THE recent World Cup tie between India and Pakistan revealed the true feelings of the people on both sides of the border. Even the teams were involved in the ruckus as one of the player’s said, “No matter whether we win the World Cup or not, to win over the arch rival is important. It is itself the World Cup”.
After the Indian win, celebrations went well into the night throughout the country. And as expected, on the Pakistani side of the border, there was the “calmness after death” like silence and anger on the other side revealed the feelings of hatred, which by the way are deeply inculcated in both the people.
We all must be ashamed of such feelings. Our, Indian statements mean that Pakistan is itself a world to India and vice versa. Is it not ridiculous? Believing in this type of ideology has led Indians onto a wrong path which has restricted it in becoming a significant player in world politics. As a civilized human, I really feel ashamed on behalf of both the people who continue to quarrel with each other.
No doubt, as an Indian I was thrilled by India’s win. Still this time I didn’t relish the win as much as I did in the last World Cup. The reason maybe that I pray for a true sense of brotherhood between these two neighbours. I also know for a fact, following my encounters with Pakistani students studying abroad, that there are Pakistanis who share the same feelings. But successive governments have not permitted the normalcy of relations.
Pakistan and India must understand that only they can solve their own problems, not some third party. All that the more than 50 years of quarrelling has done is made a fools of the two countries and encouraged the world community to benefit from Arms sale to the two. Therefore, there are some things that the two should realize.
Pakistan should understand that the support its gets either from America or from China is only to obstruct India in forging ahead and to profit their own Arms businesses. Any help is just strategic. Coming to the Kashmir Issue, as Nehru said, even if we give Kashmir in a gold Platter, they (Pakistan) will still try to harm us. We Indians, still believe in this statement.
What answer can you give? Where is the question of confidence? My dear neighbour, come forward. We always lend the hand of friendship. Accept it with warm hands, but do not greet it with thorns.
Now India. Always stating that we are strong enough to combat Pakistan. Shame, Shame. What is the size of Pakistan? Victory over it does in any way means self-sustainability? What is and where is the victory? And then we try to compare ourselves with China. Why even America thinks twice before talking of issues that involve and concern China. Are we strong enough to combat with China?
Also do not wait for the Pakistani regime to stop Cross Border Terrorism. It can never happen. Instead, try to win the hearts of the Pakistanis and spread our true intentions, that of love and the brotherhood.
What can we do to this end? Well, for one, newspapers must run a special column on the other country, about its people, and share their views on issues concerning both the parties.
There should be a column where we should share the good feelings of them about their neighbour. Dialogue between the people should be encouraged and youth tours and students exchange programmes organized. Art should also be promoted with artists visiting each other’s countries.
We must wake up before it is too late. Both the countries are burning and the hearts are wounded. We must shower the water of love before we become ash in the fire of hatred.
THE recent World Cup tie between India and Pakistan revealed the true feelings of the people on both sides of the border. Even the teams were involved in the ruckus as one of the player’s said, “No matter whether we win the World Cup or not, to win over the arch rival is important. It is itself the World Cup”.
