KARACHI, July 3: An Indian delegation consisting of 15 students is currently visiting Karachi.

The Indian students are here to take part in a 12-day workshop with 15 of their Pakistani counterparts.

The workshop involves a series of art-related communication exercises that include music composition, film-making and various dance forms. Most of the students are between the age of 18 and 21.

The event has been organised by the Youth Initiative for Peace (YIP), a year-old organisation that has young people from both countries as members.

The members of the group first met in Singapore in 2002 where they realised the need for more interactions between the youth of the two nations.

The Youth Initiative for Peace was formed to promote sustainable peace in the subcontinent.

Educationist and social activist Lalita Ramdas is accompanying the students delegation. Nineteen year-old Sairekha Suresh Kumar, a delegation member, says peace is a concept everyone believes in, and therefore people should work towards it. “We need to strive for peace for the coming generations and I think somebody has to make a start,” she said.

Pavitra Chalam is also one of the delegate members. She says the sad part is some people think this exercise is a waste of time.

“I’m not going to be an idealist and say everything is going to work out,” said Ms Chalam.

“Each of us is here, more out of curiosity and fascination. I think it’s a small step that will go a long way because if we talk to each other, interact on a regular basis, our generation could move on with no baggage, misconceptions and preconceived notions.”