Indo-Pak calendar launched in New Delhi and Islamabad
Aaghaz-e-Dosti, an initiative of
India-based Mission Bhartiyam and Pakistan-based The Catalyst - TC and CYDA,
aims to create unwavering bonds of peace and friendship between India and
Pakistan. The bonds that will survive the vagaries of troubles times. But these
bonds will not be artificial ones, they rest on the belief and claim that
people of India and Pakistan not only share the same language, culture, values
and challenges but also the desire for peace and friendship. It rests on the
belief that if there are people on both sides of the border who cannot and do
not want to forget the past and do not want others to forget it, there are also
people who want to forget the past and not just move on but move along to
create a new chapter in history…of friendship and brotherhood.
To remind us about
these people every day, Aaghaz-e-Dosti launch its annual “Calendar for Peace
and Love" which is a collection of selected paintings of students from
both countries. The importance of the calendar is stated by the
organisers:
"We believe that the paintings of
these innocent and apolitical minds will remind us that mindsets have been
constructed. Aaghaz-e-Dosti termed these paintings as 'Paintings of Hope'. The
six paintings narrate the desire as well as need to bridge the gap for a happy
and prosperous future," said Aliya Harir, Convenor of Aaghaz-e-Dosti
Pakistan.
"This calendar is a collection of
these shared dreams of peace and friendship. Together with the beautiful dreams
of the young and innocent, the calendar also has messages from people who
have been actively working to nurture these dreams. It serves as a hope shared
by people who are just like us, in habit and struggle. With the turn of the
pages to start a new month, the hope shall be renewed.", remarked Devika
Mittal, Convenor of Aaghaz-e-Dosti India.
The Calendar has been launched in both
India and Pakistan alongwith a discussion or "Sharing of hopes for a
peaceful and friendly co-existence".
The Calendar was launched in New Delhi (India)
on 21st December. It was launched by the Indian organisation Mission Bhartiyam
at India International Centre, New Delhi. The programme had began with a slide
show presenting some interesting and unknown facts about Pakistan and Indo-Pak
relations.
For the discussion or a 'Sharing of
Hopes for a peaceful & friendly co-existence', the panel included some
eminent personalities who worked to improved indo-pak relations through
different mediums. The Panel included Sh. Pankaj Singh (Eminent
Hindi Poet, He has extensively written on art, literature, cinema and international
politics. His poems have been translated into Urdu, Bengali, English, Japanese,
French, Russian and Polish. He is a member of Foundation of SAARC Writers and
Literature), Ms. Sonya Fatah (A Pakistani filmmaker and Journalist. She is a columnist
with Times of India), Sh. Jawed Naqvi (Correspondent of
Dawn Newspaper (Pakistan) in Delhi), Prof. Dr. D.S. Rana
(Chairperson of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. Sir Ganga Ram Hospital was
originally established in Lahore in 1921. He is also a recipient of the
prestigious Padma Shri) and Sh. Satya Pal (Senior Activist. He is the general Secretary
of South Asian Fraternity).
The panel talked about the need to increase people-to-people
communication between the people of both countries. They remarked that the hope
for peace and friendship lies with the people. There was also a Pakistani
student studying in South Asian University (Delhi), Kulsum Khan who had also
shared her experience of living in India. She talked about the similarities in
several respects. She talked about how she has been warmly received in India.
In the open session, the audience shared their experiences and hope
for peace. Students of South Asian University, Roopak and Eklavya Anand, talked
about how in their university which has students from all South Asian nations,
students from India and Pakistan tend to interact and get along with each other
than with students of other countries because of cultural affinities.
The three students from India whose
paintings were selected to be included in the calendar were also present. They
talked about the concept of their paintings and the importance of peace and
friendship between India and Pakistan.
In Islamabad, the Calendar for Peace & Love 2014 was
launched on 23rd December at Quaid-e-Azam University by the Catalyst - TC. For
the discussion or the "Sharing of hopes for a peaceful and friendly
co-existence", the guests were Mr.
Raza Rumi (Director of Jinnah Institute, a senior journalist and author of
the book "Delhi by hear: Impressions of a Pakistani Traveller) and Mr. Pervez Hoodboy (A nuclear
physicist, defense analyst, documentary maker and author. He is also a renowned
social and peace activist. He is a recipient of several prestigious awards).
