3rd Tree for Harmony Campaign organised in Seven Countries

In the move to join Environment and Peace together as very important issue in present days, Mission Bhartiyam alongwith other organizations organized 3^rd Tree for Harmony campaign in seven countries, namely India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri lanka, Sudan and Cameroon.   

Tree for Harmony campaign is an initiative of Mission Bhartiyam, started since the year 2012, wherein the organization invites collaborations from other organizations to observe a week long campaign (from World Ozone Layer Protection day 16 Sep to World Peace day 21 Sep) every year, with the theme of Environment and Peace.

During the week, all organizations plant a tree and to symbolize it with the objective of harmony. In their first and second year, Mission Bhartiyam collaborated and organized it in Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh and received a great response from other organizations of other countries. Now, in the third year organizations of other countries also collaborated and together they organized and observed it in seven countries.

During this year of campaign, many events were held including drawing, talk, tree plantation etc on the theme of environment and peace and therefore address the twin challenges together.    

Bangladesh

Alongwith Harmony Tree, DREAM ON conducted discussion on Environment

In Bangladesh, DREAM ON observed Tree for Harmony initiative. DREAM ON is a nonprofit organization & global network based on Bangladesh who believes on the power of dream. They Celebrated this in Chan Mia Housing, Mohammadpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh. They had planted the “Harmony Tree” and conducted a discussion on environment and environmental initiatives being taken at their office premises.

Cameroon

Alongwith Harmony Tree, ASCOA organised discussion 

In Cameroon, ASSOCIATION FOR COMMUNITY AWARENESS (ASCOA) had observed Tree for Harmony initiative. ASCOA is a Cameroon-based organisation. They are actively working in the field of Peace and Human Rights.ASCOA had organized Tree for Harmony in two schools – Government Secondary School Liongo-Buea and Holy Child Bilingual Comprehensive college Bomaka-Buea.

In both the schools, they had planted the symbolic Harmony tree and communicated the concept. Along with the tree plantation, they had organized two talks on both environment and peace and a painting competition. In the talk on environment, they told the students about the contemporary environmental problems. They briefed them about the climate change and the need for the protection of ozone layer. The students were told about the ways in which they can contribute to save the environment by planting and protecting trees. They were also guided on tree plantation. They were told not to plant trees like the eucalyptus because it destroys the soil than it protect the environment since it drains a lot.

In the talk on peace, they talked about the need for peace building around the world, our communities and within ourselves. The reasons for the conflict as well as the ways to resolve it were also communicated.

A drawing and painting competition on environment was also organized in both the schools.

India

Aman Chaupal session followed by planting of Harmony Tree by Mission Bhartiyam

In Delhi, Mission Bhartiyam organized its aman chaupal session for Indo-Pak peace wherein someone from Pakistan interacts with students. Mission Bhartiyam organized two aman chaupal sessions at AAM Foundation centres. After the session, a harmony tree was planted in both the centres.

AAM Foundation is an NGO that provides free english classes. In addition to enabling students to learn English, they also help students to develop critical thinking, become self-reliant and develop self-confidence and to develop a sense of community.

Fundacja Aravindam or Aravindam Foundation planted Harmony Tree

In Gurgaon, Aravindam Foundation is an NGO active in the fields of education and environment - the fundamentals of sustainable growth and development.The Gurukul Kalpataru established and managed by Fundacja Aravindam organised a Musical afternoon with its children in celebration of the Tree for harmony week. The Gurukul children planted a Belpatra sapling in their temple complex situated in the Kamdhenudham Gaushala, Carterpuri.

Purkal Youth Development Society planted Harmony Tree in their school

In Dehradun, Purkal Youth Development Society (PYDS) observed tree for harmony. PYDS is a registered charity organisation dedicated to enhancing the lives of disadvantaged rural youth through education and empowering women through skill development. They celebrated Tree For Harmony with the children of PYDS school.

In India, many organizations and individuals supported and observed the campaign. At many places, volunteers of Mission Bhartiyam observed the campaign by planting a harmony tree at their home or workplace.

Nepal

Alongwith plantation of Harmony Tree, HAPPS organised discussion

In Nepal, Human Action for Peace, Prosperity and Sustainable Development (HAPPS) had observed Tree for Harmony. Human Action for Peace, Prosperity and Sustainable Development (HAPPS) is a non-profit organization working in the field of education, youth empowerment, youth issues, environment, etc.

