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Indian specialities namely Dosa, Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, etc are among the recent big hits in Pakistan apart from Bollywood movies and songs, agree Pakistani delegates who are in the city for various events with a sole motive of breaking the ice and bettering the ties between India and Pakistan.
According to them, the challenges and opportunities which the two countries face could be better dealt if tried together.
Speaking at a panel discussion organised by the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) on ‘A world without boundaries - Soft Power promoting bilateral relations between India and Pakistan,’ the panelists shared how soft powers like art, culture, cuisine, films, etc could mend the differences between the two nations.
‘’Soft power today is a major power for nations. India has an edge over non- democratic nations because of the freedom of expression we enjoy,” stated Jyotsna Angara, chairperson FLO.
Sheema Kermani, founder of Tehrik-e-Niswan, a cultural action group that has been working for women’s development through theatre and cultural work since 1979, explained how she fought fascism and anti-women laws during the General Zia-ul-Haq regime which banned dance in the country and said, ‘’the fight should be against all forms of communalism and fundamentalism because their target is first women, then children, arts and peace.”
According to her, women without any interest in power politics have to raise their voices. She is also a Bharatanatyam and Odissi dancer, and would be performing at the University of Hyderabad, Ravindra Bharathi and Osmania University in the coming days.
Further, she appealed to either do away with or ease the restrictions of travelling between the two countries. ‘’It takes months to get visa from India and is a huge obstacle in the path of bringing the two countries together. The distance is created only by the vested interests and ultimately we are all same,” she noted.
Saima Hayat, a peace activist and former journalist, spoke about the scenario in the field of education. “Everything is just like it is in India. The only difference is that India has concentrated on primary education where as Pakistan’s focus is on higher education. India’s model is inspiring,” she said.
Saima Jan, who has been working extensively creating awareness among marginalised communities of Pakistan through theatre performances and creative arts added that most of the girls in Pakistan excel in whatever they do but it was the social repression that prevents them from coming out. Echoing similar views, “Our spaces are being taken over by the Taliban and so, and it is becoming difficult to speak out or even exist. But at the same time, more women today in Pakistan are becoming independent and it is important for Pakistan to raise the status of women,” Sheema Kermani added.
'Indian Specialities are a Rage in Pakistan' -The New Indian Express
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