There was also an open session in which the audience, mainly
comprising of the university students, shared their hope and desire for
indo-pak peace and friendship.
The Indo-Pak calendar launch and discussion or "Sharing of
hopes for a peaceful and friendly co-existence" is an annual and a regular
initiative of Aaghaz-e-Dosti. The motive of this initiative like other
initiatives of Aaghaz-e-Dosti is, to highlight
the important yet neglected voices for peace and friendship. This initiative is
not to pacify or convince anyone, it is to spread the fact that the desire for
hope and friendship is not one-sided. It is a mutual desire and need. People on
both sides realise that war is not only disastrous, impractical and sown with
seeds of misunderstanding but also unaffordable and that we need to move
together on the path of progress, remarked Ravi Nitesh (founder member of Mission Bhartiyam).
Indo-Pak calendar launch in New Delhi on 21st December, at India International Centre
Date: 21st December 2013
Time: 2 to 5 PM
Venue: India International Centre, New Delhi
Despite similarities in several respects, the Indo-Pak relations have always been fluctuating. 2013 also saw several ruptures but despite these fluctuations, the bond that connects and shall always connect the people of the two countries has not gone. Every year, we, a people’s initiative, Aaghaz-e-Dosti (lit. Start of friendship), celebrate this bond with our “Calendar for Peace and Love”.
An initiative of India-based Mission Bhartiyam and Pakistan-based The Catalyst – TC and Centre for Youth Development Activities, Aaghaz-e-Dosti, aims to create unwavering bonds of peace and friendship between India and Pakistan. The bonds that will survive the vagaries of troubles times. But these bonds will not be artificial ones, they rest on the belief and claim that people of India and Pakistan not only share the same language, culture, values and challenges but also the desire for peace and friendship. It rests on the belief that if there are people on both sides of the border who cannot and do not want to forget the past and do not want others to forget it, there are also people who want to forget the past and not just move on but move along to create a new chapter in history…of friendship and brotherhood.
And so, every year, Aaghaz-e-Dosti launches “Calendar for Peace and Love” that would remind us every day about these people. This is the second year of launch. The calendar with the paintings of an innocent and apolitical mind will remind us that mindsets have been constructed. The six paintings narrate the desire as well as need to bridge the gap for a happy and prosperous future. Together with the beautiful dreams of the young and innocent, the Calendar also has messages from people who have been actively working to nurture these dreams. This calendar is a collection of these shared dreams of peace and friendship. It serves as a hope shared by people who are just like us, in habit and struggle. With the turn of the pages to start a new month, the hope shall be renewed.
The Calendar will be launched along with a discussion or “Sharing of hopes for a peaceful and friendly co-existence” in both India(New Delhi) and Pakistan (Islamabad).
In the launch in New Delhi, our guest speakers include Sh. Pankaj Singh (Eminent Hindi Poet, He has extensively written on art, literature, cinema and international politics. His poems have been translated into Urdu, Bengali, English, Japanese, French, Russian and Polish.He is a member of SAARC Writers and Literature), Sonya Fatah (A Pakistani filmmaker and Journalist. She is a columnist with Times of India), Jawed Naqvi (Correspondent of Dawn Newspaper (Pakistan) in Delhi) and Dr. D.S. Rana (Chairperson of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. Sir Ganga Ram Hospital was originally established in Lahore in 1921). There will also be two students from Pakistan studying in India to share their views and experiences.
The discussion is open to anyone. Launch will be organized at Islamabad also and the proposed date for Islamabad launch is 24 December 2013.
We invite your presence as we share our hopes and desire to create a new history of peace and friendship.
For any more information/query contact: Ravi Nitesh 9958907799
Message on World Refugee Day
They had been living on that piece of land for years when one day, a group of privileged people told them that they do not belong there because they are not "pure" enough or because in the hazy past, people who share the same ethnic/religious/social identity as theirs had discriminated. They are faced with two options, either to succumb to torture or to try to escape it by leaving. Some of them opt the latter, not for themselves but for their kids. The journey is risky and full of hurdles. Many perish in the process. Those who succeed then face a new set of problems. They not only have to start from a scratch but face legal and social issues... it is our plea to you, accept and empathise with them. They are victims, not encroachers. 20th June i.e. today is World Refugee Day.
