Giving peace a helping hand Thousands of handkerchiefs to pave the path of peace
Ever wondered what you can do to change history Ever thrown up your hands in quiet despair as two nations of the subcontinent fumble with foreign policy Ever realized the power of the people when it comes to resolving discords of the past A solution is possible, though our politicians squabble across the barbed border.Instead of wondering ever so often just what keeps India and Pakistan from coming together, now is the time to take that step towards changing history. Making peace happen.
Its time to go in for some active fencebuilding. It’s your turn to ensure the Indo-Pak relations break new ground with your singular initiative. All you have to do is to join the Rope of Respect made of heartfelt peace messages on a handkerchief! Yes, that’s exactly what The Times of India’s online initiative The Peace Chain does, under the aegis of the Aman ki Asha.
The peace chain Rope of Respect, helps bridge rifts in the mind. Some of the peace slogans received can very well be lessons for politicians who seem to find themselves at a loss for words whenever its time for meaningful dialogue. As Pawan Sharma (Delhi) says, “Let the tradition of love move on to make the world a better place.” As Meenakshi Sharma (Ghaziabad) says, “Friendship paves the way for peace and peace the way for growth”. As Swagata Dutta (Mumbai) says: Promote peace, not pieces. As S.Preethi (Chennai) says, “Live life with harmony and peace.”
A message of harmony is a simple click away, says Shreya Indulkar, DPS, Mumbai, if spreading the message of peace across the two nations is so easy a task, why not go for it! Adds Shardha Singh, DAV, New Delhi. It is youngsters like us who are expected to change the world for the better. Our Peace Chain indeed proves a point those on either side of the border think alike. They all want peace to prevail; let us act as friendly nations, not historical foes.
Sharda’s right. For, we have Lahore’s Imran Warraich, and several others Pakistani friends on the website bringing in their peace messages as well. As he joins the Rope of Respect, Imran says, “The greatest power in the world is love. One heart. Two nations. One people.”
“Currently, hundreds of hankies in The Peace Chain are redefining Indo-Pak equilibrium. And the number is growing by seconds”, says Sayanti Mishra of Lucknow. We are making the best of it. So much so, we are even calling upon our friends to join in by sharing The Peace Chain link on Facebook.
Just log on to www.amankiasha.timesofindia.com,select a colour for your handkerchief, fill in personal details, key in your very own peace mantra across the border and beam up some aman with asha. Monanza (Delhi) sums it up, “Its time for outstretched palms. Its time not to point fingers, but shake hands.”
Courtesy: Times of India
