– Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi, May 3: In a remarkable display of solidarity amidst global turmoil, students from India and Pakistan have joined forces to unveil a collaborative peace initiative, introducing a joint peace calendar spanning April 2024 to March 2025. This inspiring endeavor seeks to disseminate a message of peace and solidarity in a world besieged by geopolitical strife, notably exemplified by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine conflicts.
The 12th edition of the peace calendar, spearheaded by Aaghaz-e-Dosti, an organization committed to fostering amity between the two nations, showcases twelve evocative paintings – six from India and six from Pakistan. These artworks poignantly reflect the shared aspirations of youth from both sides for a future marked by tranquility and understanding.
At the unveiling ceremony, held in New Delhi on the commemoration of Didi Nirmala Deshpande, esteemed social activists, including Dr. Shankar Sanyal, Umashankar Pandey, Kanwal Singh Chahuhan, and others graced the occasion. Dr. Sanyal underscored the pivotal role of individuals in advocating for peace, healing wounds, and forging connections in society.
Padamshree Umashankar Pandey emphasized the imperative of sustainable development, stressing the necessity for collective action and cooperation among nations and communities. Similarly, Indra Udyana, renowned for promoting Gandhian principles in Bali, voiced support for initiatives fostering empathy and solidarity among people.
Nazir Ahmad, Coordinator of Aaghaz-e-Dosti in Pakistan, accentuated the importance of engaging with students to cultivate a culture of peace and mutual understanding. He underscored that the artwork created by students serves as a poignant reminder of their shared humanity, transcending geographical boundaries.
Nitin Mittoo, another coordinator of Aaghaz-e-Dosti, reiterated that the message of peace conveyed by the students extends far beyond the confines of the India-Pakistan relationship, encompassing a broader vision for global harmony.
This year’s peace calendar also features messages from prominent figures dedicated to peace and social justice. The messages include contributions from Dr. Rajendra Singh (Magsaysay awardee, known as Waterman of India), Rekha Surya (renowned classical singer), Vikas Sharma (Film producer who brought Indian and Pakistani directors together in Zee Special Projects), Prof. Subhendu Ghosh (renowned classical singer and activist), Dharmpal Saini (Padamshree recipient, known as Bastar ke Gandhi) from India, Moneeza Hashmi (Activist and daughter of Faiz Ahmad Faiz), Rukhe Neelofer (renowned fine artist), Faiz Jamili (Poet and journalist), Farhat Abbas (Social activist), Asad Iqbal Butt (Chairperson of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan), and Raja Ashraf (Vice chair- Human Rights Commission of Pakistan).
As conflicts persist in various parts of the world, the collaborative efforts of Indian and Pakistani students serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the transformative power of unity, empathy, and shared aspirations for a peaceful future.
