Cross-border diaries boost campus ties MUMBAI: In its journey from Mumbai to Lahore and then Karachi, it did what should have been long done. But nonetheless, the end was more than a bunch of just thoughtful diary entries, they were definitely more than powerful words strung together.

Beginning September, a diary was passed around on campuses of the large colleges in Mumbai. Another exactly similar diary travelled around institutes 550 miles away in Karachi and then to campuses in Lahore. When the diaries were opened, some things were pretty clear: the young citizenry of the two nations are on one page when it comes to peace.

Titled 'Ummeed-e-Milaap', the diaries recorded the thoughts of students on creating peace between India and Pakistan. The initiative is part of the IIT-Bombay's annual technical festival, Techfest. "Years of war and ensuing tension have distanced the two neighbours and amplified the misunderstanding between them.

The last couple of years have seen the emergence of prominent organisations and initiatives like Aman Ki Asha to unite the citizens and bring in them a sense of brotherhood and improve relations on a personal level," said Ronnie Philip, manager (media and marketing), Techfest 2012.

Some of the thoughts from the diary include pictures, poems, short notes. In Hindi, Sneha Sharma writes, "Na hum hindu, na hum musalman. Hum do dil, ek jaan." Akhil Paliath says something similar. "Separated by a line of control. It's time to correct our fates."

On a lighter note, there were requests like these. Nisa from Pakistan wrote, "India you have SRK. Please send him here. We love him.'' Techfest will also have an Ummeed-e-Milaap wall for visitors to pen their thoughts. The diary will travel to Pakistan and would be displayed at the LUMS Annual festival PSIFI from the 18-21th January 2012.

Courtesy: Times of India

Friday, January 06, 2012

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