Aag aur khoon aaj bakhshegi, bhook aur ehtiyaaj kal degi; (Sahir Ludhianvi).

(War itself is a problem, what problem can it ever solve? Seeds of hatred it perpetuates, what necessities will it absolve?).

Unlike Sahir, the political establishments of India and Pakistan have not yet understood the end result of a war. In the 21st century when the Europeans and Americans are more concerned for the welfare of their citizens, we (citizen of India and Pakistan) live in the fear of atomic war.

Every day soldiers die (ours and theirs) on the borders, every day a woman loses her husband, a child become orphan, and a mother’s eye search for her son’s return. Will it ever end (only god knows its answer)?

“An achingly beautiful look in those eyes, I see traces of tear. I hear that silent prayer you said, I feel that fear you fear”… The story is no different at either side. In the last 63 years people of the both sides have felt the same yet they have resorted to look towards the leaders, but the feelings of a mother, a wife, a sister or a brother can never be understood by the people sitting on the higher echelon.

Feeling the ache of those eyes Times of India and Jang group (Pakistan) have initiated ‘Aman Ki Asha’ (Hope for Peace), a cultural and emotional attempt to bring people of both countries together.

Having no differences in culture and language people from Arts & Culture are the best to propagate the very essence of peace. Considering this popular similarity among the people of India and Pakistan Shankar Mahadevan and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan lend their voices to the lyrics for ‘Aman Ki Asha’ composed by Gulzar.

‘Aman Ki Asha’ the initiative has been taken to fill the gap between two countries which has broadened since the partition in August 1947.

Starting the campaign with the tune ‘Nazar Mein Rehte Ho Jab Tum Nazar Nahi Aate’ evokes the emotion of brotherhood separated by boundaries.

Gulzar who was born in Dina, Pakistan feels the pangs inside his heart for the political differences both countries have. He has gone through the agonies of partition, so it comes naturally and effortlessly to him, writing a common anthem was easy for him as his friendship across the border is inborn. One will easily identify with his words, the portrayal of the emotions that lies in the citizens of Pak and India…

The hair-raising words of Gulzar sahib will hopefully heal the wounds of the past and bring the people of both countries together to create a friendly environment – where we (Indian and Pakistanis) can progress and excel without fear of the sword hanging above our heads.