Musings from a meeting in Nepal

By Mayank Karnani

“Out beyond ideas of right doings and wrong doings, there is a field. I will meet you there. When the soul lies down in that grass, the world is too full to talk about.”

Maybe Rumi expressed these thoughts with romantic or spiritual intent, but recently I understood his lines in terms of brotherhood.

On 16 March 2016, I traveled to Nepal as the only Indian delegate participating in a youth event titled Religious Youth Services organised by the Universal Peace Federation. The event was aimed at developing leadership skills among youth and promoting inter-faith harmony.

I was particularly excited as this opportunity presented me with a chance to interact with members of multiple nations and share, discuss and debate our visions for the future. Last year, I had already made few friends from Pakistan, as a participant of the Aman Ki Asha Council at the Nagpur International Model United Nations (MUN). Since then, I had shed many misconceptions and prejudices against Pakistanis.

Now, I took the initiative to receive the Pakistani delegates at the airport in Nepal. My first meeting with Qaiser Shahzad and Tahira Bachal wasn’t extraordinarily heart warming. In fact, it was probably bit cold. But definitely by the next morning, the weather was warmer and so were our relations. A day-long interaction was enough to realise that we share similar cultures, arts, food, social stigmas and moreover, slang!

The qawwali “Tajdar-e-Haram” brought us together, but we also bonded over the use of typical cuss words! I even forgot that Qaiser was Pakistani. He didn’t consciously mark me as an Indian either. We were friends. To the surprise of everyone present there, Qaiser and I decided to room together — accommodation at the event was on a twin sharing basis.

That was when we started creating memories. We started discussing each and every event in SAARC country, post 1947; each and every war that our countries fought; the public policies of each nation; the economic reforms and social transformations needed and of course our personal lives.

Six nights we bunked together and never did we sleep before four in the morning. Often we were joined by Tahira, another wonderful friend I made. We discussed many things but never argued. As astonishing as it may sound, we made logical arguments to each other in such ways that we agreed on almost everything.

I had friends from Pakistan before but this time I found an elder brother from the other side of the border — an elder brother who gave me professional advice and also guided me on the personal front.

On the day of cultural night, I something happened which I will never forget. As the only Indian delegate present, I went on stage alone to sing the national anthem. Ten seconds into the anthem, Qaiser and Tahira came and stood by my side. They held their right hand to their heart and sang with me. This was not merely a gesture but something that sent chills down the spine of everyone present there. Midway into the anthem, delegates from all the countries joined us. Goosebumps and tears in my eyes summed up the incident for me! And yes, we danced together on “Tattad Tattad”.

We didn’t realise then that we were creating memories. We were just having fun. Sitting on balcony of our rooms, overlooking the Pokhara Lake and munching on snacks, going shopping every evening, we talked about a dream cricket team with Indian batsmen and Pakistani bowlers and vice versa, our favourite writers and why Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli should get back together.

Another sweet incident was during India vs Pakistan World Cup match, which we watched together. We galvanised the entire delegation present there — even the Russians who hadn’t seen cricket before were applauding, enjoying themselves. Moreover, since I was the only Indian present, Tahira switched sides and as a sweet gesture helped me to cheer for India. India won, I was happy. We celebrated together, I was happier.

Time flies when you are having fun. As the closing ceremony took place, so many observers remarked on the bond between Qaiser and I as a high point of the entire conference.

One last meal together and then we were supposed to part ways. As I left for airport, reality hit us. Tears formed in Tahira’s eyes. We exchanged hugs but we were all numb.

We all had one question, would we meet again? We promised ourselves that we would. Maybe in Karachi, maybe in Mumbai, maybe in some other country, or maybe we would just wave at each other from across the Wagah Border. But meet we will.

That is how I came to understand Rumi’s words in terms of brotherhood.

Sister countries. Similar on so many accounts. Manufactured hatred. Endless love.

Will things eventually become normal, I wonder. And the answer emerges in the form of another question: if winter comes, can spring be far behind?

Mayank Karnani, 22, is a final year Computer Engineering student at VIT University with a keen interest in Social Services, International Relations and Policy Formulations. He also won “High Commendation” award at the Aman Ki Asha Council in Nagpur International MUN. Email: [email protected]