Mission Bhartiyam needs a photographer for the core team
We are looking for a volunteer who is well-versed in photography and video shoot. Since the core team is in Delhi, we are mainly looking for people from Delhi. Those interested should mail at missionbhartiyam@gmail.com
Mission Bhartiyam starts a monthly newsletter
We are proud to launch the first newsletter. The monthly newsletter of Mission Bhartiyam will be an information portal on the organization’s efforts towards our social responsibilities. So we will have a section on our engagements over the past month. There will be a section on members’ articles. Some of our members use writing as a tool for activism. We will pick on two of those relevant articles. Through our “Take Your Action” section, we will call invite our readers/subscribers to join us in our endeavour. We hope that this newsletter will help us in our mission i.e. a just and acceptable society.
To receive our newsletter, subscribe to us through the subscription box or drop us a mail at missionbhartiyam@gmail.com
Regards,
Team Mission Bhartiyam
Launch of Activism India
We are proud to inform you that Mission Bhartiyam has launched a website that will be a repertoire of information on contemporary movements in India. It is dedicated to the civil society in India (which we should be proud of) and is called Activism India. Activism India will be a one-stop portal that will provide the basic, background information, will track the developments in the movements and will also present perspectives (articles) on major movements in India. Visit us at http://www.activismindia.
We invite press releases and articles.
Team Mission Bhartiyam
On the appeal of Mission Bhartiyam and Aaghaz-e-Dosti, NHRC took cognizance over death of Sanaullah and forwarded complaint to SHRC, J&K
PRESS NOTE
With the details sent vide the following mail sent by NHRC on request of Ravi Nitesh, Mission Bhartiyam and Aaghaz-e-Dosti regarding the complaint on the case of attack on a Pakistani prisoner in Indian Jail situated in Jammu, J&K.
On the appeal by Ravi Nitesh from Mission Bhartiyam and Aaghaz-e-Dosti, National Human Rights Commission takes cognizance over death of Pakistani prisoner Sanauallah in Kot Bhalwal jail in J&K and forward the complaint to State Human Rights Commission, J&K vide its order dated 23.05.2013.
After this attack by fellow inmates and followed by struggle for life in hospital, Sanaullah lost his life.
NHRC, while received the case filed by Ravi Nitesh of Mission Bhartiyam (vide http://nhrc.nic.in/
Ravi Nitesh, in his appeal told that a day before Sarabjit Singh, an Indian prisoner died as a result of attack by Pakistani prisoners in Kot lakhpat jail, Lahore, Pakistan. After the incident, government was well aware about the jingoism among India and therefore put high security at many places in India. After the Sarabjit case, government must be aware that Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails are not safe and could be used by fellow Indian prisoners to take revenge.
In this view, government through its ministry should have exercised adequate security arrangements for Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails. But after the attack here, it became clear that government had failed to do so.
In view of the prisoner’s rights and in view of the advance probability of such things, government could not arrange adequate security provisions for prisoners. This incident not only exposed the loopholes in prison conditions, but also extend probe on officials of prison who were on duty.
NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS
COMMISSION
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( L A W D I V I S I
O N )
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Tel.No.: 011-2338 5368
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Fax.No.: 011-2338 5368
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Telegraphic Add: HUMANRIGHTS
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Homepage: http://nhrc.nic.in
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Case No. 188/9/5/2013
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TO
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Ravi Nitesh
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Sir/Madam,
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The Commission upon consideration of your complaint
dated 03.05.2013 in respect of SANAULLAH RANJAY, A
PAKISTANI PRISONERS has passed the following order on 23.05.2013:
The case No. 178/9/5/2013-ad also registered in the Commission
and the case No. 188/9/5/2013 has now been registered on the
complaint of RAVI NITESH.
let the complaint Case No. 188/9/5/2013 sent to the SHRC,J&K.
The complainant also be informed accordingly.
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This is for your information
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Yours faithfully,
Sd/-
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ASSISTANT REGISTRAR (LAW)
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Published at
NHRC issued notice, asked report from DG Prison, Haryana over the rape of two female prisoners
On the appeal by Ravi Nitesh of Mission Bhartiyam filed vide case no. 74958/CR/2013 over the issue of alleged rape by prison official to two women prisoners, National Human Rights Commission took cognizance and issued notice to Director General of Prisons, Haryana calling for report within four weeks. (http://nhrc.nic.in/display.
