Building bridges with India

Published November 20, 2012

Board members of Citizen Archive of Pakistan (L-R) Ali Rez Mumtaz, Swaleha Alam Shahzada, Amean J, Ahsan Najmi.–Photo Courtesy Khaula Jamil/CAP

“Students often question us if Shahrukh Khan could participate in Exchange for Change, or if Karachi also have tall buildings like they do in Mumbai,” Swaleha Alam Shahzada, Executive director of Citizen Archive of Pakistan narrated to the audience at the Launch of Exchange for Change 2012-2013, a platform that has helped broaden horizons in more than one way.

In 2010, the Citizens Archive of Pakistan [CAP], in collaboration with Routes2Roots, an Indian non-profit organisation working for peace and dialogue between Pakistan and India, introduced “Exchange for Change” (EFC), an interactive exchange between 2400 school children of Pakistan and India. The idea is to open avenues for students within Pakistan and India for dialogue and understanding of a shared history and culture.

(L-R) Participating students from Pakistan and India.–Photo Courtesy Citizen Archive of Pakistan

Explaining the project further, Shahzada informed the audience that the program has also helped the students of both countries acquire a clearer understanding of their shared history, culture and lifestyle. So, far during the projects life, a continuous exchange of letters, postcards, photographs, oral histories and a visit to Dehli and Lahore has helped dispel misinformation and encourage students to form their own opinions.

During the projects year-long life, a few analysis were made in between and after the project got completed that how interactions lead to a positive change in restructuring misconceptions and bringing about a change in perceptions and how before the project students across the borders looked at each other in a hostile manner, while after participating in EFC, 54 per cent said that their opinion about India has been positively changed.

Pakistani delegation in India.–Photo courtesy Citizen Archive of Pakistan.

Around 10 schools will participate from India and Pakistan both in this year’s round of EFC exchanging letters, photos and videos. At the end a 40-member delegation will visit India and Pakistan both.

With Ali Zafar being the chief guest at the event the media was seen going wild with clicks, pushing to get the best possible footage for themselves. Zafar shared his experience in India and how much Indians love the music of our country, our food and the beauty of our people. He further added that the future of the relationship between the two countries depends on what the young generation feels about their neighbours.

Ali Zafar at the launch of Exchange for Change 2012-2013.–Photo Courtesy Khaula Jamil/CAP.

And this perhaps is why the exchange is important, so that the youth can get to know each other, each others customs, ideas, beliefs, and biases. Initiative such as these could one day help in removing such biases and other obstacles we have created in our own paths for decades.

Opinion

Editorial

Counterterrorism plan
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Counterterrorism plan

Lacunae in our counterterrorism efforts need to be plugged quickly.
Bullish stock market
23 Nov, 2024

Bullish stock market

NORMALLY, stock markets rise gradually. In recent months, however, Pakistan’s stock market has soared to one ...
Political misstep
23 Nov, 2024

Political misstep

FORMER first lady Bushra Bibi’s video address to PTI followers has triggered a firestorm. Her assertion implying...
Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...