Bridging Borders Through Art: Indo-Pak Peace Calendar Launch
Bathinda: A remarkable peace initiative, Aaghaz-e-Dosti, has unveiled the 13th Indo-Pak peace calendar. This year’s edition features 12 inspiring peace paintings created by students from both India and Pakistan, with an equal representation of six artworks from each country. Themed ‘Sharing of Hopes for a Peaceful Co-existence’, this calendar symbolizes the dreams and aspirations of the younger generation for a better, conflict-free future.
In a world where India and Pakistan, two nuclear-powered nations, have a tumultuous history marked by wars and skirmishes, initiatives like this are crucial. Even in the absence of direct conflict, the shadows of past disagreements linger. Devika Mittal, convener of Aaghaz-e-Dosti, emphasized the significance of this peace calendar: “It serves as a reminder that mindsets can be transformed. The calendar captures the shared dreams of peace and friendship through the eyes of innocent, apolitical minds.”
Voices of Peace
The calendar also includes messages from prominent individuals advocating for peacebuilding and coexistence. A. Annamalai, Director of the National Gandhi Museum, highlighted the necessity of nurturing people-to-people relations based on Gandhi’s principles of non-violence, forgiveness, and introspection. Environmentalist Rakesh Khatri pointed out the universal connection through environmental conservation, urging collective action beyond borders.
Amit Kapoor, President of IWS India, stressed the importance of engaging youth in creative pursuits, allowing them to express their pure thoughts through art. Nitin Mittoo, coordinator of Aaghaz-e-Dosti, shared, “Since 2012, we have released thirteen such calendars, aiming to work with school students who will shape a future free of hatred, violence, and war.”
As we celebrate this initiative, let’s remember the power of art in fostering peace and understanding. For those interested in supporting similar creative endeavors, check out Looffers.com for exciting offers and opportunities to engage with art and culture.
