In Madison, Indians and Pakistani students joined in to sing the national anthems of India and Pakistan.

Some friends I know who identify themselves with India, celebrated the 56th anniversary of India’s Independence rather differently. As did some friends who identify themselves with Pakistan.

In cities across USA – Houston, Boston, Madison, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Charlotte, Portland, New York, DC – groups of Indians and Pakistanis decided to celebrate the independence of their respective nations together. In Houston, an event co-organized by non-resident Indians and Pakistanis was joined by Admiral Ramdas and Lalita Ramdas from India, and Pervez Hoodbhoy from Pakistan. In Madison, Indians and Pakistani students joined in to sing the national anthems of India and Pakistan. A Pakistani man holding the Indian flag joked that the intelligence of Pakistan ought not see him thus. In DC, people celebrated the event at Gandhi’s statue. In Minneapolis, a movie on the nuclearization of South Asia led to a discussion of the growing need for peace. In San Francisco, people from both nations joined in to sing songs and talk about peace in South Asia.

These were not leftist or rightist, nor were they any other kind of activists – they were common people. They were Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, among others. They were doctors, engineers, lawyers, artists, businessmen, homemakers, mothers and fathers. They were people who came together to reach out and try to know the other side as something other than “the enemy”, as humans. They shared food, sang national anthems of both countries as well as other popular songs, read poetry, watched movies, held peace vigils, shared anecdotes and had fun. To every one of them, it was a special moment – a different kind of celebration; for they spoke of the possibility of peace in South Asia.
What independence, they often asked, if we plan a future of nuclear war? How can our countries become independent when we are dependent on foreign financial institutions for huge amounts of money and these institutions drive our internal policies? And why should we be dependent for money if not for large amounts being spent to arm our weapons programs that are primarily targeted towards each other? Could we not spend that money to have better health and nutrition for our people? Could we not use it for food and potable water?

Leading up to these celebrations, the members of the Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America resolved to work with their Indian friends in the US for peace in South Asia. Their Indian counterparts also joined in. These events themselves have become the basis for future action. A fund is being established to encourage education and arts that reaffirm pluralism in both nations, as well as to help humanitarian and charitable projects in both nations. Other fora – radio programs, cultural events, newsmagazines and discussion groups – have already begun to take shape to help build bridges between the hearts of our peoples.

These events were held in the US while similar events took place in India and Pakistan. In Karachi and Faizabad in Pakistan, in Kolkatta, Ahmedabad, Pune and Mumbai in India, groups celebrated their respective Independence Days while voicing the need for peace in South Asia.

Am I mistaken or is there a sentiment for peace in South Asia that makes its way through the hearts of Indians and Pakistanis? The surgeries of Pakistani children in Bangalore, the visits by politicians from both countries, the easing of rhetoric seem to point that way. Yet, in the tumult of Indo-Pak relationships, the slightest insult can change things. My gut feeling is that a strong expression of the sentiment for peace by the people of the two countries is just the stabilizer that this relationship needs. The question is – are we up to it?

Sanat Mohanty