HAPPS had organized TREE FOR HARMONY:2014 at Durbar High School, Ranipokhari in Kathmandu. The event was organized in four sessions: a) Inauguration of event by planting about 25 trees in barren ground of school premises.  b) Discussion and posters/pamphlets displaying c) Awareness through songs/music (2 National folk singers sang songs carrying awareness regarding need of peace/harmony/brotherhood and healthy environment in our society) 

Pakistan

Youth Association for Development organised a discussion on Indo-Pak Peace

In Pakistan, Youth Association for Development (YAD), a Pakistan-based NGO working in the fields of Peace and Human Rights had observed Tree for Harmony in Quetta district in Balochistan Province. They had organised a discussion on peace. They dedicated it for Indo-Pak peace. They talked about the relevance for Indo-Pak peace and the initiatives being taken in this regard.

Sri Lanka

Alongwith Harmony Tree plantation, SUNFO organised discussion

In Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka United Nations Friendship Organisation (SUNFO) had observed Tree for Harmony. SUNFO is a non –political, non-racial and non-sectarian organization that seeks to unite all peoples into a movement working for the well- being, harmony and peace of mankind according to the principles of the United Nations. SUNFO had planted the symbolic harmony tree. Alongwith the tree plantation, they had organized a talk to disseminate the relevance of the cause.

Sudan

Alongwith Harmony Tree, Peace Bridge Association organised discussion

In Sudan, Peace Bridge Association organized Tree for Harmony initiative. Peace Bridge Association(PBA) is devoted to reduce tension and conflicts amongst Sudanese communities through promotion of situations of youth and children in difficult circumstances, by introducing the sustainable solutions of empowerment, capacity building and support in the main sectors of Peace building, Street children and Human Rights. PBA had organized Tree for Harmony in Alkiriab basic school. They had planted the symbolic Harmony Tree and explained its relevance. Alongwith the tree plantation, they had organized discussions on environment and peace.

Peace Bridge Association plans to visit the school every two months and see how the trees are growing and to continue to give awareness about the need for peace.

Concept of Tree for Harmony

A war cannot achieve what peace can. The forces of peace can rule over ignorance and superstition, over illiteracy, over disease and physical suffering, over poverty and oppression. The conquests of peace are nonviolent and bloodless. They cause no grief to humanity and do not damage life or property. War causes streams of blood and untold havoc. The victory of peace leaves no maimed limbs or mutilated bodies, no ruined cities or scorched fields. Like peace, brotherhood can do wonders. Instead of walking alone, if we have a companion, the journey becomes easier. We don‟t have to struggle alone. We aim for this. We want to initiate friendship, brotherhood and peace in the entire world. And for this, we turn to “our evergreen friends” – trees. What can be more symbolic of these values than a tree? A tree grows freely, digs its roots deeply and also gives life to other trees. It is a symbol of stability, growth and prosperity.  

A tree also grows freely, without any discrimination. And this is the message that we want to send. Like trees, we should do away with barriers of caste, religion, ethnicity and others boundaries. Like trees, we should grow together. For this, Mission Bhartiyam, an India-based organisation, has initiated "Tree for harmony". Tree for Harmony(TFH) is celebrated between 16th September (World Ozone Day) and 21st September (World Peace Day). Under Tree for Harmony(TFH), we plant a symbolic tree labeled as "Harmony Tree" and try to disseminate the concept and message for a healthy environment and society through a discussion, painting, essay programme or any other relevant awareness programme. TFH is observed by creating a network. Mission Bhartiyam observes TFH by collaborating with different organisations around the world.

So by this event, the twin challenges of environment and the need for peace will be addressed. TFH seeks to make people aware and sensitive about the need for a sustainable environment and a peaceful society.

The report of Tree for Harmony will be submitted to the Environment Minister of India and to the embassies of all the participating countries.

Visit Tree for Harmony at: https://www.facebook.com/treeforharmony, https://twitter.com/treeforharmony, www.missionbhartiyam.org 

Tree for Harmony 2014: 16 Sept - 21 Sept

TREE FOR HARMONY - 2014

Tree for Harmony(TFH), an initative of India-based Mission Bhartiyam, aims to address the twin goals of Environment and Peace. Celebrated between 16th September (World Ozone Day) and 21st September (World Peace Day), TFH seeks to make people aware and sensitive about the need for a sustainable environment and a peaceful society. Under Tree for Harmony, we plant a symbolic tree labelled as "Harmony Tree" and try to disseminate the concept and message for a healthy environment and society through different ways. TFH is observed by creating a network. Mission Bhartiyam observes TFH by collaborating with different organisations around the world. 