The incident happened in Nimka Jail, Haryana where two woman prisoner alleged of rape by Deputy Superintendent Prison at Nimka jail in Faridabad. Ravi Nitesh in his appeal objected the careless working of prison officials and demand for punishment to them.
It was reported that Dep. Superintendent raped and assaulted the woman in a room and switched on high volume CD player to stop the sound of crying woman going outside. The facts were reported by the victim to other inmate and the other inmate also had the same story where she accepted that it has been done with her also many times.The facts were told to Chief Judicial Magistrate during his official visit to jail and after this report the victim allegedly beaten by Jail officials.
Mission Bhartiyam expressed its concern that "It is when safety of women is a prime issue before the government and many steps are being taken. By this incident, it is clear that if the security persons of a prison will become the rapists , then what can we expect from others? It must be viewed that prisoners have every right for humane treatment and also all such rights that is required for their own dignity and safety."
In the appeal filed by Ravi Nitesh of Mission Bhartiyam, it was demanded to investigate the case not only for this individual victim but also for other inmates also, to issue instruction to suspend the Deputy Superintendent till the investigation completes, to instruct the Haryana government to lodge a case of rape against the accused, to provide medical assistance including psychological assistance to victim, to lodge FIR against all those who beat the woman after she complaint.
Published at
http://twocircles.net/2013may30/nhrc_issues_notice_haryana_prisons_alleged_rape_women_inmates.html
http://haryanaabtak.com/nhrc-issued-notice-asked-report-from-dg-prison-haryana-on-appeal-by-mission-bhartiyam
http://www.haryanatribune.com/nhrc-issues-notice-to-haryana-prisons-on-alleged-rape-of-women-inmates/
http://haryanaabtak.com/nhrc-issued-notice-asked-report-from-dg-prison-haryana-on-appeal-by-mission-bhartiyam
http://www.haryanatribune.com/nhrc-issues-notice-to-haryana-prisons-on-alleged-rape-of-women-inmates/
NHRC acts on Mission Bhartiyam appeal, seeks report on communal riots from Rajasthan government
On the appeal of Ravi Nitesh on behalf of Mission Bhartiyam to seek intervention of NHRC in continuous communal violence in Rajasthan, NHRC asked for a report by Rajasthan Government within four weeks.
In last week of April, communal violence happened in Nimaj town of Jaipur and after than curfew was imposed. It was reported that jeeps and bikes were damaged and set a fire, several houses and shops also get damaged.
"Though I do not have any doubt over the administration, but I also want to appeal to NHRC to look in the 'series of communal violence' taking place in Rajasthan. As per reports, case in Nimaj is the sixth such incident in April alone. Similar cases have been reported over the last three weeks from Sanganer, Makrana, Sarwar, Udaipur and Baran."
Mission Bhartiyam demanded for a fair investigation and reasons of series of communal violence and compensation to victims.
These incidents on one side are responsible for loss of life and property and for deforming social harmony, it also becomes the matter of human rights violations where responsibility of state matters to provide a safe environment for all, to provide justice to victims and to prevent such incidents.
Published at
http://twocircles.net/2013may16/nhrc_asks_raj_govt_report_4_weeks_communal_violence.html
http://muslimmirror.com/eng/nhrc-seeks-report-from-rajasthan-over-regular-occurrence-of-communal-violence/
http://hastakshep.com/english/news-1/2013/05/16/nhrc-asked-for-report-from-rajasthan-govt-on-communal-violence
http://www.indianmuslimobserver.com/2013/05/nhrc-acts-on-mission-bhartiyam-appeal.html
Published at
http://twocircles.net/2013may16/nhrc_asks_raj_govt_report_4_weeks_communal_violence.html
http://muslimmirror.com/eng/nhrc-seeks-report-from-rajasthan-over-regular-occurrence-of-communal-violence/
http://hastakshep.com/english/news-1/2013/05/16/nhrc-asked-for-report-from-rajasthan-govt-on-communal-violence
http://www.indianmuslimobserver.com/2013/05/nhrc-acts-on-mission-bhartiyam-appeal.html
YOUTH CELEBRATED EARTH DAY AT DILLI HAAT NEW DELHI
On the eve of World Earth Day observed worldwide Mission Bhartiyam, an initiative of youths, gathered on the eve of Earth Day at Dilli haat (near Sarojini Nagar) in Delhi.
