#KnowYourNeighbor: In Conversation with Yumna Masood
Do tell us something about yourself for the benefit of our audience.
Well, I’m a film and television student based in Lahore, a social scientist and a freelance writer at Daastan. I love literature and I am very passionate about writing short stories, poetry and quotations. My all-time favorite writer is Saddat Hassan Manto. I love working for Indo-Pak projects and I’d like to thank you guys for giving me this opportunity to contribute my thoughts. Before this, I have written for Aman Ki Asha and an Indian magazine, Sandesh
Do you think we are still connected through our lifestyle and love for food? Tell us something about your experiences?
Oh yes we are, I shall you about my visit to the famous parathe wali gali in Chandni Chowk. My Indian friends and I had some delicious mouthwatering parathas with six kinds of chatni and huge glass of lassi. We also visited the Food Street, close to Chowpatti in Mumbai. We had paani puri, sev puri, gola ganda, vada pav . So yes, food certainly that keeps us connected to each other. We shared endless joy, stories and ideas. They (Indian friends) even ask me about my interest in Bollywood films and would praise Pakistani Drama serials and actors, like Fawad khan, Ali Zafar or Ghazel maestro Ghulam Ali sahib. So we are pretty much similar and connected to each other,
In your opinion, how can India and Pakistan benefit from each other?
I think the people in India and Pakistan are extremely talented and have a lot of potential when it comes to art and education. Both the nations can develop good education systems and a proper channel through which people are offered a better environment to work and gain exposure. While in the field of art, the film industry of both countries can do wonders if they join hands and collaborate.
How do you think your trip to India/Pakistan has helped you break stereotypes?
I had no pre conceived notions as such about India or Indians. But my visit to India taught me a lot and gave me some sweet memories to cherish. I used to walk till late on the streets of Delhi and Mumbai, talk to people. Every person I spoke to had a story to tell. These stories were mostly about their lives, some which I could relate to. I noticed that people In India are very practical. Unfortunately there are certain groups of people who stereotype India and Pakistan as enemies.
What are some of the commonalities that both India and Pakistan share?
*smiles* I must say many commonalities. Delhi is whole like Lahore. Karachi and Mumbai are quite similar. Both love to spend on marriages and festivals and give importance to tradition and culture.
What have your experiences taught you about the other country?
Well, I think they (Indians) really respect talent. They somehow have a sense of freedom when it comes to dressing. They’re very practical and independent .
How can we, as citizens, initiate friendly relations between the two countries?
I think this so called "rivalry" between India and Pakistan has been hyped by the media. We need to understand each other and stop living in the past. Communication is the key to resolve the existing tensions between India and Pakistan. Good communication and acceptance can help develop good relations between the two countries.
In your opinion, how is social media playing a role in bridging the gap between the two countries?
Social media is playing a huge part in bridging the gap between the two nations. It’s a very casual platform where people communicate with each other and discuss their lives, ideas, interests and so on. But there are certain groups of people who are bent on creating rivalries between the two countries. As citizens, we need to shift our focus from such extremism existing on social media to the more positive communications happening between Indians and Pakistanis.
Your message for war mongers?
Live and let live in peace. Humanity is the only religion that unites the world. Love and respect each other.