for peace over escalation in ceasefire violations

PRESS RELEASE

Aaghaz-e-Dosti appeals for peace over escalation in ceasefire violations

The youth led voluntary initiative for Indo-Pak Friendship, Aaghaz-e-Dosti (li. Beginning of friendship) expresses concern over increased incidents of ceasefire violations between the two countries across Line of Control.

‘’We believe that governments of the two countries are capable enough to engage in dialogue with each other and should do their best efforts to reduce these incidents of violations and cross border firings till the extent that it should not happen at all. Such cross border firings often result as fatal to soldiers and civilians on both sides and both countries must understand the pain and suffering of these soldiers and civilians who are human being. ‘’

For countries like India and Pakistan where there is glorification of war and where common people love their country and its soldiers beyond all limits, such ceasefire violations are more dangerous. However, it is the responsibility of respective governments that without compromising to any glory or honor; dialogues, negotiations and diplomatic steps should be taken to avoid any loss to lives of soldiers on both sides.

Another constituency of affected people is of those who live in border areas. There are media reports available that even children have been died as they got trapped in these firings. Many houses have been made damaged on both sides despite a considerable number of population live on both sides of line.

Aaghaz-e-Dosti highly appreciate governments’ initiative during 2003 when ceasefire violations were brought down through a mutually agreed agreement between the two governments and their armies and we are highly hopeful that the same should be done by the present governments on both sides. Aaghaz-e-Dosti express its hope with the leadership of both sides in Governments, Diplomatic Missions and Armed forces who can definitely bring down these violations through initiating and establishing dialogue process. Meetings of two NSAs also bring some hope to us for its positive results are yet to come on ground and most required on border where lives of innocent people are on stake.

Aaghaz-e-Dosti also appeals with Governments of India and Pakistan to resume meeting of DGMOs of both sides and to remove heavy casualty arms and ammunition from front lines from both sides as its immediate availability and use would only result in more casualties. Being a most volatile start in 2018, escalated incidents of ceasefire violations must be brought down with efforts of governments and people. 

We at Aaghaz-e-Dosti believe that our efforts in fostering people to people relations would continue. We are the youth group who believe in ideology of peace and love. On one side, we are deeply distressed upon the disappearance of our member Raza Khan in Pakistan, however our hope still remains with the Government of Pakistan as we feel that Government would do its best efforts to protect peace workers. However, our commitment to peace is undeterred and without any fear and we feel that being voice of youths, who are in majority in both countries, our voice will be heard by leaders on both sides and effective steps will be taken in welfare of humanity and with the vision of long lasting relations of two countries. Doing this would save much lives from both sides and will be a real service to people. 

Issued by

Aaghaz-e-Dosti Team 

https://aaghazedosti.wordpress.com

News published on:

The Nation (Pakistan) https://nation.com.pk/02-Mar-2018/aaghaz-e-dosti-urges-pakistan-india-to-reopen-diplomatic-channels?show=preview?unique_ID=636504300008702949

Rising Kashmir http://risingkashmir.com/news/aaghaz-e-dosti-urges-india-pak-to-reduce-loc-tension

Kashmir Times http://www.kashmirtimes.in/newsdet.aspx?q=76867

Kashmir Pen http://www.kashmirpen.com/aaghaz-e-dosti-appeals-for-peace-over-escalation-in-ceasefire-violations/

On Hiroshima Day, Aaghaz-e-Dosti organised “Chiraagh-e-Aman Jalao” at River Raavi, Lahore

Aaghaz-e-Dosti Lahore chapter organized ‘Chiraagh-e-Aman Jalao’ on 6^th August 2017. Aaghaz-e-dosti believes in peace and harmony in South Asian Region and the whole world, collectively. Mainly there are two reasons why Chiraagh-e-aman Jalao was organized. Firstly, in August 2017, Pakistan and India are going to be 70 years old and still the two neighboring countries are living in conflict.

Even after 70 years of birth, Pakistan and India needs to resolve all the contemporary conflicts including border conflict. We are gathering at river Ravi, which symbolize that future of India and Pakistan must flow together like waves of river and with the virtue to serve humanity. 

We gathered on 6th August as 6^th and 9^th August 1945 has been one of the darkest days in world’s history when during the final stage of World War II, the United States dropped nuclear weapons on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The two bombings, which killed at least 129,000 people, remain the only use of nuclear weapons for warfare in history. We hope that despite being nuclear empowered nations, India and Pakistan will take all steps to resolve their conflicts and to provide future generation a better region that will be free from any kind of violence, hatred, conflict and war. Our future must grow together. 

This, Chiraagh-e-Aman was a very tiny memorial for all violence and hatred provoking incidents resulting in numerous victims. Aaghaz-e-dosti calls on all actors to regurgitate the significant responsibility of the States in the prevention and resolution of conflicts. AED also stresses the importance of peace and humanity. AED urges all actors to increase their inputs for sustaining peace.