This is our third year of Tree for Harmony. In our two earlier TFH weeks during last years, we had observed it in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal with the help of organizations there. 

​This year, we are happy that Tree for Harmony will be observed in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sudan, Nigeria, Cameroon and Congo. 

We invite you/your organisation to join us!

How to observe it?

Tree for Harmony can be observed at different levels:

School/College level: Organise it in your or approach a school/college to observe it by planting a tree labeled as “HarmonyTree” and a small discussion/essay/painting programme or any other relevant programme to spread the message for sustainable Environment or/and peaceful society. The discussion and other related programmes are optional but it is essential that you tell the students the importance of this concept.

Organisation Level: Approach an organization to observe it in the above-listed ways. They can observe it in a school, college, in their own workplace or in any public space. 

Individual Level: 

- Plant a tree/plant labelled as "Harmony Tree" in your locality/block/village. Organise a small informal/formal discussion to tell people about the concept and relevance of Indo-Pak Peace. 

- Plant a tree/plant labeled as “Harmony Tree” in your home. 

Please find enclosed the required pamphlet and banner. 

Please send us the photo and report (if you observe it at home, send photo of harmony tree and your message on Indo-Pak peace) by 25^th September 2014. 

Participation of all organisations, schools and individuals will be duly recognised in our press releases and in our report. We will issue a letter of appreciation to all collaborators.

Please let us know if you have any queries. You can mail us or call at +91 8395866668, +91 9958907799, +91 9582129927

Tree for Harmony 2014 - Invitation to all Peace Makers, Organisations

Mission Bhartiyam will be observing ‘Tree For Harmony: 2014’ during 16-21 September. This will be our third year of Tree for Harmony. Earlier it has been observed in the year 2013 and 2012.

​TFH is an initiative by Mission Bhartiyam,where we, along with other organizations observe a week for Environment and Peace.This week starts with 16^th Sep (Int. Ozone Layer Protection Day) and ends with 21^st Sep (Int. Day for Peace).

In our two earlier TFH weeks during last years, we had observed it in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal with the help of organizations there. Many schools and people participated; they showed their concern for Environment and Peace.  Paintings, tree plantations, discussions etc were being done. Other major collaborators in previous years were The Catalyst-Pakistan, The Tree Bangladesh, YFN-Nepal, CMS Lucknow, Paryavaran Jagriti Abhiyan New Delhi, UYASD Orrisa, Al nahian School Bangladesh, Gyan Mandir Public School New Delhi, Sai memorial school New Delhi, India Art & Architecture etc.

Reports of previous years also available at solutions exchange website at: ftp://ftp.solutionexchange.net.in/public/clmt/resource/res_info_11101201.pdf (2012) &

ftp://ftp.solutionexchange.net.in/public/clmt/resource/res_info_07101301.pdf (2013)

With the concept of Tree for Harmony, we say that we all must be like a tree. A tree has quality to ‘give’ (oxygen) equally to everyone without any self motive, it has quality to expand its roots like humanity should, it has quality to grow itself together with growth of stems and leaves, like a society or a country or a region for a collective growth. 

Now, this year again we will be observing the week with the concept of Tree for Harmony. With this campaign every year, we are trying to build a movement of sensitization of people towards Peace and Environment both and how both is the most important requirement of human being but both are degrading and therefore need protection. We, as a people have every possibility to bring the change and we must be aware and to make others aware that we care our environment, our co existence and the peace of within and outside.  

We would like to invite you/your organisation to join hands with us. Below are the proposed activities and timeline. 

Activities that can be done:  Tree plantation, Peace and harmony discussion, Awareness about environment and peace in village, blocks, schools, Message writing, painting, essay etc on Environment and Peace. 

Timeline: 

You can send your name in advance if you will collaborate: latest by: 4th September 
Release of list of all collaborators: 10th September
TFH Week: 16-21 September
Submission of reports and photographs by collaborators: 25 September
Release of compiled report of TFH-2014 : 01st October 

Financial Assistance/ Any other benefit: Please note that presently TFH campaign is neither receiving any fund nor providing any fund for activities. 

