FOTH Function of Aug, 26^th 2007  

The occasion to celebrate is not only the independence from the grabs of foreign rulers, but also the blending of a conscious desire to promote it jointly. The three countries that stand as independent nations today are imbedded in a common heritage of culture and traditions.  In the present atmosphere of globalisation, it has also become the necessity of time, to present a joint front and project what is held as a common possession, so that the world may see and appreciate both its expanse and depth.  

Haroon Siddiqui, in his recent article in the Toronto Star of August 19^th, made some astute observations when he said: 

 (Quote)      “ India’s economic boom and Pakistan’s steady growth have helped focus political minds on the right priorities”. (Unquote) 

After describing some adverse political scenarios he observed that,  

 (Quote)        “ Overshadowing all of the above is something that is rarely understood in the West – how , despite their tragedy- laden history and the tribulations of the present, the people of India and Pakistan have triumphed over adversity, stayed intact and kept their hopes and humanity alive. Nothing has broken their spirit.”   (Unquote) 

Pavan Varma, a former Indian diplomat, in his book, ‘Being Indian’, said: 

 (Quote)         “ The Indian is so prepared for the worst that when things are just bad, he considers himself lucky. For so long has he been used to surviving in less than ideal circumstance that an inventive fortitude has become a part of his personality. Springy hardiness lies coiled within him. Nothing fazes him easily. The obstacles of the world are par for the course.”  (Unquote) 

The above ‘preparedness for the worst’ is a very balancing sentiment, if inculcated in the psyche of the world at large, it will make each of us a little more humane and a little more humble -- ready to share and expend in the cause of human amelioration.    

Haroon Siddiqui goes on to write,    (Quote)      “ The resilience is also explained by venerable traditions and unwritten rules that govern the daily conduct, of helping each other and maintaining an orderly rhythm of life amid chaos, and morality within a sea of immoral conduct.

The ethos applies equally across borders to Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians and Zoroastrians alike. It anchors them in a common identity that holds the key to a future of peace and prosperity that, at least, seems possible.” (Unquote) 

That music has its roots firmly entrenched in the heritage of the three countries is evident from their immense love and appreciation of each others songs,  folk lures, religious melodies and above all the poetry and sentiment behind them.  

To put a child’s mind to rest and assure him of love and security a mother usually sings a lullaby, the effect of which is soothing and reassuring. Hence, music goes a long way to draw people closer to each other and to help relax their inherent suspicions and consequent high defences. Once the foot is in the door the opening of it becomes easier and remains only a matter of time. The function of various cultural activities between nations has a similar effect. Once the people and the public have been drawn together their politicians and leaders can be coaxed and prompted to respond to their wishes. Many an estranged nation has begun to realise the truth of this method, and many have gained by the practice.  

It is rather appropriate and also needed that being here in Canada, we, of diverse backgrounds and tastes, share our values and good qualities, without political and other artificial hindrances. These acts of goodwill will surely be noted by people back home who will certainly get an impetus to promote and further develop on the beginnings being made by us, their representatives abroad.  

What better way to rejoice at our independence than in a spirit of love, best expressed in music and song, and sharing our cultures and the traditions that we all hold dear.   

Mr. Sawati Gauri Sharma has recently written a very pertinent article,

  A musical bridge for India and Pakistan,  in the Boston Globe of (Aug 6^th). It says it all in an excellent presentation.  The most noteworthy point in the article is the acknowledgement of the fact that the younger generation is drawing nearer and taking lessons from the mistakes of their elders. In the article he says: 

 (Quote)        “ SONGS ABOUT broken hearts and lovers lost are moving across the borders of India and Pakistan and taking the edge off the two nations' bitter history of three wars and a continuing nuclear standoff.

Because of the modern day blend of Hindi and Urdu spoken in both countries, songs sung by Pakistani artists and listened to by millions of Indians and Pakistanis have connected the two countries in a way they have never been able to before. The younger Indian generation's love of Pakistani bands has done what politicians find difficult -- reduced tension between the two countries…….

In Bollywood, India's most popular film industry, directors have started featuring popular Pakistani rock bands and artists in their film soundtracks. This type of collaboration between the countries is unprecedented……..…

The future of relations between Pakistan and India depend on the younger generations. Although politically the countries are far from being friends, a conscious effort is being made for their people to connect on a cultural platform. The success of this effort shows the constructive relationship that Pakistan and India could have.”   (Unquote) 

You will note that Bangladesh has not been explicitly highlighted in this presentation. It is not to belittle them in any way, for who can forget the efforts and contributions of the two sisters, Runa Laila and Deena Laila in all the main languages of the subcontinent, i.e. Bengali, Hindi and Urdu. The only reason for giving less attention to them is the fact that as the occasion pertains to highlighting the sixty years of the other two partners, and that, as then Bangladesh was not yet an independent country it has not been extensively mentioned.

I think I have said enough and perhaps taken more time than the  allotted share, but would like to leave on a note of caution for getting too carried away by the emotionalism of events. This sentiment has been very aptly expressed by Ghalib when he said:

Jazba e bay ikhtiaaray shooq dekha chahiyeh

Seena e shamsheer say bahir hai dam shamsheer ka 

Watch the spirit

of the untamed desire;

Beyond the chest,

is the sword’s own ire. 

(A desire over which there is no control is akin to a sword whose sharpness is outside of it    -- on its edge -- not within the body where it  can be harnessed or controlled.) 

Thank you.

Ziauddin Ahmed                           Canada         Aug, 26^th 2007

tidylink@yahoo.com