With slogans of "Save Earth", "Save Water" the volunteers distributed bilingual pamphlets (English & Hindi) that listed some simple and easy steps that one can adopt in their daily lives. They had also put up a banner inviting messages and suggestions for saving the environment from the people.
The importance of observing this day is established by the organisers of the event. In its statement, Mission Bhartiyam, remarked, "In view of the Earth Day (22 April) and the present scenario of degradation of environment and increasing dangers of its ill effects viz natural calamities, climate change, diseases etc that living being on this earth are facing, it becomes necessary to work towards sustainable development, to save the Earth and its environment through various small and big steps that we can take together or individually. Though the Government and organisations are taking measures to save the environment but we as individuals must do our bid and this is the message that we want to give today."
"This appeal to save the environment is often treated as a "light" issue and even monotonous and this is ironical, as it concerns not just a section of people but all of us. It endangers our existence and of our future generations. It is the time to act.",
Their suggestions includes to use of organic things, recycling of products. Some suggestions include coming out for playing games, walk and community meet in open space to save electricity consumption and protecting the environment in turn.
Among the visitor, a ten year old student told that we must have a safe earth with safety of people, animals and environment. Another youth told that it is actually environment that connects all of us regardless of our identity on the basis of religion, region, ideology etc and in fact it is a global challenge. We have to think for the earth and only then our coming generations can live here peacefully. Better environment not only affects better health but to better working, happiness and peaceful mind.
There was a great response from the people, especially of children and the youths. They wrote their suggestions on the banner with full dedication.
On The Eve of Earth Day : Join at India Gate : 21 APRIL at 4 PM
In view of the Earth Day (22 April) and the present scenario of degradation of environment and increasing dangers of its ill effects viz natural calamities, climate change, diseases etc that living being on this earth are facing, it automatically becomes necessary to work towards sustainable development, to save the Earth and its environment through various small and big steps that we can take together or individually.
In a similar effort for the same and to extend support towards worldwide observation of Earth Day by Earth Day Network, Governments, Organizations, we the volunteers of Mission Bhartiyam are organizing an event on the eve of Earth Day at India Gate, New Delhi on 21 April from 4 to 6 PM.
During the event, :
We all will distribute pamphlets among public that will appeal for some easy to do things to save the earth.
We will also place a banner, we, as a part of public participation, will invite messages and support from public to save the earth and environment.
We invite all of you who are in Delhi to join at India Gate.
Contact: missionbhartiyam@gmail.com , Mobile: 9958907799, 9555251427, 9312395984
Youths to celebrate Sadbhavna Holi across the nation
PRESS RELEASE
Youths to celebrate Sadbhavna Holi across the nation
Mission Bhartiyam, along with some other organisations like
Awam ka Cinema, Buniyaad – Ek Behtar Kal ki, Ayodhya ki Awaaz, UYASD and SAMAR,
will be celebrating Sadbhavna Holi. Sadbhavna Holi is an annual initiative like
the Sadbhavna Diwali and Eid celebrated as festivals of harmony across the
nation.
Ravi Nitesh,
founder of Mission Bhartiyam stated that, “Every year we organize festivals of
Holi, Diwali and Eid as people’s festivals regardless of religion as we believe
that the original purpose of these festivals is to celebrate social bonds and
to rejuvenate it through gatherings, greetings and sharing smiles together.”
Sadbhavna Holi will be celebrated between 27th
March – 31st March across the nation. Several organisations and
individuals have also expressed their support and have promised to conduct it
in their region.
Shadab Bashar of
Buniyaad – Ek Behtar Kal Ki remarked, “We want to celebrate Holi in it’s true
sense. Holi celebrates colours or diversity. We also want to celebrate that”.
Ayodhya has been facing communal tensions. However, like the
success of Sadbhavna Diwali, the organisers also hope for a successful
Sadbhavna Holi. Shah Alam of Ayodhya
ki Awaaz remarked, “Holi is a festival of brotherhood. By celebrating Sadbhavna
Holi, we hope to extend this brotherhood across religious communities.”
Sadbhavna Holi is another people’s initiative to live the
true spirit of festivals in India. We, hereby, also appeal to the general
public that they must also join us as we will celebrate Holi with colours of
peace and harmony. To do this, one has to include members of diverse religious
communities in their celebration of Holi and spread the word of communal
harmony.