Materials: You can use your own banner along with logo of Tree for Harmony and text "Tree for Harmony - 2014 (16-21 September) week". We will also send an email for a draft banner and pamphlet till 3rd September to all confirmed collaborators, however you are free to use your own designed programs and materials. 

Till now confirmed collaborators:

Mahila Margdarshi Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Rural reconstruction Organisation, Orrisa, India

Utkal Youth And Social Development Organisation, Orrisa, India

The Catalyst, Islamabad, Pakistan

DEAP Development Organisation, Chakwal, Punjab, Pakistan

Dharti Development Foundation, Sindh, Pakistan

Zindagi Development Organisation, Pakistan

Shadow Human Development Organisation, Ghotki, Pakistan

Youth Association for Development, Quetta, Pakistan

Kutch Adventures India, Bhuj, India

Sri Lanka-United Nations Friendship Organisation (SUNFO)

*Participation in campaign can be done without providing confirmation and for all such collaborators, their name and report will be included at the time of report compilation. But in all such cases, reports must be submitted as per timeline i.e. 25 September

Please let us know if you have any queries. You can mail us or call at +91 8395866668, +91 9958907799, +91 9582129927

Regards,

Team Mission Bhartiyam

Mission Bhartiyam writes to Ministry of Women and Child Development to improve NCW

As a response to the Minister of Women and Child Development, Ms. Maneka Gandhi's proposal to reform National Commission for Women (NCW) to bring it at "par with NHRC", core member of Mission Bhartiyam, Devika Mittal, wrote to the Minister for Women and Child Development regarding the pathetic grievance redressal system of NCW.

To,

The Minister for Women and Child Development

Shastri Bhawan,

New Delhi 110001

Kind Attention: Ms. Maneka Gandhi

Subject: Concerns regarding the pathetic grievance redressal system of NCW

Respected Madam,

This is with reference to the Times of India report dated 17^th July 2014 about your proposals to make National Commission for Women (NCW) more effective and at par with NHRC. In this regard, I would like to draw your attention to certain facts about the current system that may help in this necessary initiative to be taken by you.

NCW is seen as an apex body for justice for women. It is a hope for deprived women across the country. Having been an intern at NCW, I have seen this from the amount and the content of the complaint letters. Yet, NCW is not able to live up to the expectations. It is largely ineffective not only because it is not empowered to impart justice as you rightly pointed out in the Times of India article but because the very first step i.e. to lodge a complaint is also difficult. This is also because of many reasons. I have found several times that the numbers listed on NCW website are not reachable. The number is either disconnected or there is no response. The situation may be temporary but it is a serious matter. On 30^thJune, out of the 4 numbers listed, only one was working. This is not expected from a national level body.

The emails mentioned in the website tell a similar story. While NCW encourages one to file a complaint through email, there is no response. I have sent several mails, the last one sent on 1 July and till now, I have not received any acknowledgement. The same situation also holds true for letters sent by post. I have sent several letters to NCW and I have never got any response. When I called at NCW to inquire about it and get my complaint number, they were clueless about the letter. This is unlike the situation in any other government body.

As I previously stated, I have done an internship at NCW for a short period and during my experience, I have seen the amount of letters that come each day. I have processed letters that were dated 6 months back. It is a dismal situation. I understand that it was also because of the insufficient human power that exists at NCW. In this regard, I propose several suggestions for your consideration. These are:

*It should be ensured that the numbers are always working. There should also be a caller-id system installed.

*The email system should be made effective. Like in other bodies, the mail should be responded back with an acknowledgement and a complaint number.

*There should be a time-bound system to respond to complaints.

*There should be an increase in the human power at NCW.

I hope that the above suggestions will be considered to make NCW more effective and responsive to the needs of the contemporary situation. 

Thanking You

Regards,

Devika Mittal

Mission Bhartiyam

(A registered group of students and young professionals,

working in the fields of Peace & Harmony, Huamn Rights and Environment)

http://www.missionbhartiyam.org

On Mission Bhartiyam's intervention, NHRC seeks report on Alang gas leak from Shipping Ministry and Gujarat Govt.

On our intervention, NHRC took the case and issued notice to Shipping Ministry and Gujrat Govt in Alang port incident case where 5 persons were killed. News published in The Hindu and many other newspapers and newsportals. 

