Rendezvous With Pakistan
“Madam, Aap India Se Aayen Hain. Main Apse Paise Lunga?
The above words are still ringing in my ears. It has been two weeks since i returned from Lahore, , where I had gone for a conference as part of the delegation led by the supreme court bar association of India and the topic for the same was “Justice for all and impunity for none”.
As we stepped into the Pakistan territory, it’s Supreme Court Bar Association President, Ms. Ashma Jahingir received us with great warmth and affection. However, I could not be forgetful of the ‘change of guards ceremony’ every evening at the Wagah Border, whereat each side asserted the supremacy over the opposite side, thus widening the crevice, rather than abridging the gulf. At the inauguration opening address the speaker recited a verse from The Holy Quran. Thereafter he asked his Indians colleagues to speak a shloka from the Holy Book The Bhagwad Gita. I grabbed this opportunity to address the gathering, raised my hand and swiftly moved towards the stage. Chanting in Sanskrit and then translating the same in English, I stated that, “In substance this shloka means that the Soul is eternal, it cannot be destroyed and hence discrimination on any ground, is only between mortal bodies and not souls. As such, we are all one. Stepping into Pakistan I felt no difference between our two nations, hence your country is my country and my country is your country.” A great applause followed from the august audience. A strong feeling came into being that I had sown the seeds of love and fraternity among neighbours.
During the sessions, a colleague Pranav, narrated a touching experience about an auto rickshaw driver who refused to accept money from him saying “Sir, Aap to India se hein, Main kya apse Paise Loonga”. This reminded me that just a few days back I rented a car for sightseeing. Near Jahangir’s mausoleum Pangs of hunger were enveloping me and I managed to locate a shop nearby. A Friendly shopkeeper supplied my driver and me with chips and water. After which I simply asked him “How Much?” His reply was “Aap Indian hein. Mein apse paise nahi loonga.” Overwhelmed, I requested him to be photographed with me and then told him to visit India and be our Guest. Sitting in the car tears dropped from my eyes at the show of love and affection common people had for India and its citizens.
Afterwards, hunting for a suitable toy for my Son, I realised that my Pakistani currency holdings were over. Entering the shop I straight away asked the shopkeeper if he would accept United States dollars. “Aap Kahan Se Aayein Hein?” When i replied, his joy knew no bounds. He requested me to be seated and instructed his helper to get juice and a sub continental dessert. I was touched by his manner and hospitality.
Warmth and respect shown by ordinary people demonstrated clearly they held no grudge against us, Indians. Simply it is our politicians who have not permitted us to have closer ties.
Giving his farewell address at dinner to the delegates, Chief Minister of the province painfully expressed, “We are living borrowed lives”. We were all stunned in silence.
Daisak Ikeda, my mentor, has stated “Countless individuals, inspired by love and affection for each other, irrespective of creed, caste, religion or region they belong to, even if their spirit may appear to have been shackled and oppressed by mutual hatred spread by prevailing political considerations based on lies and falsehoods, will eventually sever all Chains, leading to ultimate triumph of human dignity.”
In consonance with the above, I hope and aspire that embracing diversity and respecting one another for the very reason that we are different, both countries will realise peace with each other leading to prosperity for both nations.
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