Meet the Punekar who married a Pakistani

First of all, thank you for taking time out and sharing with us your experience across the border. Our readers will be delighted to know more about their neighbors.

1. Do tell us something about yourself for the benefit of our audience.

My name is Noor Chishti. I am basically from Pune India but I was born and brought up in Dubai - did my schooling there and then my B.Com and MBA(HR) from University of Pune- India. I soon got married to a Pakistani national and this relationship keeps taking me on both sides of the border regularly. I'm currently a mother of two kids. I reside in Riyadh and have given up my career to raise my family. I run a group called "The Moms Club of Riyadh" on Facebook since 2010 we currently host 4000+ members. Our target is to help people with knowing about the city hospitals schools and answer a mom to be's queries on pregnancy. We are basically a small support group for women and moms in Riyadh. I also help my husband in our business but since I take care of my home and family, I work from home. I have made some good friends in Riyadh, thanks to the group activities and the regular meet ups .

Being born and brought up in Dubai, I was exposed to people from all walks of life an entire spectrum of people ranging from different nationalities and religious beliefs. Not all get that kind environment to thrive in. I'm glad my parents brought me up, teaching me to respect everyone equally. So basically living among Pakistanis, Americans or Arabs was never an issue for me. My friends were of different nationalities.

2. Tell us about your connections with Pakistan and what took you there?

My marriage took me to Pakistan - I never had any connection with Pakistan otherwise - but I did have school friends from Pakistan while growing up so it wasn't exactly an alien nation to me. But my Marriage actually took me there literally - I got married to a Pakistani National who hailed from Karachi .As fate had it, we got married in Pune, India and then we went to Karachi where our Valima (Reception from the groom's side) was to be held.I landed in Karachi and was greeted by a hoard of family members at the Jinnaah International Airport with flowers and garlands, welcoming me into the family. That was the moment I knew I was home.These were no different from my family back home who used to receive me at the airport . They were like us. As soon as I saw those smiling faces of my husbands family I knew I was among my people.

3. What are some of your fondest memories or any specific event that you recall often while you were traveling across the border? Have you ever been worried about the travel? During my very first trip I was a bit scared .But overall the immigration officers and the Foreign office employees have all been very nice.

My fondest memory is the unconditional love and warmth I receive while shopping .The moment I say I am from India, vendors do their utmost to appease my shopping needs. It's really humbling .

Another fond memory - FOOD! From the chats to the garlic mayo chicken/beef rolls to the zahid ki nihari to student biryani to the ande waala burger to the bun kebab to the chili fries sold on Tariq road which I devour whilst shopping! Being in Riyadh I really miss the street side food and Karachi really really just blows my senses away when it comes to chatapata food! I become an absolute Food-a-holic. When in Karachi, I had Dosa in Karachi's Dolmen Mall. It was the best!

4. Did your travel break any stereotypes about the other country? Please share your story.

Yes I was told a lot that how unsafe Karachi is and how people don't welcome Indians to Lahore and northern areas - I literally think Karachi is one of the best cities to ever visit - Lahore and Lahoris are the most dilwala (big- hearted) people you will ever meet and Northern areas literally treat their guests with the utmost respect and love!

I broke the ultimate stereotype of Pakistan being the "Enemy State." It is anything but an enemy state and is one of the most friendliest country an Indian can ever visit. The love, adulation and warmth that I received was overwhelming

5. What are the commonalities that you have observed between both the nations?

People need to understand neither country is enemy at large we are the same people who speak the same language eat the same kind of food we follow the same culture and understand each other very well.We are people of the same soil at the end of the day.

6. In this day of modern technology, do you think social media has played an important role in bridging the gap?

The technology especially TV channels and Social Media has allowed us to bridge the gap but I have noticed that there are rotten eggs who use this technology to spread hatred too. Social Media groups like "Aman ki Asha" have made a very good effort enabling people to interact with each other from across the border. There is another platform called "Aghaz e Dosti' too which has aided in bridging the gap between the two nations. But then there is a dark side to the social media too. You see, people passing hateful remarks against either nation Indians haven't even met their counterparts.

I feel TV channels have a responsibility to telecast accurate news and information (I speak for both sides here) without any exaggerations or undertones in their headlines just to raise TRP because it sells. These channels should understand that the communication of incorrect information can unknowingly fuel hatred . It's sad to see how the positives of either nations are brushed under the carpet by the media. People on both sides of the border should be shown a positive image of both countries. Media should play it's part well.

7. What are your thoughts on the existing talks between the two countries? How do you suggest we ease the existing tensions between the two nations?

Let people meet. Let people Travel. Let them make decisions as how both the nations are.

This and only this can ease the tensions between the two nations.

8. What is your vision for India and Pakistan in the year 2025?

Peaceful nations on both sides of the border. More of Love and none of hate!

9. Finally what is your message for our readers, how can they know their neighbour better?

Our kids the next generations learn from what we do - if we love they will love too. Don't judge people on either side based on what you hear in the news or what you read in tabloids.Extend your hand of friendship and you will never be disappointed.