CBCID Inquiry ordered in sexual assault case in Haryana jail raised by Mission Bhartiyam

PRESS RELEASE

CBCID INQUIRY ORDERED ON SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE IN HARYANA JAIL RAISED BY MISSION BHARTIYAM

In a matter of sexual assault case wherein two women prisoners alleged that Deputy Superintendent of Nimika Jail, Haryana had sexual assaulted them and an appeal was filed by Ravi Nitesh, President of Mission Bhartiyam with National Human Rights Commission in May 2013, continuous inquiries were done by NHRC and various reports were asked from Haryana jail officials in this regard.

Now, in the recent development in the case, the commission on 5 June 2014 has again directed to Principal Secretary, Government of Haryana to conduct a CBCID inquiry in this regard and submit a report within eight weeks.

Interestingly, the local administration report in response to first notice of NHRC for submission of report was being made with conclusion that no sexual assault took place, however the commission itself rejected to accept the conclusion as it as and told that statement of victims do not reject the probability of sexual assault within the jail premises as no one else can be witness there.The Commission also therefore asked with Principal secretary, Govt of Haryana to have a CBCID inquiry.

The case was registered by Ravi Nitesh and NHRC allotted case no 3396/7/3/2013-AR in this regard. The commission in its directive clarify that:

"Shri Ravi Nitesh, a human rights activist, in his complaint dated 16.05.2013, has alleged that two woman prisoners at Nimika Jail, Faridabad were sexually assaulted by the Dy. Superintendent of the Jail. The incident was reported by them to the Chief Judicial Magistrate on his official visit to Jail. Thereafter, the victims were allegedly beaten and tortured by the jail officials as to why did they convey the incident to the Chief Judicial Magistrate. The complainant has requested intervention of the Commission. Pursuant to the direction of the Commission, the DG, Prisons, Haryana has sent a report dated 9.7.2013. As per report, the enquiry conducted by Addl. IG, Prisons, Haryana revealed that the allegations of physical torture of the lady prisoners by the Dy. Superintendent were false. An FIR No. 139 dated 14.5.2013 was also registered at P.S., Ballabhgarh regarding the alleged incident of sexual assault by the Dy. Superintendent. After investigation, the allegations were found false and final report is to be submitted. During enquiry, only this possibility came out that the prisoners Nirmal Bhatia and Anita might have been abused and beaten by the lady warder Sangita and Sumitra as a mobile charger was recovered from the possession of the lady prisoner Anita but the allegation of sexual exploitation was found to be false. Pursuant to the directions of the Commission, the jail officials have sent a copy of FIR No.139 dated 14.05.2013, copies of the statements of victims recorded u/s 161 Cr.P.C., medical examination of the alleged victims, etc. Having considered the FIR, statements of the victims recorded u/s 161 Cr.P.C. and other documents, the Commission notes that the possibility of commission of offences in the jail premises by the Dy. Superintendent cannot be ruled out in view of the statements of the victims, who are the only witnesses of the occurrence. In the jail premises, no outsider is expected to witness the occurrence. Let the Principal Secretary, Government of Haryana, Department of Home be asked to get the case FIR No.139 dated 14.05.2013, P.S. Ballabhgarh registered in connection with sexual assault on the two woman prisoners by the Deputy Superintendent of Nimika Jail, Faridabad in the jail premises, investigated through the CBCID and send within eight weeks a report in this matter. "  

We, at Mission Bhartiyam, are hopeful that such cases be solved with proper, in-depth inquiries as women in jails are also vulnerable to these crimes because of the unavailability of any reporting/monitoring system. We are hopeful that NHRC will give an impartial decision and will investigate the inquiry report as well to avoid any loophole.

NHRC Link: http://nhrc.nic.in/display.asp?fno=3396/7/3/2013-AR 

Aaghaz-e-Dosti organised seventh Aman Chaupal in a Delhi School

PRESS RELEASE

SEVENTH AMAN CHAUPAL ORGANISED IN DELHI SCHOOL

On 24th April, Aaghaz-e-Dosti, an Indo-Pak initiative of India-based Mission Bhartiyam and Pakistan-based The Catalyst – TC, organized its seventh Aman Chaupal in Delhi University Social Centre Co-ed School. Aman Chaupal are informal and interactions held in schools and colleges in which students ask questions about Pakistan (in case of Aman Chaupal in Pakistan, they talk about India), Indo-Pak issues and discuss the importance of Indo-Pak peace. Through Aman Chaupal, they see the side of Pakistan that our media never shows.