Aaghaz-e-dosti demands both Pakistani and Indian State to back the treaty banning nuclear weapons. It’s been more than seven decades when the world has witnessed the macro destruction due to nuclear weapons, now it is the time to learn from the her-story. Both nations need and dreams for the freedom from poverty. We demand for a welfare state instead of a security state. People are still deprived from pure drinking water, health facilities, food, shelter etc. Both countries need to relax visa policy and increase trade, religious tourism, cultural exchange etc. For emphasizing on this AED called the both nations to join to lit the lamp, a lamp of hope, harmony and humanity.

Aaghaz-e-Dosti (lit. beginning of Friendship) aims to eradicate mutual hatred and suspicion to create unwavering bonds of peace and friendship. This is because we believe that miscommunication and lack of communication has helped sustain the conflict.  To meet our objective, Aaghaz-e-Dosti has taken several initiatives ranging from interactive sessions in schools to public demonstrations, from art-based initiatives to writing articles and issuing statements to disseminate the misrepresented voice across the border. 

Aaghaz-e-Dosti seeks to enhance people-to-people relations. It seeks to become the medium to discover and recognize the misrepresented reality on the other side of the border. Aaghaz-e-Dosti was started in 2012 by Mission Bhartiyam, an India-based youth organisation. It has collaborated with several organisations in the past but from May 2017, Aaghaz-e-Dosti became a joint initiative of Mission Bhartiyam and Pakistan-based “Hum Sab Aik Hain”.

‘Hum Sab Aik Hain’ is an organization formed by a group of young people based in Lahore. The objective of this organization is to promote peace and harmony among the masses by highlighting, advocating and organizing towards discourses and movements to bring about Socio-Political and Economic changes required for a peaceful society.

Present Team Structure of Aaghaz-e-Dosti

Aaghaz-e-Dosti (lit. Beginning of Friendship) was initiated by Mission Bhartiyam in 2012. At present, it is a joint project of Mission Bhartiyam of India and Hum Sab Aik Hai of Pakistan.

The working structure of Aaghaz-e-Dosti consists of founder, two convenors (temporary post) – India and Pakistan, core committee members, city-coordinators, members of regional team and task-based committees.

Aaghaz-e-Dosti has been working consistently since its launch in 2012. With the motive to work actively and extensively, every year, the team is restructured and membership is renewed. Here is the current team structure:

Founder of Aaghaz-e-Dosti: Ravi Nitesh

Conveners – Devika Mittal (India) and Raza Khan (Pakistan)

Core Members: Ravi Nitesh, Devika Mittal, Raza Khan and Madhulika V Narasimhan

Regional/City Co-ordinators

India

Aligarh – Ilma Iqbal (Co-ordinator)

Baroda – Dr. Nidhi Shendurnikar Tere (Co-ordinator)

Chandigarh – Astinder Kaur ji (Co-ordinator)

Dehradun – Prashant Nautiyal (Co-ordinator)

Delhi – Madhulika Narasimhan (Chairperson), Madhuri (Treasurer), Shruti Achesh, Sarral Sharma, Neelanjan Chakraborty, Sanjana Arya, Manish Bhaduariya, Madalsa Poddar, Radhika Arora, Dr. Praveen Saraswat and Rupika

Pakistan

Islamabad – Syed Zeeshan Ali Shah, Fatima Shah and Saba Khalid

Lahore – Raza Khan, Safia Bokhari (Co-ordinator), Farooq Ishraq (General Secretary), Sarah Awan (Information Secretary), Atiqa Shahid

Toba Tek Singh – Umair Ahmad (Co-ordinator)

Kyrgyz Chapter

Nasima Karim – Co-ordinator

Dubai Chapter

Zebaish Shaikh – Co-ordinator

Blog/Editing Team Devika Mittal, Madhulika V Narasimhan, Dr. Nidhi Shendurnikar Tere and Sheharyar Rizwan

Social Media Initiatives Team Swathi Gadepalli and Rupika

Design Team Shruti Achesh and Prashant Nautiyal 

Volunteers: While anyone can apply to become a volunteer, only those who work are recognised as volunteers and on the basis of their work, are given a responsibility and enrolled in the team.

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.

Message of Peace from Land of Gandhi to Land of Bacha Khan: 5th IndoPak Classroom Connect

In the fifth Indo-Pak Classroom connect, students of Gujarat and KPK interacted through video conferencing. Aaghaz-e-Dosti through these sessions that connects an Indian and a Pakistani Classroom through video conferencing and facilitates a platform for students to explore life and culture across the border, to dispel stereotypes and strengthen people to people contact and their desire for peace.