Regards,
Ravi Nitesh/Devika Mittal
Mission Bhartiyam
Contact 9958907799
Sadbhavna Holi
As a way to promote communal harmony, every year, MB organize festivals of Holi, Eid & Diwali as people's festivals regardless of religion as we believe that the original purpose of these festivals is to celebrate social bonds and to rejuvenate it through gathering, wishes and sharing smiles together.
With this objective, Mission Bhartiyam and other collaborators are organizing 'Sadbhavna Holi' this year in the last week of March (during 27 to 31 March) . We invite all of you to join this initiative and to celebrate it everywhere you can. The only thing you have to do is to share the spirit of Holi with people of all religions and to talk about communal harmony in society.
So if you are organizing/celebrating this festival of harmony and want to collaborate, do email us at missionbhartiyam@gmail.com
International Women's Day
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Neglecting Crime: Women in Conflict Zones
by Ravi Nitesh
The official statement of UN on International Women’s Day includes the name of the Delhi gang raped victim. USA has also considered her for the posthumous bravery award. The Government of India has announced a special fund in the budget. They all seem so sensitive and dedicated towards the safety of women. We must congratulate them. We must congratulate them but what about the innumerable women who are abused by the state forces and army in the conflict zones? what about the abused women in J&K, Manipur, Chattisgarh and other conflict zones? Are they not important? Are their sufferings any less?
Read Morung Express, newspaper of Nagaland http://www.morungexpress.com/Infocus/92524.html
Kashmir Times
Counter Currents
‘Celebrating’ Women’s Day
by Devika Mittal
Read Greater Kashmir, newspaper of Jammu and Kashmir http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2013/Mar/8/-celebrating-women-s-day-7.asp
SOLIDARITY VIGIL FOR HYDERABAD VICTIMS
PRESS RELEASE: 23 FEB DILLI HAAT SOLIDARITY VIGIL FOR HYDERABAD VICTIMS
In solidarity with the Hyderabad blast victims, a group of youth organized a solidarity vigil at 6 PM, at Dilli Haat, New Delhi. The Vigil was organized by several organizations - Mission Bhartiyam, ANHAD, Buniyaad – Ek Behatar Kal ki, AFDWOSE, Ayodhya Ki Awaaz, STEP, Yuva Koshish, Awam Ka Cinema and SAMAR, to spread the words of peace and harmony and to express solidarity with the victims.
A Joint statement issued earlier stated "We choose Dilli Haat rather than any religious or historical symbol and will gather here to spread the message that we all are bonded together with the bond of humanity. Even if we are diversified in religion, caste, culture, region etc, we are together and this is very required for our harmonious society as well as for humanity by and large.”
Ravi Nitesh, Founder of Mission Bhartiyam, remarked, “It is an unfortunate and inhuman act by some cowards. Today, we gather here to show them that we are unaffected by their cowardly acts to spread hatred and the attempt to divide the society.” He also pointed out that people on social media has also spread messages of solidarity through post shares and retweets, re-iterating this fact.
They had tagged slogans on their shirt that displayed message of peace, non violence, unity and harmony. One Slogan was 'Naa Rok Paayenge Humko Ye Bamon Ke Hamle, Hum Insaniyat ke hain tarafdaar badhte hi rahenge". They sung songs of peace and harmony. "Mai Tumko Vishwaas Dun, Tum Mujhko Vishwaas Do, Shankaon ke Saagar Ham Langh Jayenge, Es Dhartee ko milkar Swarg banayenge" sanctified the air.
They had lighted candles in the memory of the victims. Many people who were on their way to visit Dilli Haat or were coming out had also joined in to offer their solidarity with victims of Hyderabad Blast.
Sulabh Srivastava, an engineer by profession and a core member of Mission Bhartiyam, remarked, “They have snatched away someone’s happiness, someone’s hope again. They can’t be humans.”
Shadab Bashar from Buniyaad Ek Behtar Kal Ki added that we all gathered here and you can see that people from all religion are here in solidarity with Hyderabad, those who are behind the inhumane act of blast must see that we are together against it.
Shariq Naqvi of Awam Ka Cinema remarked, “They are enemies of humanity. They do not belong to any religion, any region and not even to humankind.”
The crowd was diverse in every respect. Different religions, castes, regions and walks of life had joined in to express their solidarity. There was a little boy, with a polish brush and a shoe in his hand, and a very keen ear. He stood there in the entire programme. There was no difference...every eye showed a sense of empathy and pain.