The earlier Aman Chaupals have been done in some schools and universities in Delhi. The guests of Aman Chaupal have included journalists, activists, theatre persons from Pakistan. Aman Chaupal has been conducted with Peace activist Saeeda Diep, Senior Journalist and author Raza Rumi, Journalist Kiran Nazish and theatre personality Aamir Nawaz.

In this seventh Aman Chaupal, there was no guest from Pakistan. Aaghaz-e-Dosti team members addressed the students, initiated a discussion on Indo-Pak issues, talked to them about Pakistan and corroborated it with photographic evidence.

The Aaghaz-e-Dosti team for this event consisted of Devika Mittal, the Indian convenor of Aaghaz-e-Dosti and Amrita Middey. The programme was organized and co-ordinated by the efforts of Masakazu Kobayashi, a Japanese student studying in Delhi.

The session consisting of students from eighth and ninth standards was initiated by asking the students to share what they knew about Pakistan. The first word was IPL and that India always wins in IPL. Some other responses were that Pakistan is an Islamic country and no other religion exists there, Pakistan and India were same earlier, Pakistanis and Indians cannot visit each other and the view that they are our “enemies”.

After the interaction, the session began. The students were briefed about Pakistan’s history, its geography, about the different languages, ethnic groups and religions. In the case of religion, they were told that contrary to the popular conception, the constitution of Pakistan gives respect to all religions. It guarantees freedom of religion to all. It also has provisions for them. But they were also told that just like in India, there are groups there who discriminate and kill people in the name of religion for their own benefit. They were told about the dismal reality that exists on both sides. They were also told and shown through photographs how people belonging to the majority religion have condemned this. They protest against this. It was considered important to tell them because this is all that they knew and learn about Pakistan from media.

There was also a discussion on Indo-Pak conflicts including Kashmir issue. Students were briefed about it and told the stand of both countries as well as of Kashmiris. They were also told about visa problems, prisoners’ problems, the problems faced by people who have relatives in Pakistan and other issues. A student had himself told and others had agreed that how the media exaggerates news for its own benefit.

In the end, students were encouraged to reflect on what they had learnt. They were asked to draw or write a message for people of Pakistan. Most of them chose to write a message. They were excited when they were told that people in Pakistan will read it. Most of them wrote what they had learnt today. Some also expressed their desire to visit Pakistan. Some of the common themes in letters were that they learnt that Pakistan is a good country, people are good, they are like us in culture as well as thought, they also have violence in their country and condemn it like we do.

This session and other Aman Chaupal sessions are efforts not to convince students but to make them realize. It is an alternative medium to show the side of Pakistan that the media does not talk about, with the hope that they will become inspired to explore and question and in the process, will realize the truth that wars and hatred has never and will never give anything. Friendship is the way forward… 

Concluding with a conversation of hope. One student remarked,

“Main Pakistan jana chahtu par meri mummy mujhe jane nai dengi” (I want to go to Pakistan but my mother will not allow me)

To this, his friend responded, “Pakistan hi toh jana hai, US thodi na”. (You have to go to Pakistan, not US).

Aaghaz-e-Dosti organised fifth and sixth Aman Chaupal with theatre personality from Pakistan, Mr. Aamir Nawaz

Aaghaz-e-Dosti, an initiative for Indo-Pak friendship, organized its Fifth & Sixth Aman Chaupal on 24 February 2014 at Jawaharlal Nehru University and South Asian University, New Delhi. Aman Chaupal is an informal session wherein people from Pakistan or who have been to Pakistan share their experiences and address students’ curiosities and questions. The two sessions were the fifth and the sixth Aman Chaupal sessions. In the earlier sessions, we have had Ms. Saeeda Diep, Mr. Raza Rumi and Ms. Kiran Nazish as our guests and the sessions were conducted in schools.

In this Aman Chaupal, Mr. Aamir Nawaz was the guest. He is the president of a leading Pakistani Theatre group, Maas Foundation. Maas Foundation had emerged as a parellal theatre in Pakistan in 2002. The plays are based on social and contemporary issues among which indo-Pak is one of the most prominent themes. Mr. Nawaz also has several other achievements. Recently, he has produced and directed a TV drama series by the name of “Pachtawa” which is aired on Royal TV Channel. He is also a visiting faculty at Beaconhouse National University.

