#KnowYourNeighbour: In Talks with Ravi Nitesh
Do tell us something about yourself for the benefit of our audience.
I belong from a lesser known district named Basti which lies in the Purvanchal region, Uttar Pradesh. I am currently staying in Delhi. By profession and qualification, I am an engineer in Natural Gas Sector, but my passion since my school days has been working for people which has resulted in my present association with various organisations and campaigns for Peace, Human Rights, and Communal Harmony etc. I am a founder member of Aaghaz-e-Dosti, an Indo-Pak Friendship Initiative, Joint Secretary of Delhi State Chapter of Pakistan India Peoples Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD), Executive Committee Member of South Asian Fraternity.
Do you think we are still connected through our lifestyle and love for food? Tell us something about your experiences.
People of India and Pakistan have a shared culture and thus our lifestyle, food and even choices are similar. Both countries are in love with each other. An average Pakistani is a fan of cricket, Indian movies, serials and songs. An average Indian is a fan of cricket, Pakistani singers and dresses. When I was living in Pakistan I found out how much people crave for Bihar Kababs. On the other hand, Indians, specially go to Old Delhi to devour Karachi Halwa.
In your opinion, how can India and Pakistan benefit from each other?
The bond between India and Pakistan is, I believe, quite special and unbreakable. The secret to their imperishable bond lies in the fact that it is not based on material gains, but on history, culture, emotions and thus it binds us as a family. India and Pakistan are, indeed, sibling nations.
At present, though India and Pakistan communicate and trade with each other through various ways which aids in revenue and confidence building, the benefits would be multifold if there would be more provisions for easy movement of goods and people across borders since it would be valuable for both sides.
How do you think your trip to India/Pakistan has helped you break stereotypes?
Though I was working on Indo-Pak peace even before I went to Pakistan, my first-hand experience of Pakistan certainly gave me a better insight into life across the border as well as it made me understand the futility of the constructed conflict. The trip strengthened me, my conviction and passion to work for Indo-Pak Peace.
What are some of the commonalities that both India and Pakistan share?
We are the same people. We share religion, language, values, lifestyle, and food and even face the same challenges. However, I would say that the biggest commonality is that people of both countries long for peace and friendship. People on both sides are inquisitive about each other.
What have your experiences taught you about the other country?
I would like to answer this question by asking, which is the other country you’re referring to? Because for me, Pakistan is no longer the ‘other’. It is our sibling country. This is what I have realized. People are just the same. When I went to Lahore, someone asked me if I am from Karachi because of my accent. People would be surprised when I would tell them that I am an Indian. People whom I met were strangers from tea stalls, hotels and I did not find even a single Pakistani who did not express his desire to visit India and to host Indians at his place. A taxi driver did not charge even a penny from one of our Indian friends when he came to know that he was from India. I asked for a glass of water at the immigration center of Pakistan and one of the security personnel provided me a chilled water bottle when I was about to leave and told me, ‘please keep it with you as it is hot outside’. Everyone we met, we found friendly and like a family.
How can we, as citizens, initiate friendly relations between the two countries?
The role of citizens is extremely important in establishing friendly relations between our countries as it is we the people who form the government and affect its policies. The people influence the policies and the spirit of the Government. So if the people of both countries will stand for peace, the Governments will work for peace.
In your opinion, how is social media playing a role in bridging the gap between the two countries?
In the scenario where people-to-people movement is restricted due to a difficult visa regime, social media is an amazing alternative. Social Media does not recognize the boundaries that are drawn on land, water or even sky. Social Media works as peoples’ media and is a space where Indians and Pakistanis are able to represent themselves honestly, raise their voice and build bridges across borders. There exist so many groups on social media who promote such discussions and dialogues, and they are providing wonderful platforms for bridging the gap.
Your message for war mongers?
I think, those who want war, should fight a war, but as I said in these lines:
“Jang kyun na ho, Zaruru honi chahiye, Ba-shart-e Jang ho behtari ki,
Pehli jang ho tumhari khud ‘tum’ se, Jang ho tumhari ‘main’ aur ‘hum’ se,
Jang ho tumhari nafrat se, aur tum nikaal phenko saara zahar khud se.
Aur vo jang, jiski waqalat tum kiya karte ho, kabhi dharm aur kabhi mulk ke thekedar banker,
Darsal vo nishani hai , ki lag chukka hai jang tum par. “
War Mongers would ask, how can we talk peace with Pakistan? I want to ask them the alternative to peace to end war. Is it possible to end war with more war and hatred? Peace is the only solution. As for war, no-one can ever win a war. War is essentially a loss, a loss of human life, human sentiments and economy. Seeking and choosing war is actually a weakness and acceptance of defeat of one’s humane spirit. We need to work to end conflict, not to sustain it and thus there is no alternative to peace.