“We cannot bring back the innocent lives but we pray for their souls. We pray for the relatives of the deceased.” said by a passerby who was there to visit Dilli Haat and had joined in.
“As a tribute to them, we also take the pledge that we will work to unite the society. We must promise that we will not accuse any one community, we will not discriminate against any community because even though this is not the work of any one community, they, unfortunately, take the shelter of this to spread hatred, for their own vested interests. We will be united and will not let them degrade any community by their acts", said Zaheeb Ajmal of SAMAR.
There were also people from Jammu and Kashmir and North East which witnesses such acts on a regular scale.
Bhavan Metei from Manipur said that we all are here to oppose terrorism. He said that "people of North East are in solidarity with Hyderabad and we are deeply concern about the rising inhumanity."
There were people from Kashmir. One of them spoke about the everyday torture in Jammu and Kashmir and North East India. He spoke about the Kunan Poshpora incident of Kashmir wherein about 100 women were brutally raped by men in uniform. He spoke about the need to work together to root out violence and inhumanity.
Prashant Nautiyal, an architect by profession and a member of Mission Bhartiyam, also pointed out the fear that this case, like other such cases, may not see a fair trial and may see some youths of a particular community being falsely implicated. He said that this is because of our stereotypes. We need to change our mindsets.
Many youths joined there that includes Maaz Khaan from AFDWOSE, Soumya Prakash from a poetry group The Attic, Pankaj Pathak from AIIMS, Sandeep Mishra who is an advocate in Supreme Court, Abhishek Shukla, and many others from diverse backgrounds but dedicated to the cause of humanity.
LAUNCH OF AAGHAZ-E-DOSTI CALENDAR AND THE SHARING OF HOPES FOR A PEACEFUL AND FRIENDLY CO-EXISTENCE
LAUNCH OF AAGHAZ-E-DOSTI CALENDAR AND THE SHARING OF HOPES FOR A PEACEFUL AND FRIENDLY CO-EXISTENCE
At a time when the border clash has spurted fresh waves of jingoism on both sides of the border, with people challenging the peace activists and advocating a stronger or more inhuman reaction, a people’s initiative, Aaghaz-e-Dosti, will launch the “Calendar for Peace and Love” with paintings of hope collected from youths of both sides of the border.
An initiative of Mission Bhartiyam, Aaghaz-e-Dosti, targets to create unwavering bonds of peace and friendship between India and Pakistan. The bonds that will survive the vagaries of such troubles times. But these bonds are not artificial ones, they rest on the belief and claim that people of India and Pakistan not only share the same language, culture, values and challenges but also the desire for peace and friendship. It rests on the belief that if there are people on both sides of the border who cannot and do not want to forget the past and do not want others to forget it, there are also people who want to forget the past and not just move on but move along to create a new chapter in history…of friendship and brotherhood.
And so, Aaghaz-e-Dosti is set to launch “Calendar for Peace and Love” that would remind us every day about these people. The Calendar with the paintings of an innocent and apolitical mind will remind us that mindsets have been constructed. The six paintings narrate the restriction of ‘freedom’, the ‘desire’ with the birds flying across borders and peace and friendship for a better future. Together with the beautiful dreams of the young and innocent, the Calendar also has messages from people who have been actively working to nurture these dreams. This calendar is a collection of these shared dreams of peace and friendship. It serves as a hope shared by people who are just like us, in habit and struggle. With the turn of the pages to start a new month, the hope shall be renewed.
For this calendar, we had collaborated with two Pakistan-based organisations, Center for Youth development activities(CYDA) and Imov Humans.
The Calendar launch will also have a small discussion or a sharing of hopes for a peaceful and friendly co-existence. People who have been working to strengthen the relations, students from Pakistan and anyone who has an experience or a hope to share will be sharing their thoughts. The main speakers include Shri Pankaj Singh (Eminent Hindi Poet and part of the Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature), Prof Dhananjay Tripathi (Department of International Relations, South Asian University), Shri Sirish Agarwal(Founder of India Pakistan Families Solidarity Association) and Shri Pankaj Chaturvedi (Noted columnist in many newspapers and Co-editor at National Book Trust) and some Pakistani students studying in India.
The details of the program are:
Date: 27th January 2013
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Venue: Gandhi Peace Foundation, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, New Delhi
We invite your presence as we share our hopes and desire to create a new history of peace and friendship.
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