In this Aman Chaupal, a video of Maas Foundation’s play “Permasher Singh” which is based on a story of partition was shown followed by a discussion on it and on other Indo-Pak issues.

Aman Chaupal at JNU

In JNU, it was done in the School of International Studies. The student co-ordinator in JNU was Pramod Jaiswal. The programme began with an introduction about the initiative and its importance to reduce miscommunications, mutual hatred and suspicion, by Devika Mittal, Convenor of Aaghaz-e-Dosti India. Before the screening, the Director of the play, Mr. Nawaz had talked about the play. He had given a background and a general idea as the play was in Punjabi.

The play was of approximately one hour and captured several themes. It explored the different factors that led to people committing atrocities against the people of other communities. Two major factors explored were the idea of avenging the merciless killing or rape of one’s own kin and the rumours and suspicion that people on the other side of the border are mercilessly killing people of their community. The play explored this theme of sanity and insanity. It showed that how there was a wave of hatred and insanity and it was virtually impossible to not go along with the wave. But despite this, there was one man named Permasher Singh who rose above this and saved the life of a muslim boy named Akhtar. He saw in Akhtar, his own son named Kartar who was probably killed in the riots. Permasher Singh believed that all kids are the same. They are all children of the same god. But expectedly, there were many problems from his community people and his own kin. He was suggested to make him a Sikh but he refuses to do so. They develop a beautiful bonding but then Singh decides to send him to Pakistan to his family. He makes Akhtar cross the border but when the soldiers on the other side see Singh, they shoot him. In the end, the play asks the question, “Whose child was Akhtar, the child of India or Pakistan?

The play was received well. There weren’t many questions on the play. A question was asked about the response of the play in Pakistan. Mr. Nawaz told that the response was great and that could be heard in the video itself as the applause by audience on several scenes and in the end was quite loud and were audible.

In South Asian University, along with the video screening, the interactive session was very intense. The student co-ordinator for South Asian University was V Arun Kumar.  South Asian University has students from all South Asian Countries and the audience was also quite reflective of this intellectual richness.

Aman Chaupal at South Asian University

In the discussion that started from the ‘simple’ question, “What do you understand of Pakistan?”went to the question of dalits, religious minorities on both sides, need to resolve Kashmir issue, the biased media, role of civil society and peace initiatives and nationalism. The discussion saw the participation of students from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. A major point that came about was that we need to forget about the partition and the conflicts that happened between India and Pakistan and Bangladesh and Pakistan and move on.

Kulsum Khan, a student from Pakistan, said that based on her experience in Delhi, she has noted that Pakistan is still a part of nostalgia. She said that we need to come out of this and accept that we are now different and respect each other.

Kumud, a PHD scholar also argued that we must talk about how to make peace, not war.

Dr. Dhananjay Tripthi, faculty member of International Relations, remarked “A country is made of history, geography, politics and economy. We cannot change the history and geography but we can change the politics and economy. We need to take a decision that whether we want an economy of prosperity or an economy of poverty. Till now, we only have economy of poverty”. He raised another important point that while we allow China to enter and dominate in South Asian market, we are not allowing SAPTA.   

There were also questions about the army, its interference in political matters and terrorism. Mr. Nawaz rightly argued that there was a tendency to blame India but now people knows that what happens in Pakistan is because of Pakistan. India also needs to recognize this. As about terrorism, he argued that in Pakistan, everyday has become difficult because of it. Mr. Nawaz also argued that to blame India/Pakistan and these fluctuating relations is also a way to distract the people of both the countries from more important internal problems. In both countries, there are problems to provide the basic amenities to the people.

There were also some Kashmiri students. One of them talked about how he hopes that peace initiatives can benefit Kashmir.

Roopak, a student from Kerala, also said that while there is a need to talk about Kashmir issue, there are also other important issues like the issues of Dalits, religious minorities among other issues that need to be discussed on international forums but they are neglected.  

This discussion had happened before the screening of the play. After the play, there was again a small discussion about the play and other issues like about how peace initiative can reduce suspicion and hatred, how it can influence the “minority” who do not want peace and about religious fundamentalism.

In the end, Ghazanfar Abbas, Co-ordinator for this aman chaupal session, had concluded the programme with a short poem emphasizing on the need for Indo-Pak peace and friendship.