On 26 January 2017, Aaghaz-e-Dosti conducted its fifth Indo-Pak Classroom connect involved children of Vicharata Samuday Samarthan Manch (VSSM), an organisation based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat (India) to children. These children hailed from different tribes and nomadic groups of Gujarat. In the connect, they were connected to students of Bacha Khan School of Nauthia, Peshawar – KPK (Pakistan).

This session happened on 26th January which is the Republic Day of India and sought to highlight the values of our country, our constitution which teaches peace, harmony, fraternity and the larger goals of humanity.

This session was moderated by Maulikraj Shrimali of VSSM and by Faheem Ullah of Bacha Khan School. In the session, the students explored both similarities and uniqueness.  Pakistani students talked about the love for Indian Movies and songs in Pakistan. They asked questions around the Gujarati culture. Simiarly Indian students asked questions about Pakistan, it’s food and festivals.

In the session, the students also sang their respective national anthems and both stood and paid respect to each other’s national anthem, highlighting the fact that love for one’s country does not and should not mean hating another. We can co-exist in peace and with respect for each other.

There were media persons present on the Indian side and one of them asked the Pakistani students if they believe that Indians and Pakistanis are friends. A Pakistani student said, “We are not friends, we are a family.”

After the session, on both sides, the students shared their experience and learning.

5th Indo-Pak Peace Calendar launched in India

New Delhi: On 14^th January, Aaghaz-e-Dosti, a joint Indo-Pak Friendship initiative, launched its 5^th Indo-Pak Peace Calendar in Delhi. This Indo Pak peace calendar features selected paintings (6 paintings from India and 6 from Pakistan) from schools students (Grade 8 to 12) of India and Pakistan .These Paintings depict an innocent and apolitical horizon of peace. Alongside the paintings, peace calendar includes messages from peace activists and renowned intellectuals. This year, Peace calendar includes messages of Dr. Salima Hashmi, Dr I A Rehman, Prof. Mubashir Hassan, Khadim Hussain, Lt. General (Retd) Muhammad Masood Aslam from Pakistan and Dr Shashi Tharoor, Col (retd) Virender Sahai, Major General (retd) Ashok Mehta, Dr Syeda Hameed, Dr. Kavita Sharma and Sudheendra Kulkarni from India.

The launch was followed by a discussion on ‘Sharing of Hopes’ with eminent speakers including Col. (Retd) Virendra Sahai Verma, Dr. S. N. Subba Rao, Dr. Syeda Hameed and Kamla Bhasin.

Dr S N Subba Rao talked about the importance of Jai Jagat or universalism in the present world which is torn by parochialism and boundaries of hatred on the basis of national identity. He said that much money is wasted on hatred than on peace. He regarded peace initiatives like Aaghaz-e-Dosti as peace preparation laboratory and talked about it’s importance.

Kamla Basin talked about how war creates artificial divides, boundaries, construction of we v/s them, us v/s the other wherein the other is not considered to be a full human being and is degraded. She said that nature never created any boundaries. All labeling is socially constructed. She shares her experiences of visting Pakistan and meeting with people of Pakistan.

Colonel Virendra Sahai Verma addresses the popular notions and stereotypes associated with army. He said that in times of crises, army is sent to help other countries, including the ones regarded as opponents. He talked about examples wherein army personnel have treated the prisoners of war in a non-brutal way. He said that the army is not only to defend the country but should also facilitate the reduction of conflict and its escalation into war. Military victory is important but sustenance of peace is importance for long run, for the benefits of the two countries.

Dr. Syeda Hameed talked about how our identities are increasingly becoming narrow instead of broadening. She reiterated the importance of jai jagat, universalism and humanity. She recalled instances from her initiative of taking a bus of women peace activists to Pakistan (and vice versa) and the problems that were posed to them by people of their own country. She said that interaction is important and it should always be continued.

This year, Aaghaz-e-Dosti had received thought-provoking expressions from students of several cities in India (Bulandshahr, Cuttack, Dehradun, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Surat and Vadodara) and Pakistan (Balochistan, Karachi, Lahore, Rahim Yar Khan, Swabi and Toba Tek Singh). Students from Delhi whose painting was selected or was runner-up had come and talked about the vision behind their painting.

This is 5^th year of calendar launch and this year it started its journey from Lahore (1^st Jan), Toba Tek Singh (8th Jan), Peshawar (10th Jan) and now scheduled in Delhi on 14^th January, in Karachi on 28^th January and in Chandigarh on 14^th Feb.

Aaghaz-e-Dosti is also planning to launch this calendar in Dehradun, Panipat, Mumbai and Kolkata and also across borders of South Asia, in Kyrgyzstan and United States of America. People from all walks of life are expected to participate and eminent speakers will share their thoughts and experiences.