MANSEHRA: An interactive online session between local and Indian schoolchildren on Saturday sent out a message of love and peace.

The British Council organised the event between students of Mansehra Public School and College and Kamal Public Secondary School, New Delhi, under its ‘connecting classrooms programme’ here.

During the session, which lasted almost one and a half hours, the schoolchildren asked each other about their religion, traditional food, customs, festivals, courses of study, co-curricular activities and system of governance.

To questions, an Indian student said dance, yoga and singing were part of formal and regular education in his country, while a Pakistani student said jalebi and chapal kebab were frequent items on menu in Mansehra.

British Council event held under its ‘connecting classrooms programme’

An Indian student said Raksha Bandan was his country’s traditional festival highlighting strong bond and affection between brothers and sisters.

On the occasion, academic coordinator of Indian school Surjeet Kaur said: “This is not an era of war and hatred and rather, this is an era of peace and coexistence. Both India and Pakistan should bury differences and hold talks to bring peace to the subcontinent.”

When asked about the deadly Indian aggression on Sialkot working boundary, she said whatever was happening on both sides of the border should immediately stop and that sincere gestures of peace and coexistence should be exhibited by both the countries.

Kaur said the people and students of her country wanted peace with Pakistan and not hatred.

“In modern times, nobody favours war to address issues. The solution to conflicts lies in dialogue,” she said.

Mansehra school principal Umar Khan said both schools had been in contact with each other for one year under the British Council’s ‘connecting classrooms programme.’

He said better interaction among students could contribute to efforts for bringing both countries closer.

The principal said war was no solution to any problem and instead, peace should be given a chance.

At the event’s end, students of both schools waved to each other to say good-bye.

Published in Dawn, August 30th, 2015

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